Fresno County Grand Jury
2001-2002
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Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R69:
Sponsoring school districts located in Fresno County limit their charter schools to locations within the County of Fresno and adjacent counties.
R70:
Sponsoring school districts located in Fresno County review their monitoring practices of charter schools with a goal of providing necessary over-sight. 46
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
Been convicted of three or more separate offenses.
F2:
Served previous confinement periods.
F3:
Been boot camp failures.
F4:
A conviction for a violent offense. Any one of the above precludes acceptance to the Boot Camp Program. L. The Probation Department met with the surrounding community to address the issue of the Delta Program. M. The State of California requires a minimum of one staff member for each fifteen cadets. N. As a result of a proposed reduction of 50 beds and 11 permanent staff positions in the 2001/2002 county budget, vacant positions were left unfilled. Subsequently the County Board of Supervisors voted against the reduction. This left Elkhorn with 30% of its staff positions unfilled. The remaining staff worked extensive overtime to maintain the State required staffing patterns. O. The recidivism rate (re-arrest and conviction on a new misdemeanor or felony offense) for many boot camps throughout the country is estimated at 50%. The March 2002 Probation Department report noted that the recidivism rate for cadets successfully completing the Fresno County Boot Camp Program was 14% for regular Boot Camp cadets and 18% for cadets completing the Delta Program. P. There are no females housed at the Elkhorn Boot Camp. The County of Fresno has an agreement with Madera County to house 10 females at their Boot Camp facility. Q. The majority of cadets (approximately 80%) at Elkhorn come from the City of Fresno. R. The City of Fresno funds Elkhorn at the rate of one million dollars per 33 year, which represents approximately 25% of the yearly costs to operate Elkhorn. This funding commitment of the City of Fresno is scheduled to expire (sunset) in December 2004. S. The County Probation Department has volunteer programs; few meet the unique needs of Elkhorn. T. The Director of Elkhorn Correctional Facility retired in April of 2002. U. The Director’s position has been filled with a temporary appointment.
Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
R47:
The new director of Elkhorn Correctional Facility continue the current philosophy and maintain the established programs that have been successful.
R48:
Fresno County continue to fund and maintain the present high level of services at Elkhorn Correctional Facility.
R49:
The City of Fresno continue to fund the Elkhorn Correctional Facility at no less than the current rate of one million dollars per year and eliminate the December 2004 sunset date.
R50:
Fresno County Personnel Department establish a system to streamline the hiring process of Group Counselors prior to background checks.
R51:
The Probation Department expedite the background investigations procedures.
R52:
The Probation Department actively promote in the community the need for volunteers with vocational skills including agricultural expertise, providing a broader farming experience for the cadets.
R53:
The Chief Probation Officer continue monitoring the recidivism rates and statistics on cadet performance in aftercare programs.
R54:
Future Fresno County Grand Juries continue to monitor the activities at the Elkhorn Correctional Facility, the on-site Heintz School, and the off- site Forward Bound Academy at Teilman School. 35
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
Each retail food facility is required to have an owner or employee who has successfully passed an approved and accredited food safety certification examination.
F2:
The food safety certification examination should define: a. The relationship between personal hygiene and food safety. b. The association of hand contact with personal habits and behaviors. c. The relevance of food worker’s health to foodborne illness. d. The recognition as to how policies, procedures, and management contribute to improved food safety practices.
F3:
Specific circumstances require gloves be worn, such as when an employee has any cuts, sores, rashes, artificial nails, nail polish, rings (other than a plain wedding band), orthopedic support devices, or unclean fingernails.
F4:
A local governing body is not prohibited from adopting an evaluation or grading system for retail food facilities.
F5:
A local governing body is not prohibited from adopting an employee health certificate program. B. Retail food facilities in Fresno County are being inspected on a regular unannounced basis. This includes restaurants, markets, bars and mobile food vendors. C. Fresno County food facility managers are not required to perform health screening of food handlers and servers. Tuberculosis and hepatitis testing are not required. D. Environmental Health inspection results in Fresno County are not displayed in public view. E. In some California counties, the food facilities inspection results are expressed in an ABC grading system. The results are posted in clear view for the public to see prior to entering the establishment or making a food purchase. F. There is no grading system to convey inspection results for food facilities in Fresno County. G. In Fresno County there are many instances when gloves are not utilized by food handlers as required by law.
Additional Recommendations
30
Not linked to specific findings.
R71:
Establish an ABC grading system that is defined and publicized for retail food facilities and the public. 50
R72:
Require ABC grading results be clearly posted at the entrance of the food facility.
R73:
Monitor and encourage food handlers to wear gloves in compliance with state law.
R74:
Monitor and encourage food safety trainers, food handlers, and servers to adhere to state rules established by California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law 2001. THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE “ONE-STOP” REGIONAL CENTERS BY THE HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM
R75:
The Human Services System (HSS) continue to develop comprehensive “one-stop” Regional Centers in Fresno County where the largest rural population of HSS consumers live.
R76:
The Human Services System develop true “one-stop” centers within crucial areas of the City of Fresno.
R77:
The Human Services System increase the ratio of substance abuse educators and counselors to consumers at the Selma Regional Center and all future centers.
R78:
Future Fresno County Grand Juries monitor the progress of planned “one- stop” Regional Centers. LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE
R79:
The Fresno County Probation Department review the current process for monitoring and collecting restitution and fines, in order to establish a process to efficiently track and collect payments.
R80:
Additional Probation Department personnel be hired in order to support the departments need’s and maintain the integrity of the judicial system. 58
R81:
The Fresno Police Department continue to improve monitoring the bookings and safeguarding of evidence.
R82:
The Fresno Police Department implement a bar code system for the property room.
R83:
The Fresno Police Department conduct random drug testing of all property room personnel.
R84:
All evidence booked be verified by two persons.
R85:
Future Grand Juries revisit and review the property rooms. CITY OF FRESNO POLICE CHIEF’S ADVISORY BOARD
R86:
The Fresno Chief of Police prepare and issue a mission statement for the Chief’s Advisory Board.
R87:
The Fresno Chief of Police specify the number of members of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
R88:
The Fresno Chief of Police establish a format to allow for the rotation of terms for members of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
R89:
The Chief’s Advisory Board be comprised solely of unpaid volunteers.
R90:
Members of the Chief’s Advisory Board be accessible to the public.
R91:
Member of the Chief’s Advisory Board continue to be comprised of a broad cross section of the community to provide diversity.
R92:
The Chief’s Advisory Board remain in an advisory capacity and continue to serve as a conduit for information between the citizens of the City of Fresno and the Fresno Police Department. 62
R93:
The necessary officers and resources assigned to the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) be continued in order to deal with escalating gang activities.
R94:
Cities within Fresno County currently not participating in the Multi- Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) reconsider participating in the program. 64
R95:
The number of traffic control officers within the Fresno Police Department be increased and enforcement be significantly intensified.
R96:
Enhanced traffic enforcement be used frequently by the Fresno Police Department at unannounced checkpoints as an on-going process on heavily traveled streets, including morning and evening commutes. 68
R97:
During daylight hours, the use of unmarked cars for traffic enforcement be considered by the Fresno Police Department.
R98:
The City and County of Fresno work together to change the 1977 Memorandum of Understanding to provide revenue to the City of Fresno for enhanced traffic control.*
R99:
Driver education students be made aware of personal injury or death which can occur through reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Graphic videos are available to the schools for this purpose.
R100:
The penalties for driving under the influence be vigorously enforced for all offenders and to the maximum extent of the law.
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
The total amount allocated from the City’s General Fund to the Fresno City Council for Capital Improvement Projects is $980,000.00. This is commonly referred to as Infrastructure Funds which are used at the discretion of each council member.
F2:
From this $980,000.00, each member of the Fresno City Council has an account in the amount of $140,000.00. v 7 Council Member @ $140,000.00 = $980,000.00.
F3:
Each Council Member may, at his discretion, use up to 15% or $21,000.00 for “non-Capital Improvement” purposes. These funds are authorized by the Council to be expended for Community Support. This totals $147,000.00. v 7 Council Members @ $21,000.00 = $147,000.00.
F4:
The total amount available for use by the Council for Capital Improvement Projects/Infrastructure is $833,000.00. This equals $119,000.00 per Council Member. v 7 Council Members @ $119,000.00 = $833,000.00 D. The 2002/2003 City of Fresno Proposed Budget contains the following: 12
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R14:
In the 2002/2003 Fresno City Budget, the amount allocated ($1,225,000.00) to the Fresno City Council Capital Improvement Projects- District Capital budget be removed and placed in the General Fund to avoid cuts in critical City services.
R15:
Future Fresno County Grand Juries continue to monitor the City of Fresno budget. 14
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R30:
Construction of a new autopsy suite, including a morgue, be given top priority and adhere to the guidelines of the National Association of Medical Examiners.
R31:
Prior to any construction, consultations be held with the National Association of Medical Examiners and forensic pathologists in California.
R32:
Consideration be given to constructing a new autopsy suite (including a morgue) adjacent to the medical teaching facility being constructed next to Community Hospital.
Additional Recommendations
11
Not linked to specific findings.
R36:
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors support the overall mission of the fire district.
R37:
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors allocate Proposition 172 funds to support the five special fire districts in Fresno County.
R38:
The District increase number of firefighters on each fire engine.
R39:
The District staff water-tenders with full time operators.
R40:
The District purchase at least one aerial ladder truck to service the taller buildings within its boundaries.
R41:
The District upgrade its fire engine replacement plan to a more reasonable time frame of 8-10 years.
R42:
The District create a long term goal of constructing fire stations in widely separated unprotected areas.
R43:
Fresno County and the cities within the County develop an equitable annexation tax sharing agreement that includes fire protection.
R44:
A developer impact fee be implemented for upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure of the Fire Districts.
R45:
Fire Districts proactively educate and assist those residents who are attempting to upgrade their ancillary fire protection.
R46:
Future Fresno County Grand Juries continue to monitor the Fresno County Fire Protection Districts.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R27:
The Office of Coroner be repealed from the Fresno County Charter.
R28:
Fresno County establish an Office of Medical Examiner headed by a qualified forensic pathologist.
R29:
The Office of Public Administrator/Public Guardian be established as a separate department.
Additional Recommendations
11
Not linked to specific findings.
R16:
A complete and thorough security survey be conducted by either the Fresno County Sheriff or the United States Marshall Service.
R17:
Closer cooperation be established between the County Administrative Officer/General Services Security Division and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department on security issues within the County of Fresno.
R18:
Based upon the findings of the security review, a new management directive on work site security be written and issued.
R19:
The access gate to the garage under the Court House be completed as soon as possible and security cameras be placed at the entrance and in key locations in the garage.
R20:
Security cameras be placed in appropriate locations in other county garages.
R21:
Access gates be placed at entrances of garages related to the Plaza Building. 19
R22:
Pedestrian access into the Plaza Building and the Hall of Records be more closely monitored by security personnel.
R23:
Adequate barriers be placed to prevent potentially dangerous vehicles from parking in close proximity to all County buildings.
R24:
County employees be mandated through management directive to wear identification badges in the work place.
R25:
Fresno County Board of Supervisors increase the priority of security for the employees and facilities of the County of Fresno.
R26:
Future Grand Juries monitor the progress of the implementation of security improvements throughout the County of Fresno.
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Has not implemented a program at the junior high or high school which would ensure that identified LEP students receive an appropriate level of English language development instruction.
F2:
Is not implementing a program of services at the junior high or high school that is designed to ensure that all LEP students receive an equal opportunity to participate in the full range of the district’s curriculum.
F3:
Is not implementing standards at the junior high school and high school that result in correct determinations of when LEP students can participate meaningfully in the regular program without special language support.
F4:
Is not providing sufficient qualified instructional staff to implement its program design and objectives.
F5:
Is not providing adequate and appropriate English language development and content area instructional materials to implement its program design for LEP students at the junior high and high school level.
F6:
Has not developed or implemented an effective method to evaluate its program for LEP students. B. The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated and concurred with the above findings of the Office of Civil Rights.
Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
R55:
Master plan to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide services to Limited English Proficient students be completed, approved by the Parlier Unified School District Board of Trustees, and accepted by the Office of Civil Rights. WEST FRESNO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
R56:
The West Fresno Elementary School District make available to and provide training for parents/guardians to aid them in operating home computers.
R57:
The West Fresno Elementary School District encourage parents/guardians to learn to operate home computers.
R58:
The West Fresno Elementary School District encourage parents/guardians to access and utilize the school’s computer data system to gain information concerning student grades, assignments, academic progress, and disciplinary issues. 40
R59:
The West Fresno Elementary School District provide information to parents/guardians listing locations in the community where they may gain access to computers.
R60:
The West Fresno Elementary School District consult with Washington Union High School to coordinate curricula and in-service training.
R61:
The West Fresno Elementary School District consult with other Washington Union High School feeder schools with a goal of coordinating text books, curricula, and in-service training.
R62:
The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury continue to monitor West Fresno Elementary School District’s educational progress.
Findings & Recommendations
17 findings
F1:
Business representatives.
F2:
Members of faith-based organizations.
F3:
Community activists.
F4:
Fresno City Council member appointees.
F5:
Share information between the police department and all segments of the community.
F6:
Serve as a sounding board for decisions.
F7:
Obtain input on policy issues (immigration, high speed pursuits, truancy, etc.).
F8:
Allow ideas to be brought to the police department.
F9:
Discuss new programs.
F10:
Share concerns and desires of the direction of the organization.
F11:
Familiarize the Board with the police department.
F12:
Obtain diverse opinions. D. Vacancies on the Board were not advertised through the media, although a news conference was held announcing its establishment. There were 17 positions filled as a result of the news conference and the
F13:
Los Angeles County experienced a 33.3 % reduction.
F14:
San Francisco County experienced a 28% reduction.
F15:
Riverside County experienced a 21% reduction.
F16:
Orange County experienced a 16% reduction.
F17:
The State of California overall experienced a 16% reduction. E. From January 1, 2002 to April 17, 2002, the California Highway Patrol recorded 36 fatal vehicular accidents in Fresno County. F. The Fresno Police Department reports more than a doubling of traffic deaths (27) for the first 5 months of 2002 compared to 12 deaths during the same period in 2001. G. The City of Fresno is divided into five policing districts. The total number of police assigned to traffic control is 24 officers. H. Due to a 1977 Memorandum of Understanding with Fresno County, the City of Fresno receives no revenue from traffic citations.* I. From July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001, the total number of traffic violations reported in the City of Fresno was 49,956. Historically in Fresno County only 1/3 of all traffic citations are responded to by those cited. J. Title V of the California Education Code Section 51220(J) requires every high school in California to provide driver education. This classroom instruction is focused on tenth graders. K. Before the age of 18, individuals must show evidence of having completed a hands-on driver training course by an approved school in order to qualify to take the Department of Motor Vehicle driving test. At the age of 18, hands-on driver training is not required. Of the 934 public high schools in California, only 7 provide hands-on driver training. None of these schools are located in Fresno County. L. The recent use of enhanced traffic enforcement in problem areas temporarily reduces the number of speeders and thus the average rate of speed.
Additional Recommendations
15
Not linked to specific findings.
R86:
The Fresno Chief of Police prepare and issue a mission statement for the Chief’s Advisory Board.
R87:
The Fresno Chief of Police specify the number of members of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
R88:
The Fresno Chief of Police establish a format to allow for the rotation of terms for members of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
R89:
The Chief’s Advisory Board be comprised solely of unpaid volunteers.
R90:
Members of the Chief’s Advisory Board be accessible to the public.
R91:
Member of the Chief’s Advisory Board continue to be comprised of a broad cross section of the community to provide diversity.
R92:
The Chief’s Advisory Board remain in an advisory capacity and continue to serve as a conduit for information between the citizens of the City of Fresno and the Fresno Police Department. MULTI-AGENCY GANG ENFORC EMENT CONSORTIUM (MAGEC) Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC). The goal of MAGEC is to eradicate criminal activity of street gangs whose members threaten, terrorize, and commit a multitude of crimes against citizens, schools, and businesses.
R93:
The necessary officers and resources assigned to the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) be continued in order to deal with escalating gang activities.
R94:
Cities within Fresno County currently not participating in the Multi- Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) reconsider participating in the program. TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Jess Saldana, Chair Alan Button Jim Cotton Merle Hanson Eric Lin Leo Shishmanian 64 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed and investigated complaints from concerned citizens of Fresno County. The area investigated and reported is: A. The unusually high number of traffic injuries and fatalities in Fresno County and the City of Fresno. Areas reviewed and recommended for follow-up by the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury are: A. Fresno-Yosemite International Airport construction. B. Traffic signal light cameras. MOTOR VEHICLE-CAUSED INJURIES AND DEATHS IN FRESNO COUNTY Introduction Based on unsolicited concerns from local health care and trauma experts regarding the number of motor vehicle-caused injuries and deaths in Fresno County, the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury conducted an investigation.
R95:
The number of traffic control officers within the Fresno Police Department be increased and enforcement be significantly intensified.
R96:
Enhanced traffic enforcement be used frequently by the Fresno Police Department at unannounced checkpoints as an on-going process on heavily traveled streets, including morning and evening commutes. 67
R97:
During daylight hours, the use of unmarked cars for traffic enforcement be considered by the Fresno Police Department.
R98:
The City and County of Fresno work together to change the 1977 Memorandum of Understanding to provide revenue to the City of Fresno for enhanced traffic control.*
R99:
Driver education students be made aware of personal injury or death which can occur through reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Graphic videos are available to the schools for this purpose.
R100:
The penalties for driving under the influence be vigorously enforced for all offenders and to the maximum extent of the law.