Placer County Grand Jury • 2023-2024

Placer County 2023-2024 Grand Jury Final Report

Published: June 27, 2024 247 pages Consolidated Report

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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F7, F12, F16, F21

Findings 23 findings

The grand jury found that: Thirty-four percent of the twenty-one recommendations were implemented within

the inmate. The one-deputy escort of Abril was based on the classification decision tree, which did not consider the seriousness of the charges or the potential

sent ence those charges carried. ThePlacer County Sheriff’s Office provides no formal training for

transporting an inmate to a location or for observing a hospitalized inmate.

The expense to taxpayers of Placer County was over $109,000. . The deputy’s complacency and violations of policies and procedures, which allowed a violent felon to escape, put the public, fellow law enforcement,

medical staff, and patients at risk. The radius of Everbridge/Placer Alert system notifications did not cover the Recomenmtiree nsoduathti oPlnacse r region. RTh1e. grand jury recommends: By October 1, 2024, the classification decision tree be modified to include additional factors as set forth in the Scott Jones, Esq. report. This should include charges an inmate is facing and the potential sentence range assuming conviction, including sentencing enhancements, and pending out-

trichloroethylene contamination. The City of Lincoln has included Lincoln Titan 1-A Missile Site remediation in their

2023-2025 Strategic Plan. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been aware of trichloroethylene contamination at the Lincoln Titan 1-A Missile Site since 1991 and has assumed

F10

responsibility for remediation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is installing additional monitoring wells bordering

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Snapdragon Lane and Prunella Court in the Sun City Lincoln Hills Community. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers abruptly ceased this project for nearly a decade to determine the source of contamination and responsibility for the cleanup from 2009 to 2018-2019. 61 -2024 Final Report

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years old. There is limited roadway traction for vehicles to reach the small parking lot safely

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during inclement weather. There is no covered entry or walkway to protect staff, visitors, detainees, or evidence from inclement weather, and is not compliant with The Americans with

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Disability Act. The Placer County Board of Supervisors recently authorized land use consulting, project planning, and entitlements to facilitate the design of the new Tahoe Justice South CPelnatceerr. Main Jail FT1h6e .grand jury found: Training programs that are taught at this facility include sewing, printing,

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embroidery, crafts, culinary arts, and landscaping. There is ongoing construction which will expand mental health services and provide

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a larger vocational training building for welding and other trades. The jail has an impressive kitchen operation, serving one million meals a year to Placer County Main Jail, Meals on Wheels, Placer County Juvenile Detention Facility, and in the event of an emergency, the facility can provide meals for the community-

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at-large. New rehabilitation programs are added as officers seek additional ways to help

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inmates transition back to life outside the jail. This jail facility is well-designed, well-maintained, and all areas were clean and 147 organized. he1 .g rand jury found: This facility is used for the temporary housing of inmates waiting to appear before

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the courts. The inmates enter the facility via an underground tunnel that runs from South

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Placer Main Jail booking to the courthouse.

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Inmates are held in holding cells based on classification. The main floor of the courtroom holding area was open and has an officer’s station

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in the center of the room.

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The environment was exceedingly clean, brightly lit, calm, and quiet. The staff demonstrated the elevator system that moves from the holding area to the

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actual courthouse. The building design was extremely well thought-out for the security and Recomcomnveennidenactei oonf ms oving inmates about the facility. Placer County Main Jail TRh1e. grand jury recommends: While on duty, all uniformed staff wear department-issued body-worn cameras by

Recommendations 7

R1

By April 10, 2024,the City of Auburn, City of Lincoln, and the Placer County LAFCO Board will update their response to address their agreement or disagreement with
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of-county charges. By October 1, 2024, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office will require command staff approval prior to any reclassification of any inmate currently charged with an aggravated felonies pursuant to Penal Code § 1192.7(c). 29 -2024 Final Report
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By January 1, 2025, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office will develop a curriculum and commence a formal training program for Placer County deputies for out of custodial facility transportation and monitoring duties, Requiprreiodr Rtoe dseppuotny sasessig nment, which includes hands-on, practical training.
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full transparency. By September 1, 2024, the Lincoln City Council will appoint a city representative to Requiartetedn dR qeusaprtoernlys Reess toration Advisory Board meetings.
R5

blasts. By November 1, 2024, the Placer County Planning Services Division will develop written procedures to inform Placer County Supervisors, Municipal Advisory
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Councils, and county staff how information is transmitted among these parties. Beginning in February 2025, the Placer County Board of Supervisors will authorize mandatory annual training on the Brown Act and new rezoning laws and procedures relevant to the Municipal Advisory Councils. Beginning in February 2025, the Placer County Board of Supervisors will ensure mandatory annual training on the Brown Act and new rezoning laws and procedures relevant to the
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Municipal Advisory Council webpages. By January 1, 2025, the Placer County Board of Supervisors will provide virtual Requiarcecdes sR feors apllo Mnusneicsip al Advisory Councils meetings to the public.

Conclusions 6

CL1

background check prior to employment. Placer County Elections Office is compliant with all state and federal laws and regulations. 44 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report
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The Placer County Grand Jury concluded that every conceivable effort is being made by the Placer County Elections Office to preserve the integrity of Placer County’s elections. Elections Office staff and leadership were open, courteous, and professional in response to the grand jury’s inquiries. In conducting its investigation, the grand jury noted that multiple layers of electronic security are in place throughout the Elections Office information technology system. Also noted are well-documented procedures and strong internal controls which are in place. Quality-control steps, including security measures and use of checklists, are used extensively throughout the election process. Finally, there is no tolerable error allowed in any of the office’s processes and sub-processes, thereby reducing, if not eliminating, the risk of fraud or error in election results. The Placer County Grand Jury wishes to commend the Elections Office for its open, honest, and transparent operations. The Elections Office has adopted active transparency and outreach initiatives that are intended to have the public scrutinize the voting system so tFhienyd cianng lesa rn about the safeguards embedded in it. TF1he. grand jury found: In 2022, the Placer County Information Technology Department engaged a contractor to perform a penetration testing of the cyber and physical security of F2. Placer County Elections Office in Auburn. Placer County Elections Office data, infrastructure and system applications are F3. housed in a closed network system with multiple levels of security in place. Placer County Elections Office procedures are well documented and processes for F4. internal controls include the use of checklists and documented procedures. F5. Placer County Elections Office operates as a transparent organization. Placer County Elections Office has a dedicated staff of four information technology F6. specialists. All Elections Office personnel, permanent and temporary, are subject to a F7. background check prior to employment. Placer County Elections Office is compliant with all state and federal laws and regulations. 44 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report
CL3

Full remediation of the Lincoln, California missile site will include a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers summary of remediation efforts, any remaining challenges or risks, and the overall success in reducing trichloroethylene contamination to safe levels. These dates were provided to the public at a Sun City Lincoln Hills Town Hall meeting on January 31, 2024. There are plans for additional testing. Remediation may also include plans for 15 ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure continued environmental protection. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Presentation, January 31, 2024 15 Lincoln Titan 1-A Missile Facility video. FUDS Project Lincoln Former Titan 1 A Missile Facility (youtube.com). Accessed January 31, 2024. 60 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report
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The original intent documented in the 1998 Municipal Advisory Councils of Placer County Handbook does not align with how Municipal Advisory Councils are currently utilized or underutilized. They were designed to serve as an outreach facility between the public and the Planning Commission; however, there is inconsistency in how county supervisors use them. After redistricting, Municipal Advisory Council’s boundaries were not realigned, resulting in two Municipal Advisory Councils being overseen by multiple supervisors. The grand jury found a lack of training provided to the Municipal Advisory Council board members leaves them unaware of zoning laws, land use regulations, and Brown Act rules. This lack of training contributes to the perception that board members, citizens’ concerns, and MAC contributions are often disregarded, impacting the effectiveness of the MACs. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the grand jury would be neglectful in their investigation if they failed to mention the Granite Bay MAC is highly engaged with the public, thereby increasing attendance and participation. This MAC is well-attended which sFpienadkisn tog sth e diligence of the supervisor and her staff. TF1he. grand jury found: The Municipal Advisory Councils of Placer County Handbook was first developed in F2. 1998 and has not been updated since 2013. Municipal Advisory Council boundaries do not align with current supervisorial F3. district boundaries. Municipal Advisory Councils, within some supervisorial districts, could be F4. consolidated for greater efficiencies. F5. Informing residents of Municipal Advisory Committee meetings is ineffective. Municipal Advisory Council board members are unaware of how they receive F6. information on pending projects in advance of receiving the m eeting agend a. Municipal Advisory Councils are not provided annual training,specificallyon zoning F7. laws and changes, land use regulations, and Brown Act rules and procedures. Municipal Advisory Council meeting minutes are not posted consistently on the F8. Municipal Advisory Council webpages. F9. Many Municipal Advisory Councils are not set up for virtual meetings. There are no term limits for how long a Municipal Advisory Council board member F10. can serve. There is no specific budget or definable costs for Municipal Advisory Councils. 96 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report
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The grand jury found 62 percent of the recommendations from the 2018-2019 final report have been implemented. In addition, 14 percent are being or will be implemented within the next six months. Once those recommendations are completed, the overall i mplementation will be 76 p ercent. 186 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report
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The 2023-2024 Placer County Grand Jury is following the precedent set by the past three grand juries by publishing a Compliance and Accountability Report. It is important the grand jury verify respondents are Penal Code § 933.05 compliant. In conclusion, this report iFs irnedquinirgeds for each Placer County Grand Jury going forward. TF1he: grand jury found: F2: Most replies from respondents were compliant with Penal Code § 933.05. Replies from Placer County LAFCO Board, City of Auburn, and City of Lincoln were F3: not compliant as they did not respond to all the findings in their respective reports. The City of Colfax did not respond to the Spending on Homelessness Within Placer RecomComunetyn rdeaptoirot nansd is therefore not in compliance with Penal Code § 933.05. R1: By April 10, 2024,the City of Auburn, City of Lincoln, and the Placer County LAFCO Board will update their response to address their agreement or disagreement with R2: each finding in their respective reports. By April 10, 2024, the City of Colfax will respond to the grand jury with their agreement or disagreement to each finding in the Spending on Homelessness Within RequiPrleadce rR Ceosupnotyn rseepso:r t as well as responding to the recommendation. Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, the Placer County Grand Jury requires a response from t he follo wing g overni ng bod y: Recommendations Response Requiring Response Due Date Auburn City Council R1 March 22, 2024 City of Auburn 1 225 Lincoln Way ALiunbcuorlnn, CCiAt y9 5C6o0u3n cil R1 March 22, 2024 City of Lincoln 600 Sixth St Lincoln, CA 95648 224 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report Responding Entity Recommendations Response Requiring Response Due Date Placer County LAFCO R1 March 22, 2024 Board of Directors 1 10 Maple St ACoulbfuarxn C, iCtAy 9C5o6u0n3c il R2 March 22, 2024 City of Colfax P O Box 702 CCoolfpaxie, CsA s 9e5n71t 3t o: Placer County Board of Supervisors 175 Fulweiler Ave APluabcuerrn C, CoAu n9t5y6 H03ealth and Human Services Director 3091 County Center Dr Suite 290 APluabcuerrn C, CoAu n9t5y6 S0h3e riff Placer County Sheriff’s Office 2 929 Richardson Dr ARuobckurlinn, CCAit y9 5C6o0u4n-c6i9l 90 City of Rocklin 3970 Rocklin Rd RRoocskelvinil,l CeA C i9t5y6 C7o7u ncil City of Roseville 316 Vernon St RSoousethvi lPlela, CceAr 9 F5i6re7 8D istrict Board of Directors 1 10 Maple St Auburn, CA 95603 225 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE Section 933.05 (a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefore. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented acwtiiothn .a timeframe for implementation (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, . (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation, therefore. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the grand jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision- making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department. (d) A grand jury may request a subject person or entity to come before the grand jury for the purpose of reading and discussing the findings of the grand jury report that relates to that person or entity in order to verify the accuracy of the findings prior to their release. (e) During an investigation, the grand jury shall meet with the subject of that investigation regarding the investigation, unless the court, either on its own determination or upon request of the foreperson of the grand jury, determines that such a meeting would be detrimental. (f) A grand jury shall provide to the affected agency a copy of the portion of the grand jury report relating to that person or entity two working days prior to its public release and after the approval of the presiding judge. No officer, agency, department, or governing body of a public agency shall disclose any contents of the report prior to the public release of the final report. 226 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report Auburn City Council Response 227 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 228 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 229 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report Colfax City Council Response 230 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 231 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report Lincoln City Council Response 232 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 233 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 234 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 235 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 236 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report LAFCO Response 237 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 238 Placer County Grand Jury 2023-2024 Final Report 239