Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
Safety First - How our Schools prepare for Emergencies
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 8 findings
F1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Eureka City School District serves as a strong example of how comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols and coordinated districtwide procedures can foster consistency, operational continuity, and a shared understanding across schools, therefore enhancing student safety.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.
F2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Fortuna Elementary Schools provide an exemplary, clear, and informative pamphlet on emergency preparedness for parents to understand their role in a school disaster, reducing fear and maintaining consistency across the district.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.
F3
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Laurel Tree Charter School has a commendable safety plan that is simple and concise, delivering important information for staff and parents so they can act quickly and correctly.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.
F4
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The two schools actually in the tsunami hazard zone (Peninsula Union and Redwood Coast Montessori schools) have effective plans and regular drills, keeping students and staff safe.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.
F5
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Humboldt County Office of Education offers substantial support and resources to individual schools for CSSPs and disaster preparedness, better preparing schools for emergencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.
F6
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Humboldt County Office of Education does not currently review school safety plans to identify specific best practices, therefore, missing an opportunity to improve safety plans throughout the county. (R1)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to review schools' safety preparedness plans and identify effective disaster safety practices, particularly those that clearly communicate parents’ roles and responsibilities during emergencies. These best practices should be shared with school districts countywide by no later than December 31, 2026. (F6)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.
F7
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Humboldt County Office of Education does not use its regular forums for the schools and districts to share best practices, therefore, missing an opportunity to improve safety plans throughout the county. (R2)
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to expand at least one forum a year to allow the schools to share disaster preparedness best practices, information and ideas. This forum is to take place before the 2027-2028 school year. (F7)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.
F8
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Many schools located outside tsunami hazard zones do not include tsunami preparedness measures in their safety plans for school activities or field trips that require travel through or into tsunami hazard areas. This lack of planning can place students and staff at increased risk during a tsunami emergency. (R3)
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education direct staff to encourage schools and districts to include tsunami preparedness for offsite school activities in their 2027 safety plans. (F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education (F5, F6, F7, F8) and (R1, R2, R3) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond: The Superintendent of Eureka City Schools (F1) The Superintendent of the Fortuna Elementary School District (F2) The Administrator of the Laurel Tree Charter School (F3) The Superintendent of the Peninsula Union School District (F4) The Director of Redwood Coast Montessori - Manila (F4) Responses are to be sent to both: The Honorable Judge Timothy A. Canning California Superior Court for Humboldt County 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 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.