Log Cabin Ranch: Planning for the Future a Continuity Report

R1

1: Continue current efforts to develop Log Cabin Ranch as a viable disposition option for youthful offenders.

R2

Develop tracking systems for post-probationary youth that will provide data to evaluate programs both at the Ranch and after release. These efforts should be made in collaboration with the Adult Probation Department. 3. Development of a Master Plan for the Ranch The 2011 Juvenile Probation Commission Resolution 09-002 concludes, “Resolved, that the Juvenile Probation Commission recommends that the Board of Supervisors advance the plan for the Log Cabin Ranch.” In March 2012, the Juvenile Probation Department addressed the Capital Planning Committee with a presentation outlining capital needs for Log Cabin and Hidden Valley.19 The JPD requested funding for a master plan to guide decisions around future programmatic and capital needs. The components of a master plan as outlined in the presentation include: ! Determination of the overall need for an expanded Log Cabin Ranch program; 14 o Which youths will most benefit from the Log Cabin Ranch program? o How many San Francisco youth could be served annually? o Where are those youth now? ! Assessment of programmatic needs and best practices that will best ensure positive outcomes for Log Cabin Ranch youth; ! Comprehensive assessment of existing Log Cabin Ranch facilities’ conditions, measuring functionality, feasibility, life expectancy and degree of obsolescence; ! Evaluate the potential for facility expansion suitable to attract revenue for services provided to neighboring counties; ! Assessment of building and space requirements that would best support the long term operational needs of Log Cabin Ranch’s new vision. Juvenile incarceration rates statewide have dwindled. The reduction is a welcome result of both a decline in lesser juvenile offenses and extensive diversion efforts by most counties for misdemeanor offenses. However, facilities are still necessary for the high- risk juvenile offenders. Jack Jacqua, co-founder of the Omega Boys Club, offered the previous Jury a vision of the Ranch at its highest potential: “Log Cabin Ranch, well first of all it is not a jail. It is not a prison, and was never intended to be. This is 600 acres that can be developed into an incredible recovery center…getting boys away from the inner city, coming out here in this beautiful country area, gives them new energy to live life….just like they’re somebody…and they have a future that’s real.”

R3

Fund a master plan for Log Cabin to determine the programmatic and capital requirements for a viable facility. 4. Partnerships with Community Organizations and other Jurisdictions In March of this year, Mayor Ed Lee led a delegation of leaders from the City’s Real Estate, Capital Planning, and Juvenile Probation Departments and community-based organizations on a visit to Hidden Valley Ranch. The Jury understands that a similar group had toured the facility nearly a decade ago and that these organizations have an interest in finding a use for Hidden Valley. In our discussions with JPD staff, we learned 15 that JPD has discussed the possibility of utilizing Hidden Valley for development of programs that can support the objectives at the Log Cabin Ranch. Dialogue and collaboration with community organizations has the potential to be a positive for Ranch youth, and charitable foundations can provide needed resources for program enhancement. The development of Hidden Valley could provide vocational learning opportunities for the Log Cabin residents and support post-release career opportunities and successful rehabilitation.

R4

1: Explore possibilities with community organizations and charitable foundations to further the development of Log Cabin Ranch and Hidden Valley Ranch, with the objective of supporting both high-risk and at-risk youth of San Francisco and their families.