Score: -2 (1/3/3)

Riverside County Grand Jury • 2014-2015

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department*

Published: June 11, 2015 8 pages Consolidated Report

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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 5 findings

Station #43, located in downtown Blythe, was built in 1951. The building is too small to accommodate current equipment. The engine and water tender are parked outside the building and are partially covered by According to the Riverside County Fire Department, Fire canopies. Station Useful Life and Replacement Plan, December 2010, Station #43 would need to be replaced after a 50 year life expectancy. Today the station is over 60 years old. Since July 2011 this station is no longer under contract with the City of Blythe, with the exception of providing mutual aid to the City of Blythe Volunteer Fire Company, when requested. Station #43 primarily services the unincorporated part of eastern Riverside County. Battalion #8 – Station #45, Blythe Air Base

Station #45 is located on Economic Development Agency property, approximately seven miles west of Station #43 in Blythe. The Urban Search & Rescue #45 (US&R) vehicle has been at Station #45 since late

Station #46 is located in Riverbend, an unincorporated community, on the Colorado River Indian Reservation. The station, which is not manned, was built approximately 20 years ago by volunteer firefighters. It houses a CAL FIRE/RVC utility truck, one engine and a rescue boat. The boat is only used for annual training purposes. There is neither kitchen nor living quarters at this station. To date, there are only two volunteer firefighters, when available, to work on weekends. In the event the Colorado River Indian Tribe (CRIT) boundary dispute is settled in the legal system, in CRIT's favor, Station #46 would no longer be viable. Battalion #8 – Station #49, Lake Tamarisk Station #49 is located in the community of Lake Tamarisk along the

Interstate-10 corridor. This station provides services to the communities of Lake Tamarisk, Desert Center, Eagle Mountain and surrounding areas. According to the Riverside County Fire Department, Fire Station Useful Life and Replacement Plan, December 2010, Station #49 which is now 45 years old, and recommended to be replaced by the year 2020. The engine has to be parked outside under a partial cover, since the station is not large enough to hold the newer engines. When staffing levels were increased from three to four, this station was deemed insufficient, with limited living quarters, to accommodate the required personnel, with only one restroom and a shower. A 1998-1999 Riverside County Grand Jury Report: Riverside County Fire Department, identified improvement needs, which included relocating facilities to other sites for improved service response based on current and future growth. County Counsel Interference

In November 2014 the Grand Jury contacted the CAL FIRE/RVC office to request a copy of a document. The Grand Jury was advised it would be In December, the Grand Jury was informed that the forthcoming. document would be available in a couple of weeks. Two months later, in February, the Grand Jury made another effort to obtain this document. The CAL FIRE/RVC Chief (Chief) indicated to the Grand Jury he would have to consult with the Riverside County Office of County Counsel (County Counsel) before releasing any information to the Grand Jury. After consulting with County Counsel, the Chief stated he would need the request in writing so that County Counsel could review the request. The Grand Jury asked the Chief to put County Counsel's request in writing and fax it to the Grand Jury office. The Chief's response, after consulting with County Counsel again, was that he could not put the request in writing because it would violate attorney/client privilege.

Recommendations 5

R1

CAL FIRE/RVC shall request the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to replace Fire Station #43 and relocate it closer to the Colorado River. Riverside County Mayflower Park is one possibility, which would be more strategically located to respond more efficiently. The new fire station shall be large enough to accommodate all vehicles and equipment. CAL FIRE/RVC shall be proactive in seeking funds from available grant sources, and request Community Improvement Designation funds from the Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor. Battalion #8 - Station #45, Blythe Air Base
R2

The US&R vehicle shall be equipped with confined space entry equipment, rope rescue equipment, trench shoring, jacks and airbags, cutting torches, saws, and other tools normally carried in US&R vehicles. Additional shoring materials and equipment shall be carried in the existing small utility support trailer, as needed. CAL FIRE/RVC shall request the BOS to replace Station #45 and be proactive in seeking funds from all potential and viable resources, including grants and solar mitigation funding. Battalion #8 – Station #46, Riverbend
R3

The Grand Jury recommends Station #46 be closed, moving the utility truck and engine to another CAL FIRE/RVC station. To better utilize the rescue boat, CAL FIRE/RVC shall relocate the boat from Station #46 to the new Station #43, which would give better access to rescues and fire suppression on the Colorado River. Battalion #8 – Station #49, Lake Tamarisk CAL FIRE/RVC shall relocate Station #49 to the property purchased north
R4

of the current station, by using solar mitigation funding and available grants. CAL FIRE/RVC shall look into all possibilities for construction of the new station, such as modular structures. County Counsel Interference
R5

County Counsel shall not interfere with Grand Jury investigations pursuant to California Penal Code §921. County Counsel shall follow State Bar of California's Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3-110 Failing to Act Competently and Rule 3-210 Advising the Violation of Law. . Report Issued: 06/08/2015 Report Public: 06/10/2015 Response Due: 09/07/2015 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS POLICY Policy Subject: Number Page CONDUCT OF, AND RESPONSE TO, MANAGEMENT AUDITS A-33 1 of 2 Policy: Ordinance 442.3 General Administration items 4 (f) and 4 (g) authorize the County Executive Officer to conduct comprehensive management reviews and investigations of programs, projects and departments. The purpose of this policy is to adopt procedures for implementation of this management audit responsibility. Management audits may originate in several ways:

Agency Responses 3

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

2014-2015 Grand Jury Report: Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Transparency/Grand Jury Interfer

April 08, 2014 • 4 pages View Details ▾

PDF

Board of Supervisors to 2014-2015 Grand Jury Report Riverside County Board of Supervisors Transparen

September 23, 2015 • 4 pages • 3 responses • Score: -3 (+0, 0, -3) View Details ▾

PDF

3 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Disagree Score: -1

: Transparency The Board of Supervisors, by appointing the current County Counsel, has effectively impeded the Grand Jury's ability to investigate complaints submitted by County employees, as well as, citizen complaints against the County. A simple Grand Jury request for public documents has become difficult, if not impossible to obtain. His appointment is having the effect of eliminating all transparency into the governmental operations of the County of Riverside. Since the appointment of County Counsel and at the direction of the Riverside County Executive Office, County Counsel directed, v...

Response: Disagree Score: -1

The Board of Supervisors wholly disagrees with the finding. Other candidates for the position of County Counsel were also interviewed by the Board of Supervisors prior to hiring Mr. Priamos. At the conclusion of that process, the Board of Supervisors determined that Mr. Priamos best suited the needs of the County of Riverside and that he was the best qualified candidate to lead the Riverside County Counsel's Office. RECOMMENDATION NO.2: Recruitment The contract between the County of Riverside and County Counsel shall be nullified. The Board of Supervisors shall conduct an actual, advertised ...

The US&R vehicle shall be equipped with confined space entry equipment, rope rescue equipment, trench shoring, jacks and airbags, cutting torches, saws, and other tools normally carried in US&R vehicles. Additional shoring materials and equipment shall be carried in the existing small utility support trailer, as needed. CAL FIRE/RVC shall request the BOS to replace Station #45 and be proactive in seeking funds from all potential and viable resources, including grants and solar mitigation funding...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted, is adverse to the interests of the County of Riverside and is factually and legally erroneous. No contract exists between the County of Riverside and Mr. Priamos. Rather, as indicated in the Form 11 Report adopted by the Board of Supervisors on June 18, 2014, Mr. Priamos was appointed to a four year term as County Counsel as authorized by Government Code Section 27460, et.seq. Further, the Board of Supervisors interviewed other well-qualified candidates for the position. However, after concluding those interviews, the Boar...

Riverside County Board of Supervisors to 2014-2015 Grand Jury Report Riverside County Regional Medic

July 01, 2014 • 20 pages • 9 responses • Score: +1 (+1, 3, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

9 responses to findings and recommendations

CAL FIRE/RVC shall request the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to replace Fire Station #43 and relocate it closer to the Colorado River. Riverside County Mayflower Park is one possibility, which would be more strategically located to respond more efficiently. The new fire station shall be large enough to accommodate all vehicles and equipment. CAL FIRE/RVC shall be proactive in seeking funds from available grant sources, and request Community Improvement Designation funds from the Riverside County Fo...

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

RCRMC Arlington agrees with this recommendation. RCRMC has numerous policies and procedures in place which address patient safety as well as other important topics with regard to legal and regulatory compliance. Patient safety is foremost at RCRMC. All reported medication incidents are reviewed in detail by a multi-disciplinary team, MERIT (Medication Error Review Improvement Team). The medication management system, which is composed of the following 11 elements - Prescribing, order communications, product labeling, packaging, compounding, dispensing, distribution, administration, education, m...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

: ETS/ITF Arlington Campus is inadequate -h2.ETS/ITF Arlington Campus is inadequate • The average patient load of 36-42 patients per day at ETS exceeds the 20 patients per day capacity the facility was designed to serve • Fire safety requires external doors to remain unlocked allowing patients held involuntarily the opportunity to leave the facility • There are not enough interview rooms for the current patient load • Nurses' stations are cramped • Medical equipment is antiquated • Computer systems are several generations behind current standards • The lack of wireless communication within th...

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

RCRMC partially agrees with this recommendation. The Board of Supervisors has provided direction to expedite repairs at the RCRMC Arlington campus to complete repairs as noted below. The Board has approved the initiation of negotiations with a developer to develop medical facilities at the Moreno Valley RCRMC campus that will include a new mental health facility. Other plans are as follows: Short Term Plans include: • The Riverside County Economic Development Agency (EDA) is working with a consultant to evaluate and create a plan to lock the external hallway doors which should result in a decr...

Response: Agree Score: +1

: ETS/ITF Policies and Procedure No. 15.1 -Patient Death 3. Policy No. 15.1 describes procedures to be followed upon the death of a patient. The policy written is not clear. Section 1 of Policy 51.1 prioritizes internal staff notification without suggesting "911" be called to assess the patient. Section 1-c indicates a call to the Coroner/Public Administrator be made "when appropriate," while Section 1-d indicates the Coroner must always be notified. Section 2 requires that staff call an ambulance to transport the patient to the emergency rool for pronouncing death, but Section 1-d indicates ...

The Grand Jury recommends Station #46 be closed, moving the utility truck and engine to another CAL FIRE/RVC station. To better utilize the rescue boat, CAL FIRE/RVC shall relocate the boat from Station #46 to the new Station #43, which would give better access to rescues and fire suppression on the Colorado River. Battalion #8 – Station #49, Lake Tamarisk CAL FIRE/RVC shall relocate Station #49 to the property purchased north

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

RCRMC partially disagrees with this recommendation. Development of content and writing of hospital policies is the responsibility of the hospital and its trained health care practitioners. All policies noted in the Grand Jury report have been reviewed and revised as appropriate. Staff were re-educated on the policy updates, as appropriate. 41Pagc Policy 15.1 Death of a Patient- has been retired and was incorporated into- Policy 5.1- Medical Emergency Response. This policy addresses the procedures to be followed upon the death of a patient. A copy of Policy 5.1 is attached as Exhibit 1. FINDI...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

RCRMC partially disagrees with the recommendation. Policy No. 12.1 is a complete policy. The Grand Jury was missing certain pages, that, upon request, could (and would) have been provided to the Grand Jury. The Effective date has been corrected to include the complete date, e.g. (3-12-12). Additional revisions were made to this policy which is attached as Exhibit 2. FINDING NO. 5: Policy No. 20.1 5. There are two policies numbered 20.1 One is dated "3112" and titled "Therapeutic Groups (Process)" superseding Policy No. N8.03. This policy contains page "1 of 2," but page 2 is missing. 5I Page...

of the current station, by using solar mitigation funding and available grants. CAL FIRE/RVC shall look into all possibilities for construction of the new station, such as modular structures. County Counsel Interference

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

County Counsel shall not interfere with Grand Jury investigations pursuant to California Penal Code §921. County Counsel shall follow State Bar of California's Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3-110 Failing to Act Competently and Rule 3-210 Advising the Violation of Law. . Report Issued: 06/08/2015 Report Public: 06/10/2015 Response Due: 09/07/2015 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS POLICY Policy Subject: Number Page CONDUCT OF, AND RESPONSE TO, MANAGEMENT AUDITS A-33 1 of 2 ...

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

RCRMC partially agrees with this recommendation. Development of content and writing of hospital policies is the responsibility of the hospital and its trained health care practitioners. All policies noted in the Grand Jury report have been reviewed and revised as appropriate. Both policies were reviewed and changes were made to the numbering. Policy 20.1 was assigned to ETS/ITS "Discharge Procedures" and 13.2 was assigned to "Therapeutic Groups (Process)." These policies are attached as Exhibit Nos. 3 and 4. 61Pag\: RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY POLICY Pa~e...

No Responses Found 1

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

County of Riverside Agency

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.