Gran Jurado del Condado de Lake
2024-2025
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
7 hallazgos
F1:
The animal shelter is overcrowded when there are more than 40-45 dogs being housed there.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: "PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC UNDERGROUNDING IN LAKE COUNTY" While the Board of Supervisors was not required to respond, our Board is responsible for oversight of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Administrative Office staff and our Board have reviewed and concur with the Responses of Public Works Director, Glen March. Our Board expects and encourages effective collaboration between PG&E and the Department to provide for efficient and compliant Page | 376 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report construction, and appropriate emergency services and residential notifications. R-2: That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: SEE R1 R-3: That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. (F1) RESPONSE: SEE R1
F2:
The 10-year contract at $375,000.00 per year has no provision for an increase over time.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
That DPW ensure that PG&E make all required emergency service and residential notifications in a timely manner. (F2, F3) RESPONSE: SEE R1 Page | 377 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report QUAGGA MUSSEL FUNDING
F3:
Timely medical care is not always provided.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
That DPW ensure that PG&E make all required emergency service and residential notifications in a timely manner. (F2, F3) RESPONSE: SEE R1 Page | 377 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report QUAGGA MUSSEL FUNDING
F4:
There continues to be an overall lack of communication between NBAS and the Community.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: "PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC UNDERGROUNDING IN LAKE COUNTY" While the Board of Supervisors was not required to respond, our Board is responsible for oversight of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Administrative Office staff and our Board have reviewed and concur with the Responses of Public Works Director, Glen March. Our Board expects and encourages effective collaboration between PG&E and the Department to provide for efficient and compliant Page | 376 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report construction, and appropriate emergency services and residential notifications. R-2: That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: SEE R1 R-3: That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. (F1) RESPONSE: SEE R1
F5:
Cleaning practices need improvement.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: "PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC UNDERGROUNDING IN LAKE COUNTY" While the Board of Supervisors was not required to respond, our Board is responsible for oversight of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Administrative Office staff and our Board have reviewed and concur with the Responses of Public Works Director, Glen March. Our Board expects and encourages effective collaboration between PG&E and the Department to provide for efficient and compliant Page | 376 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report construction, and appropriate emergency services and residential notifications. R-2: That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: SEE R1 R-3: That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. (F1) RESPONSE: SEE R1
F6:
There is no set schedule for food deliveries and expired food is being fed to the dogs. RECOMMENDATIONS
F7:
Government rules for homeless relief are too complex RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones adicionales
4
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R2:
That the Clearlake City Council review the contract with North Bay Animal Services annually. (F-2) RESPONSE:
R3:
That the Clearlake City Council exercise regular oversight of NBAS to ensure that timely medical care is provided. (F-3) RESPONSE:
R5:
That the Clearlake City Council ensure that NBAS comply with the terms of the contractregarding the University of California at Davis, Veterinary School’s recommendations for cleanliness. (F-5) RESPONSE:
R6:
That the Clearlake City Council support regular food deliveries through a local food distributor. (F-6) Page | 372 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report HOMELESSNESS IN LAKE COUNTY FINDINGS
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
18 hallazgos
F1:
Communications between LCAQMD and the fire districts back in 2024 resulted in a decision by both parties that the fire districts would no longer be issuing Residential Burn Permits independently of LCAQMD.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: "PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC UNDERGROUNDING IN LAKE COUNTY" While the Board of Supervisors was not required to respond, our Board is responsible for oversight of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Administrative Office staff and our Board have reviewed and concur with the Responses of Public Works Director, Glen March. Our Board expects and encourages effective collaboration between PG&E and the Department to provide for efficient and compliant Page | 376 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report construction, and appropriate emergency services and residential notifications. R-2: That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: SEE R1 R-3: That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. (F1) RESPONSE: SEE R1
F2:
In 2024-2025, LCAQMD entered into an agreement with the six fire districts that all RBPs were to be issued online, in-person, and on the telephone only through LCAQMD.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
That DPW ensure that PG&E make all required emergency service and residential notifications in a timely manner. (F2, F3) RESPONSE: SEE R1 Page | 377 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report QUAGGA MUSSEL FUNDING
F3:
There is a difference between the RBPs issued through the LCAQMD website and those issued through the Cal Fire website, which go directly to the fire districts and require purchasers to watch an instructional video on controlled burns before RBP approval. Many of these RBPs are for “exception” burns, and, when the location is within an SRA or FRA region, watching the instructional controlled burn video is required.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
That DPW ensure that PG&E make all required emergency service and residential notifications in a timely manner. (F2, F3) RESPONSE: SEE R1 Page | 377 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report QUAGGA MUSSEL FUNDING
F4:
The fire districts as of 2024-2025 are no longer issuing RBPs to the public but have turned that task over to the LCAQMD. The fire districts will continue to assist LCAQMD with all RBP “exceptions” site inspections through the year as a point of fire mitigation.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: "PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC UNDERGROUNDING IN LAKE COUNTY" While the Board of Supervisors was not required to respond, our Board is responsible for oversight of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Administrative Office staff and our Board have reviewed and concur with the Responses of Public Works Director, Glen March. Our Board expects and encourages effective collaboration between PG&E and the Department to provide for efficient and compliant Page | 376 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report construction, and appropriate emergency services and residential notifications. R-2: That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: SEE R1 R-3: That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. (F1) RESPONSE: SEE R1
F5:
When Lake County residents obtain a Residential Burn Permit online but actually need an Agricultural Burn Permit instead, they may execute a controlled burn that becomes a break-out burn and will require fire-district emergency intervention and put the County at risk.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: "PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC UNDERGROUNDING IN LAKE COUNTY" While the Board of Supervisors was not required to respond, our Board is responsible for oversight of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Administrative Office staff and our Board have reviewed and concur with the Responses of Public Works Director, Glen March. Our Board expects and encourages effective collaboration between PG&E and the Department to provide for efficient and compliant Page | 376 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report construction, and appropriate emergency services and residential notifications. R-2: That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. (F4, F5) RESPONSE: SEE R1 R-3: That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. (F1) RESPONSE: SEE R1
F6:
The signage on the LCAQMD building/facility in Lakeport is difficult to see from the access road due to positioning, sign size, and size of lettering, causing difficulty in locating it for the residents traveling there.
F7:
It was not possible to talk to someone in-person or by telephone when contacting LCAQMD to obtain a Residential Burn Permit, between October 11– November 22, 2024, due to no staff when our juror visited or called LCAQMD.
F8:
There have been staffing problems at LCAQMD since mid-2024.
F9:
The APCO of LCAQMD had 2.8 employees and needed 6 employees. Recently, LCAQMD hired two new engineers just out of college. Page | 59 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
F10:
The fire districts reported dealing with the LCAQMD computer system as frustrating, inefficient, and prone to repeated malfunctioning, break-downs, lapses in operation, problems with pop-ups, and overall failing to work consistently. These problems, while reported to LCAQMD, remain unsolved.
F11:
Fire districts support residents with smaller than 1-acre parcels utilizing controlled burn “exceptions” for their necessary burns.
F12:
The APCO of LCAQMD is not in favor overall of “exception” burns because of problems they cause with air-quality parameters, despite the fact that Lake County residents need to be able to utilize “exception” burns.
F13:
Fire districts prefer that residents who need to utilize “exception” burns obtain RBPs on the Cal Fire website so the request can be reviewed initially by a fire specialist, instead of purchasing the RBP for an “exception” burn on the LCAQMD website.
F14:
Public referrals to alternative debris-disposal methods that appear on the Residential Burn Permit application under ‘Alternative Vegetation Disposal Methods’ contain information that is incorrect.
F15:
The combined efforts of, and open lines of communication between, the fire district staff and offices and LCAQMD staff and offices are required to assure the safety of all controlled burns by County residents.
F16:
The APCO of LCAQMD needs to attend the monthly meetings of the six fire protection districts to facilitate open lines of communication.
F17:
With RBPs now under the jurisdiction of LCAQMD, whose office is located in Lakeport, the public may need additional “satellite sites” around the Lake where they may connect with LCAQMD via internet, telephone, or in-person representatives for help with RBPs, permits of any kind and other important help and information. These could take the form of kiosks, libraries, or local businesses/agencies who can assist the public with LCAQMD products and services. Page | 60 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
F18:
The Residential Burn Permit Application Form is in need of many changes, which are discussed in detail in this report, including suggested changes to the permit “WARNINGS.” RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones adicionales
15
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors propose a Memorandum of Understanding between LCAQMD and the six separate fire districts to cooperate in the joint issuance of Residential Burn Permits. [F-1, F-2, F-4, F-5, F-15]
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors diagnose and correct whatever issues there are with the LCAQMD computer system that are causing complaints about the system’s not working properly when interfaced by the fire districts and used by the public. [F-10]
R5:
That the Board of Supervisors supply more visible address signs outside the office of LCAQMD to make it easier for the public to locate. [F-6]
R6:
That the Board of Supervisors correct the information on the Residential Burn Permit under ‘Alternative Vegetation Disposal Methods’ that are currently incorrect. [F-14]
R7:
That the Board of Supervisors propose a Memorandum of Understanding between LCAQMD and the six separate fire districts regarding the role of the APCO in the fire districts’ monthly meetings, in order to facilitate open lines of communication between LCAQMD and the fire districts. [F-16]
R8:
That the Board of Supervisors set up “satellite sites” for LCAQMD to assist County residents as needed. [F-17]
R9:
That the Board of Supervisors recommend ALL Residential Burn Permit applicants be required to view the Cal Fire controlled burn video as part of Page | 61 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report obtaining a County burn permit, or “exception” burn permit, regardless of the BFFP special fire responsibility area they are in (LRA, SRA, or FRA). [F-3]
R10:
That the Board of Supervisors propose a Memorandum of Understanding between LCAQMD and the six separate fire districts to cooperate in joint issuance of controlled “EXCEPTION” burns as necessary. [F-11, F-12, F-13, F- 15]
R11:
That the Board of Supervisors make changes that are needed to the Residential Burn Permit Application Form as per the suggestions proposed in this report, including spaces on the form for purchasers to enter the number of actual piles to be burned, size of the piles, detailed list of contents of piles being burned, and schematic plot to mark placement of piles and burn plan for the parcel, as well as making the permit “WARNINGS” much stronger and more visible on the form. (See details on report pages 17-19) [F-18] REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sec. 933(c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors: (R-1, R-2, R-6, R-10) 90 days Lake County Board of Directors for LCAQMD: (R-3, R-4, R-5, R-7, R-8, R-9, R-11) 90 days INVITED RESPONSES Lake County Air Quality Management District (LCAQMD) LCAQMD is invited to respond to Recommendations: [R-1 through R-11] within 60 days of the date of this report. All Fire District Boards are invited to respond to Recommendations: [R-1, R-2, R-7, R-9, R-10, R-11] within 60 days of the date of this report Lakeport Fire Protection District Board Lake County Fire Protection District Board Page | 62 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Northshore Fire Protection District Board Kelseyville Fire Protection District Board South Lake Fire Protection District Board Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District Board . BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Lake County Fire Safe Council: firesafelake.org. 2. California Air Resources Board: ww2.arb.ca.gov. 3. lcaqmd.net/home/burn-permit/ 4. lcaqmd.net/mt-content/uploads/2024/06/burn-permit-fee-schedule.pdf 5. lakeconews.com/news/81380-lake-county-returns-to-the-top-25-cleanest- counties-in-the-nation-for-air-quality 6. pressdemocrat.com/article/news/lake-countys-air-rated-cleanest-in-the- nation 7. lung.org/getmedia/ Additional sources of information: CARB: Current Air District Rules: ww2.arb.ca.gov/capp/cst/tch/current-air-district-rules CARB: Air District Rules: ww2.arb.ca.gov/air-district-rules List of California Wildfires: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_Wildfires
R12:
Do you currently hold a civic elective position (school board, commission, etc.)?_____ If yes, please list the identity of the agency, position held and term of expiration date _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
R13:
Why would you like to serve on the Grand Jury? ____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
R14:
What departments of County or City government or County/City services, if any, do you believe warrant closer scrutiny, and why?:_____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
R15:
Are you or your spouse now, or have you ever been employed by a governmental body or agency, and if so in what capacity?:__________________________________ Pursuant to Penal Code Section 903.2, I understand an investigation that will include a criminal record check will be conducted to help determine my eligibility to serve as a Grand Juror. I further understand that if my name is drawn as a Grand Juror or as an alternate, I may be required to attend grand jury training; if I am seated as a Grand Juror, I will be available to attend grand jury meetings and devote the required time to complete grand jury work for one year, from July through June. I further understand that if my name is drawn as an alternate, I will remain available for one year to serve as a member of the grand jury if called upon. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated: _______________________ Signature: __________________________________ (Please insert date signed) (Please sign your name here) Page | 22 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report For statistical records, please mark appropriate boxes. Age Range; specifically: 18- 25 26-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 and over Gender: Male Female Race or Ethnicity: White (Anglo) Other Race or Ethnicity (Please state ___________) Decline to Answer Place of Residence by Supervisorial District: District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Page | 23 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 24 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Valley Fire Conflagration: 10-Year Anniversary on September 12, 2025 SUMMARY The Valley Fire was a wildfire that occurred during the 2015 California wildfire season and started on September 12 in Lake County, California.[1] This report is intended to remind readers of the extent of destruction and to recognize the 10 years that have passed since then, while focusing on the volunteers’ care for the pets and livestock that were displaced and adversely affected by this fire. Progression The Valley Fire started on High Valley Road off Bottle Rock Road at 1:35 PM on Saturday September 12th, 2015. At 2:09 p.m., mandatory evacuation of Cobb and Loch Lomond was ordered, and at 2:45 p.m., mandatory evacuation of Middletown was ordered. By 3:00 p.m.. the fire had already burned through the Pine Summit neighborhood of Cobb, destroyed Hoberg’s Resort, and was racing through Boggs State Forest heading toward Middletown, Anderson Springs and Harbin Hot Springs. At 4:00 p.m., the CAL FIRE Unit Chief ordered a type-one incident Page | 25 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report management team. By 6:07, p.m., the fire had reached Hidden Valley Lake and was estimated at 10,000 acres. By 10:30 p.m., the fire had grown to 25,000 acres. In three and a half hours, the Valley Fire had become the third most devastating fire in California history, although that “record” was subsequently broken. By Sunday, the 13th of September, the fire had reached 50,000 acres and had destroyed much of Cobb, Middletown, Whispering Pines, and parts of the south end of Hidden Valley Lake.[4] The fire ultimately spread to 76,067 acres, killed four people, destroyed nearly 2,000 buildings[1][5][6][7] before it was fully contained on October 15, 2015,[1] and caused at least $921 million (equivalent to $1.22 billion in 2024[8]) in insured-property damage.[9] Although at that time, the fire was the third- most destructive fire in California history, based on the total structures burned,[10][11] the Camp Fire in 2018 and the North Complex fire in 2020 exceeded that total. Middletown sign burning on September 13 The fire quickly spread into Middletown and Hidden Valley, threatening northern Sonoma .0County around The Geysers and northern Napa County, approaching Pope Valley and Angwin.[12] Page | 26 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report In the first few hours of the fire, four CAL FIRE firefighters from the Boggs Mountain helitack crew suffered second-degree burns while engaging in the initial attack on the fire. They were airlifted to the UC Davis Medical Center for treatment, where they were listed in stable condition.[13][14] On September 12, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Cobb, Middletown, Loch Lomond, Harbin Hot Springs, Hidden Valley Lake, the Clearlake Riviera, Riviera West, and Soda Bay communities and unincorporated parts of Kelseyville, Pope Valley and Angwin.[3] Evacuation centers were established in the town of Kelseyville to the northwest and Calistoga to the southeast.[1] This area had been home to at least 10,000 residents.[14] By midnight of the first day, scores of homes and businesses had been destroyed in Middletown, along with at least 50 homes in Cobb as well as the entire Hoberg’s Resort, a historic retreat built in the 1880s. The resort community of Harbin Hot Springs was also destroyed. On September 13, officials from Cal Fire confirmed that more than 1000 homes had been destroyed.[15] On October 15, 2015, the Valley Fire was fully contained, at 76,076 acres (307.87 km2).[1] The total cost of fighting the Valley Fire was estimated by the National Interagency Fire Center at $56.2 million.[16] : 9 Effects The remains of one woman killed in the fire on Anderson Springs were found on September 13. On September 17, remains of two bodies were found in Anderson Springs and Hidden Valley Lake.[7] On September 23, Lake County deputies found human remains that belonged to a missing Cobb resident, who was confirmed to be the fourth fatality resulting from the fire.[5] Page | 27 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report “My Daughter’s Spirit” by Ladonn Moragn Garcia The fire ravaged 2,003 structures, including 1,322 homes, 27 apartment buildings, and 73 businesses, plus 581 outbuildings that were damaged.[1] In addition, more than 9,000 vehicles, 900 power poles, and hundreds of miles of fencing were destroyed, plus, sadly, an untold number animals—both domestic and wild – died. The California Department of Insurance estimated the insured losses from the Valley Fire at approximately $700 million.[17] Insurance company Aon Benfield Inc. estimated that damages were at least $1.5 billion, including $925 million in insured losses and $575 million in damage to infrastructure and other federal/state government property.[18][19] Page | 28 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Aftermath Public support for firefighters in Lucerne, Lake County In addition to the shelters in Lake and Napa Counties, the Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency, in coordination with the American Red Cross, opened a shelter on September 13th at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah to offer medical and mental health assistance, and meals to evacuees. That shelter closed on September 18th.[20] Multiple people were arrested for looting or attempting to loot from evacuated or abandoned homes as a result of the fire. On September 14, a man posing as a California Highway Patrol officer was arrested in Whispering Pines on suspicion of removing an artifact of archaeological interest.[21] On September 17, three people were arrested by Lake County Sheriff's Deputies for attempting to loot from homes in Hidden Valley Lake. They were allegedly in possession of burglary tools and an unregistered firearm.[22] On September 18, the California National Guard was called to Lake County to assist the County's law enforcement agencies with the task of protecting evacuated communities from looters and trespassers. About 50 National Guard military police teams arrived on September 19.[23] Page | 29 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report In November 2015, a concert with country musicians Diamond Rio and Joe Diffie and with Ukiah country singer-songwriter McKenna Faith was held at the SOMO Village Event Center in Rohnert Park to raise money for Valley Fire victims.[24] A Cal Fire investigation pointed to faulty wiring of a hot tub installation as the cause of the fire.[2] The blaze started when a wire at a poorly-connected hot tub overheated, melted, and ignited dry brush nearby at a residence on High Valley Road in Cobb. Response to the Need for Animal Care Providing relief for the animals in the burned area involved organizing and coordinating a surprisingly large number of individuals and organizations. Many of these efforts had to be synthesized on the fly because there was no pre-existing model or plan to follow. The following information was provided by Dr. Jeff Smith, then the director of the Middletown Animal Hospital (MAH), which became the designated center for Fire Animal Relief based on being activated by the Cal-OES State Operations Center per a request from the Lake County Emergency Operation Center. The California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (CVMRC) in conjunction with Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services, North Valley Animal Disaster Group, Yolo County Sheriff’s Posse, and the UC-Davis Veterinary Emergency Relief Team were the groups activated to the Hospital location. Because the local animal control agency was both unwilling and unavailable to participate in the Middletown relief effort, a coalition of out-of-county organizations provided the resources and logistical support for the affected animals over the next 7+ weeks (Petaluma Animal Services, CHANGE, HALTER, JARR, WCAL, SHS, Lost Hearts and Souls, CART, Sunrise Horse Rescue, and, literally, hundreds of other individuals and groups). In addition, scores of DVMs and Veterinary Technicians rotated through MAH to provide care to all of the animals—some of them for multiple days and nights. All animals treated were carefully documented and posted to social media (FB, Twitter, and a dedicated website constructed specifically as a central rehoming resource: ValleyFireAnimals.com) so that reunification would be as easy as possible. Of great assistance, a volunteer group associated with Lake County Animal Control – Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection (LEAP) – was authorized to provide food and water to the hundreds of livestock and pets that had to be left at home when the owners evacuated. Page | 30 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report All of these teams provided veterinary care and shelter to any lost, injured, or displaced animals presented to veterinarians by owners, residents, relief workers, disaster responders, or anyone else with a need. Over the first 2 weeks more than 500 animals were treated, while an additional 300 animals were treated the 2nd two weeks. 5-10 fire victims (pets of residents who lost their home or business) continued to be treated on a daily basis at the Hospital for many weeks. All fire victims’ pets and livestock were treated pro-bono, which was gratefully received by a community that was shell-shocked and reeling from the disaster. In addition to medical care, no-cost boarding was provided for all stray, lost, or surrendered pets and livestock. The Middletown Animal Donation Operation received and distributed over $80,000 worth of feed, food, crates, fencing, and animal supplies over a 7 week period that concluded on October 31, 2015. The many folks who supplied, manned, and managed such a huge operation deserve special thanks for the immense amount of work that they provided. During the response nearly every domestic species was treated: Cats, dogs, horses, sheep, goats, chickens, cows, pigs, camels, and even some rescued koi. Some of the surgeries that were performed: Digit amputation, Tendon repair, Bladder stone removal, Dental surgery, Wound/Burn debridement/repair, Upper respiratory repair, Limb amputation, and Prolapsed Rectal repair. Some of the conditions treated: Burns, Smoke Inhalation, Parasites, Lack of Vaccinations, Vomiting/diarrhea, Rehabilitation, Hip dislocation, Heart failure, Dermatitis, Heartworm Disease, Rectal bone impaction, Intervertebral disc disease, Hemoabdomen (3 cases!— tumor, dog attack, hit-by-car), Otitis, Foreign animal disease, and Lameness. Page | 31 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report In addition, thousands of dollars in donations to fund the medical and husbandry needs of fire victims came through on-line donations, allied industry donations, individual donations, and rescue group donations. All of these funds provided the basis for a sustained and robust animal care relief effort. We certainly shall have more disasters and, very likely, we will have more severe disasters. The idea that disaster will strike “somewhere else” or that “someone else” will respond to the crisis is precisely the reason why most folks are not prepared for these events. Even the best prepared groups and individuals must deal with unexpected and difficult contingencies during a disaster, but, to the degree that everyone has prepared, those challenges are far more manageable. Especially when it comes to animals, there are relatively few government- focused resources or organized responses. Therefore, private practitioners, organized veterinary groups, animal rescue organizations, allied industry, and trained animal disaster rescuers must shoulder the responsibility of responding to the animals’ needs while still working within the government’s disaster response structure. Page | 32 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report References
R01-04:
5) Hydroinfiltrator rainwater harvesting system on soil moisture. October 2023 Geoderma 6) Turlock Irrigation District’s (TID) Project Nexus https://www.tid.org/current-projects/project-nexus/ 7) U.S. Weather Bureau Technical Paper No. Rainwater Harvesting Copyright © 2025 https://harmonyfarm.com/rainwater-harvesting/ 8) Hadhazy, Adam San Joaquin Valley sinking November 19th, 2024 https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/11/groundwater-pumping-drives-rapid-sinking-in- california#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20shows%20land,year%20between%202006%20and%2 02022. Page | 314
R55-64:
65-74 75 and over Gender: Male Female Race or Ethnicity: White (Anglo) Other Race or Ethnicity (Please state ___________) Decline to Answer Place of Residence by Supervisorial District: District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Page | 23
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
2 hallazgos
F1:
The Lakeport Police Department, the Clearlake Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Department have all had potential misdemeanor cases rejected by the District Attorney’s Office in 2023/2024/2025 due to expiration of the statutes of limitation following extended periods without a prosecutor’s review.
F2:
Cases unfiled due to expiration of the statute of limitations and lack of review by the DA’s Office may negatively impact the morale of the law enforcement officers who spend hours preparing the documents for submission intended for prosecution. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones adicionales
2
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R1:
That the District Attorney utilize a case data management system that tracks the date of the incident and the date of running of the statute of limitations for each potential case filed. (F-1, F-2)
R2:
That the District Attorney commit sufficient staff to review filed misdemeanor cases to prevent a backlog so that the statute of limitations does not run without review. (F-1, F-2) RESPONSES Under Penal Code sections 933 (a-c), the following responses are required: Lake County District Attorney R-1, R-2 90 Days Page | 183 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report REFERENCE Rodgers, J: Alameda County DA Pamela Price vows changes as hundreds of misdemeanor cases languish past statute of limitations. Bay Area News Group, October 16, 2024. Page | 184 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 185 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 186 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 187 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 188 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 189 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 190 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 191 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 192 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 193 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 194 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 195 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 196
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
10 hallazgos
F1:
PG&E is set to decommission the Scott Dam in the near future, with serious impacts on many aspects of Lake Pillsbury’s environment, ecology, and resident safety.
F2:
Lake Pillsbury volunteer firefighters are being paid a stipend of only $10/day and have an annual budget of only $14K.
F3:
The LPFPD needs additional monies to fund expenses for the fire stations, vehicles, equipment, gasoline, and personnel.
F4:
The Lake Pillsbury basin requires a “call box” for resident emergencies near the Soda Creek store.
F5:
Fresh water for the residents will be severely impacted by the decommissioning of the Scott Dam and the loss of Lake Pillsbury.
F6:
All the roads in the Lake Pillsbury area are in dire need of repair.
F7:
The Lake Pillsbury area residents need reliable cellular communication.
F8:
The residents further request that the County install its designated Repeater on Snow Mountain to facilitate emergency 9-1-1 calls.
F9:
Lake Pillsbury needs a parcel tax increase to include both developed and undeveloped parcels.
F10:
Raising the level of Scott Dam could solve a myriad of issues such as decreasing the algae bloom, saving the hitch, improving water quality, and perpetuating the recreational use of Clear Lake. Page | 255 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones adicionales
8
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R1:
That the Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District Board identify additional funding streams for Lake Pillsbury fire stations, personnel, and fire district needs. [F-2,
R2:
That the Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District Board provide a “call box” at the Soda Creek store for the Lake Pillsbury Basin residents’ emergency calls. [F-4]
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors develop a plan to prepare for alternative water resources and supplies for Lake Pillsbury upon the decommissioning of the Scott Dam. [F-1, F-5]
R4:
That the Board of Supervisors provide funding of road paving or repavement of essential roads into and out of the Lake Pillsbury area. [F-6]
R5:
That the Sheriff’s Office arrange to transport from Lakeport to Goat Mountain the vault and Repeater that was purchased for Lake Pillsbury’s residents’ use. [F-7, F-8]
R6:
That the Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District Board increase parcel taxes on developed and undeveloped parcels in Lake Pillsbury Basin. [F-9]
R7:
That the Board of Supervisors conduct an official study to explore the benefits and costs of increasing the height of Scott Dam by ten feet. [F-10]
R8:
That the Board of Supervisors obtain grants to pay for water storage for Lake Pillsbury and Tule Lake. [F-10] Page | 256 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sec. 933(c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors R-3, R-4, R-7, R-8 90 days Lake County Sheriff’s Office R-5 90 days Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District Board R-1, R-2, R-6 90 days Bibliography 1. lakecountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8975/Fire-Protection-Resources 2. Cooperative Law Enforcement Operating Financial Plan between the Lake, County of and the USDA Forest Service Mendocino National Forest: 2025 Operating and Financial Plan. USDA Forest Service: FS-1500-8a (VER. 05/24) OMB No. 0596-0217; FS Agreement #21- LE-11051360-011 (See copy under Appendix) 3. Lake Pillsbury Alliance website: savelakepillsbury.org 4. Carboni, N: A breakfast full of community conversation. Record Bee,, May 30, 2025. 5. Frederiksen, J: Life after the Potter Valley project: ‘The water will not be cheap.’ Ukiah Daily Journal, May 31, 2025. 6. Hustt, M: The trucker hat that sparked a fight for Lake Pillsbury. Mendo-Fever, December 12, 2024. 7. LaFever, M: PG&E customers face $532M bill for dam removal some don’t want. SF Gate May 29, 2025. 8. Roller, W: Scotts Dam removal debated at Chamber sponsored forum. Record-Bee, May 30, 2025. Page | 257 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
7 hallazgos
F1:
The Golden Mussel has not yet been added to Ordinance 2936, resulting in possible loss of funding.
F2:
Boat inspection fines need to be increased to generate additional revenue for boat inspections.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors increase fines from $1000 to $5000. (F2)
R4:
That the Sheriff of Lake County add another floating officer on Clear Lake from May thru September (F2, F3) Page | 290 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
F3:
Boats entering Clear Lake from private access points may not be subject to inspection.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
That the Sheriff of Lake County add another floating officer on Clear Lake from May thru September (F2, F3) Page | 290 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
F4:
In fourteen years since the alert for Quagga and Zebra mussels, no credible report of mussel infestation in Clear Lake has been reported.
F5:
Non-motor watercrafts are not inspected.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors include all watercrafts that can be transported by a vehicle’s roof be included in the Lake County inspection program. (f5)
F6:
The Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District has a vested financial interest in keeping the Golden Mussel from invading Clear Lake.
F7:
Seventeen Lake County water districts have a vested financial interest in keeping the Golden Mussel from invading Clear Lake. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones adicionales
3
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors include the Golden Mussel in Ordinance 2936. (F-1)
R5:
That the Lake County Board of Supervisors create a Memorandum of Understanding with the Yolo County Board of Supervisors for financial support to prevent possible mussel infestation in Clear Lake.
R6:
That the Lake County Board of Supervisors create a Memorandum of Understanding with the seventeen Lake County water districts to focus on the prevention of a mussel infestation in Clear Lake. (F-7) RESPONSES As per California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors (R-1, R-2, R-5, R-6) 90 days Sheriff of Lake County (R-4) 60 days SOURCES 1) County of Lake Golden Mussels Pose Potential Threat Nov. 20, 2024 https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_id=994401592716308&id=10006 4394301466&_rdr 2) County of Lake ARTICLE IX. - WATER VESSEL INSPECTION PROGRAM Mar. 25 , 2025 https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nod eId=COOR_CH15RE_ARTIXWAVEINPR 3) De Palma-Dow, Angela Lake County Invasive Golden Mussel Update 6 https://www.lakecountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13027/GM-Update-Presentation-to- BOS_FINAL-Dec-10_2024?bidId= 6 4) Hunt, Daniel Threat of invasive golden mussels prompts new rules, fees for boats at Lake Tahoe. March 29, 2025 Sacramento Bee https://www.sacbee.com/sports/outdoors/article302922619.html 5) Cleary, L: Boaters urged to stay “above board” as Folsom Lake battles invasive mussel threat. 6) California Department of Fish & Wildlife: California’s invaders: Golden Mussel. California’s Invaders: Golden Mussel Page | 291 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 292 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 293 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 294 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 295 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 296 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 297 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 298 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 299 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 300 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 301 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 302 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 303 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 304
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
2 hallazgos
F1:
The positive mutual working relationship and cooperation between Lake County and Mendocino County Juvenile Divisions was evident and was a substantial benefit to the youths.
F2:
The condition of the facility and the number of programs for the youths was impressive. BIBLIOGRAPHY (1) https://www.bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Separation-in-Juv-Facilities- FAQ-and-Chart-Final-11.10.20-rsvd-9.6.22.pdf (2) How Much Has California’s Juvenile Justice System Changed since the Shutdown of State Facilities. Betty Marquez Rosales. EdSource. 5/2/24. Edsource.org/2024/how-much-has-californias-juvenile-justice-system- changed-since-shutdown-of-state-facilities/711050. (3) Mural At Mendocino County Juvenile Hall Nears Completion. Curtis Driscoll. ([email protected]) Ukiah Daily Journal. Updated: August 23, 2018; originally published May 22, 2018. APPENDIX Photos courtesy of Lake County Grand Jury, 2025. Page | 322
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
11 hallazgos
F1:
Cattle trailer turnovers are extremely resource-intensive and require the cooperation and effective coordination of all responding agencies and volunteers.
F2:
First responders require expertise and training in trapped, injured, or loose animal handling and rescue.
F3:
The command team needs to have immediate and reliable communication via Star-Link satellite to be able to acquire volunteer assistance and containment materials to keep persons and animals safe.
F4:
Prepositioning of response trailers stocked with appropriate tools and fencing along major livestock transportation thoroughfares would help expedite an effective response.
F5:
No animals should be released from the truck until the scene is secure in order to prevent secondary injury to responders, livestock, or the public.
F6:
If euthanasia is necessary, complicated circumstances come into play that should be understood prior to the rollover, with clear lines of authority delineated.
F7:
The unique challenges and potential dangers posed by injured and distressed livestock are included in the draft Emergency Response Guide being finalized by a team of fire-district first-responders within Lake County.
F8:
This Lake County Emergency Response Team further arranged to receive training in equine rescue at UC-Davis.
F9:
To date, neither an OES Large Animal Response Annex nor internal policies and procedures addressing livestock animal emergencies has been completed by Animal Care and Control.
F10:
Animal Care and Control currently lacks a veterinarian who could provide necessary assistance to the first responders and the livestock during trailer rollovers. Page | 101 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
F11:
Animal Care and Control has not reactivated its LEAP animal disaster service that could have responded to the first two rollovers. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones adicionales
8
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R1:
That all fire and law-enforcement first responders within Lake County undergo classroom training, tabletop exercises, demonstrations, and hands-on practice to enable them to make critical assessments and decisions to keep themselves and the public safe during emergency stock-trailer incidents. (F- 1, F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6)
R2:
That fire and law-enforcement first responders be enabled to access reliable Starlink satellite communication capability throughout the County. (F-3)
R3:
That all fire, Sheriff’s Department, and Office of Emergency Services (OES) responding personnel within Lake County undergo training to recognize the unique behavior issues that develop in severely stressed and injured livestock to help ensure the responders’ safety and the animals’ survival and welfare. (F-6)
R4:
That the Emergency Response Guide in-preparation by the fire services be finalized and distributed widely within County government, law enforcement, and relevant animal welfare groups. (F-6)
R5:
That Lake County Animal Care and Control draft a Large Animal Response Annex for the County Emergency Operations Plan to be presented to the Board of Supervisors. (F-9)
R6:
That Lake County Animal Care and Control develop operational procedures that address its responses to large-animal injury incidents to be presented to the Board of Supervisors. (F-9)
R7:
That the Board of Supervisors raise the starting salary of a veterinarian for Animal Care and Control and/or institute a signing/relocation bonus to attract suitable candidates. (F-10)
R8:
That Lake County Care and Control reactivate its LEAP program so that it can be activated by first responders during emergencies. (F-11) Page | 102 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05 (a)(b)c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
8 hallazgos
F1:
Interviews of Board-appointed County of Lake Department heads may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom. The Animal Control Director was hired on October 22, 2024, with no in-person interview
F2:
Lake County does not have temporary housing to offer relocating new-hires.
F3:
A relocation fund of $3,500 is not enough for relocating new-hires to afford temporary rental housing.
F4:
Whether the realtors and rental agencies included in the Employee Moving Resource Guide are screened members of the Lake County Association of Realtors or the Chamber of Commerce was not determined.
F5:
The Animal Control Director did not live in Lake County, often worked remotely, and was not readily available to respond to emergencies.
F6:
On May 20, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved extending the effective resignation date of the Animal Care and Control Director to June 30, 2025.
F7:
Human Resources does not routinely conduct interviews with departing employees.
F8:
The Employee Moving Resource Guide does not provide demographic data to help new hires from out-of-state better understand the composition of Lake County residents. Page | 199 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Recommendations
Recomendaciones adicionales
7
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R1:
That the County’s hiring process for director-level positions include a final interview in-person that also includes department staff introductions. (F-1)
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors consider providing newly-hired department heads with a property it owns for temporary use or contract with area rentals for interim housing. (F-2)
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors increase the relocation assistance to at least $7,000. (F-3)
R4:
That the Board of Supervisors require the Human Resources to assemble a list of “approved” local realtors for new hires from out of the area who are seeking housing. (F-4)
R5:
That the Board of Supervisors conduct an exit interview with any departing department director. (F-1)
R6:
That the Board of Supervisors direct Human Resources to conduct an exit interview with all terminating employees. (F-7)
R7:
That the Board of Supervisors direct Human Resources to include demographic data for new hires from out-of-state In its Employee Moving Resource Guide. (F-7) Responses As per the California Penal Code section 933.05 (a-c), the following Responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 90 days The following Responses are requested: Department of Human Resources F-4, F-6, F-7 60 days Page | 200 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Exhibit A Page | 201 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 202 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 203 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 204 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 205 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 206 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 207 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 208 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 209 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 210 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 211 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 212 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 213 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 214 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 215 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 216 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 217 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 218 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 219 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 220 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 221 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 222 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 223 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 224 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 225 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 226 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 227 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 228
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
7 hallazgos
F1:
Lithium-Ion batteries power a wide range of consumer products, from electric vehicles to e-bikes/e-scooters/electric wheelchairs to e-cigarettes to portable electronic devices to cellphones to solar energy/battery storage facilities.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (4)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors authorize OES to prepare educational materials on lithium-ion batteries and fires for distribution to all County employees. (F1- F5)
R2:
That the County’s six fire protection districts draft emergency response plans regarding causation and mitigation of these battery fires, including online and/or in-person training, for both paid and volunteer firefighters. (F1-F5)
R3:
That the Lakeport and Clearlake police departments and the Sheriff’s office coordinate with OES to distribute education and mitigation materials to their employees. (F1-F5)
R4:
That the fire and law-enforcement agencies within the County collect and disseminate data on the ignition source of lithium-ion battery fires to support accurate statistics and thus risk reduction. (F1-F5)
F2:
The number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries is growing.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (4)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors authorize OES to prepare educational materials on lithium-ion batteries and fires for distribution to all County employees. (F1- F5)
R2:
That the County’s six fire protection districts draft emergency response plans regarding causation and mitigation of these battery fires, including online and/or in-person training, for both paid and volunteer firefighters. (F1-F5)
R3:
That the Lakeport and Clearlake police departments and the Sheriff’s office coordinate with OES to distribute education and mitigation materials to their employees. (F1-F5)
R4:
That the fire and law-enforcement agencies within the County collect and disseminate data on the ignition source of lithium-ion battery fires to support accurate statistics and thus risk reduction. (F1-F5)
F3:
Lithium-ion fires have unique attributes and are difficult to extinguish
Recomendaciones relacionadas (4)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors authorize OES to prepare educational materials on lithium-ion batteries and fires for distribution to all County employees. (F1- F5)
R2:
That the County’s six fire protection districts draft emergency response plans regarding causation and mitigation of these battery fires, including online and/or in-person training, for both paid and volunteer firefighters. (F1-F5)
R3:
That the Lakeport and Clearlake police departments and the Sheriff’s office coordinate with OES to distribute education and mitigation materials to their employees. (F1-F5)
R4:
That the fire and law-enforcement agencies within the County collect and disseminate data on the ignition source of lithium-ion battery fires to support accurate statistics and thus risk reduction. (F1-F5)
F4:
These fires have four major impacts: injuries/deaths, emergency agencies’ response, service disruption, and monetary losses.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (4)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors authorize OES to prepare educational materials on lithium-ion batteries and fires for distribution to all County employees. (F1- F5)
R2:
That the County’s six fire protection districts draft emergency response plans regarding causation and mitigation of these battery fires, including online and/or in-person training, for both paid and volunteer firefighters. (F1-F5)
R3:
That the Lakeport and Clearlake police departments and the Sheriff’s office coordinate with OES to distribute education and mitigation materials to their employees. (F1-F5)
R4:
That the fire and law-enforcement agencies within the County collect and disseminate data on the ignition source of lithium-ion battery fires to support accurate statistics and thus risk reduction. (F1-F5)
F5:
The public generally is not well informed about safe storage, charging, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries in consumer products.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (4)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors authorize OES to prepare educational materials on lithium-ion batteries and fires for distribution to all County employees. (F1- F5)
R2:
That the County’s six fire protection districts draft emergency response plans regarding causation and mitigation of these battery fires, including online and/or in-person training, for both paid and volunteer firefighters. (F1-F5)
R3:
That the Lakeport and Clearlake police departments and the Sheriff’s office coordinate with OES to distribute education and mitigation materials to their employees. (F1-F5)
R4:
That the fire and law-enforcement agencies within the County collect and disseminate data on the ignition source of lithium-ion battery fires to support accurate statistics and thus risk reduction. (F1-F5)
F6:
Drafting and disseminating emergency response plans to fire departments and law-enforcement agencies would enhance the professionals’ understanding of and reactions to these critical incidents.
F7:
Fire blankets and certain foams can be helpful in providing adjuncts to fire agencies’ response to these fires in addition to relying on water alone. Page | 356 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R5:
That the fire protection districts coordinate purchase of fire blankets and certain foam products to augment their mitigation options. (F-6) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.5, the following responses are required: Board of Supervisors R-1 90 days Clearlake Fire Protection District R-2, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 90 days Clearlake Police Department R-3, R-4 90 days Kelseyville Fire Protection District R-2, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 90 days Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District R-2, R-4, R-5, R-6,R-7 90 days Lakeport Fire Protection District R-2, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 90 days Lakeport Police Department R-3, R-4 90 days Northshore Fire Protection District R-2, R-4, R-5, R-6,R-7 90 days Sheriff’s Department R-3, R-4 90 days Page | 357 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report South Lake County Fire Protection District R-2, R-4, R-5, R-6,R-7 90 days
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
8 hallazgos
F1:
In several reviewed cases, inmates experienced delays in receiving necessary medications even though those medications were ultimately dispensed.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors direct the Health Services Director to establish a formal protocol for emergency access to critical medications through local pharmacies when Omnicare delivery is unavailable. (F1, F2, F8)
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors direct the Health Services Director to amend the Wellpath contract to include telehealth for medication approvals when in- person staff are unavailable. (F1, F2)
F2:
Staffing shortages contribute to delays in inmates receiving medications.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors direct the Health Services Director to establish a formal protocol for emergency access to critical medications through local pharmacies when Omnicare delivery is unavailable. (F1, F2, F8)
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors direct the Health Services Director to amend the Wellpath contract to include telehealth for medication approvals when in- person staff are unavailable. (F1, F2)
F3:
There are no psychiatric technicians on staff. Wellpath representatives reported difficulty hiring for these positions. Page | 274 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors direct the Health Services Director to negotiate the next Wellpath contract to add the psychiatric technician classification, or offer psychiatric technician training to existing LVN staff. (F3)
F4:
The contract requires an RN to be on site 12 hours daily.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R4:
That the Board of Supervisors compel the Health Services Director to report yearly the dollar value of unstaffed RN hours and associated reimbursements as required by contract. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R5:
That the Board of Supervisors establish penalties in future Wellpath contracts when the auditing of RN hours has not been completed on time. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R6:
The Board of Supervisors invoke a penalty for the current delay in processing audit of the RN hours. (F4, F5, F6, F7) Page | 275 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report RESPONSES Under California Penal Code section 933.03 (a-c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 90 days The following response is requested: Director, Department of Health Services R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 60 days Exhibits A and B and C Page | 276 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report A. Letter from Regional Director of Wellpath, April 23, 2025 Lake County Grand Jury P.O. Box 1076 Lakeport, CA 95453 [sic] Subject: Response to Grand Jury Inquiry Regarding Reimbursement of RN Shift Differential Dear Members of the Lake County Grand Jury, I am writing on behalf of Wellpath, LLC in response to your inquiry regarding the reimbursement of funds owed to the County of Lake in relation to the staffing of the night shift Registered Nurse (RN) position at the Lake County Jail Medical Clinic. As background, Wellpath entered into a five-year agreement with the County of Lake effective January 1, 2023, to operate the jail’s medical clinic. In preparation for the January 1, 2024 contract renewal, Wellpath submitted a written proposal to amend the staffing language for the night shift RN position. Due to persistent recruitment challenges in filling RN roles, the proposal allowed Wellpath to staff this shift with a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) if an RN was unavailable. As part of this agreement, Wellpath committed to reimburse the County the wage differential for each shift worked by an LVN in place of an RN. Additionally, the renewal proposal included a provision for an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase to the total contract cost, to be effective January 1, 2024. On December 14, 2023, Wellpath received the County’s signed acceptance of the proposal from the County Administrative Officer. While the County viewed this letter as sufficient to proceed, Wellpath’s internal compliance and legal teams determined that a formal contract amendment was required for both the staffing adjustment and CPI increase to take effect. Accordingly, a draft amendment was submitted to the County. On April 10, 2024, the County Administrative Officer advised Wellpath that she would need to redraft the amendment into a format suitable for County Counsel review and eventual presentation to the Board of Supervisors. Wellpath has not received a finalized version since that date, and as a result, implementation of both the CPI increase and the LVN shift reimbursement calculations was delayed pending formal approval. Page | 277 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Despite this, in October 2024, Wellpath made the decision to proceed with invoicing for the CPI adjustment retroactive to January 1, 2024, and began reconciling the LVN shift data for the same period. That reconciliation is now underway, and Wellpath is committed to refunding or crediting the County for all applicable amounts where LVNs filled RN designated shifts, in alignment with our original proposal and the County’s accepted terms. We regret the delay in processing these refunds and acknowledge the importance of transparency and timely fiscal responsibility. The delay was rooted in a genuine effort to ensure proper legal and contractual compliance, and not in any intent to avoid reimbursement obligations. Wellpath is committed to maintaining a strong, accountable partnership with Lake County and will ensure that all reconciliations and refunds are completed promptly. A detailed accounting and credit summary will be provided to the County upon finalization. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out if further information is required. Respectfully, Regional Director of Operations Wellpath, LLC Page | 278 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report B. Senator Elizabeth Warren's Oversight Letter https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/wellpath_bankruptcy_letter.pdf C. Text of article from Open Mind, May 14, 2025 Correctional Health Care Organization Wellpath Emerges From Chapter 11 Reorganization Wellpath, which provides correctional health care services, emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and completed its financial restructuring. The bankruptcy filing was announced on November 11, 2024. The company sought to reduce about $550 million in debt. As part of the reorganization, Wellpath transitioned ownership to a group of its current and former lenders, referred to as the Ad Hoc Lender Group. On January 30, 2025, former Wellpath business line Recovery Solutions, which provides behavioral health services on behalf of public entities, completed a sale transaction that created an independent organization focused on behavioral health. A group of Wellpath’s creditors now owns Recovery Solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Wellpath continued delivering services under its contracts. The company has a network of clinical professionals in 37 states who provide medical and mental health care services to over 200,000 people daily in more than 350 locations. The facilities include prisons, jails, state hospitals, forensic treatment facilities, civil commitment centers, and community-based services centers. Wellpath was advised in this matter by McDermott Will & Emery as legal counsel, Lazard and MTS Health Partners as investment bankers, and FTI Consulting as restructuring advisor. The Ad Hoc Lender Group was advised by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as legal counsel, Ankura Consulting Group, LLC, as financial advisor, and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as investment banker. This was reported by Wellpath on May 12, 2025. More information about Wellpath’s Chapter 11 cases, including the terms of the transactions consummated in connection with the Company’s emergence, is posted at https://dm.epiq11.com/case/wellpath/info (accessed May 14, 2025). Page | 279 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Bibliography 1. Welllpath website https://wellpathcare.com/about/ 2. HIG CAPITAL’S AND WELLPATH’S CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE INVESTMENT RISKS https://tinyurl.com/4psmpuh3 3. Lake County Sheriff's Office Custody Manual (pp. 368-469) - https:// tinyurl.com/55cyjhec 4. Contract including Exhibit B https://tinyurl.com/y5h9c69c 5. 1st Amendment to the CFMG contract https://tinyurl.com/3t8uf3hv 6. Compensation Agreement https://tinyurl.com/3rey9a94 7. Lake County Grand Jury Reports - 2012-2013 and 2021-2022 https:// www.lakecountyca.gov/ArchiveCenter 8. Sonoma county Grand Jury Final Report 2007-2008 (death of inmate) https:// sonoma.courts.ca.gov/system/files?file=2.pdf 9. COUNTY OF LAKE Community Corrections Partnership Plan 2020-2021 https://tinyurl.com/y2xyeh5c 10. Wellpath spins off behavioral health unit in bankruptcy sale https://tinyurl.com/465yphem 11. Prison health company Wellpath reaches $15.5 mln creditor settlement https://tinyurl.com/yvmd6ftv 12. A health care provider that faced dozens of prisoner lawsuits is filing for bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/yymv7jp5 13. With Wellpath’s contract set to expire, County opens bids for jail health care providers. (Monterey) https://tinyurl.com/3nbam2dw 14. Alameda County supervisor says he doesn't want Wellpath to continue serving Santa Rita Jail https://tinyurl.com/bd5t6xhk 15. How Texas’s bankruptcy courts are used to shield a prison healthcare provider https://tinyurl.com/ar6e33ru 16. National Commission on Correctional Healthcare nhhch.org 17. Fresno County Jail Receives Prestigious Honor for Health Care Standards https://tinyurl.com/fbfk24rm 18. Santa Barbara County Jail Awarded Accreditation from National Commission on Correctional Health Care https://tinyurl.com/yecs4khu 19. San Luis Obispo County Jail, Supported by Wellpath, Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care Accreditation https://tinyurl.com/38wvwnyp 20. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. https://tinyurl.com/yehm8r3u 21. Diamond Pharmacy https://www.diamondpharmacy.com/ 22. Omnivore Pharmacy https://www.omnicare.com/ 23. PE-Backed Prison Health Firm Wellpath Declares Bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/4rx55ajf 24. COCHS Legal Reports on Inmate Healthcare Lawsuits and Deficiencies - https://cochs.org/articles- wellpath-2024/ Page | 280 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report 25. Warren Urges Wellpath to Commit to Fair Payouts and Fair Notice for Incarcerated Patients During Bankruptcy Process https://tinyurl.com/43ch52rf 26. Three Things to Know About Implementing Telehealth in Correctional Facilities https://tinyurl.com/yk5383nj 27. Persistent Noncompliance Found with Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care (staffing and credits) https://tinyurl.com/3j48cd6b 28. County Jail Ends Contract With Medical Provider Wellpath https://tinyurl.com/ 3z8k5bt5 29. Contract holes: Santa Barbara County aims to adjust its contract with jail health care provider, Wellpath, to improve service levels https://tinyurl.com/ mrfj98h4 30. Psychiatric Technician https://tinyurl.com/mr95jyyn 31. Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care Provider Declares Bankruptcy in Name Only https://tinyurl.com/28hpmuzv 32. Wellpath Emerges from Chapter 11 to Lead a New Era in Correctional Healthcare https://tinyurl.com/23d42u9h 33. 33. Psych Tech Jobs https://tinyurl.com/5d2hxtu8 Page | 281 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 282
F5:
Complete documentation confirming full RN staffing in 2023 and 2024 was not provided at the time of this report.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R4:
That the Board of Supervisors compel the Health Services Director to report yearly the dollar value of unstaffed RN hours and associated reimbursements as required by contract. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R5:
That the Board of Supervisors establish penalties in future Wellpath contracts when the auditing of RN hours has not been completed on time. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R6:
The Board of Supervisors invoke a penalty for the current delay in processing audit of the RN hours. (F4, F5, F6, F7) Page | 275 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report RESPONSES Under California Penal Code section 933.03 (a-c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 90 days The following response is requested: Director, Department of Health Services R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 60 days Exhibits A and B and C Page | 276 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report A. Letter from Regional Director of Wellpath, April 23, 2025 Lake County Grand Jury P.O. Box 1076 Lakeport, CA 95453 [sic] Subject: Response to Grand Jury Inquiry Regarding Reimbursement of RN Shift Differential Dear Members of the Lake County Grand Jury, I am writing on behalf of Wellpath, LLC in response to your inquiry regarding the reimbursement of funds owed to the County of Lake in relation to the staffing of the night shift Registered Nurse (RN) position at the Lake County Jail Medical Clinic. As background, Wellpath entered into a five-year agreement with the County of Lake effective January 1, 2023, to operate the jail’s medical clinic. In preparation for the January 1, 2024 contract renewal, Wellpath submitted a written proposal to amend the staffing language for the night shift RN position. Due to persistent recruitment challenges in filling RN roles, the proposal allowed Wellpath to staff this shift with a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) if an RN was unavailable. As part of this agreement, Wellpath committed to reimburse the County the wage differential for each shift worked by an LVN in place of an RN. Additionally, the renewal proposal included a provision for an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase to the total contract cost, to be effective January 1, 2024. On December 14, 2023, Wellpath received the County’s signed acceptance of the proposal from the County Administrative Officer. While the County viewed this letter as sufficient to proceed, Wellpath’s internal compliance and legal teams determined that a formal contract amendment was required for both the staffing adjustment and CPI increase to take effect. Accordingly, a draft amendment was submitted to the County. On April 10, 2024, the County Administrative Officer advised Wellpath that she would need to redraft the amendment into a format suitable for County Counsel review and eventual presentation to the Board of Supervisors. Wellpath has not received a finalized version since that date, and as a result, implementation of both the CPI increase and the LVN shift reimbursement calculations was delayed pending formal approval. Page | 277 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Despite this, in October 2024, Wellpath made the decision to proceed with invoicing for the CPI adjustment retroactive to January 1, 2024, and began reconciling the LVN shift data for the same period. That reconciliation is now underway, and Wellpath is committed to refunding or crediting the County for all applicable amounts where LVNs filled RN designated shifts, in alignment with our original proposal and the County’s accepted terms. We regret the delay in processing these refunds and acknowledge the importance of transparency and timely fiscal responsibility. The delay was rooted in a genuine effort to ensure proper legal and contractual compliance, and not in any intent to avoid reimbursement obligations. Wellpath is committed to maintaining a strong, accountable partnership with Lake County and will ensure that all reconciliations and refunds are completed promptly. A detailed accounting and credit summary will be provided to the County upon finalization. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out if further information is required. Respectfully, Regional Director of Operations Wellpath, LLC Page | 278 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report B. Senator Elizabeth Warren's Oversight Letter https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/wellpath_bankruptcy_letter.pdf C. Text of article from Open Mind, May 14, 2025 Correctional Health Care Organization Wellpath Emerges From Chapter 11 Reorganization Wellpath, which provides correctional health care services, emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and completed its financial restructuring. The bankruptcy filing was announced on November 11, 2024. The company sought to reduce about $550 million in debt. As part of the reorganization, Wellpath transitioned ownership to a group of its current and former lenders, referred to as the Ad Hoc Lender Group. On January 30, 2025, former Wellpath business line Recovery Solutions, which provides behavioral health services on behalf of public entities, completed a sale transaction that created an independent organization focused on behavioral health. A group of Wellpath’s creditors now owns Recovery Solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Wellpath continued delivering services under its contracts. The company has a network of clinical professionals in 37 states who provide medical and mental health care services to over 200,000 people daily in more than 350 locations. The facilities include prisons, jails, state hospitals, forensic treatment facilities, civil commitment centers, and community-based services centers. Wellpath was advised in this matter by McDermott Will & Emery as legal counsel, Lazard and MTS Health Partners as investment bankers, and FTI Consulting as restructuring advisor. The Ad Hoc Lender Group was advised by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as legal counsel, Ankura Consulting Group, LLC, as financial advisor, and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as investment banker. This was reported by Wellpath on May 12, 2025. More information about Wellpath’s Chapter 11 cases, including the terms of the transactions consummated in connection with the Company’s emergence, is posted at https://dm.epiq11.com/case/wellpath/info (accessed May 14, 2025). Page | 279 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Bibliography 1. Welllpath website https://wellpathcare.com/about/ 2. HIG CAPITAL’S AND WELLPATH’S CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE INVESTMENT RISKS https://tinyurl.com/4psmpuh3 3. Lake County Sheriff's Office Custody Manual (pp. 368-469) - https:// tinyurl.com/55cyjhec 4. Contract including Exhibit B https://tinyurl.com/y5h9c69c 5. 1st Amendment to the CFMG contract https://tinyurl.com/3t8uf3hv 6. Compensation Agreement https://tinyurl.com/3rey9a94 7. Lake County Grand Jury Reports - 2012-2013 and 2021-2022 https:// www.lakecountyca.gov/ArchiveCenter 8. Sonoma county Grand Jury Final Report 2007-2008 (death of inmate) https:// sonoma.courts.ca.gov/system/files?file=2.pdf 9. COUNTY OF LAKE Community Corrections Partnership Plan 2020-2021 https://tinyurl.com/y2xyeh5c 10. Wellpath spins off behavioral health unit in bankruptcy sale https://tinyurl.com/465yphem 11. Prison health company Wellpath reaches $15.5 mln creditor settlement https://tinyurl.com/yvmd6ftv 12. A health care provider that faced dozens of prisoner lawsuits is filing for bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/yymv7jp5 13. With Wellpath’s contract set to expire, County opens bids for jail health care providers. (Monterey) https://tinyurl.com/3nbam2dw 14. Alameda County supervisor says he doesn't want Wellpath to continue serving Santa Rita Jail https://tinyurl.com/bd5t6xhk 15. How Texas’s bankruptcy courts are used to shield a prison healthcare provider https://tinyurl.com/ar6e33ru 16. National Commission on Correctional Healthcare nhhch.org 17. Fresno County Jail Receives Prestigious Honor for Health Care Standards https://tinyurl.com/fbfk24rm 18. Santa Barbara County Jail Awarded Accreditation from National Commission on Correctional Health Care https://tinyurl.com/yecs4khu 19. San Luis Obispo County Jail, Supported by Wellpath, Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care Accreditation https://tinyurl.com/38wvwnyp 20. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. https://tinyurl.com/yehm8r3u 21. Diamond Pharmacy https://www.diamondpharmacy.com/ 22. Omnivore Pharmacy https://www.omnicare.com/ 23. PE-Backed Prison Health Firm Wellpath Declares Bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/4rx55ajf 24. COCHS Legal Reports on Inmate Healthcare Lawsuits and Deficiencies - https://cochs.org/articles- wellpath-2024/ Page | 280 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report 25. Warren Urges Wellpath to Commit to Fair Payouts and Fair Notice for Incarcerated Patients During Bankruptcy Process https://tinyurl.com/43ch52rf 26. Three Things to Know About Implementing Telehealth in Correctional Facilities https://tinyurl.com/yk5383nj 27. Persistent Noncompliance Found with Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care (staffing and credits) https://tinyurl.com/3j48cd6b 28. County Jail Ends Contract With Medical Provider Wellpath https://tinyurl.com/ 3z8k5bt5 29. Contract holes: Santa Barbara County aims to adjust its contract with jail health care provider, Wellpath, to improve service levels https://tinyurl.com/ mrfj98h4 30. Psychiatric Technician https://tinyurl.com/mr95jyyn 31. Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care Provider Declares Bankruptcy in Name Only https://tinyurl.com/28hpmuzv 32. Wellpath Emerges from Chapter 11 to Lead a New Era in Correctional Healthcare https://tinyurl.com/23d42u9h 33. 33. Psych Tech Jobs https://tinyurl.com/5d2hxtu8 Page | 281 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 282
F6:
The Grand Jury was unable to verify the amount of reimbursements for RN staffing shortages, as required by contract.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R4:
That the Board of Supervisors compel the Health Services Director to report yearly the dollar value of unstaffed RN hours and associated reimbursements as required by contract. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R5:
That the Board of Supervisors establish penalties in future Wellpath contracts when the auditing of RN hours has not been completed on time. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R6:
The Board of Supervisors invoke a penalty for the current delay in processing audit of the RN hours. (F4, F5, F6, F7) Page | 275 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report RESPONSES Under California Penal Code section 933.03 (a-c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 90 days The following response is requested: Director, Department of Health Services R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 60 days Exhibits A and B and C Page | 276 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report A. Letter from Regional Director of Wellpath, April 23, 2025 Lake County Grand Jury P.O. Box 1076 Lakeport, CA 95453 [sic] Subject: Response to Grand Jury Inquiry Regarding Reimbursement of RN Shift Differential Dear Members of the Lake County Grand Jury, I am writing on behalf of Wellpath, LLC in response to your inquiry regarding the reimbursement of funds owed to the County of Lake in relation to the staffing of the night shift Registered Nurse (RN) position at the Lake County Jail Medical Clinic. As background, Wellpath entered into a five-year agreement with the County of Lake effective January 1, 2023, to operate the jail’s medical clinic. In preparation for the January 1, 2024 contract renewal, Wellpath submitted a written proposal to amend the staffing language for the night shift RN position. Due to persistent recruitment challenges in filling RN roles, the proposal allowed Wellpath to staff this shift with a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) if an RN was unavailable. As part of this agreement, Wellpath committed to reimburse the County the wage differential for each shift worked by an LVN in place of an RN. Additionally, the renewal proposal included a provision for an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase to the total contract cost, to be effective January 1, 2024. On December 14, 2023, Wellpath received the County’s signed acceptance of the proposal from the County Administrative Officer. While the County viewed this letter as sufficient to proceed, Wellpath’s internal compliance and legal teams determined that a formal contract amendment was required for both the staffing adjustment and CPI increase to take effect. Accordingly, a draft amendment was submitted to the County. On April 10, 2024, the County Administrative Officer advised Wellpath that she would need to redraft the amendment into a format suitable for County Counsel review and eventual presentation to the Board of Supervisors. Wellpath has not received a finalized version since that date, and as a result, implementation of both the CPI increase and the LVN shift reimbursement calculations was delayed pending formal approval. Page | 277 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Despite this, in October 2024, Wellpath made the decision to proceed with invoicing for the CPI adjustment retroactive to January 1, 2024, and began reconciling the LVN shift data for the same period. That reconciliation is now underway, and Wellpath is committed to refunding or crediting the County for all applicable amounts where LVNs filled RN designated shifts, in alignment with our original proposal and the County’s accepted terms. We regret the delay in processing these refunds and acknowledge the importance of transparency and timely fiscal responsibility. The delay was rooted in a genuine effort to ensure proper legal and contractual compliance, and not in any intent to avoid reimbursement obligations. Wellpath is committed to maintaining a strong, accountable partnership with Lake County and will ensure that all reconciliations and refunds are completed promptly. A detailed accounting and credit summary will be provided to the County upon finalization. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out if further information is required. Respectfully, Regional Director of Operations Wellpath, LLC Page | 278 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report B. Senator Elizabeth Warren's Oversight Letter https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/wellpath_bankruptcy_letter.pdf C. Text of article from Open Mind, May 14, 2025 Correctional Health Care Organization Wellpath Emerges From Chapter 11 Reorganization Wellpath, which provides correctional health care services, emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and completed its financial restructuring. The bankruptcy filing was announced on November 11, 2024. The company sought to reduce about $550 million in debt. As part of the reorganization, Wellpath transitioned ownership to a group of its current and former lenders, referred to as the Ad Hoc Lender Group. On January 30, 2025, former Wellpath business line Recovery Solutions, which provides behavioral health services on behalf of public entities, completed a sale transaction that created an independent organization focused on behavioral health. A group of Wellpath’s creditors now owns Recovery Solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Wellpath continued delivering services under its contracts. The company has a network of clinical professionals in 37 states who provide medical and mental health care services to over 200,000 people daily in more than 350 locations. The facilities include prisons, jails, state hospitals, forensic treatment facilities, civil commitment centers, and community-based services centers. Wellpath was advised in this matter by McDermott Will & Emery as legal counsel, Lazard and MTS Health Partners as investment bankers, and FTI Consulting as restructuring advisor. The Ad Hoc Lender Group was advised by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as legal counsel, Ankura Consulting Group, LLC, as financial advisor, and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as investment banker. This was reported by Wellpath on May 12, 2025. More information about Wellpath’s Chapter 11 cases, including the terms of the transactions consummated in connection with the Company’s emergence, is posted at https://dm.epiq11.com/case/wellpath/info (accessed May 14, 2025). Page | 279 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Bibliography 1. Welllpath website https://wellpathcare.com/about/ 2. HIG CAPITAL’S AND WELLPATH’S CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE INVESTMENT RISKS https://tinyurl.com/4psmpuh3 3. Lake County Sheriff's Office Custody Manual (pp. 368-469) - https:// tinyurl.com/55cyjhec 4. Contract including Exhibit B https://tinyurl.com/y5h9c69c 5. 1st Amendment to the CFMG contract https://tinyurl.com/3t8uf3hv 6. Compensation Agreement https://tinyurl.com/3rey9a94 7. Lake County Grand Jury Reports - 2012-2013 and 2021-2022 https:// www.lakecountyca.gov/ArchiveCenter 8. Sonoma county Grand Jury Final Report 2007-2008 (death of inmate) https:// sonoma.courts.ca.gov/system/files?file=2.pdf 9. COUNTY OF LAKE Community Corrections Partnership Plan 2020-2021 https://tinyurl.com/y2xyeh5c 10. Wellpath spins off behavioral health unit in bankruptcy sale https://tinyurl.com/465yphem 11. Prison health company Wellpath reaches $15.5 mln creditor settlement https://tinyurl.com/yvmd6ftv 12. A health care provider that faced dozens of prisoner lawsuits is filing for bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/yymv7jp5 13. With Wellpath’s contract set to expire, County opens bids for jail health care providers. (Monterey) https://tinyurl.com/3nbam2dw 14. Alameda County supervisor says he doesn't want Wellpath to continue serving Santa Rita Jail https://tinyurl.com/bd5t6xhk 15. How Texas’s bankruptcy courts are used to shield a prison healthcare provider https://tinyurl.com/ar6e33ru 16. National Commission on Correctional Healthcare nhhch.org 17. Fresno County Jail Receives Prestigious Honor for Health Care Standards https://tinyurl.com/fbfk24rm 18. Santa Barbara County Jail Awarded Accreditation from National Commission on Correctional Health Care https://tinyurl.com/yecs4khu 19. San Luis Obispo County Jail, Supported by Wellpath, Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care Accreditation https://tinyurl.com/38wvwnyp 20. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. https://tinyurl.com/yehm8r3u 21. Diamond Pharmacy https://www.diamondpharmacy.com/ 22. Omnivore Pharmacy https://www.omnicare.com/ 23. PE-Backed Prison Health Firm Wellpath Declares Bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/4rx55ajf 24. COCHS Legal Reports on Inmate Healthcare Lawsuits and Deficiencies - https://cochs.org/articles- wellpath-2024/ Page | 280 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report 25. Warren Urges Wellpath to Commit to Fair Payouts and Fair Notice for Incarcerated Patients During Bankruptcy Process https://tinyurl.com/43ch52rf 26. Three Things to Know About Implementing Telehealth in Correctional Facilities https://tinyurl.com/yk5383nj 27. Persistent Noncompliance Found with Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care (staffing and credits) https://tinyurl.com/3j48cd6b 28. County Jail Ends Contract With Medical Provider Wellpath https://tinyurl.com/ 3z8k5bt5 29. Contract holes: Santa Barbara County aims to adjust its contract with jail health care provider, Wellpath, to improve service levels https://tinyurl.com/ mrfj98h4 30. Psychiatric Technician https://tinyurl.com/mr95jyyn 31. Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care Provider Declares Bankruptcy in Name Only https://tinyurl.com/28hpmuzv 32. Wellpath Emerges from Chapter 11 to Lead a New Era in Correctional Healthcare https://tinyurl.com/23d42u9h 33. 33. Psych Tech Jobs https://tinyurl.com/5d2hxtu8 Page | 281 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 282
F7:
The County and Wellpath are not abiding with the contract by not providing an end-of-year audit of RN hours.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R4:
That the Board of Supervisors compel the Health Services Director to report yearly the dollar value of unstaffed RN hours and associated reimbursements as required by contract. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R5:
That the Board of Supervisors establish penalties in future Wellpath contracts when the auditing of RN hours has not been completed on time. (F4, F5, F6, F7)
R6:
The Board of Supervisors invoke a penalty for the current delay in processing audit of the RN hours. (F4, F5, F6, F7) Page | 275 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report RESPONSES Under California Penal Code section 933.03 (a-c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 90 days The following response is requested: Director, Department of Health Services R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 60 days Exhibits A and B and C Page | 276 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report A. Letter from Regional Director of Wellpath, April 23, 2025 Lake County Grand Jury P.O. Box 1076 Lakeport, CA 95453 [sic] Subject: Response to Grand Jury Inquiry Regarding Reimbursement of RN Shift Differential Dear Members of the Lake County Grand Jury, I am writing on behalf of Wellpath, LLC in response to your inquiry regarding the reimbursement of funds owed to the County of Lake in relation to the staffing of the night shift Registered Nurse (RN) position at the Lake County Jail Medical Clinic. As background, Wellpath entered into a five-year agreement with the County of Lake effective January 1, 2023, to operate the jail’s medical clinic. In preparation for the January 1, 2024 contract renewal, Wellpath submitted a written proposal to amend the staffing language for the night shift RN position. Due to persistent recruitment challenges in filling RN roles, the proposal allowed Wellpath to staff this shift with a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) if an RN was unavailable. As part of this agreement, Wellpath committed to reimburse the County the wage differential for each shift worked by an LVN in place of an RN. Additionally, the renewal proposal included a provision for an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase to the total contract cost, to be effective January 1, 2024. On December 14, 2023, Wellpath received the County’s signed acceptance of the proposal from the County Administrative Officer. While the County viewed this letter as sufficient to proceed, Wellpath’s internal compliance and legal teams determined that a formal contract amendment was required for both the staffing adjustment and CPI increase to take effect. Accordingly, a draft amendment was submitted to the County. On April 10, 2024, the County Administrative Officer advised Wellpath that she would need to redraft the amendment into a format suitable for County Counsel review and eventual presentation to the Board of Supervisors. Wellpath has not received a finalized version since that date, and as a result, implementation of both the CPI increase and the LVN shift reimbursement calculations was delayed pending formal approval. Page | 277 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Despite this, in October 2024, Wellpath made the decision to proceed with invoicing for the CPI adjustment retroactive to January 1, 2024, and began reconciling the LVN shift data for the same period. That reconciliation is now underway, and Wellpath is committed to refunding or crediting the County for all applicable amounts where LVNs filled RN designated shifts, in alignment with our original proposal and the County’s accepted terms. We regret the delay in processing these refunds and acknowledge the importance of transparency and timely fiscal responsibility. The delay was rooted in a genuine effort to ensure proper legal and contractual compliance, and not in any intent to avoid reimbursement obligations. Wellpath is committed to maintaining a strong, accountable partnership with Lake County and will ensure that all reconciliations and refunds are completed promptly. A detailed accounting and credit summary will be provided to the County upon finalization. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out if further information is required. Respectfully, Regional Director of Operations Wellpath, LLC Page | 278 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report B. Senator Elizabeth Warren's Oversight Letter https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/wellpath_bankruptcy_letter.pdf C. Text of article from Open Mind, May 14, 2025 Correctional Health Care Organization Wellpath Emerges From Chapter 11 Reorganization Wellpath, which provides correctional health care services, emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and completed its financial restructuring. The bankruptcy filing was announced on November 11, 2024. The company sought to reduce about $550 million in debt. As part of the reorganization, Wellpath transitioned ownership to a group of its current and former lenders, referred to as the Ad Hoc Lender Group. On January 30, 2025, former Wellpath business line Recovery Solutions, which provides behavioral health services on behalf of public entities, completed a sale transaction that created an independent organization focused on behavioral health. A group of Wellpath’s creditors now owns Recovery Solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Wellpath continued delivering services under its contracts. The company has a network of clinical professionals in 37 states who provide medical and mental health care services to over 200,000 people daily in more than 350 locations. The facilities include prisons, jails, state hospitals, forensic treatment facilities, civil commitment centers, and community-based services centers. Wellpath was advised in this matter by McDermott Will & Emery as legal counsel, Lazard and MTS Health Partners as investment bankers, and FTI Consulting as restructuring advisor. The Ad Hoc Lender Group was advised by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as legal counsel, Ankura Consulting Group, LLC, as financial advisor, and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as investment banker. This was reported by Wellpath on May 12, 2025. More information about Wellpath’s Chapter 11 cases, including the terms of the transactions consummated in connection with the Company’s emergence, is posted at https://dm.epiq11.com/case/wellpath/info (accessed May 14, 2025). Page | 279 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Bibliography 1. Welllpath website https://wellpathcare.com/about/ 2. HIG CAPITAL’S AND WELLPATH’S CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE INVESTMENT RISKS https://tinyurl.com/4psmpuh3 3. Lake County Sheriff's Office Custody Manual (pp. 368-469) - https:// tinyurl.com/55cyjhec 4. Contract including Exhibit B https://tinyurl.com/y5h9c69c 5. 1st Amendment to the CFMG contract https://tinyurl.com/3t8uf3hv 6. Compensation Agreement https://tinyurl.com/3rey9a94 7. Lake County Grand Jury Reports - 2012-2013 and 2021-2022 https:// www.lakecountyca.gov/ArchiveCenter 8. Sonoma county Grand Jury Final Report 2007-2008 (death of inmate) https:// sonoma.courts.ca.gov/system/files?file=2.pdf 9. COUNTY OF LAKE Community Corrections Partnership Plan 2020-2021 https://tinyurl.com/y2xyeh5c 10. Wellpath spins off behavioral health unit in bankruptcy sale https://tinyurl.com/465yphem 11. Prison health company Wellpath reaches $15.5 mln creditor settlement https://tinyurl.com/yvmd6ftv 12. A health care provider that faced dozens of prisoner lawsuits is filing for bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/yymv7jp5 13. With Wellpath’s contract set to expire, County opens bids for jail health care providers. (Monterey) https://tinyurl.com/3nbam2dw 14. Alameda County supervisor says he doesn't want Wellpath to continue serving Santa Rita Jail https://tinyurl.com/bd5t6xhk 15. How Texas’s bankruptcy courts are used to shield a prison healthcare provider https://tinyurl.com/ar6e33ru 16. National Commission on Correctional Healthcare nhhch.org 17. Fresno County Jail Receives Prestigious Honor for Health Care Standards https://tinyurl.com/fbfk24rm 18. Santa Barbara County Jail Awarded Accreditation from National Commission on Correctional Health Care https://tinyurl.com/yecs4khu 19. San Luis Obispo County Jail, Supported by Wellpath, Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care Accreditation https://tinyurl.com/38wvwnyp 20. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Receives Accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. https://tinyurl.com/yehm8r3u 21. Diamond Pharmacy https://www.diamondpharmacy.com/ 22. Omnivore Pharmacy https://www.omnicare.com/ 23. PE-Backed Prison Health Firm Wellpath Declares Bankruptcy https://tinyurl.com/4rx55ajf 24. COCHS Legal Reports on Inmate Healthcare Lawsuits and Deficiencies - https://cochs.org/articles- wellpath-2024/ Page | 280 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report 25. Warren Urges Wellpath to Commit to Fair Payouts and Fair Notice for Incarcerated Patients During Bankruptcy Process https://tinyurl.com/43ch52rf 26. Three Things to Know About Implementing Telehealth in Correctional Facilities https://tinyurl.com/yk5383nj 27. Persistent Noncompliance Found with Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care (staffing and credits) https://tinyurl.com/3j48cd6b 28. County Jail Ends Contract With Medical Provider Wellpath https://tinyurl.com/ 3z8k5bt5 29. Contract holes: Santa Barbara County aims to adjust its contract with jail health care provider, Wellpath, to improve service levels https://tinyurl.com/ mrfj98h4 30. Psychiatric Technician https://tinyurl.com/mr95jyyn 31. Santa Barbara County Jail Health Care Provider Declares Bankruptcy in Name Only https://tinyurl.com/28hpmuzv 32. Wellpath Emerges from Chapter 11 to Lead a New Era in Correctional Healthcare https://tinyurl.com/23d42u9h 33. 33. Psych Tech Jobs https://tinyurl.com/5d2hxtu8 Page | 281 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 282
F8:
The current inmate medical complaint system involves a multi-step escalation process that may take up to 18 days to resolve. While procedural safeguards exist, there is no clear emergency protocol for ensuring timely delivery of life-sustaining medications such as insulin during grievance review. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors direct the Health Services Director to establish a formal protocol for emergency access to critical medications through local pharmacies when Omnicare delivery is unavailable. (F1, F2, F8)
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
1 hallazgos
F1:
In 2042, Lake County is projected to be out of compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Recomendaciones adicionales
4
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R1:
That the Board of Supervisors designate flood-managed aquifer recharge areas in the Big Valley water basin. (F-1, F-2)
R2:
That the Board of Supervisors conduct a comprehensive review of agricultural water use in the Big Valley Basin. (F-1, F-2)
R3:
The Board of Supervisors evaluate the feasibility of implementing hydro filtration technologies in the Big Valley Basin. (F-1, F-2) RESPONSES As per the California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Board of Supervisors: R-1, R-2, R-3 90 days REFERENCES 1) Pera, Matt California crops that use the most water June 24, 2021 THE PRESS DEMOCRAT https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/specialsections/these-are- the-california-crops-that-use-the-most-water/ 2) County of Lake Increase use of groundwater https://www.lakecountyca.gov/1241/Groundwater- Management#:~:text=Groundwater%20is%20one%20of%20Lake,meeting%20Lake%20County's %20water%20needs. 3) fines and penalties with failure to meet sgma requirements Page | 313 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report https://www.google.com/search?q=fines+and+penities+with+failure+to+meet+sgma+requirem ents&sca_esv=e4a529db535589d2&rlz=1C1QJDB_enUS1089US1089&sxsrf=AHTn8zqxtuMUq44 luFFuIvdJAfCF9VCvSA%3A1746572435833&ei=k5QaaMHYMqDG0PEPgcKo0Qc&ved=0ahUKEwi B7vKs-Y- NAxUgIzQIHQEhKnoQ4dUDCBI&uact=5&oq=fines+and+penities+with+failure+to+meet+sgma+r equirements&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiOWZpbmVzIGFuZCBwZW5pdGllcyB3aXRoIGZhaWx 1cmUgdG8gbWVldCBzZ21hIHJlcXVpcmVtZW50czIIEAAYgAQYogQyBRAAGO8FMggQABiABBiiBDI FEAAY7wVIo- wBUJ4XWN3FAXABeACQAQCYAeYHoAGcL6oBDjAuMTYuNS4xLjAuMS4xuAEDyAEA- AEBmAIUoAKRH8ICDhAAGIAEGLADGIYDGIoFwgIIEAAYsAMY7wXCAgsQABiABBiwAxiiBMICCBAA GKIEGIkFwgIKECEYoAEYwwQYCsICBBAhGAqYAwCIBgGQBgaSBwYxLjcuMTKgB5N5sgcGMC43LjE yuAfmHg&sclient=gws-wiz-serp 4) Reneau, Annie Forgotten' water harvesting system transforms 'barren wasteland' into thriving farmland. 2025- 01-04 5) Hydroinfiltrator rainwater harvesting system on soil moisture. October 2023 Geoderma 6) Turlock Irrigation District’s (TID) Project Nexus https://www.tid.org/current-projects/project-nexus/ 7) U.S. Weather Bureau Technical Paper No. Rainwater Harvesting Copyright © 2025 https://harmonyfarm.com/rainwater-harvesting/ 8) Hadhazy, Adam San Joaquin Valley sinking November 19th, 2024 https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/11/groundwater-pumping-drives-rapid-sinking-in- california#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20shows%20land,year%20between%202006%20and%2 02022. Page | 314
R01-04:
5) Hydroinfiltrator rainwater harvesting system on soil moisture. October 2023 Geoderma 6) Turlock Irrigation District’s (TID) Project Nexus https://www.tid.org/current-projects/project-nexus/ 7) U.S. Weather Bureau Technical Paper No. Rainwater Harvesting Copyright © 2025 https://harmonyfarm.com/rainwater-harvesting/ 8) Hadhazy, Adam San Joaquin Valley sinking November 19th, 2024 https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/11/groundwater-pumping-drives-rapid-sinking-in- california#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20shows%20land,year%20between%202006%20and%2 02022. Page | 314
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
1 hallazgos
F2025:
F-5) The size of the 14 Buoys will constitute a collision hazard to Clear Lake boaters.