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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.

Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2007-2008

Blaine Street Facility

Published: September 17, 2007 8 pages
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Findings 27 findings

F1 Page 94
Blaine Street is designed for women inmates who have been screened as minimum security risks. Low risk medium security women may also be assigned to this facility.
F2 Page 94
In 2006, the average inmate population was 24, and in 2007 (through September 26, 2007) was 25. On the day of the initial visit, there were 27 inmates. Approximately 20 percent of the women are Hispanic; the majority are identified as “White.” The average age is 35.
F3 Page 94
On September 5, 2007, the California Corrections Standards Authority recommended that Blaine Street be reclassified from a Type III facility (minimum security only) to a Type II facility, which would allow some medium security women to be moved from the Main Jail, reducing overcrowding there. This reclassification was implemented on September 5, 2007.
F4 Page 94
Most women at Blaine Street are incarcerated for drug and alcohol offenses. Some are there for theft and embezzling offenses, usually related to drug and alcohol addiction. On September 26, 2007, Blaine Street inmates consisted of women convicted of 17 felonies and nine misdemeanors.
F5 Page 94
The average stay is about two months. The maximum is one year.
F6 Page 94
In 2006, only one violent incident was reported at Blaine Street. Gang affiliation has not been a problem in this facility and inmates do not require separation based on gang identity.
F7 Page 94
The California Corrections Standards Authority issued a very positive assessment in a report dated September 5, 2007, stating that Blaine Street “continues to be a well run and clean facility.”
F8 Page 94
The front door is locked to the outside but not from the inside. There is a security camera on the outside of the front door, but nothing prevents an inmate from walking away. In 2006, the superintendent reported six inmates had walked away; all were apprehended and returned to the Main Jail.
F9 Page 94
Telephones are available and can be used with a prepaid account. Blaine Street 2007–2008 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report
F10 Page 95
The meals are fresh and well balanced. The food services manager at the Main Jail prepares the menu.
F11 Page 95
In a report dated July 10, 2007, the Environmental Health report indicated, “The homestyle hood in use is insufficient for use over the commercial range.” According to a phone call to the Supervising Correctional Officer on December 13, 2007, a commercial hood is being considered for future installation. Response from the County: AGREES. A commercial hood will be installed when funding becomes available
F12 Page 95
The Blaine Street supervisor is present four days a week. Her time is split between Blaine Street and the Work Furlough program.
F13 Page 95
In addition to the supervisor, there is one corrections officer on duty who works a 12- hour shift. Corrections officers are rotated among all the county jail facilities, so several different officers are assigned to Blaine Street each week.
F14 Page 95
Some staff members speak Spanish, but it is not required. If there is a language barrier, other inmates are asked to translate.
F15 Page 95
A Work Furlough program is available to inmates who meet program requirements. It allows them to leave the facility for a job, but they must return when their work hours are completed. The program will accommodate any work schedule the employer requires. Inmates are responsible for their own transportation, clothing and meals when they leave Blaine Street.
F16 Page 95
Each inmate is required to spend time working in the kitchen, doing laundry, or cleaning the facility.
F17 Page 95
Educational and support programs are offered. Each time one of the women attends a class, group meeting or other program, it is counted as a “unit.” In a typical month there are more than 500 units of attendance counted for all of the classes, groups and programs.
F18 Page 95
Computer training classes are offered to the inmates. The plan is to double the number of computers available from six to 12 and connect them to the Internet. Computers cannot be used by inmates without supervision.
F19 Page 95
In addition to computer training, other programs include: • The Santa Cruz City Adult School offers classes for a General Education Degree (GED), job skills and parenting. • The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA) offers classes on women’s health issues and provides Hepatitis C and HIV testing. • The Walnut Avenue Women’s Center offers a support group for domestic violence victims. • Pajaro Valley Prevention offers classes dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. The class meets four times a week for 90 minutes each session. Once a week, it is offered in Spanish. From July through September 2007, there were almost 400 units of attendance recorded in these classes. • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) hold regular meetings at Blaine Street. Blaine Street 85 2007–2008 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report • Volunteers teach a popular knitting and crocheting class; yarn and other supplies are donated. • Volunteer groups offer religious services. • Volunteers from Friends Outside bring books for the library and other resources for the inmates.
F20 Page 96
Inmates have access to transitional programs such as Gemma, which serves as a halfway house for women making the adjustment back to civilian life after incarceration.
F21 Page 96
The non-profit agency New Directions uses state funds to provide counseling and educational services to the children of incarcerated parents. This agency provides services to South County families of women at Blaine Street.
F22 Page 96
Inmates have free time, which they can spend on the patio or lounging in the building. A small room has exercise equipment, though it was not being used on the day of the Grand Jury visit.
F23 Page 96
Inmates are allowed to grow fresh vegetables for their meals in an onsite garden.
F24 Page 96
Inmates may schedule one visit a week on weekends from a pre-approved list of up to eight visitors. Visits can be held in the common room or outside on the patio.
F25 Page 96
The nurse from the Main Jail is available 24 hours a day and visits three times a week. There is no onsite medical supervision. Inmates can be transported to public medical facilities in an emergency. Recent policy changes allow for dispensing methadone and other medications.
F26 Page 96
Twelve inmates are randomly drug tested each month. Additionally, if women show signs of behavior that could be drug induced, they are transferred back to the Main Jail.
F27 Page 96
There is no automated external defibrillator (AED) at Blaine Street although one was recommended by the previous Grand Jury. Response from the County: AGREES. An AED has not yet been implemented due to funding restraints, but it is anticipated that an AED will be installed during FY 2008-09. Conclusions

Recommendations 3