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Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
In 2007 the department was under-funded by $2 million. In 2009 the budget was cut by an additional $2 million, allowing only one maintenance person per 60 acres. The standard is one maintenance person per 10 acres. The current budget is $5.3 million. Expenditures from this budget are for maintenance, personnel, recreation, senior programs, human services and administration. City Parks and Recreation applied for statewide park development funding. In areas where there are newer homes and parks, volunteers assist with park maintenance. Residents have pride in their parks. Older parks in other parts of the city have large homeless and transient populations. 52
Related Recommendations (1)
R11-31
Continue to seek funding and provide additional staffing for park maintenance personnel. (Finding 1)
F2
The San Bernardino Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department are aware of the homeless and transient populations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11-32
San Bernardino Police Department to dissuade the homeless and transient populations from gathering in the parks. (Finding 2)
F3
When a Joshua Tree code violator is caught, three courses of action may be taken: criminal citation administrative citation civil remediation The first two citations can result in fines up to $500. Civil remediation requires a court appearance where more serious penalties may be imposed. There have been no civil court actions filed by the County in seven years.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
When a Joshua Tree code violation involves only a few trees it is referred to the Environmental Planning Division of the Land Use Department. When clearing land for a major development, the Building and Safety Division responds. An inspector can issue a “stop-work” order on the project until the situation is resolved.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The County Code Enforcement Division does not keep a database of Joshua Tree code violations. 55
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The City of Victorville has a Joshua Tree inspection application process in its code enforcement operation for the protection and preservation of the plant. There were no reported violations during the years 2007 through 2010.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The Town of Apple Valley enforces Joshua Tree protection under its Development Code (Section 9.76.040) which provides the criteria for a permit process to remove or relocate trees. A certified arborist must provide a written report on the condition, and any recommendation for removal of Joshua Trees. This report accompanies the permit application. Apple Valley furnished copies of code violations which resulted in citations and fines, but no totals for the years 2006 through 2010.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The City of Hesperia has a Protective Plant Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 16.24) which addresses the removal and relocation of Joshua Trees. Developers are required to prepare a Protection Plan for Plants which covers Joshua Trees and other species, after which a permit is issued for grading purposes. The Community Development Department (Building & Safety and Planning Division) inspects for compliance. Only one case of non-compliance was reported for the period of 2006 through 2010. A citation was issued and a fine paid for the violation.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The City of Twenty-nine Palms did not respond to the Grand Jury’s request. Illegal Dumping
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 3
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R11-33The County Code Enforcement Division staffing of code enforcement officers should be increased to adequately respond to the number of complaints. (Finding 2, 3 – Joshua Trees; Finding 1 – Illegal Dumping; Findings 1, 3 - Graffiti)
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R11-34The County Land Use Department develop and maintain, for its Code Enforcement Division, a computerized system to properly document, categorize and retrieve information about county code violations by type. (Finding 5 – Joshua Trees; Finding 4 - Graffiti)
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R11-35A uniform data exchange system be established between the county and the cities of Victorville, Hesperia, and the Town of Apple Valley in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of how laws are applied in County and local jurisdictions. (Findings 6, 7, 8 - Joshua Trees; Finding 2 - Graffiti)
Commendations 1
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CM1 Page 4The Grand Jury commends Kevin Hawkins, Director of Parks and Recreation Department, and his staff for providing quality services, programs, and activities for the City of San Bernardino, despite the city’s financial problems. The Parks and Recreation staff is committed to providing the residents of San Bernardino an opportunity to enjoy leisure and recreational activities. Responding Agency Recommendations Date Due San Bernardino City Council 11-31, 11-32 August 30, 2011 53
No Responses Found 5
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Hesperia
City
San Bernardino
City
San Bernardino County
County
Town of Apple Valley
Town
Victorville
City