CLEARLAKE ? Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain recently received authorization to apply for funds through the Grant Assistance Program (GAP) Grant administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The funds will assist with enforcement and education activities pertaining to the sale of alcohol.
Chief McClain received authorization to apply for $36,235 in GAP funds, which will be used, which will be used to fund overtime operations for two sworn officers. The grant does not require any matching funds and will not impact the department financially.
“The receipt of this grant will allow for two officers to conduct their ?special assignments” for the ABC grant on both a regular and overtime basis,” McClain reported. “Through the use of ?special enforcement” officers for the position, there would be no loss of ?man power” or impact on normal patrol functions if this grant is approved and awarded.”
According to McClain”s report, currently there are 15 “off-sale” and 28 “on-sale” alcohol-licensed establishments located within the City of Clearlake. “There is currently one retail alcohol establishment for every 306 residents, which is higher than the statewide average,” McClain said.
The GAP funds will be used to assist in the enforcement of local, state and federal laws governing businesses that sell and serve alcoholic beverages. Funding includes benefits allowance, special operations, purchase of equipment, operating funds and “buy” money for enforcement operations. In addition, the grant also covers travel expenses for personnel traveling to grant conferences and training.
Enforcement activities will include “License Education and Alcohol Drug” classes, minor decoy operations, “shoulder taps” and other undercover operations. The funding will also be used to educate members of the community with town hall meetings and speeches at local schools.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
