Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2001-2002

Willits City Government, Little Lake Fire District, and Willits Unified School District

Published: May 13, 2002 8 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 29 findings

F1
Willits has sound fiscal practices with an annual budget of $4.06 million, with a reserve of $415,00 for emergencies. Willits also had a carry over of $1.4 million from last fiscal year.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Willits follows solid plans for operating the city and follows its policies and procedures.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Appropriate departments handle all complaints quickly and efficiently.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Willits is following its Ten Year Plan for improvements throughout the city.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Willits is studying the possibilities for growth and new business.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Willits are still working on the Willits 101 Bypass; construction has not been started. The Willits administration has supported the bypass, but some local citizens continue to request more information from Caltrans, stalling construction. The Caltrans Director signed the Draft Environmental Document for the Willits Bypass on May 13, 2002.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Willits has a strategic plan that emphasizes ‘Business to Business’ (business suppliers) and bringing cottage industries to the downtown area.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Willits administration is concerned that local media is not reporting the city’s successful programs. Public Works Public Works Department (Public Works) performs its function well, however, there are a couple of problems that need attention. Method of Investigation The Grand Jury interviewed the Public Works Director and reviewed current job orders, complaint forms, and an organizational chart. The Grand Jury visited the public works yard and inspected the equipment. Background Information Public Works is charged with the maintenance of streets, landscaping, and city buildings. Public Works is also responsible for other city infrastructure such as the water and sewer systems. Findings
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The yard was clean and all equipment not in use was under cover.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Public works maintains equipment properly.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Public works does not have a common tracking system for all department data.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The Public works Director advised the Grand Jury that the department needs one more technician and a clerical worker.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
During visits to the offices and shop areas, the Grand Jury saw no Cal-OSHA safety books or posters. Police Department The Willits Police Department (Police Department) infrastructure is in place, but the public perception of the Police Department is that there is a lack of communication between the public and the officers on the street. Method of Investigation The Grand Jury conducted a review of the Police Department and talked to the Police Department Chief and Captain and took a tour of the facilities. Grand Jurors accompanied on-duty police officers on three ride-alongs. Background Information The Highway 101 corridor is the major factor in police services required, from traffic to other crimes. The Police Department has 12 sworn personnel, three reserve officers, and 12 patrol vehicles. Findings
No recommendations for this finding
F14
While the Grand Jury observed officers, they conducted their activities professionally with restraint and consideration to those being stopped and talked to or given notice or citations.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
The Grand Jury’s attempted to interview citizens with a different perspective on the Police Department. Citizens refused to give details of their experiences with the Police Department because they said fear retaliation. Persons interviewed by the Grand Jury were reluctant to file formal complaints because of rear of retaliation.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
There is no citizen review board. The Police Department does not support the concept of a citizen review board.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
In September 2001, the Police Department reported staff shortage and high turnover; in May 2002, the Police Department reported that there is no staff shortage and turnover is minimal.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
The Police Department increasingly must work with Spanish-speaking people. The one bilingual Spanish-speaking officer on the Police Department staff cannot provide all translation services required. WPS has access to translation by telephone, but the service is less than effective because it can only be used at the station and not in the field.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
The Police Department is aware and concerned about drug activities in Willits, especially around school sites.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
The County of Mendocino owns and is responsible for maintenance of the building the Police Department occupies. The building needs repairs. There is a leak through an unsightly gaping hole in the ceiling of the main Police Department conference room. The Police Department turns in complaints to the County Buildings and Grounds Department when it rains. The County comes out and does a quick patch, but no permanent repairs. Little Lake Fire District The Fire District is extremely well run. Method of Investigation The Grand Jury interviewed the Fire Chief and a Director of the Fire District. The Grand Jury reviewed budgets and policies and procedures. The Grand Jury toured the Fire District facilities and viewed all apparatus and equipment. Background Information The Fire District has five elected Directors, who volunteer their time. The Directors are responsible for the administration of the Fire District finances and funding. The Fire District provides the following services: (cid:137) Disaster Preparedness and Response (cid:137) Fire Protection and Suppression (cid:137) Fire Safety Education (cid:137) Hazardous Materials Response and Mitigation Team (cid:137) Light and Heavy Rescue (cid:137) Auto Extrication (cid:137) High Angle and Cliff Rescue (cid:137) Swift Water Rescue (cid:137) Medical Response and Ambulance Assists (cid:137) Urban Search and Rescue (cid:137) Underwater diving team (cid:137) Public Assists (helping the elderly & others) There are only five paid positions at the Fire District; they are as follows: The Fire Chief is responsible to the Board of Directors and the Public. The Chief also serves as the City of Willits Fire Marshall and oversees matters that concern private and public safety. Included in his duties are the administration, budgeting, and operations of his department. The Secretary/Treasurer holds both positions. The secretary/treasurer manages the operations of the administrative office and the department’s daily functions as well as serving as secretary/treasurer to the Board of Directors. Firefighter 1 is the maintenance supervisor for all facilities and equipment. Firefighter 2, the training supervisor, provides 40 volunteers the best and most modern firefighting training available. The Fire District serves approximately 380 square miles, including 57 miles of state highways. The District also protects approximately $265 million in assessed property value. Findings
No recommendations for this finding
F21
The Fire Chief and Firefighters 1 and 2 have State and National Certification. Most volunteers are professionally certified in their rank; many hold State and National Certifications.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
The Fire District operates with a $450,000 budget. The Fire District provides strong services because of the volunteer force and private fund- raising.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
The Grand Jury found the fire-fighting apparatus well maintained.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
The Fire District is very astute in acquiring grants and new equipment. Willits Unified School District Willits Unified School District (School District) has undefined and uneven enforcement of dress codes and some school sites have maintenance problems. Method of Investigation The Grand Jury interviewed the School District Superintendent, school principals, and the Maintenance Supervisor. The Grand Jury toured school sites, including the Willits Charter School, and visited classes in session. The Grand Jury reviewed pertinent California Education Codes pertinent to school dress codes. Background Information The School District has an enrollment of 2,283 students and 153 paid staff. The School District has a dress code based on California Education Codes §35183 and 35294.2. Note §35294.2.(a)(2)(F): The provisions of any schoolwide dress code, pursuant to Section 35183, that prohibits pupils from wearing ‘gang-related apparel,’ if the school has adopted such a dress code. For those purposes, the comprehensive school safety plan shall define ‘gang-related apparel.’ The definition shall be limited to apparel that, if worn or displayed on a school campus, reasonably could be determined to threaten the health and safety of the school environment. Any schoolwide dress code established pursuant to this section and Section 35183 shall be enforced on the school campus and at any school- sponsored activity by the principal of the school or the person designated by the principal. For the purpose of this paragraph, ‘gang-related apparel’ shall not be considered a protected form of speech pursuant to Section
No recommendations for this finding
F25
The School District and Willits High School emphasize prohibition of certain colors or certain clothing and items that are known to depict gang colors or symbols and distract from teaching goals. The school safety plan does not define ‘gang-related apparel’ as required by Education Code §35294.2.(a)(2)(F). The Student Handbook does not specify prohibited colors or clothing items.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
Willits High School ground maintenance is poor. Back parking areas need upgrading. Some lockers are broken. Agriculture areas, including gardens and farm animal pens, are unkempt.
No recommendations for this finding
F27
The Willits High School dumpster area has no enclosure to hide the garbage and keep out animals.
No recommendations for this finding
F28
Many school sites have paved areas and walkways with uneven surfaces and potholes that can cause tripping.
No recommendations for this finding
F29
Baechtel Grove Middle School has a drainage problem on the west side of the school grounds, where older portable classrooms are located. Rain water puddles at ramps and runs under disabled students’ classrooms. Children have to traverse standing water to get to class. The standing water under classrooms also causes dampness and mold inside the classrooms.
No recommendations for this finding

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