Score: -1
(2/15/3)
San Diego County Grand Jury
• 2009-2010
Eye Gnats in San Diego County
Published: May 13, 2010
6 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 3 findings
F01
There is a negative impact on the quality of life for persons and animals living in areas of eye gnat infestation.
F02
Efforts by the County of San Diego to address eye gnat infestation have not reduced the number of complaints or the severity of the eye gnat infestation as described by residents in the affected areas.
F03
The County of San Diego has the ability and authority, through existing County regulatory codes, to increase the focus and effectiveness of efforts to control the eye gnat problem.
Recommendations 4
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10-20Page 4The Director of Environmental Health include and designate the eye
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10-21Page 4The Director of Environmental Health assure that the Vector Control
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10-22Page 4The Director of Environmental Health direct the Vector Control
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10-23Page 4The Director of Agriculture/Weights and Measures require that all
Agency Responses 8
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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San Diego City Council
October 04, 2010
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8 pages
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No structured response data extracted yet.
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San Diego City Council
October 04, 2010
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18 pages
• 1 response
•
Score: 0
(+0, 1, 0)
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1 response to findings and recommendations
F03
The County of San Diego has the ability and authority, through existing County regulatory codes, to increase the focus and effectiveness of efforts to control the eye gnat problem.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree. In FY 2010, total operating expenditures for Qualcomm Stadium were budgeted at $18.1 million. This total includes expenditures associated with events other than Charger games, including San Diego State University Aztec football games and other special events. The FY 2010 budget also includes approximately $3.8 million in revenue from these non-Charger events. It is inappropriate to characterize the Stadium's operating deficit by including the expenses for these events but excluding the associated revenue. Stadium operations are subsidized by Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) re...
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San Diego City Council
October 04, 2010
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29 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 3, 0)
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3 responses to findings and recommendations
F01
There is a negative impact on the quality of life for persons and animals living in areas of eye gnat infestation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree. The Uptown Partnership serves as the advisory board for the Uptown Community Parking District for the purpose of implementing and managing improvements that address parking impacts in the Uptown community. Pursuant to City Council Policy 100-18, each Community Parking District Advisory Board is required to develop, through community input, an annual improvement/implementation plan and budget for the next year. The Community Parking District plan must include the following components: community input strategy and incorporation; a budget to include sources and amounts of District revenues...
F02
Efforts by the County of San Diego to address eye gnat infestation have not reduced the number of complaints or the severity of the eye gnat infestation as described by residents in the affected areas.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree. City staff was unable to confirm the expense ratios stated in the report based in a preliminary review of summary tax return information. It is important to note that staff costs related to the provision of a direct service, such as selling parking cards, are not considered overhead. Also, an analysis of expenses from FY 1999 to FY 2009, based on tax returns or audits, would not include the project costs incurred by the City in implementing parking projects. It would however include as overhead the Uptown Partnership staff costs associated with providing additional project ...
F03
The County of San Diego has the ability and authority, through existing County regulatory codes, to increase the focus and effectiveness of efforts to control the eye gnat problem.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree. The relationship between the City and the Uptown Partnership is governed by a contract. City of San Diego staff has no "opinion" on the management of the Uptown Partnership other than to determine compliance with the provisions outlined in the contract between the City and Partnership. In order to determine compliance with City requirements, staff reviews annual Implementation Plans and Budgets, and requests adjustments to eliminate ineligible expenses or to clarify expenses. Staff has questioned the description of certain activities to draw out detail or gain a greater und...
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San Diego County Office of Education
July 21, 2010
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11 pages
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No structured response data extracted yet.
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Sheriff's Department
September 10, 2010
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8 pages
• 7 responses
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Score: 0
(+2, 3, -2)
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7 responses to findings and recommendations
F01
There is a negative impact on the quality of life for persons and animals living in areas of eye gnat infestation.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
We agree with this finding. Based on the complaints from the residents of Jacumba they have been negatively affected by eye gnats.
F02
Efforts by the County of San Diego to address eye gnat infestation have not reduced the number of complaints or the severity of the eye gnat infestation as described by residents in the affected areas.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
We partially agree with this finding. The research conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension in 2008 and 2009 and actions by the farmer resulted in reduced levels of eye gnats on the farm and in the community, but levels in the community were still causing complaints. Efforts are being undertaken in 2010 to implement new measures to reduce eye gnat populations. There is not a good record of complaints made by Jacumba residents in the past but a record of all complaints communicated to Vector Control is being maintained.
F03
The County of San Diego has the ability and authority, through existing County regulatory codes, to increase the focus and effectiveness of efforts to control the eye gnat problem.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
We agree with this finding. Since 2008 research has been conducted on eye gnat breeding and control and in 2010 the owner of Bornt Farms agreed to comply with an Eye Gnat Nuisance Prevention Plan (Plan). The Department of Environmental Health and the University of California Cooperative Extension are monitoring compliance with the Plan and its impact on eye gnat populations. County Counsel is also monitoring the situation. While the focus of efforts has increased the effectiveness of those efforts are still being studied. The 2009/2010 San Diego County Grand Jury recommends that the Chief Admi...
10-20
The Director of Environmental Health include and designate the eye
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has been implemented. In 2008, the Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures requested that the Farm Home Advisor's Office through the University of California Cooperative Extension conduct research to find solutions to the eye gnat problem with the primary focus in Jacumba. The study was funded by the Department of Environmental Health and Mr. Bornt, owner of the Bornt Farm in Jacumba. The University of California Cooperative Extension studied the eye
gnat problem during 2008 and produced the attached report entitled Final ...
10-21
The Director of Environmental Health assure that the Vector Control
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The first part of this recommendation, to include vector abatement protocols as an element of a use permit, will not be implemented. The second part of this recommendation, to include vector abatement protocols regardless of the need for a permit, requires further study. In the unincorporated areas of the County permits for agricultural crop production are not required. If eye gnat problems are found within incorporated cities which issue a use permit for agricultural crop production the Department of Environmental Health will communicate vector abatement protocols for possible inclusion in th...
10-22
The Director of Environmental Health direct the Vector Control
Response: Requires Analysis
Score: 0
The recommendation requires further analysis. Causative agents and remedial actions for eye gnat problems are still being researched however much has already has been learned about eye gnats from the Jacumba Study. Those controls that have been determined to be effective in Jacumba may be used in other parts of the county that are experiencing the same problems. . Part of that consideration would be notification of residents affected by an eye gnat infestation.
10-23
The Director of Agriculture/Weights and Measures require that all
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented. Vector control operations are delegated to the Department of Environmental Health. The Agricultural Commissioner does not have the authority to control and correct sources of vector harborage or breeding. Although the Agricultural Commissioner does enforce the laws relating to the prevention of the introduction or the spread of "pests", the term "pest" includes only diseases, plants or animal life that is . dangerous or detrimental to the agricultural industry. This authority does not include pests that affect the community at large. [Food and Agric...
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Sheriff's Department
August 23, 2010
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14 pages
• 3 responses
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Score: 0
(+0, 3, 0)
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3 responses to findings and recommendations
F01
There is a negative impact on the quality of life for persons and animals living in areas of eye gnat infestation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
</b> Partially Disagree The City Council Partially Disagrees with the Grand Jury's finding because designating the Ethics Commission as an independent agency is not the only protection afforded to the Commission in regards to elimination. The City Council does retain full control of the Commission existence and all of its procedures. In addition, the Council could change the Commission's purposes and repeal the ordinance establishing it. However, what the Grand Jury has not taken into consideration is the nature of the City's Ordinance process which is deliberative and open to the public. Typi...
F02
Efforts by the County of San Diego to address eye gnat infestation have not reduced the number of complaints or the severity of the eye gnat infestation as described by residents in the affected areas.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree There could be unwarranted implications such as the perception of being "unethical" associated with an "ethics commission fine" levied for a relatively routine violation such as the late filing of a lobbying disclosure report or a Statement of Economic Interests.
Finding #03: The majority of the activity of the Ethics Commission deals with monitoring compliance with the City's election campaign and lobbying laws and providing training in those laws. <b>Proposed Response:</b> Partially Disagree Based on statistics provided by the Ethics Commission on the number of complaints received and...
F03
The County of San Diego has the ability and authority, through existing County regulatory codes, to increase the focus and effectiveness of efforts to control the eye gnat problem.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
</b> Partially Disagree Based on statistics provided by the Ethics Commission on the number of complaints received and the time spent on education related to campaign, lobbying, and ethics laws, the Grand Jury's statement is correct for calendar year 2009. However, as the following tables indicate, the Commission's focus is based on the number of complaints and requests for informal advice received and can vary from year to year. <b>Complaints Received Concerning Alleged Violations</b> Type of Complaint 2008 2009 Violation of Election 13% 22% Campaign Laws Violation of Lobbying Laws 50% 6% Vio...
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Sheriff's Department
July 23, 2010
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6 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: -1
(+0, 2, -1)
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3 responses to findings and recommendations
F01
There is a negative impact on the quality of life for persons and animals living in areas of eye gnat infestation.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree. The role of SARMS case managers will be maintained by CWS social workers. The social worker is currently the primary case manager, and will continue in that role, tracking and monitoring the parent's participation in all activities as part of the reunification plan, including alcohol and drug treatment. In addition, staff contracted through Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS) will serve as liaisons between the Court and treatment programs, working with the Dependency Court and providing immediate screening and treatment referral for parents. (See
F02
Efforts by the County of San Diego to address eye gnat infestation have not reduced the number of complaints or the severity of the eye gnat infestation as described by residents in the affected areas.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree in part. Referrals to treatment, previously handled by SARMS case managers, will still be made by staff contracted through Alcohol and Drug Services at each of the regional court houses. As mentioned above, the CWS social worker has always been the primary case manager who is responsible for ensuring and documenting parents' compliance with all elements of the CWS Case Plan, including substance abuse treatment. Finding #03: There is a lack of communication between the social workers and CWS administration. As of May 1, 2010, many of the social workers had no knowledge of the pending modi...
F03
The County of San Diego has the ability and authority, through existing County regulatory codes, to increase the focus and effectiveness of efforts to control the eye gnat problem.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree. CWS social workers were initially advised of changes via the CCWS Director's monthly newsletter, e-mailed to all staff on March 30, 2010. Subsequent conversations with staff occurred after contractors were notified of funding and service reductions. Finding #04: With an increase in workloads, County social workers will be hard pressed to balance the new responsibility of monitoring compliance with substance abuse treatment with other ongoing responsibilities such as mandatory visits, court appearances, and organizing visitation with foster children and their families. Response: Disag...
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Sheriff's Department
July 23, 2010
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4 pages
• 3 responses
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Score: 0
(+0, 3, 0)
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3 responses to findings and recommendations
F01
There is a negative impact on the quality of life for persons and animals living in areas of eye gnat infestation.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree. Finding #02: Sufficient TAY programs are established and supervised by appropriate agencies; however, many of the agencies and departments practice a "silo" type of operation that does not result in maximum cooperation and sharing of information for the greatest benefit for the TAY. A "silo" type operation occurs when an agency or department develops appropriate programs, but the information is not shared with other entities that could utilize the same programs. Response: Partially Agree. There is a need for additional TAY programs for our youth. Agencies need additional housing options...
F02
Efforts by the County of San Diego to address eye gnat infestation have not reduced the number of complaints or the severity of the eye gnat infestation as described by residents in the affected areas.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Agree. There is a need for additional TAY programs for our youth. Agencies need additional housing options, employment resources and a crisis shelter for those youth who think they can make it on their own and then find themselves homeless and in need of support. It is acknowledged that agencies do need to cooperate and share information in order to benefit Transitional Age Youth. Finding #03: The funds for TAY programs, which are within the MHSA funding for San Diego County, are within proper audit standards. Response: Agree. Finding #04: TAY training should be started at the earlie...
F03
The County of San Diego has the ability and authority, through existing County regulatory codes, to increase the focus and effectiveness of efforts to control the eye gnat problem.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree. Finding #04: TAY training should be started at the earliest possible age; some sources suggest at age five or younger. Response: Partially Agree. For youth who enter the system as young children, it is the goal of the Health and Human Services to ensure that they achieve permanency long before they need independent living skills for transitioning to self-sufficiency. Finding #05: Fifty vacant beds each month at the Academy is cause for concern as many more TAY could participate in the program. Response: Agree. Efforts are underway to recruit additional foster youth to San Pasqual Academ...