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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.
Madera County Grand Jury
• 2024-2025
Graphic Designer Paul Aleman, it Admin Mary Norris, it Asst Admin Cana Marks
⚠️ 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 16 findings
F1
Page 121
The MCGJ finds that the responses were received within the 90-day period as required by Penal Code 933.05.
F2
Page 121
The MCGJ finds that the responses were properly sent to the appropriate recipients, including the Presiding Judge and the Madera County Grand Jury.
F3
Page 121
The MCGJ finds that the responses to the Madera County Grand Jury reports for the year 2023-24 were made in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Penal Code 933.05.
F4
Page 121
The MCGJ finds that the review, approval, and signing of the Board of Supervisors’ responses to the MCGJ’s final report is systemically hidden in the consent calendar.
F5
Page 155
The MCGJ finds Potential Conflict of Interest: A City Manager's involvement in the business license issuance process raises concerns about conflicts of interest, especially in light of the Team Responses.
F6
Page 155
The MCGJ finds Public Scrutiny: The actions taken by city officials in issuing and modifying business licenses should be documented and made available for public scrutiny.
F7
Page 155
The MCGJ finds impact on public trust: The irregularities in the business license issuance process harm public trust in city officials and the administration.
F8
Page 155
The MCGJ finds the Council does not read the findings, recommendations, and City responses to MCGJ reports.
F9
Page 155
The MCGJ finds the equipment inventory, Exhibit B, is outdated.
F10
Page 155
The MCGJ finds the cleaning of the solar panels has been paid by SGM from the CapitaI Improvement fund and not the maintenance costs. 154
F11
Page 156
The MCGJ finds that the Advisory Committee monthly meeting reports are not made available to the Council.
F12
Page 156
The MCGJ finds insufficient training regarding business license applications and issuance requirements.
F13
Page 232
The MCGJ finds that the City has repeatedly failed to ascertain or confirm the true identity of SGM’s purported subtenant(s) at the MMGC.
F14
Page 232
The MCGJ finds that SGM appears to have two subtenants: Smokehouse for the food service, and the undisclosed bar operator GROUP.
F15
Page 232
The MCGJ finds that the Interim Fire Marshal recommended that the MMGC be brought up to both the ADA requirements and the City Building Code due to serious violations.
F16
Page 232
The MCGJ finds that the City has failed to ensure that its tenant and subtenants at the MMGC have performed their daily maintenance obligations under the Lease
Recommendations 16
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R1Page 121The MCGJ recommends that all future responses be submitted within the 90-day period required by Penal Code 933.05 to ensure continued compliance and accountability.
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R2Page 121The MCGJ encourages that responses continue to be addressed and delivered promptly to both the Presiding Judge and the Madera County Grand Jury, maintaining the integrity of the reporting process.
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R3Page 121The MCGJ recommends that future responses clearly and thoroughly address each finding and recommendation, in accordance with Penal Code 933.05, to avoid any ambiguity and to strengthen the response process. 120
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R4Page 122The MCGJ recommends that the review, approval, and signing of the Board of Supervisors’ responses to the MCGJ’s final report be placed on the agenda outside of the consent calendar as a separate item and moved to the beginning of any scheduled public meeting concerning the report, in order to promote transparency, reinforce public trust, and demonstrate a strong commitment to open government principles. REQUIRED RESPONDENTS Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933 and 933.5, the Madera County Grand Jury requests responses as follows from the elected County elected officials : Madera County Board of Supervisors 200 W 4th St Ste 4 Madera, CA 93637 INVITED RESPONDENTS Pursuant to Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury invites responses as follows: From the following governing bodies : Madera County Chief Administrative Officer 200 W 4th St Ste 4 Madera, CA 93637 _____________________________________________________________________ Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code Section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929 prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and * Note: This report was prepared using current information available on the confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation. ___________________________________________________________________________________ 121
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R5Page 156The MCGJ recommends implementing a conflict of interest policy to ensure that city officials do not have any personal or financial interests in the businesses they regulate of receiving this report. 155
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R6Page 157The MCGJ recommends launching a public awareness campaign to inform residents and business owners about the importance of compliance with city ordinances and the procedures for obtaining business licenses of receiving this report.
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R7Page 157The MCGJ recommends that the entire MCGJ report be read to the Council members in an open public meeting of receiving this report.
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R8Page 157The MCGJ recommends hiring an outside expert to check the City's property and equipment records and also to do regular checks within the City. The list of items the City owns (Exhibit B) needs to be brought up-to-date
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R9Page 157The MCGJ recommends conducting regular audits of SGM’s business expenses in regards to capital improvements vs maintenance obligations. of receiving this report.
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R10Page 157The MCGJ recommends improving the documentation process for issuing and modifying business licenses to ensure that all actions are properly recorded and transparent. of receiving this report.
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R11Page 157The MCGJ recommends engaging with stakeholders, including business owners and residents, to gather feedback and improve the business license issuance process of receiving this report.
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R12Page 157The MCGJ recommends that the Advisory Committee reports be agendized monthly and read to the Council in an open meeting of this report. REQUIRED RESPONSE Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requires responses from the following: : Mayor of the City of Madera Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requires responses from the following: : Madera City Council Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 INVITED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury invites responses from the following : City of Madera City Manager Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Director of Parks and Community Services John W. Wells Youth Center 701 East 5th Street Madera, CA 93638 City of Madera Finance Department Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Planning Department Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, Ca 93637 157 City of Madera Code Enforcement 330 C Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Golf Course Advisory Committee Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 ______________________________________________________________________ Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code Section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929 prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation. ____________________________________________________________________________ * Note: This report was prepared using current information available on the websites listed. ____________________________________________________________________________ 158 This Page Intentionally Left Blank 159 Summary of Responses to 2023-2024 Reports Responses to the Final Reports, filed by the 2023-2024 Madera County Grand Jury, are mandated by the California Penal Code. Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05 and requests that a response to the report be filed. This section includes a summary and overview of each report introducing the MCGJ’s Findings and Recommendations. The entire Final Report including archived responses are available on the website, Madera County Grand Jury Reports 2022-2023. Governing boards and elected officials are required to respond to the report
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R13Page 233The MCGJ recommends that the City recognize that SGM has represented its subtenant as Smokehouse and commence all appropriate actions to determine and correct the subtenant’s true identity of the kitchen/dining and bar operator(s) of the publication of this report. 232
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R14Page 234The MCGJ recommends that the City investigate this subtenant discrepancy and take appropriate action of the publication of this report.
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R15Page 234The MCGJ recommends that the City and SGM take action to correct these violations and complete the required work to avoid serious potential liability of the publication of this report.
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R16Page 234The MCGJ recommends that the City enforce timely maintenance at the MMGC immediately. REPORT RESPONDENTS Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requests that the statutory required responses be delivered within the deadlines in both written form and PDF to the following: Superior Court of Madera County 200 South G Street Madera, CA 93637 Madera County Grand Jury Po Box 534 Madera, CA 93639 REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the MCGJ requests responses as follows; From the following elected county officials : Madera City Council Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 233 Mayor of the City of Madera Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 Madera County District Attorney 300 South G Street Madera, CA 93637 INVITED RESPONDENTS: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury invites responses from the following : California Attorney General 1300 I Street Ste 1142 Sacramento, CA 95814 Alcoholic Beverage Control 1330 E. Shaw Avenue Ste or Building B Fresno. CA 93710 City of Madera City Manager Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Director of Parks and Community Services John W. Wells Youth Center 701 East 5th Street Madera, CA 93638 City of Madera Finance Department Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 234 City of Madera Police Chief 330 C Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Planning Department Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, Ca 93637 City of Madera Code Enforcement 330 C Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera ADA Advisory Council Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Golf Course Advisory Committee Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 Madera County Civil Grand Jury Continuity Report 2023-2024 Madera County Final Report 2324-07 June 19, 2024
Conclusions 6
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CL1Rebuild trust with its workforce.
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CL2Improve morale and engagement.
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CL3Increase overall efficiency.
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CL4Enhance leadership accountability. 37 The MCGJ also underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the organizational challenges identified during its investigation. By addressing employee discontent and leadership challenges, the County can support the creation of a supportive and efficient workplace culture across the county. A renewed focus on employee attitudes is not just necessary—it’s an opportunity to create lasting, positive change for Madera County’s workforce and community. These efforts are vital to ensuring that Madera County is well-equipped to meet the needs of its community and achieve long-term organizational success.
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CL5GROUP Business License: The GROUP business license was initiated by a City Administrator. Email records from the city confirm that this was done outside of the ordinances, without planning department approval and without any application being filed by GROUP. Business License Discrepancies: The City Manager instructed Smokehouse to contact a Financial Officer to correct the business license to reflect GROUP's name. This action contradicts the City Manager's denial in last year's jury report that GROUP Smokehouse operated the golf course bar. Email records from the City Clerk’s office confirm that this name correction was done without providing any documents or application by GROUP 153
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CL6In summary, the lack of coordinated action by County Administration, including the CAO’s office, Behavioral Health, Social Services department and CAPMC, has resulted in insufficient enforcement and data collection of existing state and county laws regarding trespassing, loitering and vagrancy citations. This has also resulted in a need for additional Sheriff’s Office deputies dedicated to addressing homelessness and individuals in crisis. Consistent and sustained enforcement is critical to support outreach interventions and provide meaningful assistance to those in crisis or experiencing homelessness. This gap in visibility and response raises serious concerns. All citizens have the right to feel safe and secure. This inaction highlights missed, ignored and avoided opportunities for all agencies to collaborate with outreach programs and effectively utilize health equity initiatives and legal tools to address these pressing issues. Until departmental coordination, the Crisis Stabilization Unit and the Sobering Center are completed, the County must identify and implement regional housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Commendations 2
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CM1Sheriff’s Office: Praised for delivering water, clean-ups, and crisis transportation without hesitation and many other acts of compassion, going above and beyond the call of duty. 96
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CM2Madera City Police: Recognized for transporting individuals in crisis to intake points without hesitation and many other acts of compassion. Conclusion: In summary, the lack of coordinated action by County Administration, including the CAO’s office, Behavioral Health, Social Services department and CAPMC, has resulted in insufficient enforcement and data collection of existing state and county laws regarding trespassing, loitering and vagrancy citations. This has also resulted in a need for additional Sheriff’s Office deputies dedicated to addressing homelessness and individuals in crisis. Consistent and sustained enforcement is critical to support outreach interventions and provide meaningful assistance to those in crisis or experiencing homelessness. This gap in visibility and response raises serious concerns. All citizens have the right to feel safe and secure. This inaction highlights missed, ignored and avoided opportunities for all agencies to collaborate with outreach programs and effectively utilize health equity initiatives and legal tools to address these pressing issues. Until departmental coordination, the Crisis Stabilization Unit and the Sobering Center are completed, the County must identify and implement regional housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Madera County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office
Madera County Sheriff
Elected County Office