Lake County Grand Jury
2017-2018
Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
Absenteeism is a significant problem in Lake County public school districts, where the absentee rate in most districts is worse than state average.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Lake County Office of Education, school districts and the county and city governments should establish early childhood education opportunities for children ages 3-5. Appropriate government departments in the incorporated cities and in the County should be directed to identify such available public structures (in their respective jurisdictions) that could be modified to function as workable preschools. Active efforts to identify any state or federal or private funding sources for the modifications and ongoing operation of such preschools should be established. (F1, F2, F4, F8)
F2:
Lake County public schools are losing significant revenue due to the absentee rates of students. Figure 1. Shows that Lake County schools are losing significant revenue.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Lake County Office of Education, school districts and the county and city governments should establish early childhood education opportunities for children ages 3-5. Appropriate government departments in the incorporated cities and in the County should be directed to identify such available public structures (in their respective jurisdictions) that could be modified to function as workable preschools. Active efforts to identify any state or federal or private funding sources for the modifications and ongoing operation of such preschools should be established. (F1, F2, F4, F8)
F3:
Lake County public school districts recognize the negative impact of absenteeism on both the education of students and revenue.
F4:
Lake County public school officials recognize that the high level of poverty in the Lake County community is a significant contributor to high levels of absenteeism.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Lake County Office of Education, school districts and the county and city governments should establish early childhood education opportunities for children ages 3-5. Appropriate government departments in the incorporated cities and in the County should be directed to identify such available public structures (in their respective jurisdictions) that could be modified to function as workable preschools. Active efforts to identify any state or federal or private funding sources for the modifications and ongoing operation of such preschools should be established. (F1, F2, F4, F8)
F5:
Lake County public schools have only limited resources to intercede with students and parents in order to combat absenteeism.
F6:
The most difficult issue in dealing with chronic absenteeism is the lack of cooperation from parents who themselves did not have good educational experiences and are poorly educated.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The County Superintendent of Schools and the Superintendents of the various school districts should publish to their Boards, parents and communities P1, P2, and P3 attendance reports along with an estimate of revenue loss due to absenteeism. (F6)
F7:
County educators believe that the most effective way to reduce absenteeism in the higher grades is to establish a strong dedication to attendance by the students when they are in preschool and in the primary grades (K – 3).
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
School districts should establish specific programs involving parents and children in promoting school attendance. (i.e. proven programs from other counties such as ‘attendance buddies’, car-pooling, walking groups, etc. for the lower primary grades.) This can be quickly enacted, have minimum cost, and show significant impact. (F7) 26 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors (R2) (90 days) Lakeport City Council (R2) (90 days) Clearlake City Council (R2) (90 days) Superintendent of Schools, Lake County (R1, R2, R3, R4) (60 days) President of School Board, Kelseyville Unified School District (R3, R4) (60 days) President of School Board, Konocti Unified School District (R3, R4) (60 days) President of School Board, Lakeport Unified School District (R3, R4) (60 days) President of School Board, Lucerne Elementary School District (R3, R4) (60 days) President of School Board, Upper Lake Unified School District (R3, R4) (60 days) President of School Board, Middletown Unified School District (R3, R4) (60 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond: Board of Supervisors, Lake County (R1) (90 days) City Council, City of Clearlake (R1) (90 days) City Council, City of Lakeport (R1) (90 days) Superintendent of Schools, Kelseyville Unified School District (R1, R2, R3, R4) (60 days) Superintendent of Schools, Konocti Unified School District (R1, R2, R3, R4) (60 days) Superintendent of Schools, Lakeport Unified School District (R1, R2, R3, R4) (60 days) Superintendent of Schools, Lucerne Elementary School District (R1, R2, R3, R4) (60 days) Superintendent of Schools, Upper Lake Unified School District (R1, R2, R3, R4) (60 days) Superintendent of Schools, Middletown Unified School District (R1, R2, R3, R4) (60 days) District Attorney, Lake County (R1, R2) 27
F8:
The stated County focus on creating a longer term improved economic base and being an attraction for multiple categories of businesses and investments would be greatly served by enhancing the educational quality and success 25 throughout the county. It has been broadly proven that readily available and utilized pre-schools establish a firmer base for children entering into the primary school level to achieve learning and socialization goals. Such firm foundations do continue into greater learning in the higher grades, improved standard testing results, greater numbers of high school graduates, and higher percentages of students continuing into college level education. This is a long-range tactic to firmly augment the County’s long-term goal.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Lake County Office of Education, school districts and the county and city governments should establish early childhood education opportunities for children ages 3-5. Appropriate government departments in the incorporated cities and in the County should be directed to identify such available public structures (in their respective jurisdictions) that could be modified to function as workable preschools. Active efforts to identify any state or federal or private funding sources for the modifications and ongoing operation of such preschools should be established. (F1, F2, F4, F8)
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Public school districts must work more closely with each other and county agencies to promote school attendance and to intercede in cases of truancy. This effort should be done in concert such that the consideration of school attendance is raised as a countywide priority, and efforts are coordinated to both improve attendance services and contain costs. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6.)
R16-17:
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Findings & Recommendations
15 findings
F1:
The County of Lake OES has drafted a thorough and exemplary body of work in planning how governmental agencies in the County should prepare for handling emergencies. This planning is evident in the EOP, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors in May 2018. The incorporated cities, Clearlake and Lakeport, have their own Emergency Operations Plans. These civic plans are not included in the county EOP.
F2:
OES did not actively involve residents and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups in the development of the EOP and apparently had no plans to involve them in the execution of the EOP.
F3:
Although the EOP addresses Unified Command in case of an emergency, not all county governmental agencies report through a unified command structure. In an actual wildfire emergency, particularly one spanning multiple jurisdictions, lack of a pre-established unified command structure could result in confusion, miscommunication, and inaction, thus jeopardizing lives.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1:
Regarding Unified Command, the BOS and the Lake County Sheriff should immediately reconsider where to assign overall authority and responsibility for implementation of the OEP. Considerations should be based on what management configuration could most effectively implement all aspects of the Plan. The BOS should not assign authority and responsibility to the Sheriff’s Office simply because it provides the EOC and is responsible for emergency notifications and evacuations. (F3, F4, F5)
R2:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should direct the OES to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each of the responsible governmental organizations named in the EOP. These MOUs should establish the areas of responsibility and authority and the specific actions each organization is to take in the advent of a wildfire emergency. (F3, F4, F5)
R3:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should require the OES to develop a plan and negotiate a MOU with each of the incorporated cities as to how the EOC will be manned and managed in an emergency, especially in one crossing jurisdictional boundaries. This plan should include how to establish authority within the EOC initially and how to alter authority as the incident unfolds. (F3, F4) 128
F4:
Issues with Unified Command, operation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and establishment of the Incident Command System (ICS) could arise within implementation of the EOP. Although the Plan clearly states the purposes and characteristics of these entities, it does not spell out how these entities will be established and coordinated in an actual emergency. The various agencies that respond to fires have already established command protocols that have proved effective and that 125 offer an Incident Command System in addressing fire emergencies. Absent such clear direction for many agencies that normally operate independently and report through disparate management authority, confusion and even disagreement as to who is in command in an emergency and what should be done is likely.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1:
Regarding Unified Command, the BOS and the Lake County Sheriff should immediately reconsider where to assign overall authority and responsibility for implementation of the OEP. Considerations should be based on what management configuration could most effectively implement all aspects of the Plan. The BOS should not assign authority and responsibility to the Sheriff’s Office simply because it provides the EOC and is responsible for emergency notifications and evacuations. (F3, F4, F5)
R2:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should direct the OES to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each of the responsible governmental organizations named in the EOP. These MOUs should establish the areas of responsibility and authority and the specific actions each organization is to take in the advent of a wildfire emergency. (F3, F4, F5)
R3:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should require the OES to develop a plan and negotiate a MOU with each of the incorporated cities as to how the EOC will be manned and managed in an emergency, especially in one crossing jurisdictional boundaries. This plan should include how to establish authority within the EOC initially and how to alter authority as the incident unfolds. (F3, F4) 128
F5:
Assignment of authority and responsibility over implementation of the OES to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is problematic. As noted in the Discussion above, there are three reasons why this assignment may not work: a. The primary focus of the Sheriff’s Office is law enforcement. Emergency response is not purely a law enforcement function and includes many disparate agencies working in concert. General organizational principles would suggest that overall command should be given to the agency with the broadest responsibility. In this case, that would be the Board of Supervisors and the two city Councils. b. Currently, the OES reports to the County Sheriff, who does not report to the BOS. Thus, the line of management authority from BOS to OES is broken and may not function well. The Sheriff does command necessary functions in an emergency, but does not exert either wide authority within County government or any authority within cities and outside agencies. c. The Sheriff’s Office has clearly expressed that it does not have the administrative manpower to adequately manage and supervise both law enforcement functions and emergency planning and operations. In an emergency, this lack of trained and seasoned manpower to manage an emergency could significantly impair necessary actions.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1:
Regarding Unified Command, the BOS and the Lake County Sheriff should immediately reconsider where to assign overall authority and responsibility for implementation of the OEP. Considerations should be based on what management configuration could most effectively implement all aspects of the Plan. The BOS should not assign authority and responsibility to the Sheriff’s Office simply because it provides the EOC and is responsible for emergency notifications and evacuations. (F3, F4, F5)
R2:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should direct the OES to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each of the responsible governmental organizations named in the EOP. These MOUs should establish the areas of responsibility and authority and the specific actions each organization is to take in the advent of a wildfire emergency. (F3, F4, F5)
R4:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should require OES to plan with community groups, such as, for example, homeowner’s associations and HAM radio operators, as to how the groups will interface with governmental agencies and operate in an emergency. Such negotiated planning should consider the unique nature of individual neighborhoods and include in the planning neighborhood organizations. (F5, F6)
F6:
Agencies responsible for emergency services acknowledge that planning and execution related to emergencies can only be effective if it includes both governmental and non-governmental community groups. However, the OES has done little work in helping residents and community groups to prepare for and handle emergencies. In fact, the OES has, in some cases, discouraged active participation by residents and groups, such as homeowner’s associations and amateur radio (ham) operators.
Related Recommendations (4)
R4:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should require OES to plan with community groups, such as, for example, homeowner’s associations and HAM radio operators, as to how the groups will interface with governmental agencies and operate in an emergency. Such negotiated planning should consider the unique nature of individual neighborhoods and include in the planning neighborhood organizations. (F5, F6)
R5:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop plans and programs for educating residents and non-governmental organizations as to how to respond in the event of a possible or ongoing emergency. Two models would be the materials available through CalFire and the Hidden Valley Lake Association. (F6, F7, F10, F11)
R6:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop and implement plans and programs for warning residents and non-governmental organizations of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. The Sheriff must consider that more technical and electrically dependent emergency alert systems may not work in an actual wildfire emergency. Emergency planners should develop and implement more traditional methods of warning, such as sirens with battery backup and block captain systems, tailored to conditions in specific neighborhoods. (F6, F8, F9, F10)
R7:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, and the cities must develop plans and programs for evacuating residents, particularly AFN persons, in case of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. Plans should concentrate on NGOs that house numerous persons that cannot provide for their own evacuation, such as nursery schools and nursing homes. (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12, F13)
F7:
County governmental agency plans and programs for educating and training residents and community groups in how to operate in an emergency are inadequate or non-existent. CalFire does publish and distribute detailed guides on how to plan for and respond to wildfire emergencies. No such informational program exists in the County or city governments. 126
Related Recommendations (2)
R5:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop plans and programs for educating residents and non-governmental organizations as to how to respond in the event of a possible or ongoing emergency. Two models would be the materials available through CalFire and the Hidden Valley Lake Association. (F6, F7, F10, F11)
R7:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, and the cities must develop plans and programs for evacuating residents, particularly AFN persons, in case of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. Plans should concentrate on NGOs that house numerous persons that cannot provide for their own evacuation, such as nursery schools and nursing homes. (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12, F13)
F8:
The plans, programs, and systems for warning residents and community organizations of impending or ongoing emergencies have often proved inadequate. In recent wildfire disasters in 2017, technology-based warning systems were ineffective in alerting the majority of residents.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop and implement plans and programs for warning residents and non-governmental organizations of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. The Sheriff must consider that more technical and electrically dependent emergency alert systems may not work in an actual wildfire emergency. Emergency planners should develop and implement more traditional methods of warning, such as sirens with battery backup and block captain systems, tailored to conditions in specific neighborhoods. (F6, F8, F9, F10)
R7:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, and the cities must develop plans and programs for evacuating residents, particularly AFN persons, in case of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. Plans should concentrate on NGOs that house numerous persons that cannot provide for their own evacuation, such as nursery schools and nursing homes. (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12, F13)
F9:
More traditional warning systems, namely sirens, have proved effective in alerting residents to impending or actual emergencies. Such systems are particularly effective when they are protected against electric outages with battery backup. Though such systems do not indicate the nature of the emergency, they are effective in alerting people to actively seek information. Coupled with systems to promulgate emergency information, such warning systems have proved very effective. Hidden Valley Lake community already has an effective siren system in place and operating. The Middletown and Cobb areas have recently installed siren-warning systems.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop and implement plans and programs for warning residents and non-governmental organizations of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. The Sheriff must consider that more technical and electrically dependent emergency alert systems may not work in an actual wildfire emergency. Emergency planners should develop and implement more traditional methods of warning, such as sirens with battery backup and block captain systems, tailored to conditions in specific neighborhoods. (F6, F8, F9, F10)
R7:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, and the cities must develop plans and programs for evacuating residents, particularly AFN persons, in case of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. Plans should concentrate on NGOs that house numerous persons that cannot provide for their own evacuation, such as nursery schools and nursing homes. (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12, F13)
F10:
Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) has already proved its efficacy in educating residents and neighborhoods in preparing for and responding to emergencies. A community action group in Spring Valley, during several recent wildfires, employed CERT training that included self-directed wildfire response. This successful reaction proves the effectiveness of educating and training neighborhoods in emergency preparedness. The Cobb area residents are currently exploring emergency response training. Efforts by other neighborhood groups to obtain CERT training in other locations over the years have been met with apathy by responsible County officials. Some individuals/groups had to obtain training in other counties, such as Mendocino, Napa, Yolo and Marin.
Related Recommendations (3)
R5:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop plans and programs for educating residents and non-governmental organizations as to how to respond in the event of a possible or ongoing emergency. Two models would be the materials available through CalFire and the Hidden Valley Lake Association. (F6, F7, F10, F11)
R6:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop and implement plans and programs for warning residents and non-governmental organizations of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. The Sheriff must consider that more technical and electrically dependent emergency alert systems may not work in an actual wildfire emergency. Emergency planners should develop and implement more traditional methods of warning, such as sirens with battery backup and block captain systems, tailored to conditions in specific neighborhoods. (F6, F8, F9, F10)
R7:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, and the cities must develop plans and programs for evacuating residents, particularly AFN persons, in case of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. Plans should concentrate on NGOs that house numerous persons that cannot provide for their own evacuation, such as nursery schools and nursing homes. (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12, F13)
F11:
OES has no plans to promote or assist neighborhoods in preparations for obtaining information in emergencies. Of critical importance, in safeguarding residents and community organizations in an anticipated or ongoing emergency, is the ability to deliver accurate and timely information. This is particularly critical in following up a general warning signal, such as a siren or electronic warning. Programs for communicating with residents and community groups in the EOP are inadequate. Effective plans for follow-up of an emergency alert can be implemented through pre- organized non-governmental entities, such as, for example, homeowner’s associations, CERT teams, and Block Captain/Neighborhood Watch programs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, must develop plans and programs for educating residents and non-governmental organizations as to how to respond in the event of a possible or ongoing emergency. Two models would be the materials available through CalFire and the Hidden Valley Lake Association. (F6, F7, F10, F11)
F12:
OES plans, programs, guides, and training for evacuation in case of an emergency are inadequate or non-existent. In fact, the Sheriff’s Department has made it clear that it cannot advise residents in establishing evacuation routes or evacuation protocols in case of an impending or ongoing emergency. Such lack of pre-planning could prove fatal in an emergency. 127
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, and the cities must develop plans and programs for evacuating residents, particularly AFN persons, in case of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. Plans should concentrate on NGOs that house numerous persons that cannot provide for their own evacuation, such as nursery schools and nursing homes. (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12, F13)
F13:
Although the EOP includes recognition of the need for plans and programs to evacuate AFN persons in case of an impending or ongoing emergency, actual plans are inadequate or non-existent.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, and the cities must develop plans and programs for evacuating residents, particularly AFN persons, in case of an anticipated or ongoing emergency. Plans should concentrate on NGOs that house numerous persons that cannot provide for their own evacuation, such as nursery schools and nursing homes. (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12, F13)
F14:
Amateur Radio (Ham) represents a non-governmental communication resource that has been instrumental in the past in providing critical support in emergencies. Hams are specially trained in radio operations and use equipment that is less subject to inoperability due to electrical failures. Hams are committed and highly motivated to provide communication services to Lake County during emergencies. OES has in its plans to include a manned Ham station in the EOC that is being remodeled.
Related Recommendations (2)
R9:
The OES should consider how to coordinate with the Lake County Amateur Radio Society (LCARS) and should develop a MOU clarifying LCARS’ role in providing vital communication during an emergency. (F14, F15) 129
R10:
OES should take advantage of the technical expertise of Hams in configuring the proposed OEC antenna to best effect radio transmissions. (F14, F15) Request for responses: Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933(c), the following responses are required: Board of Supervisors (R1, R2, R3, R6, R8) (90 days) Lake County Sheriff’s Office (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10) (60 days) City Manager of Lakeport (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9) (60 days) City Manager of Clearlake (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9) (60 days) The Grand Jury invites the following agencies to respond: California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (R5, R6) Hidden Valley Lake Association Security Services (R4, R5, R6, R7, R8) Cobb Area Council (R4, R5, R6, R7, R8) Lake County Amateur Radio Society (R4, R9, R10) 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143
F15:
OES personnel indicate that the current location of the OEC is in a radio transmission “blind spot” that would preclude effective transmission of radio signals.
Related Recommendations (2)
R9:
The OES should consider how to coordinate with the Lake County Amateur Radio Society (LCARS) and should develop a MOU clarifying LCARS’ role in providing vital communication during an emergency. (F14, F15) 129
R10:
OES should take advantage of the technical expertise of Hams in configuring the proposed OEC antenna to best effect radio transmissions. (F14, F15) Request for responses: Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933(c), the following responses are required: Board of Supervisors (R1, R2, R3, R6, R8) (90 days) Lake County Sheriff’s Office (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10) (60 days) City Manager of Lakeport (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9) (60 days) City Manager of Clearlake (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9) (60 days) The Grand Jury invites the following agencies to respond: California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (R5, R6) Hidden Valley Lake Association Security Services (R4, R5, R6, R7, R8) Cobb Area Council (R4, R5, R6, R7, R8) Lake County Amateur Radio Society (R4, R9, R10) 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R8:
The Sheriff, with current responsibility, should investigate the issue of effective evacuation from neighborhoods, particularly where egress is limited, such as Anderson Springs and Spring Valley, for example. The Sheriff should develop a program to inform residents and community groups of evacuation protocols and routes. The Sheriff should consider the development of a book of maps showing evacuation routes from neighborhoods, using as models the map book produced by CalFire (Lake County First Responders Map Book) and the evacuation route map created by the Hidden Valley Lake Association and provided to its residents. (Exhibit D) (F6, F7, F8, F9, F10,
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Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
The libraries in the County are under-utilized by the County school systems. Most schools have minimized or eliminated on-site libraries and librarians in favor of internet accessible computers. The internet does not offer the precision or definition available from a physical library. “Google can bring you 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you the right one.” Neil Gaiman-English Author
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Library System in the County should investigate/recommend a method for establishing a bookmobile service. The BOS should support options to facilitate this service. (F1, F3, F6)
F2:
During the January 2018 “Community Visioning Forums” conducted by the County, support for libraries and museums was among the top areas prioritized by the attendees.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
If the voters approve an increase to the County sales tax, a portion of this funding should be earmarked for the libraries. (F2, F4)
F3:
It is difficult for school systems to arrange for, and finance, student/class trips to the library. 57
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Library System in the County should investigate/recommend a method for establishing a bookmobile service. The BOS should support options to facilitate this service. (F1, F3, F6)
F4:
Libraries are inadequately staffed and volunteers are needed to help fill the voids.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
If the voters approve an increase to the County sales tax, a portion of this funding should be earmarked for the libraries. (F2, F4)
F5:
Limited library accessibility (hours of operation) hampers usage by students and working adults.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The libraries and museums need to expand hours of operation to increase accessibility and usage. (F5)
F6:
Several areas of the County (e.g., the communities on the northeast side of the Lake, Kelseyville, and Cobb Mountain communities) do not have reasonable access to brick and mortar libraries. Due to the remoteness of several areas of the County, a bookmobile service targeted at the primary schools (but also available to middle and high schools) would be a cost effective method of getting library services to the underserved students.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Library System in the County should investigate/recommend a method for establishing a bookmobile service. The BOS should support options to facilitate this service. (F1, F3, F6)
F7:
The museums are using creative ways (e.g., ‘Murder Mystery Dinners’, Weddings, etc.) that encourage residents to visit the museums, and in the process, enhance revenue. However, these measures do not address the underutilization of the museums by children and young adults.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4:
Creative and interactive programs should be established to encourage more participation of young people/students at the museums. (F7)
R5:
The libraries and museums need vigorous recruitment of young adults, retired educators and seniors to serve as volunteer staff. They should be tasked with the goal of creating programs directed at younger children. (F7)
F8:
There is inadequate publicity throughout the County on special exhibits and events offered by the museums.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Increased publicity of Museum events should be funded and enacted. (F8) 58 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required: Board of Supervisors (R1, R2, R6) (90 days) Lake County Superintendent of Schools (R6) (60 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond: Director of Lake County Museums (R3, R4, R5) (60 days) Director of Lake County Libraries (R3, R5) (60 days) 59
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
There are numerous groups, organizations, government departments or individuals throughout the County and incorporated cities in need of support or assistance that cannot be obtained under current staffing or budgeting limitations.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1:
The County should establish a specific individual to facilitate ‘making connections.’ This should not be limited to volunteering strictly to support County governmental needs. They should have the responsibility of seeking out areas of organizational or capability needs, and then matching them to the willing and offered citizens or organizations that can assist in those needs. This function should include active outreach specific to these goals across the county in: area councils, citizen groups, NGO’s, service organizations. Included should be any internal governance requests/needs for voluntary support identified via existing departmental reporting structures throughout the County. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)
R3:
Clearlake Animal Control (or the Clearlake City Manager’s office) should access the posted videos (on the main county website under administration/forums/forum videos/South County Forum between timestamps 1:05:00 and 1:15:00). Contact should be initiated with the citizen offering to foster multiple dogs (and neighbors of the speaker who also are willing to foster multiple animals) with the intent to establish such service. (F1, F2)
R4:
The County should review main county website (under administration/forums/forum videos/Lakeport Forum timestamp 1:24:00 to 1:25:00) and develop/enhance the grant writing effort and utilize volunteer help where it has been offered. An offer made during the Community Visioning Forums by an individual (ostensibly) experienced in this field to perform the service on a “no cost basis” to the county. This offer was not pursued or investigated. In the time since the forums, a paid County grant writer has been installed instead (F1, F2)
R5:
The Senior Centers in Middletown, Lakeport, Lucerne, and Clearlake Oaks should establish contact with the Clearlake Children’s Museum of Arts and Sciences (CMAS). This is program (NOT limited to children) that is already providing ‘no cost’/low cost art instruction at the Clearlake Senior Center. Contact is to determine if their volunteer service would be of interest/use to those other senior centers. (F1, F2). Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required: Board of Supervisors, County Administrator (R1, R4)(90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond: County Administration (R2, R4) (60 days) City of Clearlake City Council (R3) (90 days) Clearlake Animal Control Department (R3) (60 days) Director of Middletown Senior Center (R5) (60 days) Director of Lakeport Senior Center (R5) (60 days) Director of Lucerne Senior Center (R5) (60 days) Director of Clearlake Oaks Senior Center (R5) (60 days) 150
F2:
There are groups and individuals throughout the county who have capabilities, time, and assets that they are willing to contribute to the betterment of specific areas or departments within the County or the incorporated cities.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1:
The County should establish a specific individual to facilitate ‘making connections.’ This should not be limited to volunteering strictly to support County governmental needs. They should have the responsibility of seeking out areas of organizational or capability needs, and then matching them to the willing and offered citizens or organizations that can assist in those needs. This function should include active outreach specific to these goals across the county in: area councils, citizen groups, NGO’s, service organizations. Included should be any internal governance requests/needs for voluntary support identified via existing departmental reporting structures throughout the County. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)
R3:
Clearlake Animal Control (or the Clearlake City Manager’s office) should access the posted videos (on the main county website under administration/forums/forum videos/South County Forum between timestamps 1:05:00 and 1:15:00). Contact should be initiated with the citizen offering to foster multiple dogs (and neighbors of the speaker who also are willing to foster multiple animals) with the intent to establish such service. (F1, F2)
R4:
The County should review main county website (under administration/forums/forum videos/Lakeport Forum timestamp 1:24:00 to 1:25:00) and develop/enhance the grant writing effort and utilize volunteer help where it has been offered. An offer made during the Community Visioning Forums by an individual (ostensibly) experienced in this field to perform the service on a “no cost basis” to the county. This offer was not pursued or investigated. In the time since the forums, a paid County grant writer has been installed instead (F1, F2)
R5:
The Senior Centers in Middletown, Lakeport, Lucerne, and Clearlake Oaks should establish contact with the Clearlake Children’s Museum of Arts and Sciences (CMAS). This is program (NOT limited to children) that is already providing ‘no cost’/low cost art instruction at the Clearlake Senior Center. Contact is to determine if their volunteer service would be of interest/use to those other senior centers. (F1, F2). Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required: Board of Supervisors, County Administrator (R1, R4)(90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond: County Administration (R2, R4) (60 days) City of Clearlake City Council (R3) (90 days) Clearlake Animal Control Department (R3) (60 days) Director of Middletown Senior Center (R5) (60 days) Director of Lakeport Senior Center (R5) (60 days) Director of Lucerne Senior Center (R5) (60 days) Director of Clearlake Oaks Senior Center (R5) (60 days) 150
F3:
There is no individual or department within the various governances that focuses on bringing together needs with offerings.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The County should establish a specific individual to facilitate ‘making connections.’ This should not be limited to volunteering strictly to support County governmental needs. They should have the responsibility of seeking out areas of organizational or capability needs, and then matching them to the willing and offered citizens or organizations that can assist in those needs. This function should include active outreach specific to these goals across the county in: area councils, citizen groups, NGO’s, service organizations. Included should be any internal governance requests/needs for voluntary support identified via existing departmental reporting structures throughout the County. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)
F4:
Many citizens report that attempts by them to approach members of governance throughout the county with offerings of capabilities or assistance have either been overtly ignored or outright rebuffed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The County should establish a specific individual to facilitate ‘making connections.’ This should not be limited to volunteering strictly to support County governmental needs. They should have the responsibility of seeking out areas of organizational or capability needs, and then matching them to the willing and offered citizens or organizations that can assist in those needs. This function should include active outreach specific to these goals across the county in: area councils, citizen groups, NGO’s, service organizations. Included should be any internal governance requests/needs for voluntary support identified via existing departmental reporting structures throughout the County. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)
F5:
There will never be an expected ‘every issue will have a solution.’ It is a certainty that some issues/possible solutions may face insurmountable regulatory or procedural obstacles. Some offered assistance will be deemed inadequate for the designated problem. There may be so many ‘need’ issues that priorities may have to be set which then cannot address every one of them even if an asset/capability is available. Such situations are inevitable, but should not derail the enactment of a formal procedure. We should not let striving for ‘perfect’ to deter putting in place the ‘good’.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The County should establish a specific individual to facilitate ‘making connections.’ This should not be limited to volunteering strictly to support County governmental needs. They should have the responsibility of seeking out areas of organizational or capability needs, and then matching them to the willing and offered citizens or organizations that can assist in those needs. This function should include active outreach specific to these goals across the county in: area councils, citizen groups, NGO’s, service organizations. Included should be any internal governance requests/needs for voluntary support identified via existing departmental reporting structures throughout the County. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)
F6:
At the time of the Community Visioning Forums it was stated by County officials that no multi-year budgetary forecast (revenues and expenditures) existed. In the interim, a 10 year ‘vision’ has been announced by County Officials, but it lacks projected budgetary numerical variations due to tax revisions, disaster funding, or other realistically potential areas that can affect the budget. These permutations are normally of important interest to anyone doing due diligence on relocating to, or investing in, a new economic or commercial venture. 148
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The County should develop a multi-year financial outlook (five years minimum, ten years preferred) based on current tax/cost/revenue understandings, but should also include potential variations that would alter the forecast in consideration of significant changes (such as tax increases). (Reference main county website under administration/forums/forum videos/South County Forum – timestamp 1:28:45 to 1:30:40) (F6)
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Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
The Clearlake holding facility is not ADA compliant.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1:
The Clearlake Police Department should take reasonable measures to ensure disabled persons can manage adequately while in custody. (F1)
R4:
The Community Development Department should establish a fund specifically allocated for emergencies. (F1)
R5:
Establish yearly Countywide Community Development/Building and Inspection Department meetings to include the representatives from the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake Building and Planning Departments. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the following response is required.
• Board of Supervisors (R1,R4) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Head of Lake County Community Development Department (R2,R3,R4,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Clearlake Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Lakeport Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days) 41 42 Public Safety Lake County Quilt Trail “Carl’s Compass” 2090 Bell Hill Road, Kelseyville, California 43 44 Mandated Prison Inspections Summary: As mandated by the State of California, the Grand Jury inspects public prisons. This year, due to a new contract with Tehama County, the Grand Jury inspected the Juvenile Hall in Red Bluff. The Grand Jury decided to create two separate reports, adult and juvenile, covering the mandated inspections. The adult facilities largely met or exceeded minimum requirements. The juvenile facility raised a number of concerns which are addressed in detail in the second report (“The Wards of Lake County”.) Background: The State of California mandates (Penal Code §919 (b)) “The grand jury shall inquire into the conditions and management of the public prisons within the county” which is interpreted as all locations where anyone can be incarcerated (from very short-term to longer terms). The various facilities within the County appear to handle their difficult tasks with professionalism and competence. There are notable budgetary and staffing limitations that make effectiveness and efficiency more difficult. Methodology: The Grand Jury conducted onsite inspections for all correctional facilities, including holding cells, in the County. The Grand Jury reviewed reports of previous inspections by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and the previous year’s Grand Jury. The Grand Jury interviewed staff at the facilities. Discussion: 1.) The Clearlake Police Department temporary holding facility: This facility is adequately run under existing staffing and funding constraints. The utilization of dedicated volunteers was specifically noticed by the Grand Jury. They are an important component to the continuing operations. There are deficient conditions in this facility’s holding cells: a.) None of the cells have a ‘grab bar’ by the bed to meet the needs of a disabled person or comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). b.) At the time of inspection there were no clean blankets available for use by a detainee. c.) If there were to be an in-cell emergency, there is inadequate monitoring of the cells for detainee safety. Most monitoring is via the dispatcher who is located in another part of the building and may not be able to respond to such an emergency. Cameras being used only show the upper portions of the cells. They do not show floor areas where someone may be in distress. This may result in insufficient response to an emergency. 2.) Courthouse Holding Facility: The holding area is not up to current standards, e.g. the concrete cells have out-of-date iron bars instead of Plexiglas, and the toilets are not ADA compliant. b. Due to the limited staff the movement of detainees between the Hill Road facility and the Courthouse can be problematic. While there are five vans for transportation, staffing is insufficient to operate them all at the same time. 3.) Hill Road County Jail The Hill Road Detention Center is the transfer and housing facility for the adults incarcerated in Lake County. Background: The previous Grand Jury report had expressed concerns regarding the control room monitoring station being inadequately staffed. There were also issues with ongoing facility overcrowding. This year’s inspection found the consolidation of the surveillance and monitoring stations into a larger space had been initiated and the hiring of another staff member was planned. There is no apparent relief from the ongoing overcrowding issues in the foreseeable future. This is due to changes in California law, which are affecting all California counties. The Grand Jury found that the volunteer who ran the adult literacy program at the facility had retired. This halted the normally on-going adult literacy program. The Grand Jury recognizes that there are several areas in which the Hill Road facility management exceeded the BSCC expectations on proactive and progressive handling of incarcerated prisoners. 4.) Konocti Conservation Camp: The camp is a collaboration between State Department of Corrections and CalFire. Their primary focus is on firefighting. They also operate a Mobile Kitchen Unit servicing a great portion of the State during emergencies. Findings: F1. The Clearlake holding facility is not ADA compliant. F2. The Clearlake holding cells are inadequately monitored. F3. The Hill Road County Jail is well maintained and professionally managed. F4. A volunteer is needed for the Adult Literacy Program at the Hill Road facility. F5. The Lake County Library system has individuals identified who provide adult literacy training. Recommendations: R1. The Clearlake Police Department should take reasonable measures to ensure disabled persons can manage adequately while in custody. (F1) R2. The Clearlake Police Department should analyze and update the prisoner monitoring systems. (F2) R3. The Hill Road County Jail management and the County Library System management should jointly define and install an appropriate Adult Literacy instructor. (F4, F5) 47 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required:
• Lake County Sheriff (R3) (60 days)
• Clearlake City Council (R1, R2) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Chief of Police, Clearlake (R1, R2) (60 days)
• Hill Road facility Captain-in-Charge (R3) (60 days)
• Lake County Director of Libraries (R3) (60 days) BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correctional Facilities 2. “Aging in Correctional Custody: Setting a Policy Agenda for Older Prisoner Health Care”, Brie A. Williams, MD, MS, Marc F. Stern, MD, MPH, Jeff Mellow, PhD, Meredith Safer, MPH, and Robert B. Greifinger, MD. American Journal of Public Health August 2012, Vol 102, No. 8
F2:
The Clearlake holding cells are inadequately monitored.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2:
The Clearlake Police Department should analyze and update the prisoner monitoring systems. (F2)
R5:
Establish yearly Countywide Community Development/Building and Inspection Department meetings to include the representatives from the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake Building and Planning Departments. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the following response is required.
• Board of Supervisors (R1,R4) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Head of Lake County Community Development Department (R2,R3,R4,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Clearlake Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Lakeport Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days) 41 42 Public Safety Lake County Quilt Trail “Carl’s Compass” 2090 Bell Hill Road, Kelseyville, California 43 44 Mandated Prison Inspections Summary: As mandated by the State of California, the Grand Jury inspects public prisons. This year, due to a new contract with Tehama County, the Grand Jury inspected the Juvenile Hall in Red Bluff. The Grand Jury decided to create two separate reports, adult and juvenile, covering the mandated inspections. The adult facilities largely met or exceeded minimum requirements. The juvenile facility raised a number of concerns which are addressed in detail in the second report (“The Wards of Lake County”.) Background: The State of California mandates (Penal Code §919 (b)) “The grand jury shall inquire into the conditions and management of the public prisons within the county” which is interpreted as all locations where anyone can be incarcerated (from very short-term to longer terms). The various facilities within the County appear to handle their difficult tasks with professionalism and competence. There are notable budgetary and staffing limitations that make effectiveness and efficiency more difficult. Methodology: The Grand Jury conducted onsite inspections for all correctional facilities, including holding cells, in the County. The Grand Jury reviewed reports of previous inspections by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and the previous year’s Grand Jury. The Grand Jury interviewed staff at the facilities. Discussion: 1.) The Clearlake Police Department temporary holding facility: This facility is adequately run under existing staffing and funding constraints. The utilization of dedicated volunteers was specifically noticed by the Grand Jury. They are an important component to the continuing operations. There are deficient conditions in this facility’s holding cells: a.) None of the cells have a ‘grab bar’ by the bed to meet the needs of a disabled person or comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). b.) At the time of inspection there were no clean blankets available for use by a detainee. c.) If there were to be an in-cell emergency, there is inadequate monitoring of the cells for detainee safety. Most monitoring is via the dispatcher who is located in another part of the building and may not be able to respond to such an emergency. Cameras being used only show the upper portions of the cells. They do not show floor areas where someone may be in distress. This may result in insufficient response to an emergency. 2.) Courthouse Holding Facility: The holding area is not up to current standards, e.g. the concrete cells have out-of-date iron bars instead of Plexiglas, and the toilets are not ADA compliant. b. Due to the limited staff the movement of detainees between the Hill Road facility and the Courthouse can be problematic. While there are five vans for transportation, staffing is insufficient to operate them all at the same time. 3.) Hill Road County Jail The Hill Road Detention Center is the transfer and housing facility for the adults incarcerated in Lake County. Background: The previous Grand Jury report had expressed concerns regarding the control room monitoring station being inadequately staffed. There were also issues with ongoing facility overcrowding. This year’s inspection found the consolidation of the surveillance and monitoring stations into a larger space had been initiated and the hiring of another staff member was planned. There is no apparent relief from the ongoing overcrowding issues in the foreseeable future. This is due to changes in California law, which are affecting all California counties. The Grand Jury found that the volunteer who ran the adult literacy program at the facility had retired. This halted the normally on-going adult literacy program. The Grand Jury recognizes that there are several areas in which the Hill Road facility management exceeded the BSCC expectations on proactive and progressive handling of incarcerated prisoners. 4.) Konocti Conservation Camp: The camp is a collaboration between State Department of Corrections and CalFire. Their primary focus is on firefighting. They also operate a Mobile Kitchen Unit servicing a great portion of the State during emergencies. Findings: F1. The Clearlake holding facility is not ADA compliant. F2. The Clearlake holding cells are inadequately monitored. F3. The Hill Road County Jail is well maintained and professionally managed. F4. A volunteer is needed for the Adult Literacy Program at the Hill Road facility. F5. The Lake County Library system has individuals identified who provide adult literacy training. Recommendations: R1. The Clearlake Police Department should take reasonable measures to ensure disabled persons can manage adequately while in custody. (F1) R2. The Clearlake Police Department should analyze and update the prisoner monitoring systems. (F2) R3. The Hill Road County Jail management and the County Library System management should jointly define and install an appropriate Adult Literacy instructor. (F4, F5) 47 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required:
• Lake County Sheriff (R3) (60 days)
• Clearlake City Council (R1, R2) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Chief of Police, Clearlake (R1, R2) (60 days)
• Hill Road facility Captain-in-Charge (R3) (60 days)
• Lake County Director of Libraries (R3) (60 days) BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correctional Facilities 2. “Aging in Correctional Custody: Setting a Policy Agenda for Older Prisoner Health Care”, Brie A. Williams, MD, MS, Marc F. Stern, MD, MPH, Jeff Mellow, PhD, Meredith Safer, MPH, and Robert B. Greifinger, MD. American Journal of Public Health August 2012, Vol 102, No. 8
F3:
The Hill Road County Jail is well maintained and professionally managed.
F4:
A volunteer is needed for the Adult Literacy Program at the Hill Road facility.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
The Hill Road County Jail management and the County Library System management should jointly define and install an appropriate Adult Literacy instructor. (F4, F5) 47 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required:
• Lake County Sheriff (R3) (60 days)
• Clearlake City Council (R1, R2) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Chief of Police, Clearlake (R1, R2) (60 days)
• Hill Road facility Captain-in-Charge (R3) (60 days)
• Lake County Director of Libraries (R3) (60 days)
R5:
Establish yearly Countywide Community Development/Building and Inspection Department meetings to include the representatives from the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake Building and Planning Departments. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the following response is required.
• Board of Supervisors (R1,R4) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Head of Lake County Community Development Department (R2,R3,R4,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Clearlake Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Lakeport Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days) 41 42 Public Safety Lake County Quilt Trail “Carl’s Compass” 2090 Bell Hill Road, Kelseyville, California 43 44 Mandated Prison Inspections Summary: As mandated by the State of California, the Grand Jury inspects public prisons. This year, due to a new contract with Tehama County, the Grand Jury inspected the Juvenile Hall in Red Bluff. The Grand Jury decided to create two separate reports, adult and juvenile, covering the mandated inspections. The adult facilities largely met or exceeded minimum requirements. The juvenile facility raised a number of concerns which are addressed in detail in the second report (“The Wards of Lake County”.) Background: The State of California mandates (Penal Code §919 (b)) “The grand jury shall inquire into the conditions and management of the public prisons within the county” which is interpreted as all locations where anyone can be incarcerated (from very short-term to longer terms). The various facilities within the County appear to handle their difficult tasks with professionalism and competence. There are notable budgetary and staffing limitations that make effectiveness and efficiency more difficult. Methodology: The Grand Jury conducted onsite inspections for all correctional facilities, including holding cells, in the County. The Grand Jury reviewed reports of previous inspections by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and the previous year’s Grand Jury. The Grand Jury interviewed staff at the facilities. Discussion: 1.) The Clearlake Police Department temporary holding facility: This facility is adequately run under existing staffing and funding constraints. The utilization of dedicated volunteers was specifically noticed by the Grand Jury. They are an important component to the continuing operations. There are deficient conditions in this facility’s holding cells: a.) None of the cells have a ‘grab bar’ by the bed to meet the needs of a disabled person or comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). b.) At the time of inspection there were no clean blankets available for use by a detainee. c.) If there were to be an in-cell emergency, there is inadequate monitoring of the cells for detainee safety. Most monitoring is via the dispatcher who is located in another part of the building and may not be able to respond to such an emergency. Cameras being used only show the upper portions of the cells. They do not show floor areas where someone may be in distress. This may result in insufficient response to an emergency. 2.) Courthouse Holding Facility: The holding area is not up to current standards, e.g. the concrete cells have out-of-date iron bars instead of Plexiglas, and the toilets are not ADA compliant. b. Due to the limited staff the movement of detainees between the Hill Road facility and the Courthouse can be problematic. While there are five vans for transportation, staffing is insufficient to operate them all at the same time. 3.) Hill Road County Jail The Hill Road Detention Center is the transfer and housing facility for the adults incarcerated in Lake County. Background: The previous Grand Jury report had expressed concerns regarding the control room monitoring station being inadequately staffed. There were also issues with ongoing facility overcrowding. This year’s inspection found the consolidation of the surveillance and monitoring stations into a larger space had been initiated and the hiring of another staff member was planned. There is no apparent relief from the ongoing overcrowding issues in the foreseeable future. This is due to changes in California law, which are affecting all California counties. The Grand Jury found that the volunteer who ran the adult literacy program at the facility had retired. This halted the normally on-going adult literacy program. The Grand Jury recognizes that there are several areas in which the Hill Road facility management exceeded the BSCC expectations on proactive and progressive handling of incarcerated prisoners. 4.) Konocti Conservation Camp: The camp is a collaboration between State Department of Corrections and CalFire. Their primary focus is on firefighting. They also operate a Mobile Kitchen Unit servicing a great portion of the State during emergencies. Findings: F1. The Clearlake holding facility is not ADA compliant. F2. The Clearlake holding cells are inadequately monitored. F3. The Hill Road County Jail is well maintained and professionally managed. F4. A volunteer is needed for the Adult Literacy Program at the Hill Road facility. F5. The Lake County Library system has individuals identified who provide adult literacy training. Recommendations: R1. The Clearlake Police Department should take reasonable measures to ensure disabled persons can manage adequately while in custody. (F1) R2. The Clearlake Police Department should analyze and update the prisoner monitoring systems. (F2) R3. The Hill Road County Jail management and the County Library System management should jointly define and install an appropriate Adult Literacy instructor. (F4, F5) 47 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required:
• Lake County Sheriff (R3) (60 days)
• Clearlake City Council (R1, R2) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Chief of Police, Clearlake (R1, R2) (60 days)
• Hill Road facility Captain-in-Charge (R3) (60 days)
• Lake County Director of Libraries (R3) (60 days) BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correctional Facilities 2. “Aging in Correctional Custody: Setting a Policy Agenda for Older Prisoner Health Care”, Brie A. Williams, MD, MS, Marc F. Stern, MD, MPH, Jeff Mellow, PhD, Meredith Safer, MPH, and Robert B. Greifinger, MD. American Journal of Public Health August 2012, Vol 102, No. 8
F5:
The Lake County Library system has individuals identified who provide adult literacy training.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
The Hill Road County Jail management and the County Library System management should jointly define and install an appropriate Adult Literacy instructor. (F4, F5) 47 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required:
• Lake County Sheriff (R3) (60 days)
• Clearlake City Council (R1, R2) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Chief of Police, Clearlake (R1, R2) (60 days)
• Hill Road facility Captain-in-Charge (R3) (60 days)
• Lake County Director of Libraries (R3) (60 days)
R5:
Establish yearly Countywide Community Development/Building and Inspection Department meetings to include the representatives from the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake Building and Planning Departments. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the following response is required.
• Board of Supervisors (R1,R4) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Head of Lake County Community Development Department (R2,R3,R4,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Clearlake Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Lakeport Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days) 41 42 Public Safety Lake County Quilt Trail “Carl’s Compass” 2090 Bell Hill Road, Kelseyville, California 43 44 Mandated Prison Inspections Summary: As mandated by the State of California, the Grand Jury inspects public prisons. This year, due to a new contract with Tehama County, the Grand Jury inspected the Juvenile Hall in Red Bluff. The Grand Jury decided to create two separate reports, adult and juvenile, covering the mandated inspections. The adult facilities largely met or exceeded minimum requirements. The juvenile facility raised a number of concerns which are addressed in detail in the second report (“The Wards of Lake County”.) Background: The State of California mandates (Penal Code §919 (b)) “The grand jury shall inquire into the conditions and management of the public prisons within the county” which is interpreted as all locations where anyone can be incarcerated (from very short-term to longer terms). The various facilities within the County appear to handle their difficult tasks with professionalism and competence. There are notable budgetary and staffing limitations that make effectiveness and efficiency more difficult. Methodology: The Grand Jury conducted onsite inspections for all correctional facilities, including holding cells, in the County. The Grand Jury reviewed reports of previous inspections by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and the previous year’s Grand Jury. The Grand Jury interviewed staff at the facilities. Discussion: 1.) The Clearlake Police Department temporary holding facility: This facility is adequately run under existing staffing and funding constraints. The utilization of dedicated volunteers was specifically noticed by the Grand Jury. They are an important component to the continuing operations. There are deficient conditions in this facility’s holding cells: a.) None of the cells have a ‘grab bar’ by the bed to meet the needs of a disabled person or comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). b.) At the time of inspection there were no clean blankets available for use by a detainee. c.) If there were to be an in-cell emergency, there is inadequate monitoring of the cells for detainee safety. Most monitoring is via the dispatcher who is located in another part of the building and may not be able to respond to such an emergency. Cameras being used only show the upper portions of the cells. They do not show floor areas where someone may be in distress. This may result in insufficient response to an emergency. 2.) Courthouse Holding Facility: The holding area is not up to current standards, e.g. the concrete cells have out-of-date iron bars instead of Plexiglas, and the toilets are not ADA compliant. b. Due to the limited staff the movement of detainees between the Hill Road facility and the Courthouse can be problematic. While there are five vans for transportation, staffing is insufficient to operate them all at the same time. 3.) Hill Road County Jail The Hill Road Detention Center is the transfer and housing facility for the adults incarcerated in Lake County. Background: The previous Grand Jury report had expressed concerns regarding the control room monitoring station being inadequately staffed. There were also issues with ongoing facility overcrowding. This year’s inspection found the consolidation of the surveillance and monitoring stations into a larger space had been initiated and the hiring of another staff member was planned. There is no apparent relief from the ongoing overcrowding issues in the foreseeable future. This is due to changes in California law, which are affecting all California counties. The Grand Jury found that the volunteer who ran the adult literacy program at the facility had retired. This halted the normally on-going adult literacy program. The Grand Jury recognizes that there are several areas in which the Hill Road facility management exceeded the BSCC expectations on proactive and progressive handling of incarcerated prisoners. 4.) Konocti Conservation Camp: The camp is a collaboration between State Department of Corrections and CalFire. Their primary focus is on firefighting. They also operate a Mobile Kitchen Unit servicing a great portion of the State during emergencies. Findings: F1. The Clearlake holding facility is not ADA compliant. F2. The Clearlake holding cells are inadequately monitored. F3. The Hill Road County Jail is well maintained and professionally managed. F4. A volunteer is needed for the Adult Literacy Program at the Hill Road facility. F5. The Lake County Library system has individuals identified who provide adult literacy training. Recommendations: R1. The Clearlake Police Department should take reasonable measures to ensure disabled persons can manage adequately while in custody. (F1) R2. The Clearlake Police Department should analyze and update the prisoner monitoring systems. (F2) R3. The Hill Road County Jail management and the County Library System management should jointly define and install an appropriate Adult Literacy instructor. (F4, F5) 47 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required:
• Lake County Sheriff (R3) (60 days)
• Clearlake City Council (R1, R2) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Chief of Police, Clearlake (R1, R2) (60 days)
• Hill Road facility Captain-in-Charge (R3) (60 days)
• Lake County Director of Libraries (R3) (60 days) BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correctional Facilities 2. “Aging in Correctional Custody: Setting a Policy Agenda for Older Prisoner Health Care”, Brie A. Williams, MD, MS, Marc F. Stern, MD, MPH, Jeff Mellow, PhD, Meredith Safer, MPH, and Robert B. Greifinger, MD. American Journal of Public Health August 2012, Vol 102, No. 8
F6:
There is a shortage of trained building inspectors, leading to long waits for periodic and final inspections. 40
F7:
The Grand Jury’s analysis is that Clearlake and Lakeport have well run and efficient Building and Planning Departments and could have been of significant assistance had the MOU been utilized.
F8:
The County Community Development Department does not communicate with the Cities of Clearlake and Lakeport regarding mutual aid. Recommendations:
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Establish yearly Countywide Community Development/Building and Inspection Department meetings to include the representatives from the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake Building and Planning Departments. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the following response is required.
• Board of Supervisors (R1,R4) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Head of Lake County Community Development Department (R2,R3,R4,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Clearlake Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days)
• Head of Lakeport Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days) 41 42 Public Safety Lake County Quilt Trail “Carl’s Compass” 2090 Bell Hill Road, Kelseyville, California 43 44 Mandated Prison Inspections Summary: As mandated by the State of California, the Grand Jury inspects public prisons. This year, due to a new contract with Tehama County, the Grand Jury inspected the Juvenile Hall in Red Bluff. The Grand Jury decided to create two separate reports, adult and juvenile, covering the mandated inspections. The adult facilities largely met or exceeded minimum requirements. The juvenile facility raised a number of concerns which are addressed in detail in the second report (“The Wards of Lake County”.) Background: The State of California mandates (Penal Code §919 (b)) “The grand jury shall inquire into the conditions and management of the public prisons within the county” which is interpreted as all locations where anyone can be incarcerated (from very short-term to longer terms). The various facilities within the County appear to handle their difficult tasks with professionalism and competence. There are notable budgetary and staffing limitations that make effectiveness and efficiency more difficult. Methodology: The Grand Jury conducted onsite inspections for all correctional facilities, including holding cells, in the County. The Grand Jury reviewed reports of previous inspections by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and the previous year’s Grand Jury. The Grand Jury interviewed staff at the facilities. Discussion: 1.) The Clearlake Police Department temporary holding facility: This facility is adequately run under existing staffing and funding constraints. The utilization of dedicated volunteers was specifically noticed by the Grand Jury. They are an important component to the continuing operations. There are deficient conditions in this facility’s holding cells: a.) None of the cells have a ‘grab bar’ by the bed to meet the needs of a disabled person or comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). b.) At the time of inspection there were no clean blankets available for use by a detainee. c.) If there were to be an in-cell emergency, there is inadequate monitoring of the cells for detainee safety. Most monitoring is via the dispatcher who is located in another part of the building and may not be able to respond to such an emergency. Cameras being used only show the upper portions of the cells. They do not show floor areas where someone may be in distress. This may result in insufficient response to an emergency. 2.) Courthouse Holding Facility: The holding area is not up to current standards, e.g. the concrete cells have out-of-date iron bars instead of Plexiglas, and the toilets are not ADA compliant. b. Due to the limited staff the movement of detainees between the Hill Road facility and the Courthouse can be problematic. While there are five vans for transportation, staffing is insufficient to operate them all at the same time. 3.) Hill Road County Jail The Hill Road Detention Center is the transfer and housing facility for the adults incarcerated in Lake County. Background: The previous Grand Jury report had expressed concerns regarding the control room monitoring station being inadequately staffed. There were also issues with ongoing facility overcrowding. This year’s inspection found the consolidation of the surveillance and monitoring stations into a larger space had been initiated and the hiring of another staff member was planned. There is no apparent relief from the ongoing overcrowding issues in the foreseeable future. This is due to changes in California law, which are affecting all California counties. The Grand Jury found that the volunteer who ran the adult literacy program at the facility had retired. This halted the normally on-going adult literacy program. The Grand Jury recognizes that there are several areas in which the Hill Road facility management exceeded the BSCC expectations on proactive and progressive handling of incarcerated prisoners. 4.) Konocti Conservation Camp: The camp is a collaboration between State Department of Corrections and CalFire. Their primary focus is on firefighting. They also operate a Mobile Kitchen Unit servicing a great portion of the State during emergencies. Findings: F1. The Clearlake holding facility is not ADA compliant. F2. The Clearlake holding cells are inadequately monitored. F3. The Hill Road County Jail is well maintained and professionally managed. F4. A volunteer is needed for the Adult Literacy Program at the Hill Road facility. F5. The Lake County Library system has individuals identified who provide adult literacy training. Recommendations: R1. The Clearlake Police Department should take reasonable measures to ensure disabled persons can manage adequately while in custody. (F1) R2. The Clearlake Police Department should analyze and update the prisoner monitoring systems. (F2) R3. The Hill Road County Jail management and the County Library System management should jointly define and install an appropriate Adult Literacy instructor. (F4, F5) 47 Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933(c), the following responses are required:
• Lake County Sheriff (R3) (60 days)
• Clearlake City Council (R1, R2) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:
• Chief of Police, Clearlake (R1, R2) (60 days)
• Hill Road facility Captain-in-Charge (R3) (60 days)
• Lake County Director of Libraries (R3) (60 days) BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correctional Facilities 2. “Aging in Correctional Custody: Setting a Policy Agenda for Older Prisoner Health Care”, Brie A. Williams, MD, MS, Marc F. Stern, MD, MPH, Jeff Mellow, PhD, Meredith Safer, MPH, and Robert B. Greifinger, MD. American Journal of Public Health August 2012, Vol 102, No. 8