Score: +1
(11/5/10)
Orange County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
• Agency Response
Response to:
City of San Juan Capistrano
City of Received Huntington Beach Jun 0 6 2024 Eric G. Parra | Interim City Manager Honorable Maria Hernandez Presiding*
Published: ∼ June 30, 2024
1 pages
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 5 findings
F1
Mental Health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirement, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
No recommendations for this finding
F5
wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (714) 536-5902. Sincerely, Eric Parra Chief of Police Cc: Honorable Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor
No recommendations for this finding
Agency Responses 26
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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CITY OF
October 24, 2025
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4 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
September 20, 2022
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4 pages
• 2 responses
•
Score: +2
(+2, 0, 0)
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2 responses to findings and recommendations
F3
Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. (F4) There are insufficient number of rental units available to those exiting Emergency Shelters, resulting in the majority returning to homelessness when leaving the shelters. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Recommendation Responses (R4) By July 1, 2024, the County of Orange and cities should collaborate to open facilities that can house people with severe and persistent mental illness and addiction issues in a secure setting. The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemente...
F4
People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Recommendation Responses (R4) By July 1, 2024, the County of Orange and cities should collaborate to open facilities that can house people with severe and persistent mental illness and addiction issues in a secure setting. The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. As of December 2020, the City of Huntington Beach opened and operates the Huntington Beach Navigation Center (HBNC), a 174 bed shelter and multi-service center for those experiencing homelessness. The HBNC contracts with Mercy House...
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City of Huntington Beach
September 07, 2022
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1 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
June 21, 2022
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1 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
October 07, 2020
•
3 pages
• 4 responses
•
Score: -1
(+1, 1, -2)
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4 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Mental Health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirement, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City of Huntington Beach agrees with Finding F1.
F2
Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
the recycle container will help alleviate confusion. The City of Huntington Beach partially disagrees with Finding F2, specifically with the emphasis on single use plastic shopping bags and including guidance regarding this material on the recycling container.
F3
Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
the public. The City of Huntington Beach wholly disagrees with Finding F3 as it pertains to Huntington Beach recycling education programs.
F4
People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
The City of Huntington Beach wholly disagrees with Finding F4 as it pertains to Huntington Beach's compliance with AB 341.
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City of Huntington Beach
September 18, 2018
•
5 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 3, 0)
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3 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Mental Health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirement, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the above finding. F2. The lack of a regional plan designating specific development goals for Permanent Supportive Housing contributes to an insufficient number of available units to house the chronically homeless. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees in part with the above finding. Each City currently has responsibility for creating affordable housing through the State and units created include Permanent Supportive Housing. The City does agree there is a need for additional Permanent Supportive Housing units. However, funding is the issue, not...
F2
Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Huntington Beach agrees in part with the above finding. Each City currently has responsibility for creating affordable housing through the State and units created include Permanent Supportive Housing. The City does agree there is a need for additional Permanent Supportive Housing units. However, funding is the issue, not a regional plan. The Orange County Board of Supervisors has published its "Affordable Housing Strategic Plan", which provides a comprehensive, regional housing business plan that identifies both the number of Permanent Supportive Housing units needed as well as the...
F4
People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of Huntington Beach disagrees partially with the above finding. The City of Huntington Beach is fully committed to partnering with the County and its fellow municipalities to produce Permanent Supportive Housing, Bridge and Transitional Housing Units. The City of Huntington Beach is a member of the Association of California Cities - Orange County (ACC- OC) and, as such, is a member of the ACCOC Homelessness Task Force. On July 16, 2018, the City Council supported ACC-OC's efforts regarding the Countywide Homeless Trust Fund for permanent supportive housing. The Orange County Board of ...
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City of Huntington Beach
November 19, 2012
•
7 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: 0
(+1, 1, -1)
View Details ▾
3 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Mental Health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirement, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Fire departments that once primarily responded to calls for fire emergencies now have become emergency medical response departments primarily responding to medical emergencies. This evolution has occurred since the onset of "9-1-1" call where all emergency calls are received at one place. The City of Huntington Beach partially disagrees with this finding. The Huntington Beach Fire Department was founded in 1909 and for more than 100 years has continually grown to meet the changing needs of our diverse coastal community. One of the multiple services provided by the fire department is emergency ...
F2
Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
As the fire departments evolved into emergency medical departments, the model for operating the fire departments has not radically changed. The fire departments have simply absorbed the emergency medical response into their departments under their old "fire response" model. The City of Huntington Beach disagrees with this finding. The City of Huntington Beach has continually been recognized as a leader in the fire service and the fire department has adapted to meet the changing needs of our community as it has grown over the years and demands for services have increased. In fact, the fire depa...
F3
Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Economic recessions have forced local fire department boards of directors and city councils to re-evaluate their models for providing fire and emergency medical responses. While this brings to the fore issues of staffing, response times, public safety, training, consolidations, union rules and privatization of their various services, it also spotlights the model used for all emergency responses. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
Page 5 Over the years, as economic challenges have been encountered in our community, the City of Huntington Beach has made a variety of changes ...
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City of Huntington Beach
October 12, 2012
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
September 17, 2012
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9 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
September 04, 2012
•
1 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
September 08, 2009
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
August 18, 2008
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
September 18, 2007
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
August 25, 2006
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach
August 25, 2006
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach <
October 01, 2008
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1 pages
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
September 06, 2022
•
8 pages
• 5 responses
•
Score: -3
(+1, 0, -4)
View Details ▾
5 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Mental Health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirement, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree The Huntington Beach Fire Department leadership has addressed this finding in its response and the City Council agrees that the City of Huntington Beach has adapted appropriately to the changing environment of the fire service. We are proud of the accomplishments and the progressiveness of our fire department. The Fire Department demonstrated adaptability during the COIVD-19 pandemic by taking on many new challenges and they proved to be capable of far more than firefighting and EMS. The talented and dedicated personnel of the HBFD have consistently progressed with the evolving needs ...
F2
Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
</u> Recommendation will not be implemented This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Explanation is provided in the Fire Chief's response. <u>Fire Chief's Response:</u> Recommendation will not be implemented This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. The Huntington Beach Fire Department has a recent independent third-party Standards of Cover (SOC) report by Citygate Associates that indicates our current deployment model is excellent and a standard for the fire service. The City of Huntington Beach has full authority to determine the...
F3
Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree The City Council supports the current service delivery model which meets the needs of our dynamic community. As elected officials, we ensure that our department directors are innovative and display fiscal stewardship in their respective disciplines.
Finding #4:
There has been a breakdown of communication and trust between OCEMS and Orange County Fire Chiefs. City Council's Response: Agree The City Council has always been pleased with the way our Fire Department has collaborated with local stakeholders, partner agencies, the community at-large, and regulatory agencies in the protecti...
F4
People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree The City Council has always been pleased with the way our Fire Department has collaborated with local stakeholders, partner agencies, the community at-large, and regulatory agencies in the protection of our community. Historically, our Fire Department has placed a strong emphasis on maintaining relationships which includes OCEMS, even in the midst of regional challenges. 1 of 3 <b>Huntington Beach City Council Response</b>
RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS - CITY COUNCIL
Finding #5:
Over-deployment of firefighters for medical calls contributes to the current climate ...
F5
wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (714) 536-5902. Sincerely, Eric Parra Chief of Police Cc: Honorable Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree The Huntington Beach Fire Department is appropriately managed and staffed. The Fire Chief has been diligent in working with labor groups to address staffing and deployment to ensure the best service is delivered to residents and visitors to the city.
Finding #9:
OCEMS has the authority and responsibility to inspect all for-profit ambulances operating in Orange County; however, publicly-owned ambulances are not automatically subject to OCEMS oversight. City Council's Response: Agree The City Council sees no reason to invite a regulatory inspection process that we are not subject to a...
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
December 21, 2020
•
2 pages
• 4 responses
•
Score: +4
(+4, 0, 0)
View Details ▾
4 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Mental Health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirement, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Agree
Score: +1
F3.
The benefits in the peer support statute, effective January 1, 2020, are important to Peace Officers and Peer Support Team members. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
F4.
It is important that Peer Support Team members receive periodic training. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Allocating a specific budget line item for Peer Support Programs help ensure
F5.
adequate training and continuation of programs The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
F6.
Continuous communication to Peace Officers about the...
F3
Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
F4.
It is important that Peer Support Team members receive periodic training. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Allocating a specific budget line item for Peer Support Programs help ensure
F5.
adequate training and continuation of programs The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
F6.
Continuous communication to Peace Officers about the Peer Support Programs is important to increase awareness and use of the Peer Support Programs. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
RECOMMENDATIONS The 2019-2020 Orange Coun...
F4
People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Allocating a specific budget line item for Peer Support Programs help ensure
F5.
adequate training and continuation of programs The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
F6.
Continuous communication to Peace Officers about the Peer Support Programs is important to increase awareness and use of the Peer Support Programs. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
RECOMMENDATIONS The 2019-2020 Orange County Grand Jury recommends that all Peer Support
R2.
Programs be in compliance with the peer support statute. (F3) The City of Huntington Beach ...
F5
wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (714) 536-5902. Sincerely, Eric Parra Chief of Police Cc: Honorable Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor
Response: Agree
Score: +1
F6.
Continuous communication to Peace Officers about the Peer Support Programs is important to increase awareness and use of the Peer Support Programs. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
RECOMMENDATIONS The 2019-2020 Orange County Grand Jury recommends that all Peer Support
R2.
Programs be in compliance with the peer support statute. (F3) The City of Huntington Beach Police Department's policy § 359.4 requires initial Response: training for all Trauma Support Team members, which complies with California Government Code § 8669.6. Furthermore, policy § 359.1.2 r...
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
September 03, 2019
•
4 pages
• 4 responses
•
Score: 0
(+2, 0, -2)
View Details ▾
4 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Mental Health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirement, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree wholly. The City of Huntington Beach was not involved in Canyon 2 Fire. F2: Some emergency management personnel, tasked with creating and disseminating Emergency Public Information, in a rapidly-evolving, multijurisdictional emergency did not fully understand their roles and responsibilities. Response: Disagree wholly. The City of Huntington Beach was not involved in Canyon 2 Fire. F3: No training standards for Public Information Officers exist and there are no formal written protocols for issuance of mass notification, including required training on the use of mass notification syste...
F2
Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response:
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree wholly. The City of Huntington Beach was not involved in Canyon 2 Fire. F3: No training standards for Public Information Officers exist and there are no formal written protocols for issuance of mass notification, including required training on the use of mass notification systems. Response: Partial disagreement with finding. The City of Huntington Beach (City) has several-trained Public Information Officers (PIO). Each department has its own standards and training requirements specific to their field. These PIOs work together regularly to disseminate accurate and timely information to...
F3
Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Partial disagreement with finding. The City of Huntington Beach (City) has several-trained Public Information Officers (PIO). Each department has its own standards and training requirements specific to their field. These PIOs work together regularly to disseminate accurate and timely information to the public during emergencies and special events. In addition, the City was an active participant in the creation of the Operational Area (OA) Joint Information System (JIS) plan, and actively engages in regional collaboration. In regards to the issuance of mass notifications, the City has written p...
F5
wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (714) 536-5902. Sincerely, Eric Parra Chief of Police Cc: Honorable Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Partial disagreement with finding. Based on recent disasters in California, at the beginning of the year, the Operational Area (OA) convened an Alert and Warning planning committee, which the City participates on. Once this plan is complete, the City Emergency Management & Homeland Security Council and Local Emergency Planning Committee will begin working on an independent written annex to our Emergency Operations Plan that incorporates guidelines established in the OA plan. Once completed, the City will continue to follow guidelines set forth in our current standard operating procedures and p...
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
September 28, 2015
•
8 pages
• 1 response
•
Score: -1
(+0, 0, -1)
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1 response to findings and recommendations
F4
People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. The City of Huntington Beach agrees with this finding. Response: Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree with Finding. The objective of GASB Statement No. 45, "Accounting and Financing Reporting by Employers for Postemployment Benefits Other Than Pensions," is stated as follows: "... to improve the faithfulness of representations and usefulness of information included in the financial reports of state and local governmental employers...[emphasis added]" (GASB Statement No. 45, paragraph 1, Introduction) The City's audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) includes a detailed note disclosure on the City's Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) Plans in accordance with GASB 45 (se...
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
October 17, 2012
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1 pages
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
May 29, 2007
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2 pages
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
August 24, 2006
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach (Human Resources Department) 9/19/13, 937KB
September 19, 2013
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach - Mayor 05/29/07, 66K
May 29, 2007
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2 pages
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City of Huntington Beach - Mayor 03/12/07, 62K
March 12, 2007
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1 pages
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* 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.