Monterey County Grand Jury
2022-2023
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 (6)
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The City’s website is not updated or easy to navigate, creating a lack of governmental transparency resulting in a disservice to residents and visitors.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The City of Seaside update the website to reflect current available services and government information and to provide historical continuity of City documents by October 31, 2023
F2:
Minimal Spanish language content on the City’s website results in limited site utility to a significant number of residents.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The City of Seaside update the website regularly to reflect any changes in governmental information and available services.
F3:
Lack of documentation and reporting of illegal fireworks Calls for Service and complaints throughout the year does not provide the City Council with adequate information to make decisions regarding the health and safety of residents and visitors.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The City of Seaside modify the website to enhance the search functions by October 31, 2023.
F4:
The Flock Safety gunshot detection system’s inability to distinguish gunshots from illegal fireworks renders the system useless in combating the use of illegal fireworks in the City of Seaside.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The City of Seaside provide updated information in easily understood terms regarding illegal and “Safe and Sane” fireworks, and when and where legal fireworks may be used by October 31, 2023.
F5:
The City’s planning efforts and focus on illegal fireworks enforcement exclusively during the Fourth of July holiday period does not adequately serve the health and safety needs of residents and visitors throughout the year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The City of Seaside establish a system to identify and document year-round illegal fireworks Calls for Service by October 31, 2023.
F6:
Current efforts by the City to convene a regional illegal fireworks task force are not sufficiently organized to develop meaningful strategies to combat the sale, possession, and use of illegal fireworks and renders it ineffective.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The City of Seaside prepare quarterly reports documenting illegal fireworks Calls for Service received throughout the year and present the findings to the City Council.
F7:
The limited data collected and compiled by the City does not provide adequate information for the City Council to fully understand, prioritize and address the scope of the illegal fireworks problem. 7
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The City of Seaside make the operations plans and after-action reports for illegal fireworks available on the website by October 31, 2023.
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Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
Adult Protective Services does not have sufficient access to professional Capacity Determinations for potentially-eligible clients to be referred to the Public Guardian.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Adult and Aging Services engage a licensed professional to provide all necessary Capacity Declarations for Adult Protective Services' clients and/or collaborate with existing professional resources in other County Departments to fill this need by December 31, 2023.
F2:
Written policies and procedures exist, but it does not appear that they are fully utilized by staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Public Guardian Bureau adopt an approved and accessible policies and procedures manual to standardize operations and assure that staff is fully aware of and compliant with the stated policies and procedures by December 31, 2023.
F3:
The Civil Grand Jury was unable to determine whether all staff interacting directly with clients with mental health diagnoses and medication needs were provided specific training to ensure their personal safety and build effective relationships.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Public Guardian Bureau initiate on-going mandatory training for staff on best practices for working with clients with mental illness by September 30, 2023.
F4:
The Civil Grand Jury was unable to determine whether all staff interacting with clients from the criminal justice system or with incarcerated individuals have been provided with training on how best to ensure their safety and build effective relationships.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Public Guardian Bureau initiate on-going mandatory training for staff on best practices for working with criminally charged clients by September 30, 2023.
F5:
There is a lack of information for the public to assess eligibility for a conservatorship and understand the referral process, confidentiality rules, and the limitations of the Public Guardian Bureau.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Public Guardian Bureau update its website and brochure to include information about Capacity Declarations, referral procedures, self-determination, and family as first option by December 31, 2023.
F6:
There is no locked Institution for Mental Disease facility in Monterey County, requiring LPS conservatees to be placed out-of-county, resulting in hardship for families, PG staff and for conservatees to re-integrate into their community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Public Guardian Bureau evaluate the benefits of specialized caseload assignments versus mixed caseload assignments by December 31, 2023.
F7:
A preference for Deputy PA/PGs to each specialize in a specific type of case was stated. They currently all do all types of cases.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Monterey County Health Department pursue mechanisms and options to have LPS conservatees housed within Monterey County to enable more family support, efficient use of staff time, and easier transition to lower level of care within the County by March 31, 2024.
F8:
The Monterey County Health Department is commended for its commitment and work with the LPS, Probate and Representative Payee population.
Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
MCSO has no written recusal policy or procedure for when autopsies are to be sent out of the County, which could bring into question the integrity of the findings of an investigation or autopsy.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Create and adopt written policy and procedures when the MCSO, or its staff, will recuse itself from an investigation by September 30, 2023.
F2:
The CO's current dictation and transcription process is inefficient, contributing to the final autopsy report delay.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Evaluate technological options to ensure dictation and transcription processes are efficient and timely by March 31, 2024.
F3:
The lack of medical transcription training contributes to a delay in completing final autopsy reports.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Provide ongoing resources for staff training and continuing education on transcription and emerging technologies in forensic science by March 31, 2024.
F4:
CO detective investigative training is not a written requirement nor is there a timeline for completion despite its importance in ensuring investigations are conducted thoroughly and consistent with statewide standards.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Ensure that death investigation training for each new detective assigned to the CO is mandatory and completed as soon as possible during their orientation by August 31, 2023.
F5:
The CO relies on hiring temporary employees to fill full-time permanent positions, which could affect their ability to keep trained personnel on staff and may negatively affect the consistency of operations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Evaluate staffing needs and create permanent positions accordingly to minimize reliance on temporary staff by March 31, 2024.
F6:
The MCSO has not enforced the provisions in the FP's contract requiring the prompt completion of autopsy reports, which could cause added, unnecessary distress to the families of the deceased.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Evaluate the necessary forensic pathologist services needed by Monterey County and identify the best approach for meeting those needs by January 31, 2024.
F7:
Collaborative purchasing arrangements between the MCSO and other County departments have not been explored where service needs are the same or similar.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Monitor and enforce performance measures that are stipulated in the FP contract by December 31, 2023.
F8:
Approved budgets and balances are not directly shared with individuals who control departmental expenditures, resulting in a lack of accountability and ownership.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
Explore optimizing existing or new contractual relationships with County Purchasing and other County of Monterey departments in areas where service or supply needs overlap by December 31, 2023.
F9:
The CGJ acknowledges and appreciates the Coroner's Office staff for their ongoing commitment and service to the community.
Findings & Recommendations
11 findings
F1:
The Noise Complaint Hotline is only staffed for limited days and times; therefore, it is inadequately serving the community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
HCD extend the hours of the noise complaint hotline beyond 10 p.m. on weekends to accommodate the extended hours of special events by July 31, 2023.
F2:
A single HCD code enforcement officer is insufficient to respond to all complaints submitted during peak call times.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
HCD assign additional code enforcement officers whose focus will be noise complaints during high frequency call periods by December 31, 2023.
F3:
The Sheriff's Office staffing is insufficient to respond to the number of noise complaints.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Monterey County Sheriff prioritize filling currently budgeted sworn peace officer positions available for patrol in the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office by December 31, 2023.
F4:
Because the MCSO considers noise complaints a lower priority than life, safety, and property calls, they are often unable to respond in a timely manner to noise complaints.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Monterey County Sheriff prioritize filling currently budgeted sworn peace officer positions available for patrol in the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office by December 31, 2023.
F5:
HCD community outreach regarding permit requirements is insufficient to reach those who may be unaware of the need for special event permits.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5:
HCD develop an outreach program to encourage residents to report any advertisements of planned special events and to call the hotline by September 30, 2023.
R7:
HCD develop a public outreach program to inform residents of permit requirements for special events by December 31, 2023. 11
F6:
Certain property owners are knowingly renting their land to others who host large, for profit, public events without proper permits, causing nuisance and safety issues to adjacent residents.
F7:
Certain property owners are repeat violators of permitting requirements and are undeterred by the current dollar amount of the fines placed against the property, creating a persistent nuisance. 10
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
Board of Supervisors impose stricter fines and penalties for repeat offenders of special event code violations by December 31, 2023.
F8:
Event organizers renting property in unincorporated Monterey County have no penalty or fines levied against them for lack of permits, thus allowing them to host large events repeatedly without consequence from the County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
Board of Supervisors impose stricter fines and penalties for repeat offenders of special event code violations by December 31, 2023.
F9:
MCSO has an effective working relationship with CHP to patrol roads within unincorporated areas, providing an opportunity to acquire assistance with the road-related repercussions of large, unpermitted events.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
MCSO develop a protocol with CHP to share information about large, possibly unpermitted events, to increase safe driving conditions in the area of the event, to be completed by September 30, 2023.
F10:
Once a large, unpermitted event is underway in unincorporated Monterey County, it becomes virtually impossible for a code enforcement officer and/or Sheriff Deputy to intervene and shut down the event. This results in potential adverse health and safety issues for attendees and neighbors as well as the safety of the responding code enforcement officer and/or Sheriff’s Deputy.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
HCD require code enforcement officers to consistently patrol areas known for noise complaints and unpermitted events by September 30, 2023.
F11:
The Board of Supervisors has been ineffective in resolving noise complaints and providing the necessary funding for outreach and enforcement, causing confusion and frustration to residents in unincorporated Monterey County.
Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
The incomplete nature of the HRD website results in lost opportunities to provide prospective candidates with information pertinent to the application process.
F2:
The recruitment process is lengthy and labor intensive for many County positions. Therefore, qualified candidates may be lost due to excessive delays.
F3:
Subject matter experts serving on screening panels receive no compensation or incentive, which makes them reluctant to serve and contributes to delays in the recruitment process.
F4:
The County has no policies regarding succession planning; thus, valuable institutional knowledge and training opportunities are lost when turnover occurs. 15
F5:
The County policy regarding the length of time an employee can work in a temporary employment capacity is not monitored or enforced. Working without full benefits results in increased turnover.
F6:
Despite acknowledged delays in recruitment, there is no tracking system to monitor the length of time it takes to fill open positions and remedy the process, causing frustration to both applicants and County staff.
F7:
The EEOPs as currently required by state and federal law, and approved by the Board of Supervisors, are an effective way to ensure a diverse workforce within Monterey County Departments and meet Federal and State EEO requirements.
F8:
After 48 years, the intent of the Garza Consent Decree has been met, has served its purpose, and has been superseded by the EEOP, which is more inclusive and up to date.
F9:
Requirements in the Garza Consent Decree, such as the makeup of panels and mandatory posting period, affect the timeliness of hiring.
Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The HRD regularly update and enhance the content of its website to maximize effective recruitment.
R2:
The HRD streamline its hiring procedures to reduce the number of steps and time needed to fill positions by March 31, 2024.
R3:
The HRD develop an incentive plan for both County and non-County employee subject matter experts and individuals to serve on panels for employee recruitment by September 30, 2023.
R4:
The HRD develop a County-wide policy regarding succession planning for key personnel in each department by December 31, 2023.
R5:
Implement the HRD’s in-house electronic recruitment tracking system by September 30, 2023.
R6:
The County monitor and enforce the policy regarding the utilization of temporary employees for essential, ongoing day-to-day operations by September 30, 2023.
R7:
The County develop strategies to limit the use of temporary employees to meet essential, ongoing day-to-day operations by December 31, 2023.
R8:
The Board of Supervisors request that a report be prepared by appropriate staff by October 31, 2023, to evaluate whether the goals and timelines of the Garza 16 Consent Decree, originally approved in 1975, have been met sufficiently to request the Court vacate the Decree.
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
MST is managed by staff who administer a wide range of transportation services in Monterey County committed to serving the community’s transportation needs in efficient and effective ways.
F2:
The community at large is unaware of the range of services provided by MST, including their training centers to assist vulnerable populations.
F3:
A variety of funding sources contributes to the effective operations of MST. 83
F4:
MST collects data and disseminates real-time information and services for riders.
F5:
Some complaints not submitted through formal channels may be overlooked, leading to potential frustration for the public.
F6:
There is a lack of electric charging stations throughout the MST service area, limiting the range of electric buses.
F7:
The public perception that buses are underutilized is not consistent with the reality of logistics and the mandates of a functioning fleet.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
MST develop strategies to work with local and state entities to expand the infrastructure needed to keep electric vehicles adequately viable by December 31, 2023.
R2:
MST increase public service awareness regarding ridership levels and available services by September 30, 2023.
R3:
MST enhance opportunities for MST board members, employees, and subcontractors to acknowledge and respond to all comments and complaints by September 30, 2023.
* 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.
Additional documents
Documents found alongside this year's reports — not grand jury reports or responses.