Humboldt County Grand Jury
2016-2017
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Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
We found the majority of county employees to be hardworking, dedicated, and committed to public service.
F2:
The Board of Supervisors has not yet communicated and implemented a clear and viable vision for the county, nor have they developed a strategic plan supporting such a vision.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that during the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Strategic Workshop in May 2018, a Vision of Humboldt County from the present through the year 2030 be created. (F2, F10)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that this Vision of Humboldt County be shared with county and city governments, and county citizens during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018-2019. (F2, F10)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a comprehensive strategic framework document which identifies the type of planning to be completed in support of the 2030 vision statement. This strategic framework document should be completed by December 31, 2018. (F2, F7, F10)
F3:
Humboldt County leadership seems unfamiliar with the value of creating and implementing a Continuous Improvement Program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors initiate a continuous improvement program setting annual goals for savings each year which can offset losses in other areas. This program should be fully implemented by December 31, 2018. (F3)
F4:
A silo mentality pervades many Humboldt County government entities (such as departments, programs, special districts, etc.) and their functions.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (BOS) develop and implement an alternative county administration system, with an executive officer supervising all non-elected county department heads, departments, and county employees in order to maximize governmental efficiencies and interdepartmental communication, as well as minimize duplication of effort. This should position the BOS to be free from routine business matters, thus providing ample time to focus on strategies to improve the quality of life for Humboldt County citizens. This change should occur with the beginning of fiscal year 2019-2020. (F4, F5, F6) 11
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors task county government with performing a study on county work functions to determine which ones can be merged, how to increase collaboration, and how to reduce silos where warranted. This study should be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors by December 31, 2018. (F4, F5, F6)
F5:
Citizens often are frustrated by a lack of interdepartmental communication when attempting to access services.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (BOS) develop and implement an alternative county administration system, with an executive officer supervising all non-elected county department heads, departments, and county employees in order to maximize governmental efficiencies and interdepartmental communication, as well as minimize duplication of effort. This should position the BOS to be free from routine business matters, thus providing ample time to focus on strategies to improve the quality of life for Humboldt County citizens. This change should occur with the beginning of fiscal year 2019-2020. (F4, F5, F6) 11
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors task county government with performing a study on county work functions to determine which ones can be merged, how to increase collaboration, and how to reduce silos where warranted. This study should be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors by December 31, 2018. (F4, F5, F6)
F6:
Duplication of many county services is confusing and wasteful.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (BOS) develop and implement an alternative county administration system, with an executive officer supervising all non-elected county department heads, departments, and county employees in order to maximize governmental efficiencies and interdepartmental communication, as well as minimize duplication of effort. This should position the BOS to be free from routine business matters, thus providing ample time to focus on strategies to improve the quality of life for Humboldt County citizens. This change should occur with the beginning of fiscal year 2019-2020. (F4, F5, F6) 11
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors task county government with performing a study on county work functions to determine which ones can be merged, how to increase collaboration, and how to reduce silos where warranted. This study should be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors by December 31, 2018. (F4, F5, F6)
F7:
Although county services in rural areas are improving, they remain inadequate to sufficiently meet the needs of rural residents.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a comprehensive strategic framework document which identifies the type of planning to be completed in support of the 2030 vision statement. This strategic framework document should be completed by December 31, 2018. (F2, F7, F10)
F8:
Loss of Measure Z funding would be disastrous to rural communities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors promote and advertise all accomplishments of Measure Z including positions funded by the measure. This statement to the citizens of Humboldt County should be made public no later than October 31, 2018. (F8)
F9:
For many county residents, lack of affordable housing is a root cause of a declining quality of life.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors take immediate action to address both the short and long term housing shortage facing the county, which must include strategies beyond the current Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Housing First models. Such strategies might include modifying the General Plan to allow for additional housing starts and alternative housing options, and reducing building fees to encourage development. (F9)
F10:
Humboldt County leadership decisions in the past often maintained the status quo rather than offering creative solutions for the future.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that during the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Strategic Workshop in May 2018, a Vision of Humboldt County from the present through the year 2030 be created. (F2, F10)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that this Vision of Humboldt County be shared with county and city governments, and county citizens during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018-2019. (F2, F10)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a comprehensive strategic framework document which identifies the type of planning to be completed in support of the 2030 vision statement. This strategic framework document should be completed by December 31, 2018. (F2, F7, F10)
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
Humboldt County Child Welfare Services is not meeting the 24 hour response requirement of their “Callbacks to Mandated and Non-Mandated Reporters - Plan & Procedure #09-12,” which could place children at risk.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) develop and maintain a “timeliness” metric for measuring their response time once a suspected child abuse/neglect event has been reported and until the caller is notified of receipt of report. (F1, F2)
R6:
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services closely assess the qualifications and training of staff dealing with intake calls, as well as providing the proper supervision to ensure competency. (F1) 7
F2:
Humboldt County Child Welfare Services does not track the critical time between a report of child endangerment from Mandated Reporters and its return call to that reporter as a part of its overall performance related to response time.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) develop and maintain a “timeliness” metric for measuring their response time once a suspected child abuse/neglect event has been reported and until the caller is notified of receipt of report. (F1, F2)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services add the timeliness metric discussed in R1 into its Child Welfare Services’ System Improvement Plan 2012-2017, and monitor the metric to ensure an acceptable level of timeliness. (F2)
F3:
Humboldt County Child Welfare Services collects no information on its overall performance related to response time to Mandated Reporters, and follow-up communication is severely lacking.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) develop a “community performance” metric that measures how Mandated Reporters judge DHHS as successfully supporting the safety of our children. (F3)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services add the community performance metric discussed in R3 into its Child Welfare Services’ System Improvement Plan 2012-2017, and monitor the performance over time. (F3)
F4:
In February 2017, Humboldt County Child Welfare Services told the HCCGJ that they have changed their Intake Process by removing the screener and the Intake Form (A-14-30), and connecting the caller directly to a Social Worker. The HCCGJ has no confirmation that this really has happened or, if it has, that these procedures have resulted in any improvement.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services update its Intake Policies and Procedures to reflect the changes reported to us during our February discussion. (F4)
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Some broad measures of changes in total employment figures for Humboldt County are used to claim overall effectiveness for WDB programs, but these are not directly correlated to specific programs, and many details of the outcomes are not available to the public. The CalJOBS database is inaccessible to all but program administrators.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Workforce Development Board increase its effectiveness by focusing on targeted employment needs and opportunities, and broaden program descriptions to include clearly defined skill levels. (F1, F2, F3)
F2:
WDB does not record end-client experiences, including results of job searches or number of jobs filled. For Job Center clients, reports are made directly to the state CalJOBS database.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Workforce Development Board increase its effectiveness by focusing on targeted employment needs and opportunities, and broaden program descriptions to include clearly defined skill levels. (F1, F2, F3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Workforce Development Board review all programs for the level of detail needed to produce useful outcomes for the job seekers expected to attend. (F2, F3)
F3:
Neither WDB nor its service partners survey former class or workshop participants, beneficiaries of counseling and/or job fair participants, to measure satisfaction or perceived help in their job search.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Workforce Development Board increase its effectiveness by focusing on targeted employment needs and opportunities, and broaden program descriptions to include clearly defined skill levels. (F1, F2, F3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Workforce Development Board review all programs for the level of detail needed to produce useful outcomes for the job seekers expected to attend. (F2, F3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Workforce Development Board monitor outcomes of all programs for quality and attendee satisfaction. (F3) 35
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Workforce Development Board publish outcomes and user ratings, making them easily available to potential attendees. (F3, F4)
F4:
The number and variety of WDB activities that require detailed reporting to California EDD indicates a large proportion of a small staff’s time required for reporting rather than on service planning and delivery.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Workforce Development Board publish outcomes and user ratings, making them easily available to potential attendees. (F3, F4)
F5:
WDB’s engagement in WIOA’s directive for increasing collaboration, convening, and partnership is compromised by a lack of transparency and communication.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Workforce Development Program use the Slingshot program as a model for targeted programs to serve specialized critical County needs, e.g., skilled trades workers, medical and mental health specialists, foster care providers, child care providers, home health workers, construction workers, city planners, law enforcement workers, etc. (F5)
F6:
The Slingshot program is designed to leverage a relatively small grant to achieve outsized results via collaboration and shared resources. Its construction is a model for involving many stakeholders in design and planning, as well as in emphasizing and communicating results.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Workforce Development Board reach modern job seekers and job providers via social media (such as LinkedIn and Instagram) to publicize success stories, promote Job Market services and to promote specific jobs and situations of direct interest in the County. (F6)
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory is leading the way in developing groundbreaking water pollution assessment methods.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors publicly commend the Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory for its outstanding work in the development of tools to determine the sources of pollution in our streams and on our beaches. This should be done by October 1, 2018. (F1, F2, F5)
F2:
The Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory has developed assays, or markers, for tracking microbial pollution sources from ruminant animals (cows and horses), dogs, birds, and humans, which will benefit the residents of the county.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors publicly commend the Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory for its outstanding work in the development of tools to determine the sources of pollution in our streams and on our beaches. This should be done by October 1, 2018. (F1, F2, F5)
F3:
Additional testing is needed to pinpoint upstream sources of water contamination in order to reduce or eliminate some pollution and increase public safety at the beaches, which will benefit both residents and tourists in the county.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services to seek and apply for grants to fund studies in upstream locations to help pinpoint animal and vegetation sources of contamination. This should be done by October 1, 2018. (F3, F4, F5)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services hire an outside consultant, who can assess and interpret organisms as they relate to countywide human health risks and environmental issues, to make recommendations for pollution mitigation to the Board of Supervisors. This should be done by January 1, 2019. (F3, F4, F5)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors require an assessment of human health risk and related recommendations for pollution mitigation, provided by an outside consultant, to be presented to the Board of Supervisors before April 1, 2019. (F3, F4, F5) 5
F4:
Humboldt County beaches are safer to use and enjoy during certain seasons of the year, and can potentially be dangerous at other times.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services to seek and apply for grants to fund studies in upstream locations to help pinpoint animal and vegetation sources of contamination. This should be done by October 1, 2018. (F3, F4, F5)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services hire an outside consultant, who can assess and interpret organisms as they relate to countywide human health risks and environmental issues, to make recommendations for pollution mitigation to the Board of Supervisors. This should be done by January 1, 2019. (F3, F4, F5)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors require an assessment of human health risk and related recommendations for pollution mitigation, provided by an outside consultant, to be presented to the Board of Supervisors before April 1, 2019. (F3, F4, F5) 5
F5:
Only five Humboldt County beaches are tested regularly for water pollution levels, leaving in doubt the safety of other county beaches.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services to seek and apply for grants to fund studies in upstream locations to help pinpoint animal and vegetation sources of contamination. This should be done by October 1, 2018. (F3, F4, F5)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors publicly commend the Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory for its outstanding work in the development of tools to determine the sources of pollution in our streams and on our beaches. This should be done by October 1, 2018. (F1, F2, F5)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services hire an outside consultant, who can assess and interpret organisms as they relate to countywide human health risks and environmental issues, to make recommendations for pollution mitigation to the Board of Supervisors. This should be done by January 1, 2019. (F3, F4, F5)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors require an assessment of human health risk and related recommendations for pollution mitigation, provided by an outside consultant, to be presented to the Board of Supervisors before April 1, 2019. (F3, F4, F5) 5
Findings & Recommendations
19 findings
F1:
The law enforcement personnel with whom we interacted on our tours or interviewed in our investigation projected a high degree of dedication to their work and to the well-being of those they serve.
F2:
Mentally ill inmates at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility require more comprehensive care, and procedures need revamping.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Correctional Facility review and revamp its procedures related to the treatment of inmates who are, or are suspected to be, mentally ill to ensure that they receive timely and appropriate care. (F2)
F3:
The Mental Health staff at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility is not available 24/7 which compromises the health of the inmates and safety within the facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that a minimum of one mental health staff member be available 24/7 at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. (F3)
F4:
The pay scale for Humboldt County Correctional Facility Correctional Deputies is lower than comparable law enforcement entities, which places the Facility at a disadvantage in retaining trained and qualified personnel.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends a review of the pay scale and other incentives of County law enforcement personnel to ensure fair compensation to correctional deputies at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. (F4)
F5:
Many Humboldt County Correctional Facility cameras do not have recording capability which compromises the overall safety of personnel and inmates within the facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that all camera equipment at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility be upgraded to include recording capability. (F5)
F6:
The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office contracts with one local licensed pathologist and has no backup if that individual is unavailable.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County identify another licensed pathologist who can fill in at the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office if the individual currently under contract becomes unavailable. (F6)
F7:
The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office facility has significant structural inadequacies, including aging infrastructure, asbestos, insufficient space and a poorly-functioning ventilation system.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that necessary maintenance and upgrades be performed to address structural inadequacies at the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, including aging infrastructure, asbestos, insufficient space, and a poorly-functioning ventilation system. (F7) 75
F8:
Much of the equipment in the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office is outdated, worn out, and inadequate, including its backup power system.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the outdated equipment at the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, including its backup power system, be replaced immediately. (F8)
F9:
The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office does not have an X-ray machine, which delays the autopsy process and creates additional expense over the long term.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that an X-ray machine be purchased and installed at the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. (F9)
F10:
As referenced in a number of previous Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury reports, the Garberville Substation has a number of shortcomings which affect public access and safety including non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), no available external emergency phone for public use when no one is available in the Substation, and no directional signage to aid citizens in locating the station. 74
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office address the issues raised in this and previous reports regarding the Garberville Substation including: bringing it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, installing an external emergency phone for public use, and installing directional signage on Redwood Drive. (F10)
F11:
All computer communications in the Garberville Substation run through one router. Failure of this single router could result in a loss of internet communications with other law enforcement agencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office install a second router at the Garberville Substation to provide a dual system approach to guaranteeing internet communications with other law enforcement agencies. (F11)
F12:
At the SWAP Farm, workers are allowed to operate chainsaws without wearing safety goggles and headgear as required by OSHA.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office ensure that all workers in its SWAP yards wear appropriate safety gear as required by OSHA. (F12)
F13:
The Eureka Police Department (EPD) has just one entrance/exit for department vehicles from its only parking lot. If it were blocked, vehicles would be unable to leave the parking lot.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Eureka Police Department provide additional entrance and exit capabilities for its parking lot. (F13)
F14:
The posting of one fire evacuation plan in the Sheriff’s Main Office is insufficient to ensure the swift and safe removal of all personnel in the event of an emergency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office post additional fire evacuation plans in appropriate places throughout its Main Office. (F14)
F15:
The McKinleyville Substation has no air-conditioning which causes staff discomfort and fatigue, as well as potentially compromising temperature-sensitive equipment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R14:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office undertake negotiations with the owner of the McKinleyville Substation building to install air-conditioning in the facility. (F15)
F16:
There is no directional signage for the McKinleyville Substation to aid citizens in locating the facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R15:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office install directional signage on Central Avenue for the McKinleyville Substation. (F16)
F17:
The Willow Creek Substation lacks a backup generator, fire extinguishers and rescue equipment which compromise safety and effectiveness.
Related Recommendations (1)
R16:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office procure a backup generator, fire extinguishers and rescue equipment for the Willow Creek Substation. (F17)
F18:
Safety issues at County law enforcement facilities, which include problems associated with age, maintenance, and lack of bulletproof glass, create safety challenges for both personnel and inmates.
Related Recommendations (1)
R17:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that County and city governments engage in a planning process to address issues of safety as well as the short and long term maintenance needs of its law enforcement facilities. (F18)
F19:
The lack of holding cells in law enforcement facilities that serve eastern Humboldt County presents a significant challenge in the event of an emergency that makes the Humboldt County Correctional Facility inaccessible.
Related Recommendations (1)
R18:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends a collaborative approach between the Sheriff’s Office and the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council to identify and develop adequate holding facilities for eastern Humboldt County in the event that the County Correctional Facility becomes inaccessible. (F19) 76
Findings & Recommendations
27 findings
F1:
Copies of Child Welfare Services’ new internal procedures and call-tracking software manual are needed to adequately assess the effectiveness of the new intake process.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Will not be Response provides an explanation Grand Jury recommends that the implemented. for not implementing the Humboldt County Department of recommendation and is penal code Health and Human Services compliant. However, copies of the (DHHS) develop and maintain a new internal procedures and the “timeliness” metric for measuring call-tracking software manuals their response time once a would be needed to assess the suspected child abuse/neglect event effectiveness of the process. has been reported and until the caller is notified of receipt of report.
F2:
Although Child Welfare Services has changed its intake process, its response offers no information as to how the new process is being evaluated to ensure its effectiveness.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Will not be Response provides an explanation Grand Jury recommends that the implemented. for not implementing the Humboldt County Department of recommendation and is penal code Health and Human Services add the compliant. However, DHHS has timeliness metric discussed in R1 not provided a method to evaluate into its Child Welfare Services’ and verify the effectiveness of its System Improvement Plan 2012- proposed process. 2017, and monitor the metric to ensure an acceptable level of timeliness. 5 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT Child Welfare in Humboldt: Getting the Door Open Recommendations from Respon- P.C. County 2017/18 Grand Jury 2016/17 Civil Grand Jury dent Com- Responses Analysis pliant
F3:
Finalization of the review and revision of policies and procedures, contracted with the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, was scheduled for December 2017; however, copies of these materials would be needed to assess completion. 2. Responding in Time to Help Our ‘At Risk’ Children
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Will not be Response provides a credible Grand Jury recommends that the implemented. explanation for not implementing Humboldt County Department of the recommendation and is penal Health and Human Services code compliant. (DHHS) develop a “community performance” metric that measures how Mandated Reporters judge DHHS as successfully supporting the safety of our children.
F4:
Copies of Child Welfare Services’ new internal procedures and call-tracking software manual are needed to adequately assess the effectiveness of the new intake process.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Will not be Response provides a credible Grand Jury recommends that the implemented. explanation for not implementing Humboldt County Department of the recommendation and is penal Health and Human Services add the code compliant. community performance metric discussed in R3 into its Child Welfare Services’ System Improvement Plan 2012-2017, and monitor the performance over time.
F5:
Although the Department of Health and Human Services agrees to explore ways to recruit and retain staff, it does not provide a timeframe. Within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report, the matter must be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department, as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. (Note: There are no Findings for Reports 3 and 4.) 5. The Authority to Manage Our Waste
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Has not been Response provides a timeframe for Grand Jury recommends that the implemented, implementation and is penal code Department of Health and Human but will be compliant. Entity indicated Services update its Intake Policies implemented in implementation would be and Procedures to reflect the the near future. completed by December 2017; changes reported to us during our however, copies of these materials February discussion. would be needed in order to assess completion.
F6:
The Board of Supervisors indicates Humboldt County will encourage further waste management partnerships, but it does not provide a timeframe for doing so as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. 24 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT 6. Rural Policing in Humboldt County: Lawlessness Ignored?
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Is being Response summary clearly outlines Grand Jury recommends that Child implemented. how the recommendation has been Welfare Services closely assess the implemented and is penal code qualifications and training of staff compliant. dealing with intake calls, as well as providing the proper supervision to ensure competency. 6 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT 2. Responding in Time to Help Our ‘At Risk’ Children In this investigation, the HCCGJ focused on the Mandated Report process and procedure for reporting alleged emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of the county’s young children, and found that “many children in the county are living with serious issues of abuse and neglect.” It specifically addressed the three agencies most involved in the Mandated Report process: School Districts, Law Enforcement, and Child Welfare Services. The HCCGJ found problem areas within each agency as well as in how the agencies work together to handle the issues of ‘at risk’ children. The report was issued on May 26, 2017, with responses required and received as follows: • Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) (R5, R11): due on August 26, 2017; received on August 15, 2017. • Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) (R1): due on July 26, 2017; received on July 18, 2017. • Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) (R2, R3, R4): due on July 26, 2017; received on July 21, 2017. • Child Welfare Services (CWS) (R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11): due on August 26, 2017; received on August 15, 2017. The complete responses submitted for this report appear in Appendix B on . Responding in Time to Help Our ‘At Risk’ Children Recommendations from Respon- P.C. County 2017/18 Grand Jury 2016/17 Civil Grand Jury dent Com- Responses Analysis pliant
F7:
The Board of Supervisors acknowledges the difficulty of finding a permanent funding model to replace Measure Z revenue and cites its ongoing efforts to seek new sources of funding, but it does not provide a timeframe for doing so as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Has been Response summary clearly outlines Grand Jury recommends that Child and implemented. how the recommendation has been Welfare Services take immediate CWS implemented and is penal code steps to fill the many vacancies in compliant. their Department.
F8:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office outlines strategies for improving 911 response times but does not provide a timeframe for doing so as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. 7. Consolidation of the Sheriff and Coroner/PA
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Will not be Response provides a credible Grand Jury recommends that Child and implemented. explanation for not implementing Welfare Services work closely with CWS the recommendation; therefore, it is the University of California at Davis penal code compliant. program for improvement of services.
F9:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office cites budget constraints preventing it from addressing conditions at the Coroner’s Office at this time and notes continuing efforts to obtain needed funding. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. 8. Jails and Law Enforcement Facilities
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Will not be Response provides a credible Grand Jury recommends that Child and implemented. explanation for not implementing Welfare Services continue to work CWS the recommendation; therefore, it is with their newly developing task penal code compliant. force (not to be confused with the Department of Health and Human Services Blue Ribbon Task Force) to improve relationships with School Districts and Law Enforcement in order to deal more effectively with the problem of ‘at risk’ children within Humboldt County.
F10:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office describes ongoing efforts to review and revamp its mental health procedures at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Are being Response summary clearly outlines Grand Jury recommends that Child and implemented. how the recommendations have Welfare Services leadership continue CWS been implemented and is penal code to work collaboratively with all local compliant. American Indian Tribes in both coordinating County services as well as following the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). 9 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT Responding in Time to Help Our ‘At Risk’ Children Recommendations from Respon- P.C. County 2017/18 Grand Jury 2016/17 Civil Grand Jury dent Com- Responses Analysis pliant
F11:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office discusses the value of and funding requirements for 24/7 mental health staffing at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
The Humboldt County Civil DHHS Yes Will not be Response provides a credible Grand Jury recommends that the and implemented explanation for not implementing Department of Health and Human CWS because they the recommendation; therefore, it is Services reexamine all cases within are not penal code compliant. the last five years involving reasonable. American Indian children who have been removed from their homes, to ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). 3. Will Unfunded County Pensions Un-fund Our Future? The HCCGJ investigated the extent of the county’s unfunded pension liabilities and how this issue might be addressed. The most recent California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) valuation report (June 30, 2015) placed the county’s unfunded pension liability at $232.3 million. This is almost twice the county’s annual general fund revenue ($118 million) that is used for Law Enforcement, Public Works, Courts, and current retirement benefits. The HCCGJ offers recommendations as to how this liability could be reduced or even eliminated. The report was issued on June 7, 2017, with responses required and received as follows: • Board of Supervisors (BOS) (R1, R2): due on August 7, 2017; received on August 15, 2017. • Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) (R1, R2): due on September 7, 2017; received on August 15, 2017. • County Administrative Office (CAO) (R1, R2): due on September 7, 2017. Received on August 15, 2017. As noted below, responses were provided to the Recommendations as required by the penal code. However, the penal code also requires responses to the Findings. None were received from the respondents. The complete responses submitted for this report appear in Appendix C on . 10 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT Will Unfunded County Pensions Un-Fund Our Future Recommendations from Respon- P.C. County 2017/18 Grand Jury 2016/17 Civil Grand Jury dent Com- Responses Analysis pliant
F12:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office states it is in negotiations regarding fair compensation for the correctional deputies at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
The Humboldt County Civil EPD No EPD will place Response does not provide Grand Jury recommends that the the a timeframe for Eureka Police Department provide reconfiguration of implementation; therefore, additional entrance and exit the parking lot it is not penal code capabilities for its parking lot. into the capital compliant. improvement budget.
F13:
The Board of Supervisors states it is engaged in contract negotiations with the Humboldt Deputy Sheriff’s Organization. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. 25 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT
Related Recommendations (1)
R13:
The Humboldt County Civil HCSO Yes Has been Response summary clearly Grand Jury recommends that the implemented. outlines how the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office recommendation has been post additional fire evacuation plans implemented and is penal in appropriate places throughout its code compliant. Main Office.
F14:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office states that it currently is upgrading camera equipment at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and will continue to do so in the future, but does not provide a timeframe as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R14:
The Humboldt County Civil HCSO No Further analysis Response explains the Grand Jury recommends that the is required. scope of the analysis but Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office does not provide a undertake negotiations with the owner timeframe for discussion; of the McKinleyville Substation therefore, it is not penal building to install air-conditioning in code compliant. the facility.
F15:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the inadequacies of the current Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R15:
The Humboldt County Civil HCSO No Has not yet been Response does not provide Grand Jury recommends that the implemented, but a timeframe for Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office will be imple- implementation; therefore, install directional signage on Central mented in the it is not penal code Avenue for the McKinleyville future. compliant. Substation.
F16:
The Board of Supervisors states facility assessments are being conducted and long-term plans prepared for Humboldt County facilities, but does not provide a timeframe as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. In addition, no specific information is provided regarding the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office.
Related Recommendations (1)
R16:
The Humboldt County Civil HCSO Yes Has already been Response summary clearly Grand Jury recommends that the implemented. outlines how the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office recommendation has been procure a backup generator, fire implemented and is penal extinguishers and rescue equipment code compliant. for the Willow Creek Substation. 22 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT Jails and Law Enforcement Facilities Recommendations from Respon- P.C. County 2017/18 Grand Jury 2016/17 Civil Grand Jury dent Com- Responses Analysis pliant
F17:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office discusses the value and cost of an x-ray machine for the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R17:
The Humboldt County Civil HCSO No Requires further Response is unclear as to Grand Jury recommends that County analysis. the scope of analysis and and city governments engage in a does not provide a planning process to address issues of timeframe for discussion; safety as well as the short and long therefore, it is not penal term maintenance needs of its law code compliant. enforcement facilities. BOS No Will be Response does not provide implemented. a timeframe for implementation; therefore, it is not penal code compliant. EPD No EPD sees the Response does not provide value in having a a timeframe for facilities strategic implementation; therefore, public safety it is not penal code planning meeting compliant. for city leadership. APD No Has not yet been Response does not provide implemented but a timeframe for will be imple- completion; therefore, it is mented in the not penal code compliant. future. FPD No No response Reminders sent by received. HCCGJ. RDPD Yes Rio Dell City Response provides a Council approved timeframe for a contract to implementation and is upgrade access to penal code compliant. facilities.
F18:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office discusses addressing a number of issues with the Garberville Substation--including ADA compliance, an external emergency phone, and directional signage--but does not provide a timeframe for implementation as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
Related Recommendations (1)
R18:
The Humboldt County Civil HCSO No Requires further Response explains the Grand Jury recommends a analysis. scope of the analysis but collaborative approach between the does not provide a Sheriff’s Office and the Hoopa Valley timeframe for discussion; Tribal Council to identify and develop therefore, it is not penal adequate holding facilities for eastern code compliant. Humboldt County in the event that the 23 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT Jails and Law Enforcement Facilities Recommendations from Respon- P.C. County 2017/18 Grand Jury 2016/17 Civil Grand Jury dent Com- Responses Analysis pliant County Correctional Facility becomes BOS No Will be partially Response does not state inaccessible. implemented. what will be partially implemented or provide a timeframe for implementation; therefore, it is not penal code compliant.
F19:
The Board of Supervisors outlines current strategies for addressing issues with the Garberville Substation--including ADA compliance, an external emergency phone, and directional signage--but does not provide a timeframe for implementation as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
F20:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office states it is working to ensure a redundant communication system at the Garberville Substation. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
F21:
The Eureka Police Department states that it is working toward creating a secondary entrance and exit to its parking lot, but does not provide a timeframe for implementation as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
F22:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office outlines efforts to upgrade the McKinleyville Substation. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. 26 2016-2017 COMPLIANCE AND CONTINUITY REPORT
F23:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office discusses its efforts to obtain directional signage on Central Avenue for the McKinleyville Substation but does not provide a timeframe for implementation as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
F24:
Although a number county agencies acknowledge engaging in a planning process to address issues of safety, and short-term and long-term law enforcement facilities maintenance, a number of them do not provide a timeframe for implementation as required by Penal Code Section 933.05 (Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Board of Supervisors, Eureka Police Department, Arcata Police Department, and Fortuna Police Department).
F25:
Although reminders were sent by the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury, the Fortuna Police Department did not respond to its recommendation that “County and city governments engage in a planning process to address issues of safety as well as the short and long term maintenance needs of its law enforcement facilities.”
F26:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office outlines a number of issues related to establishing holding facilities for eastern Humboldt County. However, it does not provide a timeframe within six months from the publication of the 2016-2017 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury report for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the department as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
F27:
The Board of Supervisors indicates partial implementation related to establishing holding facilities for eastern Humboldt County but does not state what might be implemented or provide a timeframe as required by Penal Code Section 933.05.
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Findings & Recommendations
15 findings
F1:
The Arcata Police Department was not prepared to manage and investigate a large, violent crime scene of the magnitude of the David Josiah Lawson homicide. (R4)
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F2:
The Civil Grand Jury found no direct evidence of racial bias or corruption within the police response.
F3:
In the initial minutes of the incident, officers at the scene focused on life-saving procedures at the expense of crime scene management. (R1)
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
F4:
Chief Chapman was not there to manage the homicide scene. His absence contributed to the discoordinated response. (R4)
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F5:
Though every officer receives basic evidence handling training during POST, the Arcata Police Department had no designated Evidence Technician available on April 15, 2017, leading to poor execution of evidence preservation and failed chain of custody at the crime scene. (R1)
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
F6:
Securing the crime scene, specifically detaining potential witnesses, protecting physical evidence and properly preserving the weapon was not followed at the homicide of David Josiah Lawson. 17 https://www.northcoastjournal.com/NewsBlog/archives/2020/05/30/humboldt-county-law-enforcement-responds-to-death-of-george- floyd 12
F7:
Arcata Police Department did not identify and question all potential witnesses in the David Josiah Lawson homicide after the arrival of emergency medical responders. (R4)
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F8:
Despite most Arcata Police Department officers having little experience navigating complex homicide cases, Chief Chapman declined multiple offers of additional help from other local law enforcement agencies with more experience in investigation and case review. (R4)
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F9:
The City of Arcata police officers lacked effective leadership and received insufficient training during the later tenure of Chief Chapman. (R1, R4)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F10:
A retired FBI agent provided pro bono investigative consultation to the City of Arcata and Arcata Police Department. The Civil Grand Jury independently evaluated the agent’s public assessments that the APD had poor management, lack of training, inadequate staffing and demonstrated a lack of transparency. We found these conclusions to be accurate.
F11:
The current Arcata Chief of Police is focusing on strengthening community relationships, substantially increasing training, and diversifying the pool of officers and staff. He has also begun community policing and leadership development as part of the nationwide effort to reform policing. (R2, R3, R6, R7)
Related Recommendations (4)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata and Arcata Police Department, even in the case of economic downturns and budgetary constraints, to continue pursuing Cultural and Bias Education, Diversification of Staff and 13 Community Engagement. (F11)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata and Arcata Police Department should engage in community outreach by creating brief biographies for law enforcement officers, on their website. (F11)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata create a diverse Citizens Advisory Board to the Arcata Police Department which specifically reviews police conduct and service. (F11)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Arcata Police Department utilize minority interns through ongoing contact with Humboldt State University students. (F11)
F12:
The current Arcata Chief of Police has created an investigations division and brought on an evidence technician in an effort to complete their investigative team. (R1)
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
F13:
A decentralized dispatch system hampered communication and added delays to the emergency and law enforcement response. (R5)
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County and local area cities establish a centralized dispatch communications center that would shorten response times. (F13)
F14:
Any determination that the David Josiah Lawson homicide was not a hate crime is premature. (R8)
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the final determination of hate crime designation should be withheld until a perpetrator is charged, and the intent and motivation for David Josiah Lawson's homicide is fully explored. (F14)
F15:
The District Attorney's office created the Major Crimes Incident Team, a multi- agency collaborative response of which APD is a signatory of a Memorandum of Understanding. It has been used successfully multiple times since then for the resolution of crimes. (R4)
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
HWMA is caught in the middle of growing pressures to deal with an increasing volume of waste, a shrinking market for recycled materials, and a 30-year commitment to continue monitoring and cleanup of the closed Cummings Road Landfill site.
Related Recommendations (3)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that, given its current lack of storage and on-site recycling capability, HWMA staff perform a cost analysis for contracting out its recycling versus acquiring more space for this purpose. (F1, F4)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the HWMA carefully analyze whether operating as a regional authority that includes all of Humboldt County would be more cost effective for ratepayers, while decreasing the environmental impact of current inefficient hauling. Our County Board of Supervisors (BOS) should take an active leadership role in promoting HWMA as a regional authority by encouraging the membership of Fortuna and Trinidad. (F1, F6)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the HWMA Board and staff create, prioritize and regularly review an HWMA mid to long-term plan, projecting expected waste volume increases and ensuring adequate facilities for waste management and for recycling. The plan must project and recommend mitigation of the effects of the rising water table, as well as deal with operations following natural disasters. (F1, F7) 44
F2:
Serious financial issues include a persistent deficit in operations (until fiscal year 2016-2017), and unclear financial statements regarding HWMA’s net worth position.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the HWMA Board must give immediate attention to improved financial accounting and reporting, and must ensure that up-to- date systems are available and maintained by adequately trained staff. (F2, F3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the financial management staff clearly separate accounting for activities involving Hawthorne operations from continuing obligations for the Cummings Road Landfill. (F2)
F3:
HWMA lacks an integrated financial reporting system, and provides inadequate training for personnel who are responsible for the reporting.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the HWMA Board must give immediate attention to improved financial accounting and reporting, and must ensure that up-to- date systems are available and maintained by adequately trained staff. (F2, F3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that a rolling multi-year forecast for revenues and expenses, including best estimates for planned projects, be required annually and used as a basis for facility planning. (F3)
F4:
A severe shortage of space for operations at the Hawthorne facility limits the Authority’s ability to divert recyclables from the waste stream and to deal with food waste.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that, given its current lack of storage and on-site recycling capability, HWMA staff perform a cost analysis for contracting out its recycling versus acquiring more space for this purpose. (F1, F4)
F5:
On a yearly basis, approximately 70,000 tons of waste is transported to recycling sites and landfills (including Potrero Hills, a 550-mile round trip) by diesel-burning trucks.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the HWMA obtain support of the Board of Supervisors to conduct a feasibility study for the use of modern incineration methods to deal with solid waste. (F5)
F6:
HWMA is not operating as a regional entity, foregoing the opportunity for shared resources, economies of scale, and more efficient (and eco-friendly) trucking transportation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the HWMA carefully analyze whether operating as a regional authority that includes all of Humboldt County would be more cost effective for ratepayers, while decreasing the environmental impact of current inefficient hauling. Our County Board of Supervisors (BOS) should take an active leadership role in promoting HWMA as a regional authority by encouraging the membership of Fortuna and Trinidad. (F1, F6)
F7:
HWMA lacks operational disaster planning, and is not developing viable options to deal with forecasted rising groundwater levels.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the HWMA Board and staff create, prioritize and regularly review an HWMA mid to long-term plan, projecting expected waste volume increases and ensuring adequate facilities for waste management and for recycling. The plan must project and recommend mitigation of the effects of the rising water table, as well as deal with operations following natural disasters. (F1, F7) 44
Findings & Recommendations
15 findings
F1:
Most common allegations we found in Mandated Reports filed from late 2015 to early 2017: • Children who threaten suicide • Children who experience physical abuse from an older child or parent in their home • Children who do not have adequate health care, e.g., untreated sores and infections • Children living in a car or truck • Children who are unwashed and unkempt without access to bathrooms or running water • Children who experience inappropriate touching from family members or friends of family • Children who live in homes where drugs and alcohol are used excessively every day • Children who experience flea and rat bites on a regular basis • Children (age 8 and younger) who are left unattended in their homes on a regular basis • Children who are not met by an adult after school and do not have a ride home
F2:
School Districts that do not follow the correct process for filing Mandated Reports are making it impossible for CWS and Law Enforcement personnel to address the needs of their ‘at risk’ students.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education instruct all School District personnel of the importance of filing a written report of allegations after making the initial call or FAX of allegations of abuse or neglect. CWS cannot or will not follow through if a written report is not filed. (F2, F3)
F3:
Some schools do not keep a repository of Mandated Reports filed by their school and are therefore are unaware when numerous reports have been filed on a single student, possibly creating a situation where an endangered student could fall through the cracks.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education instruct all School District personnel of the importance of filing a written report of allegations after making the initial call or FAX of allegations of abuse or neglect. CWS cannot or will not follow through if a written report is not filed. (F2, F3)
F4:
Some members of the Sheriff’s Office do not file reports on cases they investigated thus jeopardizing the child’s welfare.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that a deputy of the Sheriff’s Office always complete and file a report of an investigation even when allegations are not validated. If they have a list on file of five or more investigations on a single child or family, they may find that a family is “too easily excusing” a single incident and a more in-depth investigation of allegations is indicated. (F4)
F5:
Sometimes members of the Sheriff’s Office disclose to the families the identity of the Mandated Reporter resulting in a violation of state law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the members of the Sheriff’s Office making an investigation not disclose the source of the allegations. (F5)
F6:
Sheriff’s deputies need more training on how to handle the complicated and serious cases they are assigned to investigate.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff’s Office be more diligent in training its responding deputies on the serious and sensitive issues involving questioning “at risk” children. (F6)
F7:
Many of the individuals within CWS whom we interviewed complained of the long and complicated hiring process for Social Workers, delaying much needed services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health & Human Services streamline its lengthy hiring process of new Social Workers. (F7)
F8:
Many of the Social Workers we interviewed stated the need for a better mentoring process for training new Social Workers to effectively work in the field.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services provide a more in-depth mentoring program for new Social Workers. (F8)
F9:
There is an urgent need for more Social Workers. We have been told there are between 10 and 22 vacancies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services take immediate steps to fill the many vacancies in their Department. (F9)
F10:
CWS staff is contracting with a program from University of California, Davis for advice regarding policies and procedures which are expected to increase service efficiencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services work closely with the University of California at Davis program for improvement of services. (F10, F12, F13)
F11:
CWS often does not communicate with School Districts and Law Enforcement on the ongoing status of a case under investigation. 17
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services continue to work with their newly developing task force (not to be confused with the Department of Health and Human Services Blue Ribbon Task Force) to improve relationships with School Districts and Law Enforcement in order to deal more effectively with the problem of ‘at risk’ children within Humboldt County. (F11)
F12:
CWS frequently does not handle allegations in a timely manner as dictated by their own policy and procedures as well as state law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services work closely with the University of California at Davis program for improvement of services. (F10, F12, F13)
F13:
CWS often does not follow up on cases that are “evaluated out.”
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services work closely with the University of California at Davis program for improvement of services. (F10, F12, F13)
F14:
Humboldt County has an urgent need to improve how it addresses the needs of our American Indian ‘at risk’ children, including a more comprehensive orientation for incoming staff on local American Indian culture.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Child Welfare Services leadership continue to work collaboratively with all local American Indian Tribes in both coordinating County services as well as following the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). (F14) 18
F15:
In the course of our investigation we discovered evidence of a disproportionate number of American Indian children removed from their homes.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services reexamine all cases within the last five years involving American Indian children who have been removed from their homes, to ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). (F15)
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Rural areas of Humboldt County are being seriously underserved by law enforcement and other emergency services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors increase funding to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office to greater serve our rural population. (F1)
F2:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has improved law enforcement coverage for all of Humboldt County through Measure Z funding, and these changes must be sustained with a source of permanent funding in order to avoid a discontinuation of these vitally needed safety services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors find a permanent funding model to replace the temporary Measure Z funds the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office relies upon, which expire in 2019. (F2)
F3:
The Sheriff has not been able to immediately deploy increased numbers of deputies, due to state-mandated recruitment and training practices.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office conduct a comprehensive review of its hiring procedures and staff retention protocol and, as much as possible, take measures to streamline and enhance these processes. (F3)
F4:
Long response times to 911 calls, no matter what the reason, not only jeopardize public safety but lead to a distrust and disconnect between law enforcement and the citizens they are entrusted to protect.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office conduct a thorough evaluation of 911 calls and response times and actively take measures to improve this valuable function for the safety of our citizens. (F4)
F5:
A lack of modern communication equipment can lengthen law enforcement response times and impede officer safety.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office consider the purchase of modern emergency communication equipment such as satellite phones to enhance the safety and response times of deputies. (F5)
F6:
Public safety could be improved if the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office enhanced practical working relationships with various local Tribal Police agencies through greater communication and collaboration, such as cross-deputization of Tribal Officers. 50
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office actively pursue ways to engage in greater communication and utilization of local Tribal Police agencies, in order to increase and enhance public safety for our rural areas. (F6)