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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.

Lake County Grand Jury • 2006-2007

Alleged Special Treatment Reason for Investigation:COMPLAINT Background:The Planning Committee investigated a citizen’s

Published: April 17, 2007 84 pages Consolidated Report

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⚠️ 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 6 findings

Thanks to a $450,000 grant from the Federal Department of Homeland Security, the County purchased a state-of-the-art mobile command trailer to be used in emergencies. Unfortunately, the Department has only one truck available in the County capable of moving this trailer. Within the trailer there are a number of highly sophisticated communication units which require considerable time and effort by Department personnel to learn. There is a volunteer group who is also learning how to use this equipment.

There are 3,100 people employed by the County, all of whom agreed, as a condition of employment, to be the “First Responders” in an emergency event. Fewer than 10% of the employees have participated in any training the County has offered. Summary:The OES is responsible for training, advance communication, public education and grant administration through Homeland Security. This is an enormous task to have been placed under the Sheriffs Department without providing the funding for the education of personnel needed to coordinate this service. There are a number of frequent emergencies (small fires, floods, vehicle accidents) that the county is prepared to handle; however, this is not the case for any sort of widespread, large scale event such as an avian flu outbreak, or catastrophic earthquake. Even in such catastrophic events, the Federal Government has stated that local agencies will need to be able to handle their own emergency services. There will be no State or Federal aid that can be relied upon.

The site is made available to probation and parole officers for drug testing.

Most Clearlake Police Officers have been issued and are thoroughly trained in the proper use of Tasers.

The Clearlake Police Department has twenty-five Officers including detectives, patrolmen and the chief.

Clearlake has a Community Patrol which uses old Clearlake Police cars and is staffed by volunteers. The Police Chief praised their work. Summary:The site is checked for compliance every two years by the California State Board of Corrections. The Chief purchases used CHP cars at a cost of $ 5400.00 each as opposed to new Patrol cars at $ 30,000.00 each; this helps the Chief stay within his three million dollar annual budget. The site is very clean, areas are secure, occupied cells are checked and logged frequently, and a special holding cell is available for disabled persons arrested. http://www.co.lake.ca.us/generalinformation/grandjury/report0506/clearlakepolicedept.html (1 of 2)4/17/2007 3:02:56 PM

Recommendations 7

R1

The jail is a holding facility where adults arrested are pre-booked and transported during the day to the County Jail in Lakeport. Juveniles arrested are transported immediately to Juvenile Hall in Lakeport. The facility meets all State and County requirements for a police department.
R2

The Clearlake Police Station receives 21,000 calls annually and makes 5.69 arrests daily.
R3

The site is made available to probation and parole officers for drug testing.
R4

Most Clearlake Police Officers have been issued and are thoroughly trained in the proper use of Tasers.
R5

The Clearlake Police Department has twenty-five Officers including detectives, patrolmen and the chief.
R6

Clearlake has a Community Patrol which uses old Clearlake Police cars and is staffed by volunteers. The Police Chief praised their work. Summary:The site is checked for compliance every two years by the California State Board of Corrections. The Chief purchases used CHP cars at a cost of $ 5400.00 each as opposed to new Patrol cars at $ 30,000.00 each; this helps the Chief stay within his three million dollar annual budget. The site is very clean, areas are secure, occupied cells are checked and logged frequently, and a special holding cell is available for disabled persons arrested. http://www.co.lake.ca.us/generalinformation/grandjury/report0506/clearlakepolicedept.html (1 of 2)4/17/2007 3:02:56 PM Recommendations None Response Requested: None http://www.co.lake.ca.us/generalinformation/grandjury/report0506/clearlakepolicedept.html (2 of 2)4/17/2007 3:02:56 PM LAKE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS/DISTRICTS Reason for Investigation:SITE VISIT
R7

Clear Lake Riviera Association Building Committee Member. After much discussion on this complaint, the Grand Jury clarified that the role of the Public Works Committee is not to take sides with either party in this dispute. Our concern is whether the county has http://www.co.lake.ca.us/generalinformation/grandjury/report0506/specialtreatment.html (1 of 2)4/17/2007 3:03:02 PM acted appropriately. Recommendations That the County of Lake employees who are involved with the construction of new residences with view considerations should engage in public awareness activities. We further recommend that the county consider the appointment of a county ombudsman to help in resolving disputes between citizens where county regulations and codes are involved and take into consideration the interests of ALL parties immediately affected by the project. The County is working within the County and State Building Codes; however, the county should be looking into working towards establishing compatibility between homeowner’s associations and county building codes. We are sure that if beautiful lake views were taken away, adjoining property owners would be very upset as well as suffer from a devaluation of property. We recommend that the Planning Division of the County Community Development Department consider the feasibility of establishing infringement regulations of lake and mountain vistas. RESPONSE REQUESTED: