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ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE FORMATION AND FUNDING OF POLICE SUBSTATIONS IN WESTON RANCH AND SIERRA VISTA
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Direct staff to implement police substation projects for Weston Ranch and Sierra Vista as reflected in Exhibit 1, attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
2. Appropriate $281,738 from the Teen Impact Center Rehabilitation, Project No. CR22001, to the Weston Ranch Police Substation Project, for one-time setup costs.
3. Appropriate $168,338 from the Teen Impact Center Rehabilitation, Project No. CR22001, to the Sierra Vista Police Substation Project, for one-time setup costs.
4. Appropriate $122,592 from the Teen Impact Center Rehabilitation Project No. CR22001, to the Weston Ranch Police Substation Project for FY2025/26 operating costs.
5. Appropriate $30,000 from the Teen Impact Center Rehabilitation Project No. CR22001, to the Sierra Vista Police Substation Project for FY2025/26 operating costs.
6. Authorize staff to enter into a lease agreement, in an amount not to exceed $39,000 annually, for the formation of the Weston Ranch Police Substation.
7. Authorize staff to enter into a $0 cost lease agreement with Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin for the formation of the Sierra Vista Police Substation.
8. Authorize staff to accept a $300,000 contribution from the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin to establish the Sierra Vista Police Substation.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this Resolution. The City Manager is further directed to report back to the City Council regarding any final action taken consistent with this delegation of authority.
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Summary
On June 24, 2025, the City Council provided staff with direction to identify possible funding sources and potential locations to establish Police Substations in Weston Ranch and Sierra Vista.
Staff have identified two locations:
Weston Ranch- with Council approval staff will execute an annual lease agreement, with a not to exceed amount of $39,000, within the Weston Ranch shopping center to establish a police substation.
Sierra Vista- with Council approval staff will execute an annual lease agreement, with a not to exceed amount of $0, with the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin (HACSJ) to establish a police substation.
Staff recommends utilizing unspent discretionary funding from the Fiscal Year 2021/22 Teen Impact Center Rehabilitation Project No. CR22001, for one-time funding and Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 operating costs to establish both substations.
Establishing police substations in South Stockton seeks to improve the relationship between the community and law enforcement, boost the effectiveness of policing in these underserved areas, and ultimately increase public safety.
The proposed substations will act as satellite offices focused on community policing and will be staffed by police department personnel. By maintaining a steady presence in the neighborhoods, these substations aim to build local partnerships, increase visibility, and foster trust within the community, thereby enhancing public reassurance through sustained officer visibility.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2006, the Stockton Police Department opened a substation in Weston Ranch as part of an initiative to strengthen law enforcement presence and promote community-oriented policing. This substation was strategically situated within the Weston Ranch Center, where it was staffed by a Community Service Officer during regular business hours.
The primary goals of the substation were to enhance community visibility of law enforcement and to provide residents with easier access to police resources. Despite these objectives and various outreach efforts, the community's utilization of the substation remained low.
In 2008, in response to the financial crisis, the City undertook a thorough review of the substation's usage and ultimately decided to close the storefront.
In February 2025, Vice Mayor Lee formally proposed the establishment of two staffed police substations in South Stockton, with a requirement that they be located in the Sierra Vista and Weston Ranch communities.
If approved, the Stockton Police Department plans to set up a storefront substation in the Food for Less strip mall, which serves as a hub for local shoppers and community members. Additionally, an office space will be created in collaboration with the Housing Authority of San Joaquin (HACSJ) at Sierra Vista, providing a second location within a familiar and trusted community setting. This initiative aims to enhance police services and give residents convenient access to assistance.
Present Situation
The goal is to operationalize both community-centered locations within 90 days of executing lease agreements. Officers will be assigned to fixed posts, supported by professional staff and trained volunteers as needed, fostering a stronger sense of safety and trust within the community. Both substations will provide walk-in services during regular business hours, including help with minor crime reports, citation signoffs, crime prevention materials, and outreach for neighborhood and business watch programs.
The development of the Weston Ranch Substation will include several key upgrades, such as interior retrofitting to create functional and secure layouts, along with the procurement and installation of essential furnishings. Additionally, security alarm systems will be implemented to safeguard both personnel and assets.
The Sierra Vista Substation will have minor layout adjustments, but these will be less extensive than those planned for the Weston Ranch site. To improve community awareness of the facilities, branding will be used to match department standards.
To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for staff and visitors, regular cleaning services will be offered. Additionally, three designated parking spaces will be established at each location to improve accessibility and support operational readiness.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
With the appropriation of funds and the acceptance of $300,000 from HACSJ, sufficient funding will be available to establish a police substation in Weston Ranch and Sierra Vista. Ongoing operational funding will need to be accounted for through the annual budgeting process.
The total estimated costs, including one-time and FY 25-26 operating costs, are as follows:
• Weston Ranch Fiscal Impact:
o Hard cost - $404,330
o Personnel cost - $676,239
o Total cost - $1,080,569
• Sierra Vista projected cost:
o Hard cost - $198,338
o Personnel cost - $580,092
o HACSJ contribution - ($300,000)
o Total cost - $478,430