Madera County Grand Jury
2025-2026
From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Year-End Report
The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.
Individual reports (5)
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The Madera County Board of Supervisors has not taken accountability for ensuring the implementation of Strategy E3 and Action Step E.3.b of the Madera County 2023 Strategic Plan for the Prevention and End of Homelessness.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Madera County Grand Jury recommends that the Madera County Board of Supervisors ensure the strategic plan is updated and published on the Madera County website no later than August 1, 2026.
F2:
The information on plans and actions of the many agencies involved in the implementation of the strategic plan is scattered across multiple websites.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Madera County Grand Jury recommends that the Madera County Board of Supervisors ensure the performance metrics dashboard on homelessness is published and maintained on the Madera County website no later than August 1, 2026.
F3:
A sobering center for Madera County is scheduled to be completed in July 2027.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Madera County Grand Jury recommends that the Madera County Board of Supervisors monitor the sobering center project to ensure Madera County residents have rehabilitation resources within the county by the target date of July 2027.
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
At the time of the MCGJ inspection, only five of the ten IP firefighter positions were filled, leaving a 50% vacancy. Vacancies for the Fire Department appear to be an ongoing concern.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The MCGJ recommends that the Administration continue to pursue ways of keeping the firefighter positions filled.
F2:
The MCGJ found that the The Paper Trail paper is a new avenue to communicate events and awareness to the public.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The MCGJ recommends that The Paper Trail continue its publications to keep the community informed.
F3:
The MCGJ found that the CA Model and the multiple programs offered at CCWF provide the opportunity for improvement to all IPs to transition to life in the community upon release.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The MCGJ recommends that CCWF continue to maintain and implement proven educational, vocational training, and self-help programs to provide the IP the ability to integrate back into society.
F4:
The MCGJ finds that the PUPS program continues to be a beneficial program that helps the IPs and benefits persons with special needs and disabilities in the community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The MCGJ recommends that CCWF continue with the PUPS program. INVITED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.5, the Grand Jury invites responses as follows within 60 days: Warden CCWF Central California Women’s Facility 23370 Road 22 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Public Information Officer - CCWF 23370 Road 22 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Governor Gavin Newsom 1021 O Street, Suite 9000 Sacramento, CA 95841 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929 prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation.
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The MCGJ finds that the MCJDF education programs were well organized.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
MCGJ recommends that MCJDF continue with their educational programs with local colleges.
F2:
MCGJ finds that plans to incorporate welding tradesmen courses have not been implemented, and only a fraction of the detention facilities' yard space was being utilized for agricultural or other vocational functions. The MCGJ also finds the woodworking shop was not in ongoing trade use.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
MCGJ recommends improved utilization of the agricultural, welding, and woodworking rehabilitation functions.
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
The MCGJ finds there are adequate educational and vocational opportunity programs for IPs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The MCGJ recommends that the CDCR continue providing well-rounded offerings of educational and vocational training with post-release employment opportunities.
F2:
The MCGJ finds that the Freedom Canine Project provides inmates with the opportunity to develop compassion, confidence, and responsibility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The MCGJ recommends that the Freedom Canine Project continue.
F3:
The MCGJ finds that the new Barber School provides opportunities for IPs to be able to get their State Barber License and provides a path toward a long-term career that is available to them upon release from prison.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The MCGJ recommends that the Barber School continue to provide opportunities for IPs.
F4:
The MCGJ finds that family visiting has been impacted by the renovations of the family units to make them American Disabilities Act compliant. According to the Warden, they are awaiting final approval from the State fire marshal.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The MCGJ recommends that the CDCR continue to work at the state level to get the inspections completed on the family visiting unit to allow the IP’s family to continue with family visitation. INVITED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requests responses within 60 days from the following: Warden Valley State Prison 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Public Information Officer - VSP 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Governor Gavin Newsom 1021 O Street, Suite 9000 Sacramento, CA 95841 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929, prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation.
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The Madera County Grand Jury (MCGJ) finds that the Madera County Jail (Jail) is being operated efficiently and productively.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Madera County Grand Jury (MCGJ) recommends that the Sheriff continue with the current policies.
F2:
The Jail building is adding two additional units to the facility to house Incarcerated Persons (IPs) with behavioral health concerns.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The MCGJ recommends the Sheriff continue with renovation and building plans.