24/25 Final Grand Jury Report*

Published: June 17, 2025 42 pages Consolidated Report

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Findings 7 findings

The detention center HVAC repair project has not been completed, which continues to pose a challenge to detention center management, contributing to uncomfortable environmental exposure for inmates, staff and visitors. There is a high

amount of overtime working hours within the detention facility staffing, which is caused by increased job duties, increasing demands of the incarcerated population and regulatory compliance. Within the jail facility

premises, placed outside of the main building, C-train type storage containers were installed, which allowed for the existing storage room (located inside the main building by the kitchen) to be converted into an office space. See exhibit A.

JCFHD Human Response from JCFHCD received Resources did not 10/7/2024 We agree with this finding. The previous properly vet Human Resources Personnel did not share executive level positions leading to vetting with the Board. instability at C-suite level.

Response from JCFHCD received Multiple CEOs 10/7/2024 exceeded We agree with this finding. The current contractual Board took swift action to remove these spending limits without JCFHD CEOs. Board notification eroding inherent checks and balances in organizational structure and straining the hospital financially. The JCFHD found Response from JCFHCD received

themselves behind 10/7/2024 in regular financial audits jeopardizing We agree with this finding. This current funding from Board only had two accounting issues that were inherited. Our audits were not governmental agencies. completed in a timely manner, by an administration that was replaced two years ago, and the audits were completed last fall. Our second problem was having a few of our monthly financials not completed on time. This was rectified in a few months when a previous CEO left. The problems were never due to "difficulties navigating the Brown Act, a lack of cooperation and the accountability between Board members, or inaccessible information"

Work and dialogue Response from JCFHCD received 10/7/2024 outside of regular, special, and While the JCFHD Board agrees that such conduct risks a violation of the Brown Act, emergency the JFCHD Board disagrees with a finding meetings between that it has engaged in such conduct in that directors of the JCFHD puts the it believes it has been diligent in minimizing Board at risk of any work or dialogue outside of noticed violating Brown Act meetings. The JCFHD Board takes its practices. responsibilities under the Brown Act seriously. The JCFHD Board agrees to continue to monitor its conduct to ensure no inadvertent violation of the Brown Act occurs and to continue to receive such training on a regular basis.

Recommendations 7

R1

Complete the HVAC system repair project in all areas that are necessary as soon as possible. Increase the detention
R2

facility's custodial staff by hiring additional personnel, in order to reduce the high amount of overtime hours within the department, and to minimize burnout and stress within the department. No response is
R3

required. The following governing boards are required to respond pursuant to Penal Code sections $933 and $933.05: Board of Supervisors: F1, F2, R1, R2 The following elected county official is required to respond : County Sheriff: F1, F2, R1, R2 Per Penal Code $933.0S(a)(1) and (2), responses must include acceptance, refutal, and/or clarification of the findings, and a commitment to implementing the recommendations, as appropriate, per Penal Code $933.5(6)(1)(2)(3) and (4). 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 Grand Jury. Cited: 23/24 MCCGJ Final Report July 2024 Mariposa County Sheriff's Office Organizational and Staffing Analysis EXHIBIT A: r lan i Mt. Bullion (CC#39) Conservation Camp Facility Tour On March 6th, 2025, the Civil Grand Jury made its annual inspection of the Mt. Bullion (CC#39) Conservation Camp. About the Facility: The Mt. Bullion Conservation Camp is a minimum-security detention center jointly operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDRC) and the California Forestry and Fire Prevention (CalFire). There are currently 32 such minimum correctional camps in California. The facility has been operating since 1957 and the facility changed from one that housed juveniles to only adults in 2004. The camp's primary mission is to provide incarcerated hand crews to support local, state, and federal agencies in their response to emergencies such as fires and floods. Camp participants also complete community service and conservation projects year-round. Current population of incarcerated persons is approximately 50, with a maximum full- time capacity of approximately 100. About the Tour: The tour of the facility lasted approximately 2 hours and extended through nearly all the buildings onsite that are for both CalFire operations and housing of incarcerated persons. All buildings and equipment appear to be in good operation condition despite the age of the camp. The incarcerated persons detained at the facility perform all manner of domestic chores, such and cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc., as well light maintenance tasks. There are areas for physical fitness as well as hobbies and skills development. The interactions we observed between incarcerated persons and the CDCR and CalFire staff were professional and positive. The CDCR staff indicated they are open to further community involvement and volunteer activity both to aid in the skills development of the incarcerated persons as well to assist with local community service and conservation needs. The 2023-24 Mariposa Civil Grand Jury was charged with the oversight of the Mt. Bullion Conservation Camp #39. Civil Grand Jury oversight of the camp is required by California Penal Code. The Mariposa Civil Grand Jury performed a general overview of the facility and found no deficiencies in the care and maintenance of Camp #39. Therefore, no recommendations are made regarding the facility. The Mariposa Civil Grand Jury performed a general overview of the facility and found no deficiencies in the care and maintenance of Camp #39. Commendations: The 2024/2025 Mariposa County Civil Grand Jury commends the current staff of the Mt. Bullion Conservation Camp #39 in respect to the following: The interactions we observed between incarcerated persons and the CDCR and CalFire staff were professional and positive. The Mariposa Civil Grand Jury performed a general overview of the facility and found no deficiencies in the care and maintenance of Camp #39. The Mariposa Civil Grand Jury performed a general overview of the facility and found no deficiencies in the care and maintenance of Camp #39. Compliance and Continuity Report: Past Examination, Present Action SUMMARY The Mariposa County Civil Grand Jury (MCCGJ) is a group of volunteer citizens who, over the course of a one-year term, are tasked with investigating the operations of local government including county government departments and agencies, joint powers authorities, special districts, and school districts. The MCCGJ conducts multiple investigations, many based on public requests. The MCCGJ must also, by statute, inspect local detention facilities each term. The goal of the MCCGJ is to determine if local government can be made more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of our community. If the answer is "yes," the MCCGJ creates a report that includes findings on items that need to be addressed, recommended fixes, and due dates for responses from the elected officials who can ensure implementation as well as invited responses from relevant appointed officials. Because of the one-year term limit of each grand jury, it becomes the responsibility of the next grand jury to track responses. The 2023-2024 MCCGJ final report included findings and recommendations regarding the following: John C. Fremont Healthcare District . Mariposa County Auditor Mariposa County Board of Supervisors . The 2023-2024 MCCGJ1 issued 37 findings and 41 recommendations. This continuity report was completed by the 2024-2025 MCCGJ based on elected and appointed officials' initial responses to the findings and recommendations of the 2023- 2024 MCCGJ Final Report. It also includes the follow up responses those officials made when the 2024-2025 MCCGJ requested further clarification. The MCCGJ received most of the initial responses from elected officials and entity boards within the required timeframe. Some of the agencies accepted the findings of the 2023- 2024 MCCGJ final report and took recommended corrective actions in a reasonable time frame. When they did not agree with a recommendation, some provided explanations. In many instances, it seemed the respondents were not clear about California Penal Code requirements regarding what their responses must include. In these cases, the 2024-2025 MCCGJ requested more detailed responses and, in most cases, received them. All instances of this are noted in Table 1 of this Compliance and Continuity Report. GLOSSARY BOD Board of Directors BOS Board of Supervisors C-Suite ... Executive Management of JCFHD CAO Chief Administrative Officer (Mariposa County) CEO Chief Executive Officer (JCFHD) CFO Chief Financial Officer (JCFHD) COB Clerk of the Board Chief Nursing Officer (JCFHD) CNO Chief Nursing Officer (JCFHD) COO Chief Operating Officer (JCFHD) FY Fiscal Year HHSA Health and Human Services Agency HR Human Resources IDF Interview Debrief Form John C. Fremont Healthcare District JCFHD MCA Mariposa County Auditor MCCGJ Mariposa County Civil Grand Jury RFI Request for Investigation BACKGROUND In reviewing past Grand Jury final reports, the 2024-2025 MCCGJ found that not all included Compliance and Continuity Reports. These are not mandated and given the one- year time limit of service, each grand jury establishes its top priorities and utilizes its resources accordingly. Given the responses received to the 2023-2024 MCCGJ Final Report, the current MCCGJ decided it was important this year to prioritize a Compliance and Continuity Report. In some cases, the MCCGJ found respondents had incomplete or missing answers to last year's findings and recommendations and/or a lack of clear understanding of the proper compliance required by the California Penal Code. In some cases, the jury had questions regarding the entity's timeframe for completing implementation. Goals of Continuity and Compliance Report By generating this report, the MCCGJ hopes to provide respondents a greater understanding of, and more accurate compliance to, the California Penal Code. The jury believes that if respondents answer questions raised in findings and recommendations as clearly and comprehensively as possible, they will create a higher level of trust and support from the Mariposa County community at large. Additionally, this jury hopes that following up on responses from requested entities from the previous year will allow for a higher standard of accountability. This jury also hopes future MCCGJs will make the Compliance and Continuity Report a standing addition to its final reports. Clarifying Penal Code According to California Penal Code Section $933(a): "Each grand jury shall submit to the presiding judge of the superior court a final report of its findings and recommendations that pertain to county government matters during the fiscal or calendar year." When
R4

Response from JCFHCD received Directors should 10/7/2024 ensure adherence While the JCFHD Board is only responsible for engaging the CEO of the District and no to existing vetting other C-suite level management, the procedures for JCFHD Board will endeavor to adhere to hiring C-suite level vetting procedure when they hire the CEO management. and require staff (Human Resources) to adhere to such vetting procedures when other C-site level management is hired.
R5

Response from MCA received 9/6/2024 After completion of
R6

Immediately, JCFHD Board of 10/7/2024 JCFHD Board agrees with this Directors should recommendation and have made this a ensure procedures for financial priority. oversight of CEO are being followed at all times.
R7

JCFHD Board of 10/7/2024 Directors should JFCHD Board agrees with this review the recommendation and will ensure that this organizational task is completed within the Grand Jury's 9- structure of the Healthcare District, month time frame. specifically related to financial responsibilities of the CEO, COO and CFO with the intention of creating more financial oversight within their purview,

Agency Responses 2

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

Board of Supervisors Response to the 24/25 Grand Jury

September 16, 2025 • 8 pages View Details ▾

PDF

Office of the Sheriff-Coroner

July 16, 2025 • 2 pages • 4 responses • Score: +4 (+4, 0, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

4 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Agree Score: +1

Accepted. The Sheriff's Office agrees with this finding. The July 2023 HVAC system failure placed considerable strain on daily operations, compromising the climate environment for incarcerated persons, staff, and visitors. Since the Grand Jury's visit, substantial progress has been made. On July 1, 2025, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors approved a treasury note, awarded the construction contract to Bobo Construction, and authorized a construction group and supervision team (KPA Group) to provide construction oversight of the project. Construction is expected to begin this calendar year...

Complete the HVAC system repair project in all areas that are necessary as soon as possible. Increase the detention

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

Will Be Implemented. The Sheriff's Office fully supports the timely completion of the HVAC project. Although construction oversight rests with Mariposa County Public Works, our office is actively coordinating with County departments to facilitate progress. The Board of Supervisors' July 1, 2025 action approving project financing and contracting with Bobo Construction is a major milestone. We anticipate that construction will commence later this year and address the full scope of environmental control needs within the detention facility. Recommendation R2: Increase the detention facility...

Response: Agree Score: +1

Accepted. The Sheriff's Office acknowledges this finding. Overtime levels are elevated due to complex transport demands, increased regulatory mandates, and the long-term housing of inmates with serious mental health needs. These pressures have caused fatigue and burnout, negatively impacting staff well-being and operational efficiency. FAX (209) 742-5090 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 (209) 966-3615 P.O. BOX 276 Mariposa, CA 95338 RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendation R1: Complete the HVAC system repair project in all areas that are necessary as soon as possible. Response: Will Be Imp...

facility's custodial staff by hiring additional personnel, in order to reduce the high amount of overtime hours within the department, and to minimize burnout and stress within the department. No response is

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

Will Be Implemented. The Sheriff's Office supports this recommendation. We continue to advocate for additional custodial staffing in budget proceedings and are committed to sustaining recruitment and retention efforts. Additional positions are necessary to provide consistent coverage, reduce the need for excessive overtime, and ensure compliance with Title 15 standards while maintaining a safe and secure facility. We thank the Civil Grand Jury for its diligence, observations, and commendations. The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office remains committed to operating a professional, safe, and regula...

* 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.