Lake County Grand Jury
2023-2024
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
The animal shelter is overcrowded when there are more than 40-45 dogs being housed there.
F2:
The 10-year contract at $375,000.00 per year has no provision for an increase over time.
F3:
Timely medical care is not always provided.
F4:
There continues to be an overall lack of communication between NBAS and the community. 18
F5:
Cleaning practices need improvement.
F6:
There is no set schedule for food deliveries and expired food is being fed to the dogs. RECOMMENDATIONS
Additional Recommendations
6
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the City of Clearlake limit the population to 40-45 dogs at this time. F-1
R2:
That the Clearlake City Council review the contract with North Bay Animal Services annually. F-2
R3:
That the Clearlake City Council exercise regular oversight of NBAS to ensure that timely medical care is provided. F-3
R4:
That the Clearlake City Council ensure that that NBAS improve communication with the public. F-4
R5:
That the Clearlake City Council ensure that NBAS comply with the terms of the contract regarding the University of California at Davis, Veterinary School’s recommendations for cleanliness. F-5
R6:
That the Clearlake City Council support regular food deliveries through a local food distributor. F-6 RESPONSES According to the Penal Code, Section 933.05 the following responses are required: Clearlake City Council (R-1), (R-2), (R-3), (R-4), (R5), (R-6) 60 days City of Clearlake Police Chief (R-1) 90 days 19 Polk’s Grocery and Odd Fellows Hall Oxen Pulling Logs Upper Buck Ridge Sawmill
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The internal audit was incomplete, because the County was provided incomplete documentation of how the money was spent. 126
F2:
Oversight obligations set forth in the contract between Lake County and Elijah House, and required by statute, were not met by the LCBH or CoC, and resulted in approximately $200,000.00 in undocumented expenses.
F3:
The County now has entered a formal MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING with Continuum of Care relating to the operation of a homeless shelter for the people of Lake County. RECOMMENDATIONS
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the County of Lake Board of Supervisors review annually the financial records of the current holder of the contract as they relate to provision of homeless shelter services in Lake County. (F-1) (F-2)
R2:
That the County of Lake Board of Supervisors pursue reimbursement from Elijah House for undocumented expenses more than $200,000. (F-2) RESPONSE As per the California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Section 8 Housing in Lake County is limited.
F2:
Only approximately 2% of applied-for EHV’s are awarded.
F3:
Homelessness has increased despite the funds that are spent for abatement.
F4:
Once a person or family becomes homeless, returning to a normal sheltered life seems insurmountable.
F5:
The housing voucher system is ineffective; essentially “broken” due, in part, to the loss of the housing supply as a result of wildfires since 2015.
F6:
The cost of homelessness abatement has risen along with everything else.
F7:
Government rules for homeless relief are too complex. RECOMMENDATIONS
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors investigate if a quick-response county-run Housing Agency would be more effective in finding, negotiating, and procuring available housing space in a shorter time to serve more clients with less delay. (F-1), F-2), (F-5), (F-7)
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors improve oversight of county-wide homeless services, including comprehensive use and analysis of HMIS data. (F-3), (F-5)
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors develop a comprehensive plan to increase low-income housing supply in Lake County. (F-3), (F-4), (F-5), (F-7). REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to Penal Code, Sections 933, ad 933.5, the Grand Jury requests responses as follows: Board of Supervisors
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Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
The Board of Supervisors acknowledged the problems with LID and appointed a Public Defender. RECOMMENDATIONS No recommendations at this time. RESPONSES No responses required. BIBLIOGRAPHY https://www.defend.biz/lid/ 114 https://www.governmetjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/jobs/3857696/deputy-district 114ttorney- i-ii-senior?pagetype=jobOpportuities.Jobs&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs https://www.defend.biz./lid/team/ https://www.davisvanguard.org/2023/02/study-charges-california-lake-county-failing-indigent- clients-suggests-4-65-million-fix-state-accepting-more-responsibility-to-aid-counties-in- providing-help-for-those-who-cant-a/ https://6ac.org/6AC/6AC_ca_LakeCountyReport-2023.pdf https://www.lakecountyca.gov/directory.aspx?EID=229 DISCLAIMER This report was issued by the 2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury. However, one juror was recused due to a potential conflict of interest relating to its subject matter and did not participate in its preparation. Two Old Cars with People (Model-T era) Inside of Harness Shop Truck Hauling Sacks – 1918 era
Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
The Konocti Conservation Camp #27 was very pleased to announce one of the inmates had successfully completed his program while at the Camp and is now a CalFire employee. RECOMMENDATIONS There are no recommendations at this time 83 Seven Stagecoaches and One Freight Wagon
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Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
The correctional facility has a shortage of female custodial officers. RECOMMENDATIONS
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the Sheriff’s Department expand its efforts to obtain female correctional officers. (F-1) RESPONSES As per the California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Sheriff
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Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The OES is currently updating their EOP (Emergency Operating Plan).
F2:
The OES is part of the Sheriff’s Office. Part of its operations are budgeted and tracked in Budget Unit 2704, Emergency Services. Other parts are budgeted elsewhere in the Sheriff’s Office budget.
F3:
The use of Emergency Services funding is confusing and lacks clarity about the true cost of OES.
F4:
The Office of Emergency Services, together with the Sheriff’s Department, has made substantial improvements in the ability of county emergency responders to respond to disasters of all types which may occur in Lake County.
F5:
The emergency notification systems are not user friendly to the public. RECOMMENDATIONS:
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the Sheriff’s Department/OES complete the updating of the EOP. (F-1)
R2:
That the Sheriff’s Department needs to segregate OES Budget Unit 2704, from the remainder of the Sheriff’s Department budget, to include all costs related to OES operations. (F-2)
R3:
That the Sheriff’s Department take immediate steps to improve public access to the emergency notification system. (F-5) RESPONSES As per the California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Sheriff
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
PG&E did not follow the guidelines set forth in the CATTCH handbook to which PG&E is a signatory. DPW stated explicitly in writing, that PG&E was to follow CATTCH
F2:
PG&E did not notify emergency services when it closed off access to the Golf Road area in Cobb.
F3:
PG&E did not notify the Golf Road area residents that the access to individual roads would be closed, with no alternative routes set out. 51
F4:
There was insufficient oversight by Lake County DPW, due to simultaneous projects by PG&E running county wide.
F5:
The distance between several PG&E crews working simultaneously stretches DPW inspection resources.
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. F4, F5
R2:
That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. F4, F5
R3:
That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. F1
R4:
That DPW ensure that PG&E make all required emergency service and residential notifications in a timely manner. F2, F3 RESPONSE As per the California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Department of Public Works (DPW) R1, R2, R3, R4 90 days
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
Funds, revenues and expenditures by year was not found on the Water Resources Department web page. https://www.lakecountyca.gov/407/Water-Resources (accessed April 5, 2024) for expenditures of the Lake County Quagga and Zebra (herein “Q/Z mussels”) Invasive Mussel Program. No accounting sheets were found on the DWR web site.
F2:
Observations of billboards along state highways leading into Lake County. Signs are generally in good repair; the reflective material is fading and needs rejuvenation.
F3:
At municipal boat launch facilities in Lakeport, the inspectors and Quagga sniffer dogs were present most boating days even during winter months.
F4:
Private boat launches, such as small developments in mobile home parks, clusters of homeowner groups, lack signage about invasive species. The public billboards posted on all state highways leading into Clear Lake are a key part of educating boaters about being a responsible operator. RECOMMENDATIONS
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the Department of Water Resources conduct monthly inspections of highway signs for condition, and February nighttime inspection to observe reflectivity, allowing time to repair or maintain signage before boating season starts. (F-2)
R2:
That the Department of Water Resources post yearly expenses and expenditures on its website for the Invasive Mussel Program. See Exhibit A-C. (F-1)
R3:
That the Department of Water Resources improve its web page to show revenue and expenditures by year. (F-1) 60 RESPONSES According to California Penal Code, Section 933.05 (a), (b), (c) the following responses are required: Lake County Department of Public Works (DPW) R-1, R-2, R-3 90 days BIBLIOGRAPHY (DWR) https://www.lakecountyca.gov/407/Water-Resources Report as accessed April 5, 2024. EXHIBITS Lake County Invasive Mussel Prevention Program, Revenue & Expense Statements: Exhibit A – Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021 Exhibit B -Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022 Exhibit C – Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023 Exhibit D – Photos of Mussel Invasion. Choking off pipes. Outboard motor fouling. Shoreline infestation. Exibit A 62 Exhibit B 63 Exibit C 64 Exhibit D Lake Mead Nevada 65 Quagga Mussle Fouling of a Outboard Motor 66 Lake Mead Quagga Mussel attachment to shorline rocks 67 Harvesting Shed with Steam Engine
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
The role of waste management companies needs to be reevaluated and regulated.
F2:
The California State Legislature should consider passing legislation that entails multi- stream, free market-driven system.
F3:
CalRecycle should be responsible to audit, oversee, and enforce mandates of the State.
F4:
Lake County has no one to oversee the recycle grants from the State of California. RECOMMENDATIONS
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the Lake County Board of Supervisors should appoint someone to oversee recycling grants. (F-4) RESPONSES As per California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Due to the tax burden and the large number of illegal farms, many of the legal cannabis companies are going out of business or leaving the state.
F2:
Laboratory testing is unreliable and needs to be monitored more closely. 99
F3:
There are no legal cannabis testing laboratories in Lake County.
F4:
Lake County law enforcement has insufficient resources to investigate illegal farms.
F5:
Illegal growers undercut the legal growers causing market deflation.
F6:
Lake County’s ground water needs to be protected. RECOMMENDATION
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors increase oversight to inspect cannabis companies more closely and to shut down illegal grows in the County.
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors consider a portion of cannabis revenues to be used to enforce compliance with cannabis laws.
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors take steps to protect groundwater overuse by cannabis growers (legal and illegal). REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to Penal Code, Sections 933 and 933.5, the Grand Jury request responses as follows: Board of Supervisors