Gran Jurado del Condado de Kern
2000-2001
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
16 hallazgos
F1:
It is alarming, unsafe, and unacceptable that smoke detectors at Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex are being vandalized/disconnected, making them inoperable. It is evident that the Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex is in need of repair and lacks proper maintenance.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R14:
By December 31, 2023, the Housing Authority should make it a priority to repair, restore, or replace Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex. (Findings 1, 4, 5, and 6) 11 53
F2:
The Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex has a critical need for a Senior Pantry or other supplemental food assistance programs. A well-managed and stocked pantry would provide the residents an opportunity to meet their nutritional needs.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
No later than March 1, 2023, the Housing Authority should organize and reopen a well- managed and stocked Senior Food Pantry at Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex for a 10 52 minimum of two days per week. This is necessary to assist “extremely low income” seniors with their nutritional needs. (Finding 2)
F3:
The lock-out fee is excessive for low-income senior residents especially those suffering memory loss, which may require multiple calls for service.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
No later than April 30, 2023, the Housing Authority should remove the lock-out fee. (Finding 3)
F4:
It is disturbing, unreasonable and a safety hazard that security cameras at the Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex are often covered with clothing, newspaper, or duct tape. This happens because individuals are attempting to hide their identity and illegal activities such as smoking, prostitution, and drug deals. A working security system with cameras is vital in the deterrence of crime and the safety of residents.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R1:
No later than March 30, 2023, the Housing Authority should seek additional funding to increase investigators and investigation staff. (Findings 4, 5, 6, and 10)
R4:
No later than March 1, 2023, the Housing Authority should repair and maintain, or replace non-working security cameras. A working security system is imperative for the safety and security of the residents. (Finding 4)
R6:
By July 1, 2023, the Housing Authority should revamp and upgrade the security card entry system to include the laundry rooms, bathrooms, and common areas at Plaza Towers /Plaza Towers Annex, like those in operation at Park Place Senior Apartments and Pinewood Glen Retirement. (Findings 4 and 6)
F5:
It is evident more security is needed at Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex. Trespassers are occupying the laundry rooms, stairwells, bathrooms and sleeping within the facility often locking stairwells, preventing residents’ access. This is a dangerous safety hazard in cases of fire and other emergencies.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R7:
By July 1, 2023, the Housing Authority should eliminate the coin-op laundry and implement a prepaid laundry card system for Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex. (Findings 5 and 13)
F6:
The front and back entrance gates to the Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex are inoperable, thus not secure, and often vandalized, which is a concern to the residents.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R5:
No later than January 30, 2023, at the Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex, the Housing Authority should repair, maintain, and/or replace the front and back security gates. These gates should be operable and always secured to minimize unauthorized persons from accessing the facility. (Finding 6)
F7:
The staff at Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex are overworked. The area of responsibility is double compared to other facilities. This hinders the general operations and maintenance of the facility.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R12:
By April 30, 2023, the Housing Authority should hire additional staff to assist facility managers. (Finding 7)
F8:
The lack of lighting in the parking lot at Pinewood Glen Retirement has created a safety issue.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R8:
By January 31, 2023, night lighting and damaged solar panels at Pinewood Glen Retirement should be repaired or replaced. (Finding 8)
F9:
The Desk Guide and documents for public view are outdated and are exclusively located at the Housing Authority Office. This has led to miscommunication among staff and residents.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R10:
By July 31, 2023, the Housing Authority should update their website, to include the Desk Guide and Documentation. (Finding 9)
F10:
The Housing Authority’s Investigation Unit is extremely understaffed for their areas of responsibility. The investigation staff may suffer from a high level of stress, which increases the risk of workplace accidents, injuries, physical exhaustion, and backlog of paperwork. However, there is no indication of plans to hire more investigation staff.
F11:
Housing Authority Investigators are not provided with the appropriate vehicles to store and transport required duty equipment. 9 51
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R11:
By September 30, 2023, the Housing Authority should purchase the appropriate vehicles for the investigation staff. (Finding 11)
F12:
The residents at Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex deserve and need more than one hour of activity per week.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R9:
By January 31, 2023, organized activities at Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex should be equal to activities offered at Park Place and/or Pinewood Glen. Activities should be designed to meet the needs of the residents. (Finding 12)
F13:
Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex utilizes cash operated laundry machines, which invites vandalism and theft.
F14:
Although there is a detailed report specifying calls to the Bakersfield Police Department, sent to the facility managers and investigators, this information does not appear on Monthly Activity Reports.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R15:
By February 1, 2023, long-term planning and monthly updates detailing the status of all the facilities should be included in the Housing Authority Commission Meeting Agenda and Minutes. The report should include unusual occurrences, police activity, request for repairs, repairs made, customer service concerns, etc. (Findings 14, 15, and 16) NOTES: • The Housing Authority of the County of Kern should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • The Kern County Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website. RESPONSE DEADLINES: • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: HOUSING AUTHORITY COUNTY OF KERN • REQUESTED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: KERN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. 12 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65
F15:
The Monthly Activity Reports for Plaza Towers/Plaza Towers Annex, Park Place Senior Apartments, and Pinewood Glen Retirement for June, July, and August 2022, did not match the Bakersfield Police Department’s Crime Analysis Report. The Housing Authority stated there were no emergencies reported during these months, which conflicts with the information from the Bakersfield Police Department.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R13:
By March 30, 2023, the Housing Authority should document all emergencies and unusual occurrences (including deaths, if any) in Monthly Activity Reports. An explanation of each police interaction should be included. (Finding 15)
F16:
There is a disconnect between the Housing Authority and the facilities’ managers concerning the day-to-day operations and the status of the facilities. This is evidenced by the disregard for the safety and well-being of the residents, maintenance, lack of security, and incomplete Monthly Activity Reports. COMMENTS: Many seniors do not get regular visits from family and friends. Therefore, it means a lot when the staff builds relationships with the residents. It is vital to watch out for Compassion Fatigue when working with seniors. Although employees want to make a difference, it is important to maintain professional boundaries for their own health and well-being. Patience and empathy are essential when working in a senior citizen housing facility. However, empathy without boundaries can drain employees, both mentally and physically. Staff works in close contact, developing personal and professional relationships with seniors who in some cases are nearing the end of their life. It can be difficult for staff and residents to handle, when the inevitable happens. Therefore, mental health support and grief counseling for all staff and residents is essential and available.
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
18 hallazgos
F1:
The Bakersfield Search and Rescue Team are currently in the process of establishing the SAR Medical Team and it should be operational within the next 6–12 months.
F2:
The Indian Wells Mine Rescue Team is currently suspended due to insufficient staffing to perform mine/confined space rescue. Team members have been absorbed by other teams (Tehachapi and Kern Valley). • The feasibility of reestablishing the team will be discussed at a future SAR Captains’ meeting
F3:
New bomb squad equipment is budgeted and distributed on an as-needed basis. Future years’ acquisitions will depend on the budget.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Bomb Squad should continue to search for grants that may provide for a much needed updated vehicle and other equipment. (Findings 3, 4 and 5) NOTES: • The Kern County Sheriff should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.kern.ca.us/grandjury. • Present at past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITH 60 DAYS PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CC: TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
F4:
The Bomb Squad has worked with vendors to design a truck that will meet desired specifications. The current vehicle appears to have inadequate space with little room once all equipment is loaded.
F5:
Funding for a new vehicle has been sought through OES. Unused grant funds from previous fiscal years across the State have also been sought. This has been unsuccessful.
F6:
Maintenance on the robot is performed by Bomb Squad Technicians who are self- trained for most repairs. The manufacturer is used as required for parts and service.
F7:
Physical skills tests are conducted in and out of the bomb suit along with an oral interview after having been recommended by the deputy’s supervisor to join the bomb squad.
F8:
Once accepted, the deputy is referred to as a “Bomb Para-Tech”, a temporary position. The squad begins training and evaluating the deputy for the next year, until accepted into the FBI Hazardous Devices School. Upon completion, the deputy becomes a Bomb Technician, capable of rendering explosives safe.
F9:
As a member of the IABTI, Bomb Technicians maintain a close working relationship and share information with other bomb technicians from approximately 60 countries throughout the world.
F10:
The Bomb Squad has received over 52 call-outs this year.
F11:
A part of the K-9 training includes training “agitators.” • Agitators are deputies that have not received training as a dog handler • An agitator acts as a decoy by wearing protective gear and allowing the K-9 team to search for and apprehend them
F12:
Using deputies as agitators has proven to be beneficial in giving the deputy the opportunity to learn about the K-9 program and the role of handler. This creates a group of qualified candidates for future handler positions
F13:
The K-9 stays at the deputy’s home, is fed and trained by that deputy. The K-9 accompanies the deputy to all assignments.
F14:
Though the City Police Department and the County K-9 Units do not consistently train together; at least twice a year joint training sessions are conducted. This allows for the two units to work better together in the field, as well as allowing the teams to learn from one another.
F15:
Coverage times for the K-9 Unit have at least one team on duty from 5 PM until 6 AM seven days a week. If a K-9 team is needed between 6 AM and 5 PM all of the teams are available to be called out.
F16:
At this time, the K-9 Unit does not have a “cadaver” dog. According to the deputies, it can be confusing for a K-9 to be cross-trained in search and rescue and finding cadavers.
F17:
The budget expense towards purchasing and training is only used in the event a K-9 is retired from service and needs to be replaced during the fiscal year • The salary for the deputy is paid out of the Sheriff’s general budget
F18:
The Probation Department’s K-9 has been trained in narcotics detection, tracking, obedience and protection. This team is also active in community events and various school activities, e.g., school carnivals. • The team does not train with the KCSO K-9 Unit • The K-9 Deputy Probation Officer is paid out of the Probation Department’s general budget COMMENTS: The Committee is impressed with the many volunteers in Search and Rescue and the multitude of coverage and services they provide. The Kern River is highly dangerous and has taken many lives. The Committee thanks the Kern County Sheriff and members of the Bomb Squad for an informative interview and was impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm for the job. The Committee, along with the entire Grand Jury, was impressed with the K-9 Unit and is proud of the services provided by the dedicated deputies, as well as their four-footed partners.