Monterey County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
Preservation of Historical Documents of Monterey County
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
The archivists and historians employed by the different agencies are well educated in their field and take great care in their duties.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Most agencies in Monterey County charged with the task to maintain and store historical records and artifacts do the best that they can with the facilities and funds they have available.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
This index once created should be shared between each city and all county historical agencies.
F3
The documents stored and maintained in these repositories vary. The most modern and up to date methods are those maintained in a temperature and humidity controlled vault at the Monterey County Historical Society.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The volumes of records in the vestibule of the office of the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, although preserved, may be damaged by public use. These documents are neither temperature nor humidity controlled. Additionally, access to the title transfer records is uncontrolled.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Monterey County offices should have all their historical documents stored in humidity and temperature controlled environments. To address the lack of funding to protect these documents the County Clerk should add a small assessment on documents requested to generate revenue. Requests for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury requests a response to Findings and Recommendations as follows: Monterey County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder; F 1. - F 9. and R 1. - R3. Monterey County Board of Supervisors; F 1. – F 9. and R 1. - R 3. City of Salinas; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. City of Monterey; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. Invited Response: Diocese of Monterey; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. Monterey County Historical Society; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. City Librarian, City of Salinas Steinbeck Library; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. 21 22
F5
Historical documents and photos should be digitized and available to the public on-line, to lessen the amount of handling of documents.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The historical documents and artifacts of Monterey County are valuable assets to the citizens of California, Monterey County and residents of the cities located within the county. As such they should be protected to ensure proper storage, maintenance, and handling.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Not all the locations that store and maintain historical documents are staffed by trained archivists.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
All Cities and agencies within Monterey County should catalog and index all historical documentation they maintain.
F8
Some entities, i.e. Monterey County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, are able to “hire” outside companies to digitize their data. Others rely on the generosity of volunteers.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Monterey County stores many of the historical documents in a warehouse. These documents are not in humidity or temperature controlled environment. Recommendations:
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
All Cities and agencies within Monterey County should catalog and index all historical documentation they maintain.
R3
Monterey County offices should have all their historical documents stored in humidity and temperature controlled environments. To address the lack of funding to protect these documents the County Clerk should add a small assessment on documents requested to generate revenue. Requests for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury requests a response to Findings and Recommendations as follows: Monterey County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder; F 1. - F 9. and R 1. - R3. Monterey County Board of Supervisors; F 1. – F 9. and R 1. - R 3. City of Salinas; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. City of Monterey; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. Invited Response: Diocese of Monterey; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. Monterey County Historical Society; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. City Librarian, City of Salinas Steinbeck Library; F 1. - F 3., F 5. - F 7., and R 1. – R 2. 21 22
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.