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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Napa County Grand Jury
• 2024-2025
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⚠️ 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 9 findings
F1
Page 131
The Jury found that gang activity and gang association in Napa County are on the rise. The City of Napa agrees with the finding. The District Attorney and Sheriff agree with this finding.
F2
Page 131
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. The City of Napa agrees with the finding. The District Attorney and the Sheriff agree in part with this finding but would be interested in looking into more evidence to in support of this finding, or learning if it is California-wide, or unique to Napa County.
F3
Page 131
The Jury found current gang activity and recruitment is more apparent in middle school and even younger ages. The City of Napa agrees with the finding. The District Attorney and Sheriff agree with this finding.
F4
Page 131
The Jury found that despite it having been proved to be successful, vocational curriculum has been eliminated within the NVUSD. The City of Napa agrees with the finding. The District Attorney and Sheriff agree with this finding. NVUSD disagrees with this finding. NVUSD has not eliminated its vocational curriculum. NVUSD’s vocational curriculum offerings have been relabeled as Career Technical Education or “CTE,” and as described in more detail below, NVUSD has extensive offerings for students at all of NVUSD’s high schools.
F5
Page 131
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. 124 | Pa ge The City of Napa disagrees partially with the finding. While the City of Napa agrees that additional programs would be beneficial to the community, we disagree that there are little to no programs available. Programs are available, as discovered by the members of the Grand Jury, however not all families are aware of the programs or may experience barriers to participating in the programming. For example, some programs may require a guardian or parent to pick up the child at a specific time. The District Attorney and Sheriff agree in part, that more free and affordable programs would be good for the community. We disagree, however, with the description of "little to no" after school activities. In addition to the affordable programs for teens and pre-teens offered by the various Parks and Recreation departments of the various cities in Napa County, the Napa Valley Boys and Girls Club and the Boys and Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga offer a variety of after school programs for affordable fees that are largely subsidized by both government grants and local philanthropy. Napa County also offers a variety of youth sports including soccer (all levels), rugby, lacrosse, football, baseball, among others. The various youth sports organizations vary in pricing but most offer scholarships and financial aid with the assistance of local philanthropy. The Napa Sheriff's Activities League (SAL) also offers a variety of free sports programs including Boxing, Baseball skills, Judo, and Wrestling. SAL also has an after-school fitness center in East Napa. The SAL programs are free of charge. Besides SAL Boxing, there are four additional boxing clubs in Napa that are fee based, but affordable. The local mental health non- profit, Mentis, also offers "Napa Valley Teens Connect", which offers mental health, empowerment, wellness programs at various NVUSD school sites. The School District disagrees with this finding in part. While the School District agrees that more after-school activities are needed throughout the County, as described in more detail below, the School District offers a number of organized free programs, including sports and other after- school activities at every single school in the School District.
F6
Page 132
The Jury found that gang activity is supported by illegal money-making opportunities which can be attractive to underprivileged youth. The City of Napa agrees with the finding. The District Attorney and Sheriff agree with this finding.
F7
Page 132
The Jury found that coordination and communication among law enforcement, educators, and local service providers is not effective. The City of Napa disagrees partially with the finding. The city supports additional efforts and recommendations to improve coordination and communication between partner agencies, however information that impacts the safety of the children is freely shared between public safety and academic organizations. Napa Police Department Youth Services/Student Resource Officers (SROs) and Napa Valley Unified School District are in regular communication. Leadership of these organizations also meet quarterly. 125 | Pa ge The District Attorney and Sheriff partially disagrees with this finding. We support efforts to expand coordination and communication to share information and intelligence through relationships, phone calls, and virtual and in=person meetings. The Napa County law enforcement community, and particularly the members of this community involved in juvenile crime prevention and enforcement, is small. Napa Police Department's Youth Services Bureau (YSB), the various School Resource Officers (SROs) from all agencies, juvenile probation officers, prosecutors, and many of the service providers are in frequent communication already. Their meetings and relationships are such that they can discuss or call one another with any questions or information as needed.
F8
Page 133
The Jury found that data on gang membership and activity is limited and ineffective at gang intervention and prevention. The City of Napa agrees with the finding. The District Attorney and Sheriff agree that the data is limited, and that this limitation can hinder gang intervention and prevention.
F9
Page 133
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. The City of Napa agrees with the finding. The District Attorney and Sheriff Office agree with this finding.
Recommendations 10
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R1Page 133By 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. The School District already offers a wide range of curricular and community resources to students and their families to educate, intervene, and support students so that they make good choices in their lives, resist the allure of gangs, and are able to focus on their future goals, including college and vocational careers. The following summarizes existing programs, partnerships and parental education programs that were offered in 2023-2024 and which will continue in 2024-2025. We are always open to additional opportunities and partnerships with not only the Napa County Office of Education but other community organizations and groups. Prevention and Intervention Services Impacting Students and Families 1. Positive Behavior Intervention and Support: All school sites participated in a relaunch of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (“PBIS”) in August 2023. PBIS is an evidence- based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social- emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves teacher 126 | Pa ge health and well-being. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable, and safe learning environments where everyone thrives. 2. Social Emotional Learning: To support our students on their educational journey we have a multi-faceted approach to social-emotional learning (“SEL”). a. At the elementary level, curriculum such as the TOOLBOX Project, Second Step, and Building Effective Schools Together (“BEST”) all support children in understanding and managing their emotional, social, and academic success by uncovering human capacities that reside within all of us. b. In the middle grades, the Second Step Middle School program provides schools with a common language that helps everyone reinforce social-emotional skills and concepts throughout the school day. These skills are taught and supported through the Advisory period. 3. Wellness Centers: Seven campuses now house Wellness Centers, including the four middle schools: American Canyon Middle School, Redwood Middle School, Silverado Middle School, and Unidos Middle School. Wellness counselors and licensed social workers/mental health therapists are available to support students; outside referrals are also made as needed. Youth Outreach Coordinators coordinate services and work in partnership with student leaders to design and facilitate wellness-related events on school sites. Research shows that wellness services result in greater school and student outcomes, including improved academic performance, increased school engagement, reduction in suspensions and expulsions, decreased referrals to Special Education, and increased graduation rates. a. Our Community Schools also support student wellness. b. NVUSD partners with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health. 4. Partnership with Napa CARES: School District staff are members of Napa Connection and Resilience to Empower Students (“CARES”) is a network led by the Napa County Office of Education (“NCOE”) that unites non-profits, Local Education Agencies (“LEAs”), and Community-Based Organizations (“CBOs”) to enhance school safety by addressing the needs of Napa’s youth through holistic, wraparound services. This initiative facilitates effective communication between multiple agencies, resulting in streamlined and increased access to services for youth and their families. By providing individualized support through an intensive case management approach, Napa CARES enhances early intervention and violence prevention. This is achieved by offering youth and families facing challenges a comprehensive “backpack of services” tailored to their unique situations. Connections with Law Enforcement Agencies The School District has existing collaborative partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, such as our School Resource Officer (“SRO”) program, in addition to the Napa County Probation Department, as well as other community organizations and experts that we routinely partner with to provide students with resources and support. This support can be one-on-one, small group, or large group presentations, depending on the need. Parent Education Programs 127 | Pa ge NVUSD provides parent education and support to all school sites through the Community and Parent Liaison. The Community & Parent Liaison provides a home to school connection to foster the academic and socio-emotional growth of our students, while providing parents voice and support around parent education, parent engagement, and parent advocacy. The School District’s partnership with On the Move supports Family Resources Centers (“FRCs”) at McPherson, Napa Junction, Phillips, Shearer, and Snow Elementary Schools. FRCs bridge the gap between home and school. They provide full wrap-around service support for families. FRCs support Parent University which engages parents in school health and wellness efforts and provide parents with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to maintain their children on the path of health, wellness, and academic success. These services are strategically located so that all NVUSD parents/legal guardians can access services provided through the FRCs. Safe Transportation / Safe Routes to School Program The School District collaborates with the Napa County Bicycle Coalition and participates in the Safe Routes to School Program, which ensures that elementary and middle school students can safely navigate their way to school. Recognizing that not all students are driven to school by their parents due to work commitments, this program addresses and removes barriers to safe walking and biking. Initiatives such as walking school buses and community rides offer family- friendly opportunities for students to experience biking in a positive, group setting. By promoting these safe routes, we aim to help students avoid potential threats, including gang-related activities in the community. Youth Development / Leadership Skills Programs Through partnership, the School District provides youth leadership development programs that foster positive relationships, increase healthy choices, and develop leadership skills. These program options foster student engagement and support, which contribute to protective factors such as enhanced self-esteem, improved relationships with peers, teachers and school, and parents/caregivers, and the ability to resist pressures to join gangs while focusing on future goals, including college and vocational careers. 1. Mariposa and Bridging Brothers serve over 150 youth across 10 middle and high schools in Napa and American Canyon. Mariposa is a girl empowerment initiative with an emphasis on Latino culture and is implemented in all middle and high schools across the district. Bridging Brothers is a program designed to support young men and aims to be introduced in the coming year at all locations where Mariposa is offered. 2. The School District partners with On the Move to support The Neighborhood Initiative which aims to build a neighborhood in Napa where every child can claim a future in which all possibilities are real and attainable. We do this by increasing educational outcomes for children and youth, engaging families to empower themselves and their children, and developing community leadership. The most common demographic in the Initiative is first generation Latino children, youth and families. The Initiative runs four core programs on different sites and a common thread linking all of the programs is a 128 | Pa ge “Pipeline of Success” in which each program builds upon the next in order to show the leadership development and growth of the youth over time. a. Elementary School Leadership Academies at McPherson and Phillips Shearer Elementary Schools and Shearer TK-8 School b. A Middle School Leadership Academy at Silverado Middle School c. A High School Leadership Academy at Napa High School d. Family Resource Centers at both McPherson and Phillips Elementary Schools 3. Joven Nobel Con Palabra: Starting in 2024-2025, the district will partner with National Compadres Network and the Napa Valley Education Foundation to provide a three-day in-person training to all NVUSD social workers and counselors. Upon completion, staff will receive the Joven Noble Con Palabra Curriculum Certificate which allows staff to provide a youth leadership development program that supports and guides youth by focusing on the prevention of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, relationship violence, gang prevention and school failure. Napa County Probation Officers will join NVUSD in this training. New Graduation Requirements Effective Starting in 2024-2025 In October 2021, the state of California passed AB101 which requires school districts to add a one-semester course in ethnic studies to the graduation requirements beginning with the graduating class of 2029-30. To meet this graduation requirement, the NVUSD Board of Education reviewed various options and ultimately approved changes to the high school graduation requirement policy beginning with the Class of 2028. The policy includes the adoption of a stand-alone, one-semester Ethnic Studies course and a stand-alone, one- semester Health Education course in ninth grade. These two courses will support students transitioning from 8th to 9th grade. Ethnic Studies courses have proven to support higher attendance rates, increased engagement, lower disciplinary incidents, and improved academic achievement, especially for at-promise youth. The addition of a health course is aimed at improving NVUSD’s ability to implement the California State requirements for health education supporting student social, emotional, physical and mental well-being by developing life-long skills and habits. Gang Awareness Night In April 2024, the District had planned a “Gang Awareness Night” with the Napa County Probation Department, but, due to unforeseen circumstances, this event was cancelled. We plan to hold this event during the 2024-2025 school year instead. At this event, parents learn the common indicators of gang involvement, proactive measures to support children, strategies for intervention, and the many resources available to help support our young people. The NVUSD Board of Education adopted Vision 2024 and a new Strategic Plan in June 2024. One of the 15 strategies is focused on the development of “a comprehensive approach to improvement in school and district safety”. As the District implements this plan, we will look to strengthen and expand our support of student safety and parent engagement through prevention and intervention. 129 | Pa ge First, regarding Finding 5, we would like to note that the Napa County Office of Education (NCOE) has extensive programs in partnership with all five school districts in the county to provide and support after school/expanded learning programming. NCOE directly runs the current COOL School expanded learning programs at the following elementary schools: Alta Heights, Bel Aire Park, Northwood, Phillips Snow, Shearer, and Vichy. Programs are open every school day until 6PM and during winter and summer breaks. The program aligns with the school day curriculum and includes social- emotional learning, enrichment activities, STEAM, sports and active recess, and provides a healthy snack. The program also includes daily time for homework support and reading. The remainder of the elementary schools in the County have afterschool programs provided by the Boys and Girls Clubs and district-run programs. NCOE directly runs ACE programs at Silverado Middle School and Calistoga Junior/Senior High school as well as the middle school grades.at Shearer; the remainder of middle schools are served by Boys and Girls Clubs. Additionally, there are Community School programs designed to provide wrap-around support services to those students most in need at McPherson, Phillips, Shearer, Snow, Silverado, Valley Oak, Calistoga Elementary and Junior/Senior High, Howell Mountain K- 8, Pope Valley K-8, and Camille Creek. Additionally, all middle and high schools are served by the Mariposa program, which is dedicated to addressing the needs of Napa's youth by offering essential social-emotional support in a safe environment that promotes growth and leadership. A majority of participants in Mariposa are Latinx girls with additional representation from students of color and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Over the last three years, interested students have also had the opportunity to participate in Ballet Folklorico, connecting with their heritage and culture. While our programs target students who are most at risk of gang involvement, participation is voluntary, and we recognize that those students are not always as likely to attend. We have cultivated strong partnerships with school district administrators, nonprofit and community organizations, and we are redoubling our efforts to more effectively collaborate with law enforcement, SRO's, probation and other agencies that deal with gangs, to assist us in identifying the students most at risk and finding incentives to encourage their participation in our programs. To that end, we will be holding a meeting on September 5 with representatives of all relevant agencies, non- profits, school districts, and others who might be able to assist us in developing a strategic plan for expansion and improvement of gang prevention and parental education programs. As a result of this meeting, it is anticipated that a countywide strategic plan will be developed and circulated by the end of September 2024 and program implementation will begin by December 31; as recommended.
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R2Page 137By 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. As mentioned above, vocational curriculum, which has been relabeled Career Technical Education or “CTE,” has not been eliminated within the School District. We support Career Technical Education in all five high schools, and all CTE programs include 130 | Pa ge industry-aligned classes and programs. CTE course offerings available at district high schools from the 2023-2024 school year include the following: 1. American Canyon High School Business, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Education, Sports Medicine, Sustainable Construction 2. Napa High School Engineering and Robotics, Manufacturing and Product Development, Medical Science, Sustainable Construction 3. New Technology High School Digital Design 4. Valley Oak High School Design, Visual and Media Art 5. Vintage High School Agriscience, Animal Science, Business, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Multimedia Production, Printing and Graphics, Woodworking The alignment of college and career readiness is a priority of the Board of Education and staff as evidenced in the new NVUSD Vision 2040 and Strategic Plan. During the 2023-2024 school year, NVUSD partnered with one of the leading National organizations in CTE who supported the evaluation of our current CTE programs. As a result, NVUSD is redesigning the CTE programming in order to align with industry demands and position students to have a competitive advantage in the current regional workforce. This work is led by the District’s College and Career Leadership Team that includes Executive Cabinet, site leaders, CTE and general education staff, TK-12 parents, as well as students. As a first step, we transitioned all CTE teachers to our District from the Napa County Office of Education and provided summer professional learning. We also applied for a $2 million grant through the Golden State Pathways Grant to support the alignment and expansion of CTE over the next 3-5 years. Agriculture Innovation Center The district was awarded the K12 Strong Workforce Program Round 6 Grant for the Agricultural Science Innovation Center at Vintage High School. The district was one of 33 Local Education Agencies (“LEAs”) funded out of 55 total applicants and was awarded $755,496 (see Bay Area
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R3Page 124By 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. The recommendation requires further analysis. 117 | P age HHSA participates in the Commission on Aging meetings, Elder Abuse Task Force meetings, HAPI meetings and various NOAA workgroup meetings. HHSA appreciates the ability to work in conjunction with these groups and individuals to enhance communication on these important issues. The Director also incorporates prior responses which explain that Providence serves as the County's Information & Assistance (I&A) provider. Therefore, they are a critical and central player in the development of any communication plan since the goal is to direct residents to a single point of contact for older adult services and resources. Similarly, it is important for HHSA to work in collaboration with our AAA Executive Director, particularly as an ADRC is being pursued to ensure alignment of messaging and effort. At the same time, consistent with HHSA's prior Strategic Plan for 2020-2023 and our current Strategic Plan for 2024-2026, we have dedicated resources to building awareness of programs and services through increased communications. In 2022, HHSA began publishing a quarterly 'Be Well' publication and in 2023, HHSA was fortunate to add a Communication Manager to support enhanced communications across all mediums. That position has been recently filled as of July 1, 2024. In the Summer 2024 Issue of 'Be Well,' an article was included that shared information about our APS program, elder abuse, and how to recognize and report suspected elder abuse. With June being Elder Abuse Awareness Month, it is a natural and appropriate time to elevate awareness through a targeted communication plan. HHSA's Communications Manager will work with APS staff to carry out a multi-media campaign to elevate awareness and understanding of elder abuse. It is anticipated that this will include radio spots, informational pamphlets, mailers, and a social media campaign. As mentioned previously, HHSA staff are already working with Providence to create a video that will be distributed online and through social media which will provide information on the I&A Program, how to access information, and where services are located. HHSA also recently added an APS Social Worker Supervisor to enhance programming, including additional community outreach, communication, and education in collaboration with HAPI, the Commission on Aging, and the Elder Abuse Task Force. Finally, HHSA is in the process of contracting with Wine Down Media to support agencywide communications about its many programs, services, and relevant topics, and focusing on older adults is necessarily included in that investment. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of Health and Human Services Agency.
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R4Page 125HHSA 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. The recommendation has been implemented. On June 28 of this year, the Napa County District Attorney's Office, along with Molly's Angels of Napa Valley, and HHSA, hosted the S.A.F.E. (Seniors Against Financial Exploitation) workshop. 118 | P age This event highlighted the collaboration between agencies working to prevent and address financial exploitation of older adults in Napa County. The morning session was open to older adults in the community and focused on financial abuse and scam prevention as well as healthy aging. Among the presenters were APS staff, the Long- Term Care Ombudsman, law enforcement, a gerontologist, and a panel of older adults who have experienced financial abuse. As mandated reporters, financial institutions play an important role in identifying and reporting abuse, and therefore, the afternoon session was geared toward staff from local financial institutions and focused on providing them information as to how to identify and report suspected financial elder abuse. The event was a success with over 150 older adults in attendance and over 50 institutions represented. The feedback solicited about the event was very positive and there is interest in making this event an annual occurrence. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of Health and Human Services Agency.
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R5Page 126Beginning 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. The recommendation has been implemented. By way of background, the California Master Plan for Aging (MPA) is a broad set of initiatives providing opportunities for local government agencies, AAAs, community-based organizations, and other healthcare providers to meet the needs of an aging population. The MPA sets forth five goals: Housing for all Ages & Stages; Health Reimagined; Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation; Caregiving that Works; and Affording Aging. Within each of the five goals are four to six strategies that address Transportation, Elder Abuse, Caregiving, Income Security, and more. First and foremost, it should be noted that HHSA has been at the forefront of providing the foundation to help shape these priorities for Napa County. As previously noted, HHSA worked directly with our community-based organizations and Commission on Aging staff to help bring the multi-year NOAA to fruition. Both the Director of HHSA and staff from the County Executive Office are part of the Project Oversight and Support Team and HHSA staff also participate in the Steering Committee, and over $400,000 in total funds from the County and HHSA (through the strategic alignment of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding) has been leveraged to make the NOAA possible in the first place. This work is being carried out thoughtfully in conjunction with our AAA Executive Director to help ensure alignment since the AAA plays a critical role and is required to develop a separate Four- Year Area Plan for Napa and Solano counties. Second, HHSA also worked strategically and collaboratively to align the priority areas from its recently completed Community Health Assessment (CHA), done in conjunction with Providence, with the NOAA. Both the CHA and NOAA were presented to the Board of Supervisors on April 24, 2024. The presentation highlighted the fact that five priority areas emerged through our CHA and NOAA, consisting of Housing, Economic Stability, Access to Health Services, Racial Equity & LGBTQ Inclusion, and Behavioral Health, and within those areas, issues that were further elevated by the NOAA included Transportation, Fall Prevention, Food Access, Access to Dental 119 | P age Care, and Communications/Digital Inclusion. Noteworthy is the fact that these areas align with the priorities in the MPA. Beyond an obvious alignment with our CHA and NOAA to the MPA, is the fact that HHSA, using the CHA and NOAA, is developing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) with the input of community stakeholders. Our CHIP is being operationalized through the launching of a multi- pronged funding opportunity leveraging MSA, MHSA, and Opioid Settlement Funds resulting in 36 contracts to community-based providers. A total of approximately $10.8 million in contracts that span two and three years each are directed specifically at community health, with $3 million of the $5 million in MSA funds directed at services for older adults. HHSA presented a summary of these investments and their alignment to our CHA, NOAA, and CHIP to the Board of Supervisors on June 4, 2024. This evidences that HHSA is aware of the available resources and has been very involved in addressing the priority areas in the MPA vis-à-vis our local work on our CHA, NOAA, and CHIP. Further, a critical program within HHSA is our IHSS program. Effective May 2024, with the unanimous support of our Board of Supervisors, HHSA was able to increase the wages paid to our IHSS providers to $20 per hour for the essential caregiving support they provide to older and disabled adults allowing them to remain in their homes. This was a significant increase from $17.45 per hour and reflects the strategic investment by the County to help bolster caregiving resources in our community, including the provision of care by friends and family, all in alignment with the goals and strategies of the MPA. HHSA also works collaboratively with Solano County as part of our Napa-Solano AAA. The Director of Napa County HHSA, in partnership with the Director of Solano County Health and Social Services, prioritized the recent addition of a new position within the AAA to enhance the staffing infrastructure. The additional staffing, which we anticipate being filled within the next six months, will help our AAA assist with the MPA work in Napa County, explore and develop new programs, including creation of an ADRC, and, as both counties have discussed, assist in writing grant proposals relating to aging services for both Solano and Napa County. Finally, with this new Fiscal Year 2024-2025, HHSA added an HHSA Management Analyst position to the Agency. This position will report to the Director of HHSA and among the many Agencywide priorities, this position will be dedicated part-time to help bolster the support of the NOAA work, work with the AAA Executive Director and Deputy Director of HHSA-CSOA division, and community-based organizations to help support the provision of older adult services in Napa County. It is this type of forward thinking, marshalling of resources, and overwhelming investment in services by HHSA and the County that positions us well to continue meeting the needs of our aging population. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of Health and Human Services Agency. 120 | Pa ge
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R6Page 128Beginning July 1, 2024, law enforcement establishes periodic training that reinforces how to recognize and report elder abuse. This recommendation has not yet been implemented. The Napa County Sheriff's Office will work to implementing a tracking system for periodic trainings that reinforces skills and best practices in several topics, including elder abuse. The Sheriff's Office is committed to providing a well-trained and prepared work force to keep Napa County safe. In addition to the training that Deputies already receive related to elder abuse through the Police Academy and the Field Training Program, in 2019 the legislature passed, and the Governor signed, Senate Bill 338. SB338 created more policy mandates for law enforcement related to elder abuse and added a mandate for a minimum of 2 hours of training. The Napa County Sheriff's Office has implemented the requirements of SB338, reflected in the Sheriff's Office's Senior and Disability Victimization Policy, specifically Policy #317, which is a comprehensive policy that is 15 pages long and covers all recommendations described in SB338. In addition, all Deputies, after the Police Academy but prior to starting the Field Training Program, receive training on elder abuse as part of a series of training videos produced by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards in Training (POST). Patrol Deputies, throughout their careers, will receive refresher trainings, known as "line-up training" or "briefings", headed by their supervisors, on a variety of topics to help refresh and sharpen their skills; these trainings often include topics related to elder abuse. Further, all Deputies are required to read and understand the policies of the Sheriff's Office and the Senior and Disability Victimization Policy provides an easily available resource - in addition to Sheriff's Office leadership - to any Deputy needing a refresher or guidance related to elder abuse at any time. The Sheriff's Office recognizes the importance of promptly identifying, preventing, and addressing elder abuse in all its forms and is committed to ensuring that all Sheriff's Deputies are proficient in doing so. Accordingly, the Sheriff's Office will remind supervisors to include elder abuse as part of their regularly scheduled training programs, which will focus on reinforcing how to recognize and report elder abuse. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. City of Napa The State of California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (CA POST) has established training guidelines for law enforcement personnel as it relates to incidents of reported or discovered elder and dependent adult abuse. The initial training for Napa Police Officers is handled by the CA POST certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy, pursuant to California Penal Code §13515.295 (identified by CA POST as Learning Domains LD-7: Crimes Against Persons/Death Investigations and LD-37: People with Disabilities). Additional training comes in the form of participation in the POST certified Napa Police Department Field Training Program, through on-the-job-experience, and advanced officer training. The City of Napa Police Department has continued to offer training in this area in a limited capacity, but recognizes the importance of the Grand Jury's recommendation to establish a more formal program for periodic training on this topic. 121 | Pa ge By August 1, 2024, the Napa Police Department Professional Standards and Training Unit will identify and assign a 2-hour CA POST multimedia refresher training to re-affirm a baseline level of knowledge for City of Napa Police Department sworn Police Officers and designated professional staff to ensure employees can properly identify and respond to reports of elder and dependent adult abuse in our community. This individual self-paced training will be documented using the CA POST PASs system and completed by assigned on-duty personnel by September 30, 2024. Additionally, the City of Napa Police Department will ensure departmental policy is updated and clarified. By August 1, 2024, the Napa Police Department Professional Standards and Training Unit will identify dates to conduct in-person review of department policy (City of Napa Police Department General Orders §319 - Senior and Disability Victimization) and regional reporting procedures with on-duty sworn personnel. This in-person training will be documented using Napa Police Department training rosters and will be completed
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R7Page 129By 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. This recommendation has been implemented. While we recognize that the growing elderly population will require increasing staffing to meet their needs, we already have the requisite mechanisms in place to increase that staffing as circumstances change. Since 2017, HHSA has expanded the number of APS social workers from four to seven. Just this year, an additional Social Worker Supervisor was added to support the growing unit and resource increased outreach, training, and education on elder abuse. Our caseloads in Napa County are consistent with comparable counties, and we continue to maintain excellence in timeliness standards. The Grand Jury astutely recognizes that responding to and preventing elder abuse exists in a broad context and array of services and therefore, responding to the needs of a growing older adult population requires more than planning for additional staffing. By way of background, the mental health services directly provided by HHSA for older adults includes our Older Adult Full-Service Partnership (OAFSP) program where the overall goal is to divert adults with serious mental illness (SMI) to be maintained in the community living as independently as possible. HHSA also provides case management support to older adults who are conserved and non-conserved. Our OAFSP program provides clients with assistance with housing, linkage to employment and education, linkage to medical services, caregiving resources, social security, transportation, food resources, and any other identified barriers. The embedded unit within our CSOA division is staffed by a Supervising Mental Health Counselor, four Mental Health Counselors, and one Senior Mental Health Worker. Although there is currently one vacancy, HHSA, in conjunction with its Behavioral Health division leadership, continually evaluates staffing needs to ensure programs are appropriately and efficiently 122 | Pa ge resourced. HHSA will bring forward any needed requests for staffing in the normal course of business. It is worth noting that HHSA also supports the provision of mental health services to older adults through numerous contracts with community-based providers. As previously explained, one of the many funding opportunities HHSA has made available over the years has included MSA grant awards and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for services supported by MHSA funding. Through the MHSA RFP process, HHSA has been intentional in supporting community-based programs that support mental health services to older adults reflected in contracts totaling almost a million dollars over the next two years. These programs include Molly's Angels Comprehensive Assistance and Resources for the Elderly (CARE) program which will reduce social isolation and depression among older adults through wrap-around supportive services, Mentis' "Healthy Minds, Health Aging" program that provides therapeutic intervention for adults 60 years of age and older, a contract with Mentis to help implement Napa County's Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention with benefits to older adults, and Up Valley Family Center's Senior Wellness Program providing individual and group counseling for older adults. While HHSA maintains staffing resources we are also continuously aligning and leveraging funding to meet the mental health and social service needs of Napa County's older adults in other ways. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of Health and Human Services Agency. 123 | Pa ge HITTING THE RESET BUTTON: ADDRESSING GANGS Report Date: 4/10/2024 Response Date City of Napa: 6/18/2024 (69 days) Response Date Napa County Sheriff/District Attorney: 7/3/2024 (84 days) Response Date Board of Supervisors: 8/6/2024 (118 days) Response Date Napa County Probation Department: 8/6/2024 (118 days) Response Date NVUSD: 8/7/2024 (119 days) Response Date NCOE: 8/14/2024 (136 days)
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R8Page 149By 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. City of Napa This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not reasonable. The City of Napa Civil Services Rules govern how vacancies are filled and require a thorough, fair and competitive process, and therefore the City cannot pre-designate a replacement for any classified position. However, the City of Napa appreciates the Grand Jury's recognition of the importance of continuity in the Community Service Officer role in the Juvenile Diversion program and has created methods to document processes and procedures, and ensure that all program staff are knowledgeable about the services provided. Further, the City of Napa and the Police Department are supportive of professional growth for all employees and have expanded access to internal and external development trainings and will continue to do so to allow for multiple staff to seek promotion or transfer into the Juvenile Diversion Program as positions become available.
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R9Page 149By 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 data collection system to improve the efficiency of trend monitoring associated with gangs and gang crimes. City of Napa This recommendation requires further analysis. With the dissolution of the CALGangs data system (AB90 - 2017), each law enforcement agency in Napa County now maintains their own data on criminal behavior in each community. Currently, Napa Sheriff's Office and Napa Police Department share a records management system (Mark43) that allows law enforcement staff to see unrestricted criminal data. These agencies are the larger agencies in our County and account for most of the criminal and gang related activity. Other agencies maintain their own records, but information is also shared among all agencies as needed. By October 1, 2024, the City of Napa Police Department will collaborate with partners at the Napa Sheriff's Office, St. Helena Police Department, Calistoga Police Department, District 142 | Pa ge Attorney's Office and Napa County Probation to review current data collection systems and develop a joint recommendation on options for replacement or improvements to assist law enforcement in monitoring gang activity trends. The Police Chief will report outcomes of this collaborative effort to the Napa City Council. Napa County Sheriff and District Attorney The District Attorney and Sheriff will not be able to implement this recommendation. Creating an "integrated data system" for the purposes described by the Jury would meet the definition of a "shared gang database" as described in California Penal Code 186.34 (a) (4) and therefore trigger all of the restrictions and limitations created by the 2017 bill that became law, AB-90, including control from the California Department of Justice. Further, it would fall under Part 23 of Title 28, Code of Federal Regulation which contains the onerous implementing standards for operating multijurisdictional criminal intelligence systems. California Penal Code section 186.34(c) (1) creates additional burdens on law enforcement wishing to utilize a shared gang database, including the requirement that, before designating or identifying a person in the database, the local law enforcement agency must "provide written notice to the person, and shall, if the person is under 18 years of age, provide written notice to the person and the person's parent or guardian, of the designation and the basis for the designation[.]" Each agency must also provide the person information on how to petition to have their information removed from the database. The statute additionally sets forth provisions related to information requests by designated persons as well as mandatory agency responses, including time limitations for agency response. The administrative burdens and bureaucratic process of running such a system would place the agencies included by the Jury's recommendation in a costly and time-consuming endeavor that would be sure to create significant "intelligence gaps" of information, which defeats the purpose identified by the Jury. To put it simply, maintaining a legal shared gang database under the laws and regulations as they are today is a much more regulated, complicated and onerous task than it was in decades prior. As mentioned in our response to Finding 7, however, the Napa County law enforcement community is relatively small and the relationships are well established, making collaboration and resource sharing an asset during any gang related criminal investigation. Like the Jury, the Napa County Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's Office are concerned about gang activity in Napa County. We are dedicated to addressing the issue of criminal gang activity, including that which involves Napa County youths, as well as to sharing information with all agency partners. Napa County Probation Department The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. While Napa County Probation is dedicated to community safety and rehabilitation of offenders, legislative changes have shifted the landscape of data collection specific to gang activity. These changes include the dissolution of the CALGangs data system in 2017 with the passage of AB 90. In addition to dissolving CALGangs, AB 90 imposed increased restrictions and limitations on 143 | Pa ge data collection. An integrated data system, as recommended, is subject to the provisions of Penal Code Section 186.34(a)(4) and Part 23 of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulation, which aim to ensure the protection of constitutional rights (civil rights and civil liberties) and further an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy. The current laws and regulations require significant costly systems and procedural burdens that would be challenging to implement. Napa County is unique in its collaboration between departments. Our law enforcement departments have built solid relationships over time that allow for effective communication and partnerships. Napa County Probation has a dedicated gang officer in both its adult and juvenile probation units, focusing on the accountability and rehabilitation of known gang offenders. These officers work in concert with local law enforcement regularly to share information, address issues and concerns that arise, and communicate about trends in gang activity. The Napa County Probation Department is grateful to our local law enforcement agencies, who regularly collaborate and participate in fieldwork with probation officers to enhance community safety as it relates to gang activity. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Chief Probation Officer. 144 | Pa ge
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R15-20Page 143industry and community partners who advise District staff on current industry standards. Additionally, NVUSD staff established foundational partnerships with economic, workforce and educational partners, such as the Economic Development Division of Napa, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, Yountville and Napa Chamber of Commerce during the 2023-2024 school year. The Executive Director of the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay is a member of the NVUSD College and Career Readiness Leadership Team that meets monthly. NVUSD will formalize these relationships through the development and launch of the Economic, Employment, Education Collaborative (“E3 Collaborative”). The E3 Collaborative brings industry partners, commerce, workforce, K-14 education together in support of a shared vision to create a talent pipeline in high wage, high demand local and regional industries and support students' career goals. Napa County Office of Education (NCOE) The Napa County Office of Education launched the Napa County Collaborative (NCC), in 2022, a regional partnership composed of K-12 partners, higher education, local government, business and community partners. The committee formed to align career readiness and workforce development with the goal of building a relationship infrastructure for ongoing work together. By braiding our approaches and combining resources we will meet the needs of our region and expand diverse opportunities for students. The NCC meets bi-monthly and hosts a yearly meeting to review CTE pathways and labor market information as well as make suggested changes to curriculum and equipment that meets labor market needs. We will continue to expand this work, incorporating additional community partners and ensuring we are addressing the needs of all students with engaging hands-on opportunities and internships. A new opportunity has become available to introduce middle school students to trade careers such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and others. A non-profit established by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson will provide field trips to eighth graders, so that they can learn about the opportunities in these careers, including apprenticeships, while they are studying to learn the trade so that they leave after completing their studies with a certification AND a bank account, instead of debt accrued during 4 or more years of college. This is an attractive option for many students and families, and an option they may not be aware of. We piloted this program in the spring by taking 7th and 8th graders from Howell Mountain and Pope Valley to the electrical apprenticeship program in Napa. The students were very excited about being there, and they left with a great deal of information about the program and the salaries earned by certified electricians! The directors of these apprenticeship programs have offered to speak to parent groups so that parents understand the economics of being certified in a trade, so that the parents don't automatically discourage their children who express interest in these career fields. 136 | Pa ge
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Calistoga
City
Napa
City
Napa County
County
Napa County Sheriff
Elected County Office
St. Helena
City