El Dorado County Grand Jury, 2013-

Both facilities appeared to be well maintained. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

Both facilities appeared to be well managed. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

The kitchen areas were sanitary, and the menus indicate a variety of well- balanced meals. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

We observed an abundance of programs for the wards, including substance abuse, life skills, work skills, aggression replacement training, goal setting, and a couple of girls- only programs. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

We were told that the local community is involved in providing bible study and church services. The Juvenile Services Council conducts various activities and parties monthly, especially during holidays. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

Both facilities operate a school program with one principal who oversees Placerville and South Lake Tahoe teachers on staff. The curriculum is tied in to public schools, but specific needs of each ward are incorporated into the study plan. School is in session every day for all wards even if incarcerated for only one day. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

Maintaining adequate female staff had been a problem, primarily at the South Lake Tahoe facility. Recent aggressive recruitment efforts have been effective in mitigating that problem. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

In the Placerville facility, the south exercise area is not used due to drainage problems. There are cracks in the asphalt, the surface is uneven, and it is not covered. This causes the usable north area to be over-crowded. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding.

The Placerville facility does not have a “sally port” (separate entrance for new wards). The public front door of the building is the only accommodation for all entrants. This lack of a separate entrance for new wards creates potential confidentiality and safety concerns. Response: The respondent agrees with the finding. Grand Jury Evaluation of Findings We were impressed with the school principal and program manager. We commend the El Dorado County Probation Department for its wide array of schooling and behavior programs for the wards. We liked their stated goal for the kids: “Don’t Come Back”! Grand Jury Recommendations: 1. Because of its age, the Placerville facility should be evaluated for replacement or extensive refurbishment. Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The County contracted with Vanir Construction Management for a detailed assessment of all county-owned facilities including the Placerville Juvenile Hall. The 2013-14 Facilities Capital Improvement Plan was presented to the Board of Supervisors on October 28, 2013. The condition assessment report for the Placerville Juvenile Hall indicates a high deferred maintenance to replacement ratio. Deferred maintenance needs are estimated at $1,858,637, and replacement cost at $3,760,000. Similar to the Grand Jury’s recommendation, Vanir Construction suggests the “County should evaluate how this facility currently meets needs. If the building is not meeting current and future needs, then the county should look to relocate or replace this building.” However, given competing facility replacement priorities, relocation of this facility is not feasible at this time. On January 27, 2014 the Board again considered the Facilities Capital Improvement Plan, approving in concept years two through five of the deferred maintenance plans, and also approved the priority of facility replacements as such 1) Sheriff Administration, 2) El Dorado Center and 3) District Attorney’s office.