Received Received JUL - 6 2005 JUL 0 6 2005 Clerk of the Board Clerk of the Board Supervisors Picked up from

Recommendations 44

• R2
  Traffic studies were done originally in 1998. PW En- have spent years shepherding the redevelopment of the gineering has since reviewed the 1998 traffic study and City's corporation yard. The Grand Jury believes the City gathered current information. PW Engineering's findings of Woodland used proper procedure in attempting to are that the additional traffic impact will not result in a transfer this parcel to its highest and best use. Unfor- short or long-term unacceptable level of service per City tunately the SVOC was unable to fulfill its promises of of Woodland General Plan criteria. construction.
• R3
  In 2002 the zoning was changed through a zoning admin- istrative permit, and the police and fire departments RECOMMENDATIONS reviewed these zoning changes and made their comments. The project was approved based on the conditions from None these departments of public safety. SOURCES Hazardous wastes were studied extensively in 1992 by
• R4
  Wallace Kuhl & Associates. Specific high-risk areas were Complainant targeted. The hydraulic lifts area had no detectable Economic Development Manager, City of Woodland concentrations of contaminates. The other areas checked, Redevelopment Manager, City of Woodland the vehicle wash rack, the former paint shop, the equip- Text, Public Meeting, Nueva Vista Questions and Comments, ment wash areas, the fire training burn depression, the Feb, 2004 pesticide storage area, etc. were all found to have no Traffic Impact Analysis Report significant levels of toxins and were considered an Soil Evaluation Report of Findings insignificant threat to the ground water. Several buildings Council/Redevelopment Agency/SVOC Agreement were still in place at the time of this report (1992). It Engineer, City of Woodland was recommended that when these buildings are re- moved, that the soil under their concrete slab foundations Police Office Space in be excavated and properly treated or disposed. Oakshade Shopping Center,
• R5
  Drainage concerns have been addressed by the City of Woodland Engineer. While the corporation yard does Davis drain into a common storm drain with the Beamer Park area, the new housing development should permit more ground infiltration of the storm waters and the city plans REASON FOR REVIEW to upgrade the existing storm drainage systems in the The Grand Jury investigated a citizen's complaint stating Woodland Avenue area. While there is, as yet, no specific the developer of the Oakshade Shopping Center in Davis storm drain plan for the new housing, the condition of did not provide adequate space within the complex for police development says that the developer's plan cannot impact use. the surrounding community. The City's contract with SVOC has been in place, in 6.
• R8
  Woodland City Council and the Redevelopment Agency
• 04-03

  Page 1
  The Board of Supervisors, the Yolo
• 04-04

  Page 1
  The Board of Supervisors, the Yolo Recommendation No. 04-01: The Yolo County Assessor should County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Executive develop a time sheet that reflects the appraiser's hours. Director of Yolo County Housing Authority should decisively address Response of the Assessor: This recommendation will not be imple- all unresolved issues. mented. Response of BOS: The Board of Supervisors concurs with this The appraisers currently sign a bi-weekly time report that details recommendation. As noted above the Board of Supervisors cannot their hours and have a computer tracking system which tracks the be directly involved in the operation of the Housing Authority. work to be done and the work completed and we believe this system Response of Board of Commissioners: All issues raised by the Grand is adequate. Supervisors review all work completed by the appraisal Jury have been addressed and for the most part resolved; those few staff and counter sign appraiser's bi-weekly time reports. remaining are now being addressed with positive outcomes occurring The staff is already dealing with extremely high workloads and weekly and monthly. adding additional requirement of detail time reporting would have a The Housing Authority and Board of Commissioners are ad- negative impact on morale and would be counter to the spirit of dressing all unresolved issues through open communication with those professionalism among the appraisal staff. concerned and careful investigation of complaints. Where complaints Yolo County Flood Control and have been instigated and found substantiated, remedial action has been taken. Where complaints have been found to be unsubstantiated, Water Conservation District the Board of Commissioners has encouraged the Housing Authority's staff to review the underlying circumstances, determine whether (and Recommendation No. 04-02: Set a schedule for regular, on-going if so, how) staff's actions or inactions could have been misunderstood safety training. and productive of increased tension and conflict with residents and/ Response of the YCFC&WCD: This recommendation has been imple- or employees, and if such actions or inactions are found, to plan to mented. The District implemented a schedule of monthly safety train- avoid similar conduct in the future. ing meetings and additional safety meetings will be held as necessary. Response of Executive Director: Concurs with YCHA Board of Commissioners response to the recommendation and will continue Yolo County Housing Authority to bring about resolution of all issues that remain to be addressed.
• 04-05

  Page 1
  The Board of Supervisors should schedule County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Executive progress reports as a quarterly "agenda item" of the Board of Super- Director of the Yolo County Housing Authority should review their visors meetings. initial authorizing statutes and subsequent amendments to properly BOS Response: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors concurs with delineate their level of authority, scope of responsibility and oversight this recommendation. functions.
• 04-06

  Page 1
  Failing timely and significant resolution Response of BOS: The Board of Supervisors authorized creation of of these issues, the Board of Supervisors should consider contracting the Housing Authority, and appoints members of its Board of Com- for an independent consultant's "performance audit" and/or contacting missioners. However, the Yolo County Housing Authority is a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide training, model separate, corporate and public body. State law gives control, operation operating plans and program reviews for the Housing Authority. and oversight of the Housing Authority to the Authority's Board of BOS Response: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors encourages Commissioners, not the Board of Supervisors. State Law also pre- the Yolo County Housing Authority to consider all options and utilize scribes the qualifications and appointment of the Housing Commis- resources available to improve the operating of their organization. sioners. Response of Board of Commissioners: This recommendation will be fully implemented. The target date for completion of such review is November, 2004. Response of Executive Director: This recommendation will be (APPENDIX: Responses to the 2004-2005 Grand Jury implemented in coordination with the YCHA Board of Commissioners Report-continued on next page) 2004-2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Yolo County Office of Education Response of YCOE: A written documentation of desk procedures has been completed and is currently being used by YCOE staff. It is important to note that on April 15, 2004, based on the Additionally, the Yolo County Board of Education is provided with approval of the Yolo County Board of Education and in collaboration the Yolo County Office of Education annual audit and a presentation with special pension legal counsel, Yolo County Office of Education is made by the independent CPA firm. terminated its Operating Agreement with California Administration
• 04-07

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  The Yolo County Board of Supervisors
• 04-08

  Page 1
  The YCOE Superintendent should submit of this critical public service. a written status report by September 30,2004 to the YCOE Board of Education detailing all inquiries or communications with CalPers, Yolo County Fire Services the SSA, and/or any other government authorities, including the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, regarding YCOE's involvement
• 04-09

  Page 1
  The YCOE Superintendent should also fire districts with grant applications. However, as is the case with assess and report to the Board of Education how these additional the fire districts, the county does not have a full-time grant writer. costs, if any, may impact the YCOE's budget, identifying programs and/or staffing positions affected thereby and include this information Yolo County Jails in the quarterly reports recommended in above item 04-08. These reports should be made available to the public by the YCOE Board
• 04-10

  Page 1
  The YCOE Board should develop, and completion by the end of this calendar year. make public, policies to monitor on-going contractural obligations to assure compliance with objectives established at the time the contract is entered. The YCOE Board should review all YCOE cur- rent contracts wherein the Board's concurrence or approval was (APPENDIX: Responses to the 2004-2005 Grand Jury required to assess whether the contract objectives are being met. Report-continued on next page) 11 1 1 . 5 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Yolo County Police Departments Yolo County Juvenile Hall
• 04-11

  Page 1
  The YCOE should, without delay, seek Services Authority (CASA). appropriate legal advice relative to their CASA obligations, options The Yolo County Office of Education and the Yolo County Board and liability. of Education disagree in whole or in part to many of the Grand Response of YCOE: The Yolo County Office of Education retained Jury's
• 04-12

  Page 1
  The 2004-2005 Grand Jury should monitor should immediately authorize resources and personnel to the Yolo this matter to its conclusion and investigate further as it deems County Auditor-Controller to perform a review of financial and advisable. administrative controls and practices at the YCOE. This review should be coordinated with other agencies which may institute similar audits Grand Jury Response: The 2004-2005 Grand Jury will not implement so as not to be duplicative. Once completed the Board of Super- this recommendation. visors should consider recommendations, take appropriate action, Yolo County Coroner's Office monitor implementation of recommended action and make this information public.
• 04-13

  Page 1
  The Coroner's Office displays consum- Response of YCOE: YCOE concurs with the spirit of this recom- mate professionalism and should be commended for its efforts. mendation, but the Yolo County Office of Education is a fiscally Response of BOS: The Board of Supervisors concurs with the independent entity and does not report to the Yolo County Board of recommendation that the Coroner's office displays consummate Supervisors. The YCBOS has no legal jurisdiction or oversight professionalism. The Board recognizes the outstanding professional- responsibility of YCOE. ism of the Supervising Deputy Coroner and her staff. The Board also thanks the Sheriff and his management team for their support
• 04-14

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  The Yolo County Board of Supervisors in CASA. Subsequently, a status report should be made no less should support the use of Development Impact Fees to maintain fire frequently than every calendar quarter, advising of all developments, services. changes in personnel or operations, and/or remedies taken related to BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors has been working with all this matter. The YCOE Superintendent should also include in this fire districts to study use of development impact fees to finance fire quarterly status report all costs, charges, penalties, or claims incurred service equipment and facilities. The Board recently approved fire or settlements reached relating to this matter. development fees for the following districts: Clarksburg, Dunnigan, Response of YCOE: The Superintendent is in continuing communi- Knights Landing and Yolo. cation with the Yolo County Board of Education regarding the CASA JPA. The CASA JPA is currently the subject of litigation, therefore
• 04-15

  Page 1
  The Yolo County Board of Supervisors most information presented to the Yolo County Bard of Education should provide additional resources as needed to all fire districts for about CASA is subject to attorney-client privilege. grant writing assistance. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors is supportive of assisting
• 04-16

  Page 1
  Currently, an assessment is being conducted of Education and a copy mailed to the Yolo County Grand Jury. to determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale study about Response of YCOE: The entire matter of dissolution of CASA and relocating or expanding the current jail. The assessment should be any resulting liability or costs of member agencies has not yet been completed as quickly as possible. determined. When a final legal determination is made, any impact to Response of Yolo County Administrative Officer: The County program or budget will be reported with a copy to the Grand Jury. Administrative Office has issued a contract to study the relocation/ expansion of the current jail. The assessment is scheduled for
• 04-17

  Page 1
  The supervisors and staff should be com-
• 04-18

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  All agencies, departments, and involved and written study about the shuttle service to transport suspects. The personnel should exert every effort to assure that the anticipated report of this study will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors. Juvenile Hall completion and occupancy date is realized, that appro- priate facility-specific policies and procedures are developed prior to
• 04-19

  Page 1
  Juvenile Hall administrators and staff Follow-up Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer to should pay particular attention to maintaining a high degree of facility Recommendations 04-20, 04-21 and 04-22. and equipment maintenance during the final months of occupancy of Recommendation 04-21 requires publication of the results of a the present Juvenile Hall. study regarding the feasibility of a countywide program to assist entities in transporting arrestees to the Yolo County jail. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors concurs. In April 2005, representatives of the University of California, Davis Response of County Administrative Officer: The Administrative and the cities of Davis, West Sacramento, Winters and Woodland Office staff meets regularly with both Probation and Central Service met with the representatives from the Sheriff's Department and the Division staff to confirm that resources are available to assure that County Administrator's Office to discuss analysis prepared by staff. equipment and facility needs are met. The analysis concluded that a transportation service could be provided Response of Manager, County Administration Office: All Central which would pick up prisoners and transport them to the County jail Services Project managers are actively involved in maintaining the for booking. Cost to provide a 24-hour service, seven days a week, approved schedule and budget. was estimated to be approximately $800,000 annually. The County Response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent: Improvements continue could provide the service if the costs were reimbursed by the partici- to be made in the operation of the existing juvenile hall. All equipment pating entities. Following the meeting, all the entities informed the is being maintained to ensure fully functional capacity. County that they would not participate in the joint effort as it is more economical to provide the service with their own staff. Response of Chief Probation Officer: Reviewed and concur with the response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent.
• 04-20

  Page 1
  A formal and written study about a shuttle mended for maintaining a high degree of professionalism and per- service to transport suspects to the Yolo County Jail should be un- ceived efficiency despite the antiquated and overcrowded conditions. dertaken by the Sheriff's office and County Administration Office and submitted to the Board of Supervisors. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors commends juvenile hall staff for the professionalism and the efficiency they exhibit, especially Response of the BOS: The Board of Supervisors will require that a formal and written study be prepared and submitted to the Board for with the high facility population. review. Response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent: Agrees that staff should be commended for a job well done while maintaining professionalism Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer: The County when conducting their duties in conjunction with overseeing minors. Administrative Office concurs that a formal and written study should be undertaken, with the results submitted to the Board of Supervisors. Response of Chief Probation Officer: Concurs with response of Response of the Yolo County Sheriff: The Sheriff's Department will Juvenile Hall Superintendent. work with the County Administration office in conducting a formal
• 04-21

  Page 1
  The study recommended above should result in a report available to the public by the end of the fiscal year occupancy, and that a smooth transition is made. 2004-2005. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors reviews quarterly reports on all the county's capital projects, including the new juvenile hall. Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer: The County Response of County Administative Officer: The County has proper Administrative office agrees. standards in place to assure that the new juvenile hall is completed Response of the Yolo County Sheriff: The study will be completed on time and within budget. and documented by the end of the fiscal year 2004-2005. The report Response of Manager, County Administrative Office: The project will be made available to the public. is on schedule and on budget.
• 04-22

  Page 1
  Invite all Yolo County law enforcement Response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent: All agencies, departments departments to participate in the study. and involved personnel have maintained commitment to the juvenile Response of the BOS: The Board of Supervisors concurs. hall's completion date. Additionally, a transition team has been Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer: All Yolo County developed and meet Titles 15 and 24 of the California Code of law enforcement departments will be invited to participate in the regulations, and that there is a smooth transition between the old study. juvenile hall facility and the new juvenile hall facility. Response of the Yolo County Sheriff: The Sheriff's Department will Response of Chief Probation Officer: Reviewed and concur with invite all Yolo County law enforcement departments to participate in the response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent. the study.
• R05-01
  Based on the above findings, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should suspend Mr. Rose from duty. Services Investigation It is further recommended that the Board of Super- The report of this investigation was issued January 27, visors initiate the personnel proceedings necessary 2005 as an interim report of the 2004-2005 Grand Jury. The to terminate Mr. Rose's employment. Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and Based on the above findings, the Yolo County Board
• R05-02
  the County Auditor-Controller, in accordance with their of Supervisors should suspend Mr. Johnson from mandated requirement as respondent, responded to the report duty. It is further recommended that the Board of February 15, 2005. Supervisors initiate the personnel proceedings neces- Regarding Findings No. 1, 2, and 3 the sary to terminate Mr. Johnson's employment. Board of Supervisors states: Based on the above findings, the Yolo County Board
• R05-03
  Due to the fact that the Board is not aware of nor is able of Supervisors should suspend Ms. Craig from duty. to review the evidence upon which Grand Jury has based its It is further recommended that the Board of Super- findings, the Board disagrees with the report's Findings, visors initiate the personnel proceedings necessary pending further investigation. The Board has retained the to terminate Ms. Craig's employment. investigative services of the Honorable Richard L. Gilbert The Yolo County Board of Supervisors should im-
• R05-04
  (Ret.) to conduct a thorough, impartial, independent and fair mediately ensure appropriate funding of the Welfare Fraud Investigations Unit, with budgetary control investigation into the accusations. transferred from DESS to the District Attorney. Regarding Recommendations 05-01, 05-02, The Yolo County Administrative Officer should
• R05-05
  create an ombudsman position to actively intercede states: in conflicts between DESS and the Welfare Fraud Further analysis may be required. Accordingly, the Board Investigations Unit to ensure sensitivity, fairness, and will await the results of the independent investigation. unbiased arbitration. A priority function of this As to the ongoing issue of the administrative structure individual should be to coordinate joint interpersonal and financing of the welfare fraud investigators, during last skills training for DESS and Welfare Fraud Investi- summer's budget process the Board approved and County gations Unit staff. Administrative Office hired an outside consulting firm to The Yolo County Auditor should arrange for fiscal
• R05-06
  analyze this issue and make recommendation. Accordingly, audits of DESS by State and Federal funding agen- the Board of Supervisors will await results of this report. cies. Regarding Recommendation 05-05 the The 2005-2006 Yolo County Grand Jury should
• R05-07
  County Administrative Officer states: follow-up on this report. Further analysis is required. The County Administrative Office hired an outside con- RESPONDENTS sulting firm to analyze this issue and make a recommenda- The Yolo County Board of Supervisors: Recommendations tion. The Board of Supervisors will await the results of this 05-01, 05-02, 05-03, and 05-04 report. The Yolo County Administrative Officer: Recommendation 05 - 05 (INVESTIGATIONS: Yolo County Department of Employment The County Auditor: Recommendation 05-06 and Social Services-continued, on next page) 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Regarding Recommendation 05-06 the Yolo passed on, intact, as it was received. County Auditor-Controller states: In their general response to the Interim Report, the Board of Supervisors cites Penal Code Section (PC) 933.05 require- Since the State Department of Social Services has over- ments that they must agree with the Grand Jury's findings, sight on the County Department of Employment and Social or disagree wholly or partially with the findings. The Board Services, we will transmit to them the complete Grand Jury states that, "Because it is legally limited in its responses to findings and recommendations for their action. However, it the Grand Jury findings, the Board must disagree with the has been our experience that the State and Federal agencies above findings for the reasons set forth herein." The primary do not have resources to deviate from their normal audit reason proffered by the Board is that "The Grand Jury's cycle and focus on a single issue, especially when there is findings are inconsistent with the Board's past experience no clear evidence of material non-compliance with laws or with these employees." regulations affecting their programs or material losses of In effect, the Board concedes that it has insufficient funds. information to respond, yet the Board does respond by Therefore, the office of Auditor-Controller will conduct disagreeing with the Grand Jury. The author of the response a fiscal review of DESS that will determine the validity of blames the statute, but it is disingenuous to suggest that a the three allegations of mismanagement of funds cited in law can require the Board to come to such an illogical the report, and that will include an overall review of internal conclusion. The proper response should have been to agree control throughout the department. with the Grand Jury that an inquiry was warranted. By disagreeing, the Board took a position that the Grand Jury Response of the Grand Jury was wrong; at the same time the Board acknowledged it to the Yolo County Board of lacked evidence to know if the findings were true. Supervisors This lack of candor was further exacerbated when the Board claimed, both in its response to the Grand Jury and On January 27, 2005, the 2004-2005 Yolo County Grand in the Chairwoman's comments to the local newspaper (on Jury released an Interim Report detailing three major areas January 28, 2005) that the three employees had excellent of concern regarding allegedly inappropriate managerial histories. The panel members are also dismayed that the behavior at the Yolo County Department of Employment and Board ignored its suggestion that, for the safety and welfare Social Services (DESS), including: of other employees, the three DESS administrators be sus-
• R05-08
  ney's Office should create a process that closes the holes in the collection and enforcement process. A new policy should be generated that reflects follow- up of the court decisions, enforcement of penalties, and collection of fines. Animal Services staff should review mid-year, recently
• R05-09
  created training materials, to determine effective- ness as well as thoroughness and completeness of the program, and re-write it as necessary. RESPONDENTS Chief, Yolo County Animal Services: Findings 1, 2, 3, 4; Recommendations 05-08, 05-09 Yolo County District Attorney: Recommendation No. 05-08 Yolo County Traffic Commissioner: Recommendation No.
• R05-10
  maintain their physical conditioning. Conditioning is essential the physical plant design to include better monitoring to the officer's ability to perform his job effectively and capabilities. Correctional staff should be able to ob- reduces on the job injuries. The holding cells appeared se- serve inmate activity from a distance, rather than cure and well maintained. Most detainees under arrest are only upon entering the pod. held less than 6 hours before they are released or transported The Sheriff/Coroner and his management team should
• R05-11
  to the Monroe Detention Center in Woodland for booking. develop plans, policies, and procedures to establish The building is well designed to accommodate future growth a Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) to M and contains state of the art equipment for effective law serve as the first-responder in the event of an emer- enforcement communications. gency (i.e. inmate riot or hostage situation). City of Winters Police Department: Total Comment On February 11, 2005 the Grand Jury interviewed the RESPONDENTS Chief of Police and was given a guided tour of the Winters Yolo County Sheriff/Coroner: Recommendations 05-10, Police Department, located at 318-A First Street, Winters.
• R05-12
  The Yolo County Communications Emergency Ser- assistance to County residents in the areas of Child Welfare, vice Agency should look into the troubling issue of Licensing of Foster Families, Adult Protective Services, radio communications in Winters to rectify the Transitional and Employment/Training Services. It conducts reception difficulty as soon as possible. This com- eligibility determination for Medi-cal, Food Stamps, General munication problem could seriously impact public Assistance, Cal Works, Workforce Investment Act and Aid safety until the situation is corrected. Payments to eligible persons. The Yolo County Communications Emergency Ser-
• R05-13
  The Youth and Children's Services department has intensi- vice Agency, working with the Winters City Manager fied its efforts to increase the number of licensed foster and the Winters Police Chief, should find a way to families in the county and provide an adoptive family for add a second channel to the present single-channel children who are in permanent placement. There are more radio system so that more than one emergency entity than 400 children in foster care in the County. At age 19 the can use the system concurrently. foster child becomes emancipated. To prepare for this emanci- We encourage the Police Chief to explore the possi-
• R05-14
  pation, the department provides an Independent Living Skills bility of using Emergency Preparedness funds to program, designed to assist young people with future plans, purchase a generator to replace the battery currently teach life skills, and provide the resources and training to used when power outages occur. reach these goals. Any youth between 16 and 21 is eligible
• R05-15
  The Winters City Manager must find a way of for the service. providing a locked holding cell in the police station. The Employment and Transitional Services Department offers many services designed to assist job seekers in job The Winters City Manager should explore all possi- 05 - 16 ble avenues for improving or replacing the depart- search techniques. Resources available include workshops and seminars on job application tips, computer skills, cus- ment's current physical facility. tomer services skills, and interviewing skills, in addition to job leads and on-site recruitment. The department offers RESPONDENTS counseling regarding the training, education and skills needed Coordinator, Yolo County Emergency Services: Recom- to achieve individual goals. Staff also offers instruction on mendations 05-12 and 05-13 enrollment in the CalWorks Program, which provides cash Chief of Police, Winters, California: Recommendation payments, and employment services to families with insuffi- 05 - 14 cient income to meet their most basic needs. CalWorks is City Manager, City of Winters: Recommendations 05-15 designed with a "work first" idea that helps welfare recipients and 05-16 move from welfare to work and toward self-sufficiency. The Financial Management Department manager ex- SOURCES plained the Community Services Block Grants selection Chief of Police, Winters Police Department Captain, Davis Police Department (REVIEWS: Department of Employment and Social Services-continued on next page) . 15 2004-2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT from the main stream. District employees, called "Ditch process. This process consists of a Request for Proposal Tenders", control the flow of water in this secondary network solicitation and a non-competitive/discretionary funds allo- of channels, opening and closing gates to fulfill "orders" for cation. A Community Service Action Board of 15 members, water placed by individual District members. including 5 Board of Supervisor appointees, identifies prior- The District maintains well hydrographs at various loca- ities. The Block Grants received funds of $268,000 from the tions to monitor the depth to ground water in the District. State, which was distributed to respondents and "winners" The hydrographs examined by the Grand Jury indicate no of the application process. This year's priorities are: food, significant ground water overdraft and it could be concluded shelter and youth programs. The process for distribution of that the system was in a steady state. Therefore, this valuable funds is an open invoice/voucher system with county vendors. asset is not at risk. It should be noted, however, that the City The Grand Jury thanks the Department of Social Services of Davis has drilled some of its wells to tap into aquifers far Managers for conducting the tour of their facilities and their deeper than the one utilized by the agricultural members of assistance in explaining the functions of the departments the District. examined. FINDINGS RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury was positively impressed with the manage- None ment of Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and its Board of Directors and we commend their SOURCES efforts. ESS Division Manager, Department of Social Services Children's Services Division Manager, Department of RECOMMENDATIONS Social Services None Summary of Block Grant Funding Children's Services Handouts SOURCES Employment and Transitional Services Handouts General Manager, Yolo County Flood Control and To a second Water Conservation District Yolo County Flood Control Hydrographs and Water Conservation Slide Presentation ı District New Yolo County Schools REASON FOR REVIEW In an effort to determine if the ground water in Yolo REASON FOR REVIEW County is at risk of overdraft, the Yolo County Grand Jury met with the General Manager of the Yolo County Flood In an effort to assess the new educational institutions Į, Control and Water Conservation District on December 8, within Yolo County, members of the Grand Jury interviewed 2004. faculty and administrators, and toured the facilities of Harper Junior High School and Leonardo Da Vinci High School in BACKGROUND Davis, as well as Pioneer High School in Woodland. The Grand Jury was shown an excellent slide show giving BACKGROUND an overview of the District's physical water storage facilities, which include a dam and diversion works at both Clear Lake Harper Junior High School: and Indian Valley. These works control the flow of water The 2004-2005 school year is the first year of operation down Cache Creek, where it is diverted to lands within the for Harper Junior High School, which serves approximately District. This water is supplemented by water pumped from 550 students in grades 7-9. This new school is located on privately-owned farm wells and from the wells operated by the far eastern edge of Davis. the Cities of Woodland, Winters, and Davis. A third, smaller Some of the issues discussed by our panel with the reservoir is located near Winters and is used as a balancing reservoir for both flood control and irrigation. Stream flows ı in Cache Creek included in the District's water right are (REVIEWS: New Yolo County Schools-continued on next page) diverted into lateral canals, which carry water to farms away 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT for Pioneer High School, located in the southeastern area of teachers and administrators at this junior high school included: Woodland. During that academic year, enrollment started at The financing of the new school which was accomplished 1. 875 in grades 9 and 10, dropping to 845 by the end of the in part by a successful school bond election, school year. In September 2004, the enrollment was 1225; The ability of the administration to staff faculty at the 2. currently there are approximately 1132 students attending school completely by voluntary transfer of teachers, grades 9 through 11. Next year, when a new freshman class 3. The use of "advisory sessions", in which all faculty and is added, the school will have its first senior class. staff are actively engaged with student discussion groups, Some of the issues discussed with teachers and adminis- 4. The high level and appropriate use of technology to trators at Pioneer High School included: improve instruction in all core areas, and The culture and school climate, 1. The coordination of library lending services among this 5. The potential for "cross-town rivalries" between the two 2. school and the two previously existing junior high schools high schools in the community, in Davis. 3. The difficulty of opening a school with the realities of The Grand Jury recognizes how difficult opening a new the current school funding situation in California, comprehensive junior high school is, particularly given 4. Issues connected to student leadership, given the lack of limited financial resources. The community is to be com- a current senior class, mended for its vision and dedication to providing a high 5. Challenges of creating a quality academic program for quality educational program for its young people. a high percentages of English Language Learner students, Our panel was impressed with the quality of the facility, and the dedication of the faculty, administrators and staff, as well as by the organizational structures of this new junior high 6. Growth pressures upon the school due to the rapid school. population increases in the southeast portion of Wood- land. Leonardo Da Vinci High School: In each of the above listed issue discussions, we found Da Vinci High School is in its first year of operation on the faculty and administrators at Pioneer well informed, the campus of Davis High School. It is a "small independent capable of identifying potential problems and willing to apply learning community", based on the model of the "new their best professional practices to solving any difficulties technology high schools", funded in part by the Bill and which might arise. Melinda Gates Foundation in concert with additional grants Opening a new high school is always a challenging awarded to the Davis Joint Unified School District. prospect for any school district, and Woodland is not unique The current student population of Da Vinci is approxi- in this regard. The School Board is to be commended for mately 150 students in a sophomore and junior class. In 2005-
• R05-17
  roadways, controlling points of admission to hospitals, and action training session be developed within the com- isolation of the infected. Members of the Grand Jury attended ing year. The scenario should include law enforcement, the exercise as observers, and noted that the coordination, fire, and environmental health and other agencies procedural standards, communication and planning between that OES would consider pertinent to the training. the aforementioned participants were still in their infancy Law enforcement representatives should attend a
• R05-18
  stages. medical table top exercise to understand the nature Areas of Vulnerability: of complexities these organizations are experiencing, and how far along they are in their development The Davis Police Department recently took part in a security-related walk through the University of California, stage. Davis (UCD) campus with the Joint Terrorism Task Force. We encourage the Davis Police Department to devel-
• R05-19
  The walk through consisted of security analysis of high risk op a permanent liaison position with the UCD Police facilities on the campus. They found that the current security systems in place at these high risk facilities were inadequate. A representative from the Davis Police Department concluded that the security systems should go beyond pass codes, and (REVIEWS: Yolo County Homeland Security Preparedness- primarily focus on security changes, with an emphasis on continued on next page) 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Department to better develop intelligence, promote awareness, and enhance security measures of high- risk facilities on campus. The 2005-2006 Grand Jury should continue to re-
• R05-20
  view, and investigate further, Homeland Security in Yolo County. RESPONDENTS Yolo County Sheriff/Coroner: Finding 2; Recommenda- tion 05-18 Chief of Police, Woodland: Finding 2; Recommendation 05 - 18 Chief of Police, Davis: Findings 2, 5; Recommendations 05-18, 05-19 Coordinator, Yolo County Office of Emergency Services: Recommendation 05-17 SOURCES Representatives from: Yolo County Sheriff's Department Davis Police Department Woodland Police Department Yolo County Office of Emergency Services Yolo County Office of the Auditor-Controller Sources reviewed include: Yolo County FY04 Homeland Security Grant Program State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority Statewide Medical & Health Disaster Exercise . 10 2004-2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT