money wasn't an issue

Recommendations 7

• R1
  Compensation: Continue to alleviate the attorney compensation disparities between Orange County and the surrounding counties created by findings in F-1 and F-2. Original Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. It should be noted that there is not always equality between the neighboring counties; therefore, it would be impossible to always maintain parity of attorneys' compensation. Many other factors enter into the computation of compensation- salary is only one. Furthermore, it would place the County of Orange in the position of being required to give salary increases every time a neighboring county gave an increase to its attorneys, effectively undermining the ability of the County of Orange to participate in the collective bargaining process. Finally, not one of the ex-County employees that the Grand Jury interviewed indicated that he or she left employment with Orange County and took a similar job with a neighboring county because of the variation in salary between the counties. Of the seven ex-County employees interviewed, only two indicated that money was an issue. Yet, money was not the only issue; one said "money wasn't an issue"; one left to have a baby and hoped to return; one didn't want to be a Public Defender any more; one left because he/she had to work too hard; and one didn't feel appreciated and the "money was a lesser issue." Current Status: This recommendation has been implemented. Deputy Public Defenders have secured significant additional compensation since the time of the grand jury analysis. The County of Orange and the Orange County Attorney Association (OCAA), the bargaining unit for non-management county attorneys including deputy Public Defenders, agreed to a new Memorandum of Understanding for the time period from June 22, 2007 through June 18, 2009. The new agreement incorporates two annual pay increases of 3.75% each, with the next raise to take effect in the summer of 2008. This is in addition to the regular promotions for new lawyers from Attorney I to Attorney II, and Attorney II to Attorney III, which include pay increases. The Attorney III, Deputy Attorney IV and Senior Deputy Attorneys who are not already at the top step of their pay range also receive annual merit pay increases that average 5.5% per year. Other components of the agreement increase attorney compensation, such as an increase in the optional benefit package from $1,500 to $2,000 per year and an increase in the number of hours of Annual Leave that can be converted to cash each year.
• R2
  Automation: Continue the development and implementation of a computerized management system which would address the concerns in finding F-3. Original Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but should be completely developed and fully implemented within eighteen months barring unforeseen circumstances. Current Status: The Orange County Board of Supervisors has authorized the Offices of the Public Defender to purchase LegalEdge Software for a new Case Management System. The new application will meet the Department needs, goals, and objectives and includes the capacity for future integration with all the justice partners. The project will take three years to fully implement beginning March 1, 2008, with the core system to be installed and implemented during the first year. In the second year, enhancements will be developed and implemented, adding functionality to the core system. Report: Orange County Zoos April 23, 2007 Released:
• R3
  Attendance: Develop ways to increase Orange County Zoo patronage, i.e. by providing better signs and maps to the public depicting the OCZ's location within the park, and promoting the park's attractions to entice more visitors. Original Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. Current Status: The demand study noted above was conducted to address the Grand Jury's findings regarding increasing visitation through improved marketing strategies. The recent study provides valuable insight into the Zoo users and into how to attract new visitors. The study contains recommendations to increase public awareness and interest in the Zoo and to better serve the public. The final Orange County Zoo Master Plan will be completed by December 31, 2008. The Zoo is the focus of an inaugural program at the School of Business at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). This program engages the Senior Marketing Class in a service-learning project to develop marketing plans for the Orange County Zoo. The current class began its work on February 7, 2008 and at the end of the term in May 2008, the students' marketing strategies will be evaluated to select the best team plan. The partnership with the CSUF marketing students is expected to continue with subsequent classes, so future learning service projects may be developed in relation to marketing the Zoo. The Friends of the Orange County Zoo, a non-profit support group, has been organized and is seeking grant funds on behalf of the Zoo. A proposed project for such funds would be to design and fabricate exhibit signs within the Zoo. The Friends organization funded a report "Interpreting and Wayfinding Recommendations," by ECOS Communications, Inc. in December 2007. ECOS Communications has experience with advising similar zoological organizations and made recommendations for improved directional and interpretive signage. Interactive interpretive signs are included in the recommended sign designs. Signs have been posted throughout the park to direct visitors to the Zoo location. The signs are colored differently than standard park signage to bring attention to them and to assist the public in finding the Zoo. The park brochure is being updated and will be reprinted for distribution in April 2008. This brochure contains a map that will assist the public in locating the Zoo within Irvine Regional Park. An In-Custody Death Reviewed Report: April 30, 2007 Released:
• R5
  Planning: Medical emergency pre-planning and drills with appropriate personnel should occur on a regular basis, especially when new staff is working in the jail. Original Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. Current Status: The recommendation has been implemented. Health Care Agency (HCA) continues to conduct emergency response drills at both the Central Jail Complex and Theo Lacy with a total of 42 staff participating (as of 2/1/08) in various drill scenarios including patients who are unconscious and/or experiencing seizures. Additionally, Correctional Medical Services (CMS) will be participating in a large-scale riot drill the Sheriff's Department is planning for the spring of 2008. As part of the planning process, CMS is forming small workgroups to prepare for this drill as well as future joint trainings with the Sheriff's Department. When new Correctional Medical Services clinical employees are hired, their Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is verified and they are oriented to the Emergency Medical Response policy and procedure, which includes a review of emergency response equipment. Newport Harbor Moorings: Are They Held In The Public Trust Or Report: For Private Profit? Released: May 30, 2007
• R7
  SSA Website: Revise the website so that it contains an area that is specific to pre- and post-emancipated youth services. Original Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. Of the 2400 users of the CFS Emancipation Services Program's website, none of the feedback received contained complaints about or suggestions for improvement of the site. However, the Department acknowledges that enhancements to the website could improve usability and plans to assess the necessary pages and update them as deemed appropriate. Current Response: The recommendation has been implemented. Social Services Agency's (SSA) Independent Living Program (ILP) added a Youth Permanency section to the website and a copy of the "A Guide to Permanency Options for Youth" booklet. ILP staff members also met with California Youth Connection (CYC) members and conducted focus groups with emancipated foster youth. The youths made the recommendation to link the SSA Internet site to youth social communication Internet sites such as MySpace and FaceBook. This, however, will not be implemented due to safety and possible liability issues.
• R8
  City and County Ordinances: The City of Newport Beach and the County of Orange should review their ordinances to make sure that they are consistent with each other. Original Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. The County will review with the City of Newport Beach our respective ordinances for consistency. Current Status: Orange County Sheriff-Harbor Patrol Division has met with the City of Newport Beach Harbor Resources Division to compare County ordinances and City municipal codes. All significant operational codes are consistent with each other.
• R9
  Waiting List: Review and update the mooring waiting list. Original Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. The County, through the Sheriff's Harbor Patrol, administers both the City and County moorings in accordance with the City's ordinance and procedures. Working cooperatively with the City's Harbor Resources Manager, the Sheriff's Harbor Patrol plans to determine how best to make follow-up contact (on a periodic basis) with the mooring requestors and develop a fair procedure to purge or update old files. Current Status: The two waiting lists have been reviewed and updated by Orange County Sheriff-Harbor Patrol Division. Each name on the lists was notified via mail. Of the 520 names on the Shore Moorings List, 72 requested to remain on the list. Of the 1,582 names on the Off-Shore Moorings List, 188 requested to remain on the list. Orange County Sheriff-Harbor Patrol Division will be implementing an annual waiting list update procedure, with the next notification scheduled for January 2009. --- --- r. 🕪 Pre & Post Emancipated Youth: Is Camelot Still a Dream? Report: Released: June 6, 2007