Kern County Grand Jury • 2023-2024

Maricopa: Small Town Big Dreams “The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself.” Abraham Lincoln Temblor

Published: July 13, 2023 14 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 7 findings

F1
The City lacks Code Compliance. There are many cluttered properties that attract vermin and detract from the overall aesthetics of the City. Additionally, there is a significant number of verified unpermitted buildings and trailers used for housing. Disregard for community appearances does not entice investment in the City.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By July 1, 2023, the City Council should reinstate the Code Compliance Department. (Findings 1 and 3)
F2
There is a deficit of knowledge of the roles and responsibilities by elected officials.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Beginning June 1, 2023, the City Council should require elected officials to attend professional and educational seminars annually. This would strengthen leadership and planning skills and address the issues of local government. Newly elected officials should attend such a seminar following election. (Finding 2)
F3
The tax base is not adequate to retain a full-time Code Compliance Officer, and projects and staff that would improve the economic health of the City and transform it into a thriving community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
By October 6, 2023, the City Council should produce a timeline to broaden the City’s economic base by various means: applying for grants to provide free rural Wi-Fi, supporting the renovation of the historic buildings on California Street and dedicating them as businesses, such as a tasting room for coastal wineries or as a micro-brewery in conjunction with restaurants. The encouragement of businesses would attract visitors and provide goods and services for residents and travelers. (Findings 3, 4 and 5)
F4
Economic development and incentives for entrepreneurship would benefit both residents and travelers to generate additional revenue for the City. Historic buildings on California Avenue in downtown Maricopa (Grand Jury photo)
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
By June 1, 2023, the City Council should coordinate with Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department to encourage the location of the proposed “Carbon Management Business Park3” for a positive economic impact of Maricopa. (Findings 4 and 5)
F5
An appropriate branding of the City would define an identity that reflects the uniqueness and potential of this enduring community. The restoration of historic buildings could spawn cottage industries. Furthermore, amenities such as campgrounds and RV facilities could lure adventurers to access the geological appeal, hiking trails and climbing routes in the nearby Wind Wolves Preserve, Temblor Range, San Emigdio Mountains, and Carrizo Plain.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
New affordable and low-income housing could accommodate the current need while inspiring a new wave of economic growth and vice versa.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By June 3, 2023, the City should apply for grants for affordable and low-income housing through entities such as Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and subsidies from Federal, State, and local governments. (Finding 6)
F7
Maricopa’s past includes the influence of the Chinese immigrant labor force and Indigenous Peoples, which has not been sufficiently brought to light. Embracing the cultures of former residents, as well as that of the current community, could ignite a sense of pride that would contribute to the re-imagining of Maricopa as a dynamic community. 5 113 COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks City officials and community members who have so generously given their time for this report. The following recommendations comport with the General Plan, while some emphasize combining historic preservation with economic growth.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
By November 1, 2023, the City Council should research and apply for grants that provide for historic restoration. i.e., National Trust for Historic Preservation. (Finding 7) 3 A Carbon Management Business Park is designed to capture 8 to 10 million tons of CO per year. 2 6 114 NOTES: • The City of Maricopa should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSE DEADLINES: • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: MARICOPA CITY COUNCIL • RESPONSES ARE REQUESTED: KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT • PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(C) AND 933.05 WITHIN THE ABOVE STATED TIME FRAME TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. 7 115

Comments 15

No Responses Found 3

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Kern County County
Maricopa City
Superior Court of California, County of Kern Court