Napa County Grand Jury
2023-2024
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
3 findings
F1:
Although Skyline Academy was scheduled to open at the end of 2023, the Jury’s investigation detected limited organized effort toward the opening, no urgency, and minimal forward progress.
F2:
Repeated requests for details on the development of Skyline Academy went unmet, leading the Jury to conclude that no formal project plan is being implemented. 5
F3:
The Jury found that normal operations in the Prospect wing of Juvenile Hall (which houses short-term youth) have been resumed following the suspension of Covid restrictions.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
By October 1, 2024, the Board of Supervisors direct the Napa County Probation Officer to develop and implement a detailed project plan for the Skyline Academy. The plan should formalize the project scope, be updated monthly, and provide a timeline, steps toward completion, assigned tasks, progress towards goals, available resources, and a budget.
R2:
By October 1, 2024, the Board of Supervisors direct the Napa County Probation Officer to identify a project manager to be accountable for the timely and successful completion of Skyline 73 Academy.
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The Jury found that Napa County has only one full-time Fire Plans Examiner. After this report was written, the Jury learned that the department had hired a second Fire Plans Examiner.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
By December 31, 2024, the Jury recommends that a qualified fire code plans examiner be hired to ensure the department has adequate coverage to meet the demands of the building permit submissions. After this report was written, the Jury learned that the department had hired a second Fire Plans Examiner.
F2:
The Jury found that all Napa County building permits must be approved by the Fire Plans Examiner.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Jury recommends that PBES immediately cross-train a staff member to cover the work volume during staffing shortages or vacancies. The department should not allow a position to remain vacant for any extended length of time.
F3:
The Jury found that as a result of staff shortages, projects throughout the county are delayed and customers are in a holding pattern pending approvals for extended periods of time. 8
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Jury recommends that PBES immediately require compliance with the 60 (50) day rule for all applicants of temporary events license permits.
F4:
The Jury found that an annual golf tournament held in Napa County has consistently been allowed to not comply with the permit application rules.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
By December 31, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES initiate a comprehensive review of existing policies and procedures regarding temporary events license permits to ensure future compliance and accountability.
F5:
The Jury found the Napa County permit matrix to be a complex five-page document that is confusing to the average applicant.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
By December 31, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES modify the existing internal matrix into a format understandable by applicants.
F6:
The Jury found that PBES is currently without a formal process for customers to provide feedback, either in person or on the website.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
By September 30, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES develop a customer feedback option, in person and online, as part of the application process. PBES should retain these records for potential performance improvement and evaluation purposes.
F7:
The Jury found that PBES does not assign specific field inspectors for entire projects leading to potential conflicting opinions about required corrective actions. COMMENDATIONS The Jury commends the continuing efforts of the PBES team implementing the online digital platform. The Jury commends the PBES’s dedicated staff who perform despite the challenges of staff shortages and cramped office environment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Jury recommends that, whenever possible PBES send the same inspector to conduct follow-up inspections. 9
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R8:
The Jury recommends that PBES immediately establish a protocol for resolving conflicting code interpretations by different inspectors on the same project. R.9 By December 31, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES provide mobile compatible electronic devices for each field inspector capable of reviewing plans and prior inspection notes.
R9:
By December 31, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES provide mobile compatible electronic devices for each field inspector capable of reviewing plans and prior inspection notes. REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Napa County Board of Supervisors – R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 INVITED RESPONSES Director, Napa County Department of Planning, Building, and Environmental Services - R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 Chief Building Official, Napa County – R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 Napa County Fire Marshall – R2 Reports issued by the NCGJ do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the NCGJ not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the NCGJ.
Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
The Jury found that Napa County has many dedicated people in county agencies and nonprofits who are working hard to help the elderly age gracefully.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
By September 30, 2024, HHSA develop and annually distribute a simple, brief card or letter to all mandatory reporters in Napa County. This form would inform them of their reporting responsibilities, and how to report and link to online resources for additional information.
F2:
The Jury found that no one appears to be accountable for ensuring that all mandatory reporters know their responsibilities. Many do not have sufficient training to identify elder abuse. Many may not know the correct procedure for reporting elder abuse, exposing them to liability for failing to report.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By December 31, 2024, HHSA develop a "Healthy Aging Guide" for Napa County to aid the elderly, families, and caregivers in understanding how to better assess their needs and locate the available resources. Such a guide needs to go far beyond the simple list approach of the current Napa County Aging and Disability Resource Guide. HHSA should utilize county partners such as the Library and County Communications staff as well as other avenues to distribute this to the people who need the information.
F3:
The Jury found that the constellation of services available to the elderly is broad and complex making it a challenge for some people to find the resources they need.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By December 31, 2024, HHSA work in conjunction with the Commission on Aging, the Elder Abuse Task Force, and Healthy Aging Population Initiative (HAPI) to develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan aimed at both the elderly and the wider community. The objectives of this plan are to break down barriers for elder support, increase community engagement and inclusion, educate the community on recognizing and avoiding financial scams, and increase the awareness and understanding of elder abuse.
F4:
The Jury found that information sources and service delivery are often online. Ongoing efforts to get technology into the hands of the elderly is hampered by their lack of computer literacy resulting in a continuing need for in-person information and services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
HHSA continues ongoing work with the District Attorney's Office and nonprofit organizations to develop and enhance scam awareness and promote prevention campaigns. The objectives of these campaigns are to assist the elderly to recognize and avoid potential scams and know how to respond if faced with one.
F5:
The Jury found that services such as Providence Home Health Napa "Caregiver Resources" and "Information and Assistance" exist to meet the needs of the elderly and their caregivers. These services appear to be underutilized.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Beginning July 1, 2024, Napa County HHSA proactively increase their involvement in the California Master Plan for Aging to help shape future programs and be more aware of resources and grant availability.
F6:
The Jury found that more outreach is needed to make the community aware of elder abuse and available services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Beginning July 1, 2024, law enforcement establish periodic training that reinforces how to recognize and report elder abuse.
F7:
The Jury found that an affluent population makes Napa County particularly vulnerable to elder financial scams. Experts predict that emerging artificial intelligence technologies will make financial scams a bigger problem. The best deterrent to this type of fraud is for potential victims to have the capability and strategies to identify them beforehand.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
By September 30, 2024, HHSA develop plans for hiring additional social workers and mental health professionals to meet the growing demand of the increasing elderly population.
F8:
The Jury found that the elderly population in Napa County is increasing. As the elderly population increases, the demand for resources needed to keep them safe will also increase. Additional social workers and mental health therapists will be needed in the county.
F9:
The Jury found that law enforcement training on how to identify and report elder abuse is limited. COMMENDATIONS The Jury explored the humanitarian work of local Community Partner nonprofit organizations providing vital services to the disabled, elderly and those in need. The Jury recognizes their invaluable contribution to the community and commend the dedication of all those who work diligently and volunteer so generously.
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Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
The Jury found that gang activity and gang association in Napa County are on the rise.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
By December 31, 2024, Napa Valley Unified School District and Napa County Office of Education will implement programs that focus on elementary and middle schools with gang prevention and parental education programs.
F2:
The Jury found that due to the employment demographics in Napa County, increasing numbers of children are left unsupervised. This situation was exacerbated by the Covid Pandemic.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By the fall of 2025, Napa Valley Unified School District and Napa County Office of Education restore free high school vocational curriculums (CTE- Career and Technology Education) and partner with local industries to align their course offerings with labor market needs.
F3:
The Jury found current gang activity and recruitment is more apparent in middle school and even younger ages.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By the fall of 2025, Napa Valley Unified School District and Napa County Office of Education, to maximize OTS (out of school time), partner with non-profit stakeholders to provide enriching experiences that provide lasting developmental benefits.
F4:
The Jury found that despite it having been proved to be successful, vocational curriculum has been eliminated within the NVUSD.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
By December 31, 2024, Napa Valley Unified School District and Napa County Office of Education establish a bi-annual meeting between the Napa Valley Unified School District, Napa County Office of Education and business community organizations such as Rotary, Elks, Moose, Napa Chamber of Commerce, and the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to create job opportunities, internships, and training for credits.
F5:
The Jury found that Napa County has little to no after school activities for teens and preteens. There is a need for organized free programs, including sports and other after school activities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
By September 30, 2024, the Napa County Board of Supervisors and Napa City Council identify financial resources to support community efforts to help families in need.
F6:
The Jury found that gang activity is supported by illegal money-making opportunities which can be attractive to underprivileged youth.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Beginning July 1, 2024, the Napa County Board of Supervisors and Napa City Council support legislation to roll back decriminalizing drug and theft crime.
F7:
The Jury found that coordination and communication among law enforcement, educators, and local service providers is not effective.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
By December 31, 2024, the Napa Valley Unified School District and the Napa County Office of Education strengthen the current stakeholder task force (law enforcement and schools) including non-profits which specialize in gang prevention and intervention and local industries.
F8:
The Jury found that data on gang membership and activity is limited and ineffective at gang intervention and prevention.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
By September 30, 2024, the City of Napa Police Department create a succession plan for the Community Service Officer role in the Juvenile Diversion Program, including program expansion.
F9:
The Jury found that some state legislation and propositions passed by the voters are hindering law enforcement’s ability to interdict gang crime and, in doing so, improve gangs’ ability to make money, which attracts more gang members. Commendations C1. The Jury commends the Napa Police Department Special Enforcement Unit as well as the Napa County District Attorney’s office’s interdiction efforts to stop gang violence. C2. The Jury commends the Napa Police Department’s Juvenile Diversion Program and the dedication of its diversion officer. C3. The Jury commends the Napa Police Department, Napa Sheriff’s Department, the Napa Valley Unified School District, and the Napa County Office of Education for their School Resource Officer program and also acknowledges the dedication of the School Resource Officers assigned to the Napa County Schools. C4. The Jury commends the Napa County Probation Department’s officers assigned to Camille Creek who go beyond their duties to help at-risk youth as well as the officers assigned to supervise gang members and associates. C5. The Jury commends the Napa Sheriff’s Department for its Youth Activities League programs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
By December 31, 2025, the Napa County Sheriff, the City of Napa Police Department, the City of St. Helena Police Department, the City of Calistoga Police Department, the District Attorney’s office and the Napa County Probation Department create an integrated 21 data collection system to improve the efficiency of trend monitoring associated with gangs and gang crimes.
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Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
Although Skyline Academy was scheduled to open at the end of 2023, the Jury’s investigation detected limited organized effort toward the opening, no urgency, and minimal forward progress.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
By October 1, 2024, the Board of Supervisors direct the Napa County Probation Officer to develop and implement a detailed project plan for the Skyline Academy. The plan should formalize the project scope, be updated monthly, and provide a timeline, steps toward completion, assigned tasks, progress towards goals, available resources, and a budget.
F2:
Repeated requests for details on the development of Skyline Academy went unmet, leading the Jury to conclude that no formal project plan is being implemented. 5
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By October 1, 2024, the Board of Supervisors direct the Napa County Probation Officer to identify a project manager to be accountable for the timely and successful completion of Skyline Academy.
F3:
The Jury found that normal operations in the Prospect wing of Juvenile Hall (which houses short-term youth) have been resumed following the suspension of Covid restrictions.
Findings & Recommendations
12 findings
F1:
Sincethe2016NapaCounty GrandJury report oncountywebsites,the countyhas increased its seniorcommunicationstaff, appointedawebmaster,andimplementedimproved methodsof communicatingwith citizensfor routine,non-emergencynotifications.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
ByDecember31,2024, theBoardof Supervisors directcounty communicationsstaffto annuallyimplement andpublish tocounty residentsanupdated strategiccommunicationplan that resultsin timelyand efficient two-waymessaging withthepublic through digital,print, and broadcast media.
F2:
NapaCounty hasmadesome improvementstoprovidetimely andaccurateinformationto citizens throughenhanced websitedesignand performance. 13
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
BySeptember30,2024, theBoardof Supervisors directcounty seniorcommunicationsstaff to meet withall countydepartment heads toassesstheir communicationneedsso thatthey can messageeffectivelyand consistentlywith theirtargetaudiences.
F3:
Asizableportion of Napa County websitetrafficisvia mobiledevices.Somewebsite contentisnot optimizedforsmallerscreened mobiledevices.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
BySeptember30,2024, theBoardof Supervisors directcounty departmentcommunications staff to createa monthlyreview ofcounty socialmediaaccounts,websites,and otherdigital communicationchannels to assurethat informationstayscurrent. 14
F4:
Thecountyhasnotpublishedtocitizens acounty strategicplan whichoutlineshow to facilitate thedistribution, efficiency,and qualityofpublic information.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
BySeptember30,2024, theNapaCounty Sheriff directtheircommunicationstaff tocreate a monthly reviewof theirsocial mediaaccounts,websites,and otherdigitalcommunication channels toassurethat informationstayscurrent.
F5:
NapaCounty’s overall communicationefforts, whilefocused on“tellingNapaCounty’s story”, isnotengaging thecommunity inatwo-way conversationwhichcouldfacilitate citizen engagement.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
ByDecember31,2024, theBoardof Supervisors requireall county anddepartmentwebsites to offer alive chatfeature oneachcounty departmentwebsitetohelp citizensget quickanswers to their questions andfacilitate timelyassistance.
F6:
NapaCounty lacksaformally articulated plantocontinuously re-evaluateand updateits communicationstrategies adaptingtochanging digitalmessagingtechnologies inorder toassure that messagingremainstimely,effective,and relevant.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
ByDecember31,2024, theBoardof Supervisors directcounty communicationsstaffto develop andmake publicthemetricsandanalytics whichmonitor countyefforts toevaluate effective two-waycommunication strategieswith citizens.
F7:
Theswitchfrom Nixleto Everbridgedidnot gothroughan RFP orsimilarevaluation processwhich hasledtodisruptions incitizen alertcontacts thathave notbeen satisfactorily resolved.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
ByDecember31,2024, theBoardof Supervisors havecounty communicationsstaffensure that countyinitiativesand programs areavailableto allof ourcitizens, includingthose who speak languagesotherthan Englishandthose withspecial needs ordisabilities.
F8:
Countyemergencynotifications usingthe alerttechnologyEverbridge arenotreliably reachingall enrolledcitizens, anditis unknown exactlyhow manyresidentsarereceiving messages.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
ByDecember31,2024, theBoardof Supervisors establisha NapaCounty Communications Citizen AdvisoryBoard withthe goalof providing communityinputinto NapaCounty communicationpriorities.
F9:
TheEverbridge emergency notificationmobileappfor phones andothermobiledigital devices isnotperforming reliablyfor citizens.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
ByDecember31,2024, theSheriff’sDepartment OESprepare andexecute updatedplans to fix deficienciesin alertnotification measuresensuringthat accurateandtimelyemergency information isdisseminatedtothe public andmediawhenneeded. Thismayrequire assessing alternativeemergencynotificationsystem providersto resolveongoingEverbridge deficiencies.
F10:
Theenrollment processfor Everbridge iscumbersomeand notwellunderstood bythe citizenry.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
BySeptember30,2024, theSheriff’sDepartment OEScollaborate withNapaCounty communicationstaff to addressproblems withthe “AlertNapaCounty”citizen enrollment processincludingincreased awarenessof how toenroll,streamline theenrollmentprocess, and improve citizen’sabilityto managetheirown alertnotification preferences. Requestfor Responses Board of Supervisors: R1,R2, R3,R5, R6,R7, R8 Napa CountySheriff: R4,R9, R10 Invited Responses County ExecutiveOfficer: R1,R2, R3,R5, R6,R7, R8 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed . Pena l Cod e sectio n 92 9 requires that repo rts of th e G rand J ur y not contai n the name of an y pers on or fact s leading to the id entity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. 15
F11:
Everbridge hasnotfulfilledall of itscontractual obligationswithNapa County.
F12:
NapaCounty’s staff haveimproved measurestofacilitate communicationwithcitizen’s diverselanguages andfor those havingdisabilities orspecial needs.
* 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.