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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.
Del Norte County Grand Jury
• 2013-2014
Del Norte County Grand Jury 2013-2014 Final Report
⚠️ 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 9 findings
F1
Page 5
Staff indicated that Assembly Bill 109 did not have any impact on the placement of level- one inmates in Alder Camp. Inmates feel it is a privilege to go to camp and therefore are more likely to perform to the standard needed for safe and effective camp operation.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Page 6
Alder Camp is a well run facility whose primary function is to maintain and provide inmate crews for wildland fire suppression. This they appear to do well. In addition, the various skills the inmates take away upon parole can allow their re-entry into general society to be smoother. Any program that includes that as a goal can be considered to be positive.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Page 10
There is one clerical employee on staff. This individual is responsible for the boys’ accounts and also serves as the laundry room supervisor. There is also one maintenance man who works 24 hours per week.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Page 10
Bar-O Boys Ranch is a 43-bed facility and there are currently twenty boys in residence.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Page 10
Last year’s Grand Jury made a point of recommending immediate correction to the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions regarding a failing septic system. We found that the septic tank issue has been resolved. They had a new holding tank installed and all is clean and working well.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Page 10
This year’s fire, due to an aged heat system, provides another serious hint that time is taking its toll on all structures and systems within the barracks. The firebrick in the stove was replaced, and a new heat shield barrier was put behind the stove; thus solving this latest barracks issue.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Page 10
The barracks were maintained in a neat and orderly manner, but the physical conditions of the barracks itself remain as per last year’s Grand Jury’s Finding, “outdated and in dire need of remodeling or replacement.” Every facility has a maximum lifespan. The barracks at Bar-O is reaching its “end times.” Being “outdated” can be dismissed, to a point, as merely an issue of decor or the trappings of style; but last year’s failing septic service issue and this year’s fire dilemma, are serious hints that time has taken its toll. Fortunately, no one was ill, injured, or worse.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Page 11
We visited the school while it was in session. The students were transitioning from one activity to another and did so with neither fuss nor muss. It appeared to be a friendly atmosphere, and the boys conversed with us as we made our slow procession through their classrooms. It was evident that the boys had been schooled in “visitor etiquette”.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Grand Jury Detention Committee recommends a cleanup and removal project take place with regard to the county property adjacent to Juvenile Hall. Whoever has authority over the specific portion of land described in (F8) above should be called to account for the discredit and dishonor being brought upon an otherwise admirable institution. This is an opportunity for the County to provide an example for cleaning up blight in the community.
F9
Page 11
We saw evidence of the step program wherein each boy was wearing either a white, blue, or green shirt. Advancement in this three step program is considered once each month. Boys in this program do not receive a release date until they reach the last step of the program.
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 7
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R1Page 6Alder Camp’s staff is to be commended for the efficient and effective operations of this state funded facility. The only recommendations we can offer at this time is to keep up the good work.
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R2Page 14The grand jury recommends that the City Committee follow up on the progress made by City Staff in addressing the possible reuse of the Cultural Center.
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R3Page 14The Grand Jury recommends that the City Committee follow up on progress made by City Staff in researching the idea of using the waste water treatment plant as a training center. 2013/2014 Del Norte County Grand Jury CITY OF CRESCENT CITY FOLLOW UP ON 2012-2013 JURY RECOMMENDATIONS
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R4Page 16The City should explore alternate avenues of implementing a training center at the WWTP. It is suggested that contacts be made with College of the Redwoods, Rural Human Services and ROP to pursue possible partnerships. Establish recruitment and retention incentives. Utilize Pelican Bay State Prison as a model for training and operation.
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R5Klamath Fire Protection District needs to start an aggressive campaign to recruit volunteers. The Yurok tribe could be an excellent resource to assist in this effort.
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R6The Klamath Fire Protection District needs to meet regularly with the County Auditor to establish a balanced budget.
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R7Page 11For the second year in a row, the Grand Jury Detention Committee recommends “funds to be allocated for repair or replacement of the barracks at the Bar-O Boys Ranch.”
Commendations 4
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CM1C1. The Detention Committee, representative of the 2013-2014 Grand Jury, appreciates all individuals involved in the operation of Bar-O Boys Ranch. Having the opportunity to observe first-hand the heart and mind at work together for the benefit of the next generation of our society is a heart-warming and poignant experience. We thank you for the work you do with these young men. 2013/2014 Del Norte County Grand Jury BUILDING HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS IN THE TSUNAMI ZONE SUMMARY The 2013-2014 County Grand Jury received a letter from a concerned citizen and local businessman who raised a question about the building foundation height requirements required in the Crescent City Tsunami zone along the 101 corridor, south of the city beginning at the “Big Curve” and running south to South Beach. The 2013-2014 Grand Jury made inquiries to the City Planning Commission and the Crescent City Public Works Director. Building codes and Federal Regulations were researched regarding restrictions to buildings in flood zones and Tsunami zones in coastal areas of the United States and Crescent City in particular. The Grand Jury found all recent construction projects along the 101 corridor south of Crescent City met all legal requirements.
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CM2C1. The Detention Committee, representative of the 2013-2014 Grand Jury, is grateful to all the entities and individuals involved in the process of intervening in the lives of young people. You have an opportunity, daily, to encourage and assist in helping individuals move on to a positive life experience. Whether your skills are teaching, counseling, healing, cooking, cleaning, or any other helping skill, your time and efforts are valued and appreciated. Thank you for your service. KLAMATH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 2012-2013 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOW UP SUMMARY Each newly appointed grand jury is responsible for monitoring the responses legally required to the recommendations made in the grand jury report from the previous year. On behalf of the Klamath Fire Protection District, Board President Eloisa Gaboni and Fire Chief Lonnie Levi sent a response dated June 22, 2013 to the Del Norte County Grand Jury regarding the 2012-2013 Recommendations. The full text of the response can be found on the grand jury website at http://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/grand-jury.
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CM3 Klamath Fire Protection District Fire Chief developing a Standard Operations Guide. Klamath Fire Protection District acquiring new water tender. Klamath Fire Protection District implementing the Brown Act at meetings. The volunteers who recently painted Redwood Fire Station #34, Klamath. Yurok tribe for the Yurok Service Proposal dated December, 2013. DISCLAIMER A member of the Grand Jury did not participate in this investigation. 2013/2014 Del Norte County Grand Jury PELICAN BAY STATE PRISON SUMMARY On February 20, 2014, four members of the 2013-2014 Grand Jury made a scheduled visit to Pelican Bay State Prison, in accordance with California Grand Jury mandates to conduct annual visits to all of the detention facilities within Del Norte County. Jury members met with the Acting Warden, the Chief Deputy Warden, the Community Resource Manager, and the Public Information Officer. When finished with the interview, the Grand Jury members were given a thorough tour of the prison by the Public Information Officer.
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CM4C1. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), the California Correctional Supervisors Organization (CCSO), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) sponsor a variety of city and county events throughout the year. Many individuals are involved and their time and efforts are very much appreciated. DISCLAIMER A member of the Grand Jury did not participate in this investigation.