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Home My WebLink About9/15/2026 Item 7b, WalkerPHONE: (805) 781-5188 ~ EMAIL : grandjury@co.slo.ca.us P.O. BOX 4910, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93403 www.slo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/jury-service/grand-jury May 28, 2025 Via Email Confidential San Luis Obispo City Council Attn: Erica A. Stewart, Mayor C/O Whitney McDonald, City Manager 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Re: Grand Jury Report: “Round & Round with Town & Gown” Below please find the Findings specific to your agency from the above referenced Grand Jury report. These Findings are being provided to you for review of their factual accuracy as per Penal Code §933.05(d). Please return any comments or corrections along with a signed copy of this letter to the Grand Jury via email by Wednesday, June 4, 2025. 1. Prior to 2025, the city failed to effectively provide a multi -pronged, cohesive approach to manage or shut down large unsanctioned, costly and unruly events such as St. Fratty’s Day. This created an unsafe environment, with increasing size of unruly crowds, property damage, injuries and public disturbances. 2. The city has not effectively engaged in working together with community stakeholders to find solutions for ongoing off-campus issues that negatively impact neighborhoods such as code enforcement, noise issues, trespassing, property damage, and unruly events. 5. The current planning appeal fee structure in SLO disproportionately impacts ordinary citizens, as the high costs create barriers for those raising concerns about community issues such as noise or safety. While these fees may be justifiable for large-scale development appeals requiring additional city resources, they hinder equitable participation in local decision-making processes. San Luis Obispo City Council Grand Jury Report: “Round & Round with Town & Gown” May 28, 2025 2 Please note that you may not share the contents of this report with others at this time. In order to insure confidentiality, in accordance with Attorney General Opinion No. 02-1108 dated June 6, 2003: “You are admonished not to reveal to any person, except as directed by the court, which questions were asked or what responses were given or any other matters concerning the nature or subject of the grand jury’s investigation which you learned during your appearance before the grand jury, unless and until such time as the transcript (if any), or a final report, of the grand jury proceeding is made public or until authorized by this grand jury or the court to disclose such matters. A violation of this admonition is punishable as contempt of court.” A final copy of the report will be provided to you no less than two days before it is released to the public and the media. Agency/Department Head Date Respectfully, Bonnie McKrill, Foreperson 2024-25 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury BM:rr PHONE: (805) 781-5188 ~ EMAIL : grandjury@co.slo.ca.us P.O. BOX 4910, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93403 www.slo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/jury-service/grand-jury May 28, 2025 Via Email Confidential Whitney McDonald, City Manager City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Re: Grand Jury Report: “Round & Round with Town & Gown” Below please find the Findings specific to your agency from the above referenced Grand Jury report. These Findings are being provided to you for review of their factual accuracy as per Penal Code §933.05(d). Please return any comments or corrections along with a signed copy of this letter to the Grand Jury via email by Wednesday, June 4, 2025. 3. The city has failed to effectively enforce municipal codes that prohibit fraternity and sorority activity in R-1/R-2 zones in part due to the difficulty in identifying houses that are hosting fraternity-type events, such as rush events and repeated parties. This inaction has resulted in an increase of illegal fraternities holding events in residential neighborhoods making these areas almost unlivable for most residents. 4. The city has failed to consistently enforce CUPs such as the requirements for an annual list of parties and events, notification to neighbors, and parking plans. Strict enforcement of these conditions would contribute to a reduction of the disturbances in the neighborhoods. 6. The Grand Jury encountered a lack of cooperation from the San Luis Obispo City Police Department. While one sworn officer did participate in an interview, efforts to interview two additional sworn officers were unsuccessful. This unwillingness to engage hindered the Grand Jury’s ability to corroborate statements, obtain essential information, and maintain transparency in its oversight role. San Luis Obispo City Manager Grand Jury Report: “Round & Round with Town & Gown” May 28, 2025 2 Please note that you may not share the contents of this report with others at this time. In order to insure confidentiality, in accordance with Attorney General Opinion No. 02-1108 dated June 6, 2003: “You are admonished not to reveal to any person, except as directed by the court, which questions were asked or what responses were given or any other matters concerning the nature or subject of the grand jury’s investigation which you learned during your appearance before the grand jury, unless and until such time as the transcript (if any), or a final report, of the grand jury proceeding is made public or until authorized by this grand jury or the court to disclose such matters. A violation of this admonition is punishable as contempt of court.” A final copy of the report will be provided to you no less than two days before it is released to the public and the media. Agency/Department Head Date Respectfully, Bonnie McKrill, Foreperson 2024-25 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury BM:rr PHONE: (805) 781-5188 ~ EMAIL : grandjury@co.slo.ca.us P.O. BOX 4910, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93403 www.slo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/jury-service/grand-jury June 3, 2025 Via Email Confidential San Luis Obispo City Council Attn: Erica A. Stewart, Mayor C/O Whitney McDonald, City Manager 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Re: Grand Jury Report: “Round & Round with Town & Gown” On May 28, 2025, you received a letter regarding the above-named Grand Jury report, requesting your review for factual accuracy in accordance with Penal Code 933.05(d). After reviewing your comments and consulting with County Counsel, the Grand Jury has decided to withdraw the request for comments or corrections. Regrettably, there was a misunderstanding regarding the procedural requirements outlined in the Penal Code. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this may have caused and appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Respectfully, Bonnie McKrill, Foreperson 2024-25 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury BM:rr PHONE: (805) 781-5188 ~ EMAIL : grandjury@co.slo.ca.us P.O. BOX 4910, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93403 www.slo.courts.ca.gov/general-information/jury-service/grand-jury June 3, 2025 Via Email Confidential Whitney McDonald, City Manager City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Re: Grand Jury Report: “Round & Round with Town & Gown” On May 28, 2025, you received a letter regarding the above-named Grand Jury report, requesting your review for factual accuracy in accordance with Penal Code 933.05(d). After reviewing your comments and consulting with County Counsel, the Grand Jury has decided to withdraw the request for comments or corrections. Regrettably, there was a misunderstanding regarding the procedural requirements outlined in the Penal Code. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this may have caused and appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Respectfully, Bonnie McKrill, Foreperson 2024-25 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury BM:rr