2016 - 2017

Comments 11

• CO1
  The Avenal City Council respond to finding and recommendation 2. The Avenal City Manager respond to finding and recommendation 2. The Corcoran City Council respond to finding and recommendation 3. The Corcoran City Manager respond to finding and recommendation 3. 104 105 106 This Page Intentionally Blank 107 108 109 THE HANFORD PLUNGE SUMMARY The Hanford Plunge is the only public aquatic facility in the City of Hanford. Extensive renovations to The Plunge were completed in 2015. The Hanford Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of the facility. It offers a variety of programs and activities to the public from June through September annually.
• CO2
  The 2016-2017 Kings County Grand Jury thanks the department staff for the time and information provided during the tour. The grand jury finds the maintenance of all county vehicles by such a small staff admirable. The grants which are in place and the initiative taken in the continual search for new grants benefit all of Kings County. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body, and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment within 60 days to the presiding judge of the superior court…” Pursuant to California Penal Code §933(c), the grand jury requests responses as follows: Kings County Board of Supervisors 23 INVITED RESPONSE Kings County Director of Public Works Kings County Fleet Services Manager 24 25 26 This Page Intentionally Blank 27 KINGS COUNTY LIBRARIES SUMMARY The Kings County Library system is composed of six branches that serve the cities of Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran, Avenal and the unincorporated areas of Kettleman City and Stratford. The library is also in partnership with the Armona Union Elementary School District to provide service to the Armona Community Library. The Hanford branch serves as the library headquarters providing support functions through administrative services.
• CO3
  The 2016-2017 Grand Jury was very impressed by the variety, accessibility and sophistication of services offered. The grand jury appreciates the time and information provided by the staff. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body, and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment within 60 days to the presiding judge of the superior court…” Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the grand jury requests responses as follows: Kings County Board of Supervisors Kings County Administrative Officer Kings County Library Director 30 31 32 33 KINGS COUNTY PARKS HICKEY PARK AND BURRIS PARK SUMMARY Hickey Park and Burris Park are the two largest county-maintained parks in Kings County. Hickey Park encompasses approximately 45 acres while Burris Park occupies 57 acres. The two parks have certain features in common, but each also differs to some extent in its attractions. The acreage for Hickey Park was purchased in 1958 from the Hickey family and the Burris Park site was donated by the David Burris family in 1924. Hickey Park’s attractions include baseball and softball fields, a disc golf course, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court and BBQ pits. As a result of these features, Hickey Park is frequently the site of large family and/or social occasions. Burris Park’s amenities include the Kings County Museum at Burris Park, the Burris Park Outdoor Education Program and the Burris Park multi-purpose room which is used as a classroom and for various other educational and recreational activities.
• CO4
  The 2016-2017 Kings County Grand Jury was very impressed that both Hickey Park and Burris Park are maintained so well with limited staff. The grand jury thanks the staff for the tour of both parks and for their time and effort in providing additional information. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c): Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt… The grand jury requests responses as follows: Kings County Board of Supervisors INVITED RESPONSES: Kings County Director of Public Works 38 Attachment #1 39 Attachment #2 40 Attachment #3 41 Attachment #4 42 Attachment #5 43 Attachment #6 44 45 46 47 OFFICE OF THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER/ SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SUMMARY The Office of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures provides a variety of services to the community of Kings County. The Agriculture Department enforces laws and regulations to provide for the protection of agriculture, the environment and the public’s health. The Weights and Measures Department serves as a local regulatory authority for the enforcement of standards, laws and regulations to ensure the weight, measure or count of commodities and/or services are accurate.
• CO5
  The Kings County Grand Jury was very impressed with the scope and variety of responsibilities of the Office of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures and the level of customer service provided by staff. 54 RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…” Pursuant to California Penal Code §933(c), the grand jury requests responses as follows: Kings County Board of Supervisors INVITED RESPONSES Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures 55 56 57 58 This Page Intentionally Blank 59 HEALTH AND EDUCATION Corcoran Branch Library 60 This Page Intentionally Blank 61 CHAMPIONS RECOVERY PROGRAMS OF KINGS COUNTY SUMMARY Champions Recovery Alternative Programs, Incorporated (Champions) is a non-profit, faith-based organization unique to Kings County. Champions has several programs that serve youth, adults and families and includes outreach programs in every city in Kings County. The Kings County Grand Jury focused on the programs at Hannah’s House and Samuel’s House. Clients served by both programs are provided with transitional housing and services to assist in self-sufficiency as productive members of the community.
• CO6
  The Kings County Grand Jury thought it remarkable that Champions is a model program founded by a Kings County resident and it is being considered for duplication by other counties in California. The grand jury was impressed with the service provided to the clients at Hannah’s House and Samuel’s House and with the program leadership and dedication of the staff. 67 JEFFERSON CHARTER ACADEMY SUMMARY Jefferson Charter Academy offers the premier Dual Language Immersion Program in Kings County. The academy is committed to the development of the whole child, with a focus on the skills needed to thrive, succeed and contribute to the community and society. Students are afforded adequate time, exposure and opportunities to learn a second language while studying academic subjects starting from kindergarten through 8th grade. The curriculum, teacher lessons and student work is aligned with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Students are given the opportunity to learn in a guided, collaborative and supportive environment. During their tour the Kings County Grand Jury learned that Jefferson Charter Academy offers a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) based curriculum. The grand jury was also impressed by the variety of after-school programs offered with 65% student participation.
• CO7
  The grand jury is impressed with the Dual Language Immersion Program focusing on STEM and the afterschool programs, which are unique assets. The goal of Jefferson Charter Academy for students to be bilingual and bi- literate in English and Spanish is commendable. The dedication of the staff, parents and students to reach that goal is inspiring. The grand jury thanks the school and district administration for their hospitality and time. 71 KINGS COMMUNITY SCHOOL CLOSURE SUMMARY The Kings Community School, under the direction of the Kings County Office of Education (KCOE), is slated to close June, 2017 after 34 years of operation. During that time, the school served students expelled from their district schools. It was also an extension of the Court School Program designed to educate students who were unable to return to their prior schools upon release from the Kings County Juvenile Center.
• CO8
  The Kings County Grand Jury thanks the KCOE administration and the staff at the Kings Community School for the tour. The school’s program was impressive and the fact that local school districts will continue serving this very unique student population is also inspiring. While the grand jury understands that the school is being closed for valid reasons, it nonetheless regrets the loss of this successful program to the community. The administration and staff of the Kings Community School is to be commended for their dedication to the students they served. 75 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY Lemoore Branch Library 76 This Page Intentionally Blank 77 LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER PROGRAMS OF KINGS COUNTY SUMMARY Law Enforcement Exploring is a career-oriented program which gives young adults the opportunity to learn about a career in public safety by working with local law enforcement agencies with established Explorer Posts. There are five law enforcement agencies in Kings County which have Explorer Posts to serve young people ages 14 to 21.
• CO9
  The grand jury was very impressed with the Explorer programs at each of the law enforcement agencies in Kings County. The individualized focus of each Explorer post reflects the needs and interests of its local community. The enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by all advisors and the support from each agency is commendable. The success of the programs is evident in the pride and commitment of the cadets and the encouragement of their parents and families. 81 County of Kings Grand Jury P. O. Box 1562 Hanford, CA 93232 Jury Room: 449 C Street Lemoore, CA 93245 [email protected] (559) 852-2892 June 26, 2017 Rosemary Ndoh, Warden Avenal State Prison #1 Kings Way Avenal, California 93204 RE: 2016-2017 Grand Jury Tour Dear Warden Ndoh, On Tuesday, February 14, 2017, the 2016-2017 Kings County Grand Jury toured the Avenal State Prison pursuant to California Penal Code §919(b): “The grand jury shall inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within the county.” The tour was conducted by the Public Information Officer and correctional staff assigned to our visit. An introductory discussion was led by the Chief Deputy Warden. The tour began with a viewing of a wall mural painted by inmates. The grand jury also visited a dormitory style unit, an office furniture manufacturing plant, automotive and body repair classes, education classrooms, the chapel and the medical and dental facility. The tour ended with a tram ride around the prison perimeter. Following the tour, further discussion with the Chief Deputy Warden and the Public Information Officer gave the grand jury the opportunity to share their impressions of the visit. Please convey our gratitude to the staff of Avenal State Prison who made our tour meaningful and enhanced our understanding of the goals of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Sincerely, Wyleen Luoma, Foreperson 82 This Page Intentionally Blank 83 County of Kings Grand Jury P. O. Box 1562 Hanford, CA 93232 Jury Room: 449 C Street Lemoore, CA 93245 [email protected] (559) 852-2892 June 26, 2017 Michael Sexton, Acting Warden California State Prison Corcoran 4001 King Avenue Corcoran, California 93212 RE: 2016-2017 Grand Jury Tour Dear Acting Warden Sexton, On Tuesday, April 4, 2017, the 2016-2017 Kings County Grand Jury toured the California State Prison Corcoran pursuant to California Penal Code §919(b): “The grand jury shall inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within the county.” The tour was conducted by the Public Information Officer and correctional staff assigned to our visit. An introductory discussion was led by the Warden, Chief Deputy Warden and the Public Information Officer. The grand jury visited a Level 4 facility: the gymnasium, the education department, the medical clinic and the program office. The grand jury also visited the Acute Care Medical Facility and the milk processing plant. Following the tour, further discussion with the Chief Deputy Warden and the Public Information Officer gave the grand jury the opportunity to share their impressions of the visit. Please convey our gratitude to the staff of California State Prison Corcoran who made our tour meaningful and enhanced our understanding of the goals of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Sincerely, Wyleen Luoma, Foreperson 84 This Page Intentionally Blank 85 County of Kings Grand Jury P. O. Box 1562 Hanford, CA 93232 Jury Room: 449 C Street Lemoore, CA 93245 [email protected] (559) 852-2892 June 26, 2017 Stuart Sherman, Warden Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran 900 Quebec Avenue Corcoran, California 93212 RE: 2016-2017 Grand Jury Tour Dear Warden Sherman, On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, the 2016-2017 Kings County Grand Jury toured the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran, pursuant to California Penal Code §919(b): “The grand jury shall inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within the county.” The tour was conducted by the Public Information Officer and correctional staff assigned to our visit. An introductory discussion was led by the Chief Deputy Warden and the Public Information Officer. The grand jury was guided through the condiment packaging plant (peanut butter, jelly and syrup), the bread and cookie packaging area, an inmate housing unit with cells and the Correctional Treatment Center (clinic). Following the tour, further discussion with the Chief Deputy Warden and the Public Information Officer gave the grand jury the opportunity to share their impressions of the visit. Please convey our gratitude to the staff of the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran, who made our tour meaningful and enhanced our understanding of the goals of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Sincerely, Wyleen Luoma, Foreperson 86 This Page Intentionally Blank 87 MEASURE K IMPACT ON PUBLIC SAFETY IN KINGS COUNTY SUMMARY A one-quarter cent sales tax imposed by the State of California ended on December 31, 2016. Measure K was a proposal sponsored by Kings County and incorporated cities within the county providing that the one-quarter cent sales tax be continued but mandated for use by public safety in Kings County. Measure K was on the ballots for the June and November, 2016 elections and failed to receive the required two-thirds vote both times.
• CO10
  The grand jury considers that the failure of Measure K left local public safety agencies with unmet needs. The grand jury commends the county and the cities for their efforts to seek funding through Measure K. The grand jury also applauds local public safety agencies for their continued efforts to provide the best service possible to the citizens they serve. 92 This Page Intentionally Blank 93 LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Hanford Branch Library 94 This Page Intentionally Blank 95 ANIMAL SERVICES IN KINGS COUNTY SUMMARY Kings County and the City of Avenal operate the two public animal service shelters in the county. Each shelter offers a variety of animal services, including licensing, spaying/neutering, microchipping, vaccinations and when needed, euthanasia. Some services are offered on-site at the shelters and others are provided through service contracts between the shelters and other animal welfare groups. The Kings County Animal Services Shelter emphasizes adoption as its primary goal and its aggressive adoption efforts have resulted in a commendably low current euthanization rate of 15%. The City of Avenal Animal Shelter’s focus is on rescue. Their successful efforts have produced a euthanization rate of 20%. Both rates are well below the national average of 50%. The Kings County shelter contracts with Hanford and Lemoore to provide animal services to those cities. The City of Corcoran contracts with the City of Avenal for the provision of shelter services. Each shelter has an ongoing need for volunteers and for donations of various items which are essential to the well-being of animals in the shelters’ care. The mission of each shelter is to educate the public that the spaying and neutering of animals is the most effective means of curbing the homeless animal population in Kings County.
• CO11
  The 2016-2017 Kings County Grand Jury thanks the staff members of the Parks and Recreation Department for the tour and information. The grand jury was favorably impressed with the Hanford Plunge facilities and the varied number of activities and programs available to users. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS None 112 This Page Intentionally Blank 113 RESPONSES TO 2015-2016 FINAL REPORT 114 This Page Intentionally Blank 115 116 This Page Intentionally Blank 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 This Page Intentionally Blank 125 126 127 128 This Page Intentionally Blank 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 This Page Intentionally Blank 137 138 139

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.