Marin County Grand Jury
2015-2016
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Findings & Recommendations
17 findings
F1:
The SFDB Project team provided extensive outreach and transparency with many public meetings and workshops, published information, and modified and sharpened direction based on the feedback received.
F2:
There is no statement in the SFDB Project documentation of current congestion levels (except for specific intersections) and no quantified goals for congestion relief.
Related Recommendations (4)
R2:
The County should publish current and expected post project Level of Service for the corridor: time to travel the corridor, average speed, fuel consumption, economic benefit and level of change in CO and toxic gas emissions. 2
R3:
TAM and the County should include and publish the Level of Service and other actual benefits achieved in the project scope of work.
R4:
Marin County Board of Supervisors and TAM Board of Commissioners should facilitate the identification and publication of project facts and both qualitative and quantifiable benefits to better inform the public and guide their future decision making.
R7:
TAM and the County should evaluate the cost/benefit of adaptive signaling improvements in reducing congestion and fund once other more cost effective solutions have been implemented.
F3:
The SFDB Project considered only roadway improvements for traffic operation, mass transit, and pedestrian and bicycle access and safety. More comprehensive analysis of traffic and congestion is possible as seen in the Mill Valley Traffic and Congestion Task Force Report. This could open the possibility for a wider range of solutions.
F4:
The use of 11-foot traffic lane widths on SFDB is safe, will not materially slow traffic flow, is commonly used for roads with much higher traffic volumes and speeds and abides by standard guidance.
F5:
Existing traffic signals are programmed and coordinated for multiple time-of-day and day- of-week schedules across 12 intersections. Adjustment of these programs to account for new and more efficient intersection configurations and new traffic patterns is expected to have moderate payoff.
F6:
As demonstrated in the 2011-2012 project to synchronize traffic signals along SFDB,80 the County has the ability to model Level of Service measures including elapsed time to travel the corridor, average speed, calculated fuel consumption as a function of congestion, cost of time lost, cost of fuel, CO emissions, and toxic gas emissions before and after a project. 2 80 Final Project Report with Benefit/Cost Analysis, Metropolitan Transportation Commission Program for Arterial System Synchronization (PASS) for Marin County, City of Larkspur and Caltrans, Tables VII and XII, July 20, 2012 http://www.marincounty.org/~/media/files/departments/pw/transportation/proj_sfdb/pass--final-project-73112- 2rossll.pdf?la=en
F7:
The cost of all components under consideration for this project is $19.2M, but the budget is $13.2M. $800,000 has been allocated for the work already completed and the upcoming development and filing of an Environmental Impact Report.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
TAM and the County should reconcile the $19.2M in desired work along SFDB with the $13.2M budget by giving priority to the traffic congestion reduction measures.
F8:
Future leadership changes on the Marin County Board of Supervisors, TAM Board of Commissioners, as well as city and town councils during design-approval stages can cause a previously well conceived and vetted congestion reduction project to fall out of favor and be abandoned or seriously curtailed.
F9:
Funding and implementing school bus programs for Bacich Elementary School and Kent Middle School would reduce peak school traffic which makes up an estimated 20-30% of all peak hour morning trips on SFDB
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
TAM, Marin Transit District and the County should fund school buses for the Bacich Elementary and Kent Middle School population. Consider overall optimization of Measure A transit funds, including modification of the Measure A expenditure plan.
F10:
Measure A funds provide for school bus transportation as a part of its transit implementation strategy.
F11:
TAM has the authority to change the Measure A expenditure plan with a two-thirds majority vote of the TAM Board of Commissioners and approval of a majority of the towns and cities of Marin County.
F12:
Multi-use pathways constructed along Hwy 101 at a cost of $35M yielded insignificant conversion of motorized travel to biking and walking.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
Existing planned but not yet constructed highly expensive bicycle-pedestrian pathways should not be built if their only justification and funding depends on traffic relief or mitigation with no evidence indicating that peak traffic relief is reliably predicted to result. Such projects should be funded and supported only if justified on other grounds.
F13:
Planning is underway for another bike bridge and pathway with a projected cost of $19.8M. And further south, studies are underway with vigorous advocacy support for converting the abandoned Alto Tunnel to a multi-use pathway at an estimated cost of $40M to $50M.
F14:
Ramp metering on Hwy 101 from Marin City to north of SFDB is predicted to cut travel time by 24% for peak hour and reduce spillover and congestion on feeder streets (e.g. SFDB).
F15:
MTC allocated funds to Caltrans for ramp metering in Marin but funding issues have the project suspended. Implementation is on hold even though lights have been installed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
TAM and the County should negotiate implementation of ramp metering with MTC and Caltrans.
F16:
TAM manages and funds a set of separate projects based on their individual merits and the support of the TAM Commissioners, each representing their district of the County or their local town or city.
F17:
TAM does not structure sets of integrated projects to produce cohesive programs that holistically solve traffic issues that cross jurisdictional and project boundaries.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
TAM should coordinate with other agencies to produce sets of integrated projects prioritizing solutions that have engineered and predicted benefits for areas of the County, not just for individual road segments.
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Findings & Recommendations
13 findings
F1:
Human sex trafficking is mostly unrecognized, under-reported, and rarely subject to intervention in Marin.
F2:
A significant number of human sex trafficking victims are from Marin, not just transients imported from other areas.
F3:
Reports from two Marin County victim advocate organizations show that approximately 30% of the victims they aid are under the age of 18.
F4:
Some Marin County law enforcement officers still believe some human trafficking victims are criminals.
F5:
State law mandates that officers receive two hours of training on human trafficking and some Marin agencies may not be complying with this law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
All Marin law enforcement agency heads should ensure their officers receive the California mandated two hour human trafficking training.
F6:
Training of Marin County law enforcement on the Marin County Uniform Law Enforcement Protocol for Human Trafficking has been inconsistent across agencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
All law enforcement officers should be consistently trained in the Marin County Uniform Law Enforcement Protocol for Human Trafficking.
F7:
Law enforcement officers and others who are closest to human trafficking believe the California mandated two-hour POST training video on human trafficking is not sufficient.
F8:
Marin law enforcement agencies rarely use multidisciplinary training, incorporating collaboration between Children Family Services (CFS), the District Attorney, law enforcement experts, and possibly victims.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
The Board of Supervisors should convene a local group of human trafficking experts (including CFS, law enforcement subject experts, FBI, victim advocates, DA’s, and perhaps a victim) to create a multidisciplinary training presentation. This training should include the unique roles of all County personnel, resources, and processes in addressing human trafficking. Additional resources will be needed to support this training as none are devoted to this task now. This training should include information on the trafficking of females and males, as well as LGBTQ.
R4:
Once this multi-disciplinary training package is completed, Marin County law enforcement agencies should ensure that all Marin law enforcement officers be trained.
F9:
Training for firefighters and EMS professionals in recognizing human trafficking victims and reporting the crime is inconsistent in Marin.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Marin County fire departments should ensure that all EMS personnel are trained in recognizing human trafficking and how to report it, and incorporate this in their annual training.
F10:
It is difficult to determine the extent of human trafficking in Marin because of inconsistent classification and definitions of the crime, as well as the lack of a central clearinghouse for this data.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Board of Supervisors should fund the creation of a database that systematically tracks adult and minor victims, using consistent classification and shared definitions to properly identify the victim and the crime, as well as document its prevalence. Data should be gathered from any organization dealing with trafficking victims, including law enforcement agencies, government agencies (e.g. Marin County Health & Human Services), civic organizations, and victim advocate organizations.
F11:
The Marin County school districts do not provide education on a systematic basis for students, parents and teachers in recognizing signs of human trafficking.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Marin County Office of Education should work with the Marin County School/Law Enforcement Partnership to develop educational programs to ensure that students, parents, and teachers are trained in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and where they can find help.
F12:
Human trafficking outreach has been fragmented and is currently insufficient in reaching critical audiences.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Board of Supervisors should provide the Marin County Human Trafficking Coalition resources necessary to expand community outreach to schools, faith communities and the public. The Coalition should explore a grant for a dedicated position that supports coalition logistics and outreach campaigns.
F13:
The Marin County Coalition to End Human Trafficking Coalition needs dedicated resources to make it more effective.
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Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
Marin County’s Aging and Adult Services Information and Assistance Program is a highly proactive team of caring professionals who have a strong desire to provide personalized assistance for improving lives of adults in the County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Marin County fire chiefs should implement the 911 First Responder Referral Program County-wide.
F2:
The San Rafael Fire Department has done an effective job implementing the 911 First Responder Referral Program and fostering an efficient relationship with the Aging and Adult Services Information and Assistance Program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Marin County fire chiefs should create a community outreach campaign for the 911 First Responder Referral Program.
F3:
The Marin County Fire Chiefs Association has a strong desire to roll out a consistent 911 First Responder Referral Program, which could be successful in every fire department throughout Marin County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Marin County police chiefs and Sheriff should have their patrol officers/deputies attend the 911 First Responder Referral Program training.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R4:
Marin County paramedic agencies should have their emergency first responders attend the 911 First Responder Referral Program training.
R5:
Private ambulance companies serving Marin County should have their emergency first responders attend the 911 First Responder Referral Program training. Note: At the time this report was prepared, information was available at the websites listed. Reports issued by the Civil 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
5 findings
F1:
Bullying is a problem in Marin middle and high schools. Marin ranked above the State average overall in incidents for the 2011-13 school years and for two of the three grade levels surveyed in CHKS.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Each school in the district should review its policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with the requirements of Seth’s Law.
F2:
Marin County schools do not fully comply with California anti-bullying law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Each school in the district should review its policies and procedures to ensure that complainants are protected from retaliation, and that their identities remain confidential, as appropriate.
F3:
Most schools do not have a direct link on their website home page to their anti-bullying policies and procedures.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Each school in the district should adequately publicize its anti-bullying policies and procedures through its website, including a direct link on the website’s homepage to the information (not simply linking to a lengthy student handbook, but directly to the anti-bullying policy and procedures themselves).
F4:
The Grand Jury found discrepancies between what school administrators reported was on their websites and what information is actually available there.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
All procedures and forms for filing a bullying complaint, including an anonymous complaint, should be available on the school’s website.
F5:
School administrators reported the need for more bullying and cyberbullying education for teachers, staff, parents and students. 28 www.commonsensemedia.org
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Each school in the district’s website should provide the option to complete and submit bullying complaints online.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R6:
Each school in the district should review its student and parent education programs to ensure they are relevant and current. Schools should consider using the No Bully Solution Team® process that has been reported to be highly successful, or another equivalent program.
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Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
Firearms left in unattended vehicles are vulnerable to theft and, if stolen, are in the hands of criminals.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Marin County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments should install lock boxes in all department vehicles and require that in the event it is necessary to leave a firearm in a vehicle, the firearm be secured in the lock box.
F2:
Firearms belonging to Marin County peace officers have been stolen from their vehicles, although the incidence is low.
F3:
There is currently no public tracking of lost or stolen firearms from Marin County peace officers, making the number of firearms missing difficult to determine.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
Marin County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments should track and record all firearms that have been lost or stolen from law enforcement and personal vehicles.
R2:
Marin County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments should make public the number and circumstances of all firearms that have been lost or stolen from law enforcement and personal vehicles.
F4:
With the exception the Fairfax Police Department, Marin County Police Departments and the Sheriff's Office have not amended or updated their policies in response to high profile reports of law enforcement guns being stolen from vehicles.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Marin County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments should update their policies and procedures regarding firearm security, particularly with regard to firearms left in unattended vehicles (departmental and personal) and if a firearm is left in a vehicle, how it is to be secured.
F5:
Most Marin County Police and Sheriff’s Departments do not have a clear-cut policy and/or procedure specifying how firearms are to be secured if left in an unattended vehicle.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Marin County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments should update their policies and procedures regarding firearm security, particularly with regard to firearms left in unattended vehicles (departmental and personal) and if a firearm is left in a vehicle, how it is to be secured.
F6:
Neither the general topic of firearm security nor a specific letter from the SF Chief has been discussed at Marin County Police Chief's Association meetings. The view commonly expressed by the law enforcement executives is that it is a “common sense” responsibility and understood as such by deputies and officers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Marin County Sheriff and all Police Chiefs should discuss the issue of firearm security including storage, tracking and reporting of lost or stolen firearms at Marin County Police Chief Association meetings and make a recommendation as to whether there should be a standard county policy for leaving a law enforcement firearm in a vehicle.
F7:
Concern for public safety has led to proposed State and some recent local legislation (in San Francisco and Oakland) requiring that firearms be secured in all unattended vehicles.
F8:
Specifically designed lock boxes are readily available for safely securing firearms inside a vehicle, should a gun and vehicle need to be left unattended.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Marin County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments should install lock boxes in all department vehicles and require that in the event it is necessary to leave a firearm in a vehicle, the firearm be secured in the lock box.
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
that have web sites, 65 did not satisfy the Grand Jury's web transparency criteria as of that date). Inspecting the Marin County Clerk's Roster of Public Agencies, the Grand Jury discovered a
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
website and submitting the appropriate self-audit form. The form may be obtained by emailing: grandjury-audit@marincounty.org The agency should file and keep updated its Statement of Facts with the California Secretary of
F2:
majority of local agencies out of compliance per California Government Code §53051 (no filings or outdated filings). Effective January 1, 2015, Assembly Bill (AB) 2040 requires that if a public agency "maintains
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
State and the Marin County Clerk as required by California Code §53051. The agency should update its website to include information of the annual compensation of its
F3:
an Internet Web site, it shall post, in a conspicuous location on its Internet Web site, information on the annual compensation of its elected officials, officers, and employees that is submitted to the Controller under §53891." The Grand Jury discovered a majority of the agencies were out of compliance (and potentially at-risk for fines and/or audit), per California Government Code sections 53895, 53895.7, and 53896). The County of Marin does not currently publish a definitive list of all its dependent special
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
elected officials, officers and employees; and this information should also be submitted to the Controller, as required by Sections 12463 and 53909 of the California Government Code. The Marin County Board of Supervisors should create a comprehensive online "digital
F4:
districts and JPAs. Marin County's Roster of Public Agencies is available for viewing only as hard copy at the office
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
directory" with links to all County of Marin's dependent special districts and JPAs. To further improve web transparency, the County Clerk of Marin County should allow public
F5:
of the Marin County Clerk.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
remote Internet access to its Roster of Public Agencies. 2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Neurocognitive baseline testing provides a record of cognitive functioning in student-athletes prior to their participation in sports. Re-testing the student after a suspected head injury is a valuable tool in helping medical professionals evaluate if a student has recovered.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Each district should require mandatory annual neurocognitive testing of all high school athletes and mandatory re-testing post-injury.
F2:
Marin County high schools are using baseline testing to varying degrees and are often not re- testing.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
A certified athletic trainer should administer and interpret all tests.
F3:
The costs of neurocognitive testing for high school athletes is currently funded in various ways, including booster clubs and other outside sources.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
A certified athletic trainer should attend high-risk high school sporting events.
F4:
Certified Athletic Trainers, as medically-trained individuals, provide a necessary resource for protecting the health and safety of student-athletes.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Each district should add the cost of neurocognitive testing to its annual budget.
F5:
Many schools do not have a Return-to-Learn Protocol in place for head injuries. Various systems for reporting head injuries to relevant high school staff are presently used in Marin high schools.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Each district should hire a certified athletic trainer for each of its high schools.
F6:
Student-athletes and their parents do not receive adequate education in recognizing a concussion and the importance of prompt reporting of symptoms.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Each district should adopt a protocol for reporting a head injury so that all relevant persons are informed of a student’s head injury and can work together as a team to ensure full recovery in the classroom and on the field.
F7:
Data regarding head injuries sustained by high school student-athletes in Marin County high schools is not currently being maintained in a central database.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Each school should adopt Return-to–Play and Return–to Learn Protocols for all athletes.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R8:
Mandatory concussion education for student-athletes such as the Barrow Brainbook, the HEADS UP concussion training or some other equivalent education should be adopted by each school district. No student-athlete should begin participation before completing this education.
R9:
The Marin County Office of Education should collect head injury data and compile the data in a centralized database. Data should include date of injury, sport, type of injury, diagnosis, recovery information and other critical details. The data should be reported to MCAL and CIF for analysis and summary and the results published for the public annually while keeping all names of students confidential.
* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.