Humboldt County Grand Jury
2018-2019
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The inability of some public entities to meet the response timeframes required by the Penal Code is indicative of a problem. (R1, R2)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends all entities carefully review the Penal Code requirements for responses to Findings and Recommendations. (F1)
R2:
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury will clarify the language in the cover letters used for required and invited responses, and request responses in electronic format. The goal is to encourage civil involvement and cooperation for the betterment of our local government. (F1, F2)
F2:
The lack of responses from invited (non-mandatory) public entities is troubling in that it appears those entities do not value the public oversight process. (R2)
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury will clarify the language in the cover letters used for required and invited responses, and request responses in electronic format. The goal is to encourage civil involvement and cooperation for the betterment of our local government. (F1, F2)
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Findings & Recommendations
14 findings
F1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the staff providing mental health care within the Humboldt County Correctional Facility given their limited resources.
F2:
There is a lack of mental health providers willing to work for the County Department of Health and Human Services. 14
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services develop a more comprehensive, modern, aggressive, and nationwide recruitment and hiring plan for permanent psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and clinicians who focus on the mentally ill population in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F2, F3, F4, F5)
F3:
Humboldt County Correctional Facility staff are hindered in their tasks by the inability of the Department of Health and Human Services to recruit and retain permanent clinical staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services develop a more comprehensive, modern, aggressive, and nationwide recruitment and hiring plan for permanent psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and clinicians who focus on the mentally ill population in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F2, F3, F4, F5)
F4:
The amount of time the Psychiatrist provides direct patient care to inmates per week is inadequate.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services develop a more comprehensive, modern, aggressive, and nationwide recruitment and hiring plan for permanent psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and clinicians who focus on the mentally ill population in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F2, F3, F4, F5)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services have a psychiatrist assigned to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility 40 hours per week. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F4)
F5:
The amount of time mental health clinicians are available in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility is insufficient.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services develop a more comprehensive, modern, aggressive, and nationwide recruitment and hiring plan for permanent psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and clinicians who focus on the mentally ill population in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F2, F3, F4, F5)
F6:
Department of Health and Human Services and Humboldt County Correctional Facility mental health staff are negatively impacted by a lack of dedicated therapeutic environments and counseling to provide care as required by law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services seek funding to provide physical space and professionals for specialized clinics, substance abuse programs, and increased therapeutic counseling inside the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F6)
F7:
There is a lack of direction to clinical staff about who has the legal authority to prescribe treatment orders for inmates in need of mental health treatment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services ensure that all treatment orders are followed and carried out as prescribed by legally authorized personnel and that those policies and procedures recommended in R4 are current and follow the State law to limit the County’s legal liability. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F7)
F8:
The lack of written policies and procedures concerning the care of mentally ill inmates at Humboldt County Correctional Facility inhibits the ability to provide quality mental health care.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services Director of Mental Health Services shall ensure that written policies and procedures regarding the care of mentally ill inmates in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility be developed and distributed with appropriate training to all staff. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F8)
F9:
Difficulty in differentiating between drug induced behavior and mental health issues can lead to treatment errors.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services provide additional training to law enforcement and correctional staff to better identify the differences between drug induced and mental health issues. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F9, F13)
F10:
There is a lack of agreement of the roles and responsibilities between the Patient’s Rights Advocate and the Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Administration.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Department of Health and Human Services write and implement policies and procedures regarding legally defined rights of mentally ill inmates. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F10)
F11:
There are few long-term mental health plans in place for dealing with inmates serving extended sentences.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services implement the new California Department of State Hospitals Diversion Program as it applies to Assembly Bill 1810 and the mentally ill. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F11)
F12:
The inmate mental health transition plan for ongoing care after discharge from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility is incomplete.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services complete and implement the mental health transition plan that is currently being developed for after inmate release. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F12) 16
F13:
The legal 5150 implementation in both the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and Sempervirens is at times in dispute amongst Department of Health and Human Services staff and local law enforcement agencies.
Related Recommendations (3)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services provide additional training to law enforcement and correctional staff to better identify the differences between drug induced and mental health issues. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F9, F13)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the legalities of the 5150 protocols and processes be reviewed and studied by all local law enforcement agencies in the County. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F13)
R11:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Correctional Facility improve the implementation of the 5150 process by requiring and providing specific training to all local law enforcement agencies and the Humboldt County Correctional Facility staff to ensure compliance with the law. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F13)
F14:
There is a lack of sufficient Department of Health and Human Services administrative involvement in the treatment and care of mentally ill inmates in Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Department of Health and Human Services make mental health services within the Humboldt County Correctional Facility a higher priority. This action should be completed by October 1, 2019 (F14)
Findings & Recommendations
12 findings
F1:
Existing shelters have restrictions that prevent use by significant segments of the homeless population.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors approve revisions to the Housing Element that provide for shelter solutions and affordable housing. (F1, F3, F4)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors direct DHHS or the Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee to work with existing shelters to reduce barriers, such as accommodating significant others, pets, and personal storage. This should be completed by September 4, 2019. (F1)
F2:
The Housing First emphasis on creating affordable permanent housing does not address the problem of an immediate need for shelter while waiting for permanent housing to become available.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors expand the role of the Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee to more fully include recommending non brick and mortar projects for immediate sheltering needs. This should be completed by September 4, 2019. (F2, F6, F7)
F3:
The number of individuals and families who are currently homeless far exceeds the number of available permanent affordable housing units.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors approve revisions to the Housing Element that provide for shelter solutions and affordable housing. (F1, F3, F4)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors and Eureka City Council direct staff to develop plans to provide financial incentives to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for homeless or very low income residents. This should be completed by September 4, 2019. (F3, F4)
F4:
The production rate of affordable housing units is insufficient to meet the needs of the County’s residents and homeless.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors approve revisions to the Housing Element that provide for shelter solutions and affordable housing. (F1, F3, F4)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors and Eureka City Council direct staff to develop plans to provide financial incentives to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for homeless or very low income residents. This should be completed by September 4, 2019. (F3, F4)
F5:
The County and City of Eureka’s failure to hold regular meetings of their inter-government Leadership Group has resulted in a lack of collaboration between them regarding homelessness.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors and Eureka City Council Leadership Group resume meeting at least monthly to address homelessness and other shared issues. This should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F5)
F6:
The Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee is hampered by the dual objectives of addressing the shortage of permanent affordable housing and short term sheltering needs.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors expand the role of the Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee to more fully include recommending non brick and mortar projects for immediate sheltering needs. This should be completed by September 4, 2019. (F2, F6, F7)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors update the resolution creating the Humboldt Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee to clarify its responsibilities are to address both affordable housing and immediate sheltering projects. This should be completed by September 4, 2019. (F6)
F7:
The Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee lacks sufficient funds to accomplish its goals and there is no ongoing funding source.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors provide an ongoing funding source for the Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee. This should be completed by November 1, 2019. (F7)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors expand the role of the Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee to more fully include recommending non brick and mortar projects for immediate sheltering needs. This should be completed by September 4, 2019. (F2, F6, F7)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors direct the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate a portion of flexible funds for homeless solutions to the Housing Trust Fund and Homelessness Solutions Committee to 25 provide shelter services for homeless populations not presently being served. This should be completed by December 2, 2019. (F7)
F8:
Existing day centers are insufficient to meet the needs of the Humboldt County homeless population.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors and Eureka City Council work together to identify locations for a homeless day center program. This should be completed by November 1, 2019. (F8)
F9:
Safe parking programs would address an immediate need for the hundreds of people living in their vehicles in Humboldt County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors and Eureka City Council work together to identify locations for and implement supervised safe parking programs. This should be completed by December 1, 2019. (F9)
F10:
The Grand Jury commends the City of Arcata for evaluating a safe parking program for families. 24
F11:
The Grand Jury commends the work of the County and City of Eureka planning departments in drafting Housing Elements that are creative, forward-thinking, and reflective of the community’s values and input.
F12:
The Grand Jury commends the work of our many excellent and dedicated nonprofit homeless service agencies in the face of the County’s challenging homeless problem.
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Findings & Recommendations
11 findings
F1:
Citations and arrests of homeless have not resulted in reducing the overall number of unhoused people in the City of Eureka.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends representatives from the Eureka City Council, Eureka Police Department, homeless advocacy groups, and the homeless community form a committee to review the following ordinances (EMC 131.30, EMC 130.30, EMC 130.14, EMC 130.13, EMC 130.12, EMC 130.10, EMC 130.06, EMC 130.01, EMC 93.03, EMC 93.02) by October 1, 2019. (F1, F5, F6, F8) 15
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Eureka City Council consider suspending enforcement of the ordinances identified in R2 until the review in R3 is completed. This action should be completed by March 16, 2020. (F1, F5, F6, F8)
F2:
Citations and arrests complicate the problem by making it more difficult for people to find work and qualify for housing.
Related Recommendations (3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the committee in R1 evaluate the above ordinances and identify those for which the homeless have no options to avoid violating them. This action should be completed by December 16, 2019. (F2, F4, F5, F6)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County and the City of Eureka collaborate to provide storage sites for the homeless to use at strategic locations. This action should be completed by December 2, 2019. (F2, F5)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Eureka develop plans to enable homeless individuals the opportunities to reduce and waive fees from citations through volunteer community service. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F2, F6)
F3:
The financial cost of criminalizing the homeless far exceeds the cost of providing services that transition people into housing and a stable living situation.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends for those ordinances identified in
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Eureka work with Humboldt County for support to increase affordable housing development and rentals by December 2, 2019. (F3, F4, F8)
F4:
The City of Eureka and Humboldt County governments are not effectively working together in coordination to solve the problem of homelessness.
Related Recommendations (3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the committee in R1 evaluate the above ordinances and identify those for which the homeless have no options to avoid violating them. This action should be completed by December 16, 2019. (F2, F4, F5, F6)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Eureka work with Humboldt County for support to increase affordable housing development and rentals by December 2, 2019. (F3, F4, F8)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Eureka and Humboldt County collaborate to conduct leadership group meetings at least monthly to address homelessness and other shared issues. This should be completed by October 1, 2019. (F4)
F5:
Criminalizing behavior that is largely part of being human, increases the misery of those being targeted.
Related Recommendations (5)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends representatives from the Eureka City Council, Eureka Police Department, homeless advocacy groups, and the homeless community form a committee to review the following ordinances (EMC 131.30, EMC 130.30, EMC 130.14, EMC 130.13, EMC 130.12, EMC 130.10, EMC 130.06, EMC 130.01, EMC 93.03, EMC 93.02) by October 1, 2019. (F1, F5, F6, F8) 15
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the committee in R1 evaluate the above ordinances and identify those for which the homeless have no options to avoid violating them. This action should be completed by December 16, 2019. (F2, F4, F5, F6)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Eureka City Council consider suspending enforcement of the ordinances identified in R2 until the review in R3 is completed. This action should be completed by March 16, 2020. (F1, F5, F6, F8)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County and the City of Eureka collaborate to provide storage sites for the homeless to use at strategic locations. This action should be completed by December 2, 2019. (F2, F5)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County and the City of Eureka collaborate to provide additional public restrooms/porta potties throughout the community and to extend the hours for existing facilities. This action should be completed September 30, 2019. (F5, F8)
F6:
The pressure to enact and enforce selective laws creates a moral quagmire for all involved.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends representatives from the Eureka City Council, Eureka Police Department, homeless advocacy groups, and the homeless community form a committee to review the following ordinances (EMC 131.30, EMC 130.30, EMC 130.14, EMC 130.13, EMC 130.12, EMC 130.10, EMC 130.06, EMC 130.01, EMC 93.03, EMC 93.02) by October 1, 2019. (F1, F5, F6, F8) 15
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the committee in R1 evaluate the above ordinances and identify those for which the homeless have no options to avoid violating them. This action should be completed by December 16, 2019. (F2, F4, F5, F6)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Eureka City Council consider suspending enforcement of the ordinances identified in R2 until the review in R3 is completed. This action should be completed by March 16, 2020. (F1, F5, F6, F8)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Eureka develop plans to enable homeless individuals the opportunities to reduce and waive fees from citations through volunteer community service. This action should be completed by January 15, 2020. (F2, F6)
F7:
Dispersing homeless encampments creates roadblocks to providing services by making it more difficult to reach the people in need of them.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the city of Eureka and Humboldt County collaborate to develop a plan to create and fund short term shelter and transitional housing solutions. This action should be completed by October 15, 2019. (F7)
F8:
Continuing to cite and arrest homeless individuals participating in the activities of daily living will not improve the available housing inventory.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends representatives from the Eureka City Council, Eureka Police Department, homeless advocacy groups, and the homeless community form a committee to review the following ordinances (EMC 131.30, EMC 130.30, EMC 130.14, EMC 130.13, EMC 130.12, EMC 130.10, EMC 130.06, EMC 130.01, EMC 93.03, EMC 93.02) by October 1, 2019. (F1, F5, F6, F8) 15
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Eureka City Council consider suspending enforcement of the ordinances identified in R2 until the review in R3 is completed. This action should be completed by March 16, 2020. (F1, F5, F6, F8)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County and the City of Eureka collaborate to provide additional public restrooms/porta potties throughout the community and to extend the hours for existing facilities. This action should be completed September 30, 2019. (F5, F8)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Eureka work with Humboldt County for support to increase affordable housing development and rentals by December 2, 2019. (F3, F4, F8)
F9:
Data gathering about the homeless community is inadequate, inconsistent, and inaccurate.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Eureka, Eureka Police Department, Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, and the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services develop a comprehensive process of gathering demographic data about the entire homeless population. This data gathering and analysis 16 could more accurately assist in the development of laws and policies and help educate the public about the homeless community. (F9)
F10:
The Mobile Intervention Services Team could be more effective with additional law enforcement team members.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Eureka City Council allocate funding for additional law enforcement members for the Mobile Intervention Service Team. This action is to be completed by January 30, 2020. (F10)
F11:
We commend those committed to solving the issue of homelessness who are working hard, yet struggling to find viable solutions.
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
Humboldt County is again not on course to meet its contractual obligations to make identified public facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors direct staff to conduct a review of the County’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Decree to better understand the problems encountered so they may be avoided in the future. This review and report should be completed by December 1, 2019. (F1, F2, F3)
F2:
Humboldt County is not on course to remediate all public facilities identified in the Consent Decree by the deadline of June 7, 2019.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors direct staff to conduct a review of the County’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Decree to better understand the problems encountered so they may be avoided in the future. This review and report should be completed by December 1, 2019. (F1, F2, F3)
F3:
Humboldt County is not on course to remediate all curb ramps by the Consent Decree deadline of September 7, 2019.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors direct staff to conduct a review of the County’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Decree to better understand the problems encountered so they may be avoided in the future. This review and report should be completed by December 1, 2019. (F1, F2, F3)
F4:
Information that the progress of the remediation was behind Department of Justice contractual deadlines was never provided by the County Administrative Office staff in a transparent and timely manner in any open Board of Supervisors meeting.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors direct County Administrative Office staff to present transparent and complete quarterly status reports on all Americans with Disabilities Act projects in open meetings of the Board of Supervisors. This action should be completed by October 15, 2019. (F4) 6
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends these reports in R1 be prepared by a certified Project Management Professional. This action should be completed by October 15, 2019. (F4)