Santa Maria Times
San Luis Obispo County officials reported positive results nearly two years into the state-mandated program to shift low-level prisoners to county jails. The county formed a committee following the passage of AB 109 to manage prisoner realignment. Officials said housing the additional inmates incurs the most expense at $3.2 million. To reduce expenses, the county plans to dedicate $1.2 million of the 2013-14 budget to fund programs that aim to reduce recidivism. The county is exploring alternatives to incarceration for low-level offenders that would maximize public security. >>Read More