LOS Angeles County Grand Jury County of LOS Angeles*

Recommendations 68

• R1
  FORMALLY ADOPT A COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENT OF POLICIES WHICH GOVERN THE PROGRAM FOR PROPOSITION A CONTRACTING. THIS STATEMENT SHOULD BE FORMALLY AMENDED WHEN NECESSARY AND KEPT UP TO DATE AT ALL TIMES. Administrative Mechanisms Since 1978, administrative responsibility for Proposition A contracting has been lodged in the Chief Administrative Office. However, it has been assigned to five different divisions over that period. The contracting unit prepared a set of written contracting procedures in 1979, but they have never been updated. Each department has been encouraged to develop its own contracting program with minimal guidance, supervision or coordination. The inconsistencies which have resulted have caused a number of problems in various aspects of the program. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
• R2
  OFFICE EXERCISE SUBSTANTIALLY MORE RESPONSIBILITY AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DIRECTION AND COORDINATION OF THE \# "CONTRACTING OUT" PROGRAM. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
• R3
  OFFICE PROVIDE TO THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS UP-TO-DATE WRITTEN PROCEDURES FOR THE "CONTRACTING OUT" PROCESS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM AS NEEDED. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
• R4
  OFFICE UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE REAPPRAISAL OF EXISTING PROPOSITION A PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE WHETHER EXISTING REVIEW STEPS ARE STILL NECESSARY AND USEFUL. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
• R5
  OFFICE ESTABLISH TIME FRAMES FOR THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF SOLICIT PROPOSALS DEPARTMENTAL REQUESTS TO AND AWARD CONTRACTS, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SHOULD MONITOR THE MOVEMENT OF REQUESTS THROUGH THE PROCESS TO IDENTIFY ROAD- BLOCKS AND ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY DELAYS. Projecting County Costs and Savings Because of various inconsistencies resulting from inadequate administrative direction and coordination, each department exercised its own judgment, and used its own devices to determine whether or not a contracting opportunity was cost effective. In addition, the same inconsistencies have been applied to projections of cost savings. As a result, some departments have calculated costs using budgeted positions, while others have used estimated actual positions. Some departments have included the costs of conducting feasibility studies, monitoring contractors, and restraining county employees, while others have omitted such costs from their calculations. The savings which have been projected by departments wishing to contract have rarely been verified, and projections continue to be reported as actual savings, when in many cases they are not. Finally, the county has consistently issued public reports claiming savings from Proposition A contracting when, in fact, at least 53 percent of those savings did not result from Proposition A, if they were achieved at all. The county has been slow to correct and clarify the record. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
• R6
  OFFICE, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE AUDITOR-CONTROLLER, ISSUE AN UPDATED, COMPREHENSIVE SET OF GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING COST COMPARISON ANALYSES. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE AUDITOR-CONTROLLER BE
• R7
  ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITY FOR CENTRAL REVIEW OF ALL COST COMPARISON ANALYSES TO ASSURE THAT GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED CONSISTENTLY BY ALL DEPARTMENTS. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT FOLLOWING THE REAPPRAISAL
• R8
  OF EXISTING PROPOSITION A CONTRACTING PROCEDURES, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE DEVELOP A MANUAL WHICH SETS FORTH ALL CURRENT POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES, INCLUDING COST COMPARISON GUIDELINES, THE MANUAL SHOULD BE ISSUED TO ALL DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE COUNTY PERSONNEL, THEN PERIODICALLY UPDATED AS A ONE-SOURCE DOCUMENT ON DEVELOPING PROPOSITION A CONTRACTS. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COUNTY'S PUBLICLY
• R9
  REPORTED CLAIMS OF DOLLAR SAVINGS FROM PROPOSITION A CONTRACT- ING BE CORRECTED AND CLARIFIED. AMONG THE FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED ARE THAT SAVINGS DATA ARE PROJECTIONS, NOT ACTUAL SAVINGS; AND THAT EXPENSES SUCH AS MONITORING, RETRAINING, AND FEASIBILITY STUDY COSTS HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CALCULATIONS BECAUSE OF INCONSISTENT COST COMPARISON PRACTICES. Impact of Contracting on Employees The county claims that during the first four years of Proposition A contracting program, through December 1982, only 82 employees have been laid off as a result of the program. (That compares with some 10,000 or more county employees laid off during the same period for reasons of budget reduction, program curtailment, etc.) The county says that 536 budgeted positions were eliminated as the result of contracting between July 1, 1981 and December 31, 1982, but it has no records of budgeted positions eliminated prior to fiscal year 1981-82. Impact of Contracting on Minorities Of the 82 county workers laid off as a result of Proposition A contracting, 95 percent are members of black or brown minorities. Contemplated future contracts will continue to heavily impact minority employees. This situation prevails because of the types of work the county has chosen to contract out.
• R10
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ENCOURAGE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROPOSITION A CONTRACTING SO THAT IT ENCOMPASSES A BROADER RANGE OF JOB CLASSIFICATIONS. (This Recommendation was added by the Audit Committee after publication of the McManis report.) At the same time, the county has no affirmative action contracting program or requirement to ensure that certain percentages of Proposition A contracts are awarded to minority-owned, female-owned or small businesses.
• R11
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ESTABLISH A PROGRAM, INCLUDING POSSIBLE SET-ASIDES, TO ENCOURAGE MINORITY CONTRACTORS TO BID ON PROPOSITION A CONTRACTS. Monitoring the Contractor Again, because of inadequate administrative direction and coordination, each department has been left to its own devices concerning such matters as contractual language, ensuring against contractor dependency, and monitoring the contractor. Some departments have handled these matters extremely well, using a variety of innovations.
• R12
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ENCOURAGE AND EXPERIMENT WITH VARIOUS CONTRACTING COMPETITION MODELS, SUCH MODELS SHOULD AID IN MONITORING AND CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE, THE EVALUATING CHALLENGE PRODUCTIVITY OF COUNTY EMPLOYEES PROVIDING THE SAME SERVICES. AND GUARD AGAINST CONTRACTOR DEPENDENCY.
• R13
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM COUNTY COUNSEL, ESTABLISH UNIFORM CONTRACTING PROCEDURES AND CONTRACTUAL LANGUAGE FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROPOSITION A PROGRAM. Temptations and Dangers of Contracting Concerns have been raised about the degree to which contracting out of services has increased the temptations available to public officials and employees in the form of bribes, gifts, questionable campaign contributions, loans, conflict of interest, etc. While Proposition A contracting may add incentives for the unethical and provide a challenge to public confidence, such temptations were present prior to the adoption of Proposition A. It would be folly to say that because contracting out might encourage some individuals to behave unethically or illegally, contracting out is, per se, evil. What is required instead is greater public awareness and surveillance of any activities which smack of efforts to improperly influence the awarding of a contract.
• R14
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COUNTY ENACT A LOBBYIST REGISTRATION ORDINANCE SIMILAR TO LAWS NOW IN FORCE FOR THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
• R15
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ENSURE THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HAS THEIR FULL SUPPORT IN ENFORCING COMPLIANCE WITH CONFLICT OF INTEREST REGULATIONS IN ALL CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES, VIGOROUS ACTION IN THIS AREA WILL HELP BOLSTER PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE CONTRACTING PROGRAM. Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of t CONCLUSIONS It is our conclusion that contracting out for services previously provided by county workers can be an effective management strategy and should be continued. The 577666 Proposition A contracting program has the potential for saving the county money; however, it should not be viewed as a panacea for all the county's ills. We on the Grand Jury are concerned about the economic and social implications of PartiesStereogy contracting. To some degree, the problems offset the management advantages the program offers. We believe that by implementing our recommendations, the county will come closer to realizing the goals and benefits of Proposition A contracting as originally envisioned. SERVICE SERVICES Sandra Klasky, Chair Maycie Herrington Sissilia Jean Hitchcock Edwin Kwoh Patricia Lofland STATE AND STATE OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PARTY OF THE PART Lidia Roth Eduardo Valdiviez
• R16
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ADD SUBSTANTIALLY TO MONIES BUDGETED FOR ESSENTIAL PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN. Judy Richardson, Chair Juan Godoy Maycie Herrington Roberta Reddick Lidia Roth AUDIT COMMITTEE ISSUE: MANAGEMENT AUDITS LOS ANGELES COUNTY IS PERCEIVED TO BE EXPENDING SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF MONEY ANNUALLY FOR MANAGEMENT AUDITS AND REVIEWS. WHAT BENEFIT DOES THE COUNTY DERIVE FROM THESE AUDITS?
• R17
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT AUDIT REPORTS CONDUCTED BY THE AUDITOR-CONTROLLER GO THROUGH THE SAME BOARD PROCESS AS DO THE AUDITS FROM MSD. THEY SHOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE ENTIRE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AT A PUBLIC SESSION AS AGENDA ITEMS AND THE AUDITED DEPARTMENT SHOULD REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD WITHIN 60 DAYS AS TO THE ACTION IT PLANS TO TAKE RELATIVE TO THE RECOM- WENDATIONS. IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS The ability of an audited department to out-of-hand reject the recommendations of an audit with no explanation is a weakness in the process. This is not to suggest that audits should be accepted without question. Presently, the Auditor-Controller delivers a report but has no authority to enforce its recommendations or
• R18
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FORMALLY ESTABLISH AN AUDIT COMMITTEE WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY SHALL BE TO REVIEW ALL AUDITS AND RELATED REPORTS ISSUED BY THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION, THE AUDITOR-CONTROLLER, AND THE GRAND JURY; MONITOR THE RESPONSES AND IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS OF THE AUDITED DEPARTMENTS; MEDIATE DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS BETWEEN THE AUDIT AGENCY AND THE AUDITEE. (Alternative compositions of an Audit Committee are presented in the full audit report.)
• R19
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COUNTY ALTER ITS BUDGETING POLICY AND ALLOCATE TO THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION AND THE AUDITOR-CONTROLLER EACH YEAR THE FUNDS NECESSARY TO CONDUCT ALL APPROVED MANAGEMENT (AND OTHER) AUDITS. PROVISIONS SHOULD BE MADE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF AUDIT COSTS FROM OTHER FUNDING SOURCES, E.G., FEDERAL OR STATE, WHERE APPROPRIATE.
• R20
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION OF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAINTAIN A LIBRARY OF AUDIT REPORTS AND DISSEMINATE AUDIT INFORMATION AMONG THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. Sandra Klasky, Chair Maycie Herrington Jean Hitchcock Edwin Kwoh Patricia Lofland Lidia Roth Eduardo Valdiviez . HEALTH COMMITTEE ISSUE: MEDICALLY INDIGENT ADULTS THE ADMINISTRATION OF HEALTH CARE FOR MEDICALLY INDIGENT ADULTS HAS UNDERGONE SIGNIFICANT CHANGE. HAS THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE BEEN IMPAIRED? The Health Committee studied the feasibility of Los Angeles County contracting with the State of California to deliver total health care to approximately 86,000 people. These people are between the ages of 18 and 64 — the working poor or unemployed who are unable to pay for their medical care. They are referred to as MIAs, Medically Indigent Adults. The committee was concerned that quality health care delivery would be impaired due to the fiscal shortfall which had already affected the services provided by the Department of Health.
• R21
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT LOS ANGELES COUNTY PROVIDE FREE PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSES OF ILLNESSES. A PLAN FOR PAYMENT COULD BE MADE WHEN DISCUSSION OF FURTHER TESTING AND TREATMENT TOOK PLACE. THIS WILL BE PREVENTATIVE IN NATURE AND MIGHT PRECLUDE COSTLY HOSPITALIZATION AT A LATER CRITICAL PERIOD OF THE ILLNESS.
• R22
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DEVELOP NEW AND MORE EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION REGARDING AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO THE NEW MEDICALLY INDIGENT ADULTS SO THAT EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASE CAN TAKE PLACE.
• R23
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE MEDICAL RECORDS Section Co. ABSTRACT SYSTEM IN THE HOSPITALS BE UNDER COMPUTER CAPABILITY.
• R24
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT HEALTH FACILITY ADMIN- Section of the second section of the second section of the second section of the second section of the second section of the second section of the second section of the second section of the second section of the second se ISTRATORS GIVE CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE STAFF'S NEED FOR INFORMATION REGARDING ANTICIPATED CHANGES.
• R25
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT FUNDING BE IDENTIFIED FOR COST EFFECTIVE, LONG-RANGE PLANNING PROGRAMS TO INCLUDE PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE, IT IS PROJECTED BY FUTURISTS THAT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY AREA WILL BE THE MOST POPULOUS IN THE UNITED STATES AROUND THE YEAR 2000, GERIATRIC NEEDS MUST BE MET AS WELL AS OTHER HEALTH CARE PHENOMENA WHICH MUST BE INCLUDED IN PROJECTED PLANNING. Juanita Dudley, Chair 1.8 Helene Eller 20 Jennie Kerr Patricia Lofland 1.5 Eduardo Valdiviez ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE ISSUE: LANDFILLS LOS ANGELES COUNTY IS PRESENTLY FACING A CRISIS IN LOCATING, PERMITTING, AND OPERATING SUITABLE LANDFILL SITES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF OUR SOLID WASTES, HOW IS THE COUNTY GOING TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM?
• R26
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors accept the support program presented by the County Solid Waste Management Committee and immediately allocate funds to insure its execution. . . . . . . . 32
• R27
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the CoSWMP Committee's support program to address the issue of coordinating efforts for the siting and permitting of landfills...... 32
• R28
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office and all law enforcement agencies within the County make complaint forms available to the public at accessible locations in city halls and public libraries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Grand Jury recommends that law enforcement agencies' internal investigations units report directly to the Chief Executive in order to insure optimum monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
• R30
  The Grand Jury recommends to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office and all law enforcement agencies within the county that allegations of misconduct by police officers be investigated by personnel other than the officers' immediate superiors in order to insure optimum objectivity...... 37
• R31
  The Grand Jury recommends that all law enforcement agencies within the county provide psychological counseling services to all officers involved in the use of force and/or firearms resulting in death or serious injury...... 37
• R32
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COUNTY CONTINUE TO SEEK REFORM OF STATE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LEGISLATION IN ORDER TO COMBAT RISING COSTS AND TO HELP IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE LOOPHOLES THAT COULD PERMIT ABUSES IN WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS. Contracting Out The report of the Los Angeles County programs for contracting out of services under provisions of Proposition A can be found in the Major Issues section of this report. Management Audits The report on Los Angeles County practices concerning the conduct and outcome of management audits and reviews can be found in the Major Issues section of this report. 1000 Incorporated Cities Under existing law, a grand jury may examine the books and records of any incorporated city within the county if the inquiry pertains to fiscal matters (Penal Code section 925a). Although the law permits a grand jury to function in the capacity of watchdog over county government, it does not permit the same with incorporated cities. This limitation seriously restricts the grand jury's ability to address local problems for citizens of the incorporated cities. There is a legislative bill pending, Senate Bill 924 (SB 924), which expands grand jury authority to include watchdog functions going beyond the present authority to inspect the financial books and records of said cities. The fiscal audits conducted on the three incorporated cities indicate that the audit 1 controls for all three cities should be strengthened. Better procedures for budgeting should be in place. Budgets should be prepared on an annual basis to show all sources of income and expenditures. These figures should be made available to the general public. Full audit reports on the aforementioned subjects can be found under separate cover in the Grand Jury office or any of the following public libraries: City of Los Angeles Public Library, County of Los Angeles Public Library, and the County of Los Angeles Law Library. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT FISCAL INVESTIGATIONS OF
• R34
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PURSUE PASSAGE OF SB 924 SO THAT THE AUTHORITY FOR INVESTIGATIONS OF INCORPORATED CITIES CAN BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE WATCHDOG FUNCTIONS. Sandra Klasky, Chair Maycie Herrington Jean Hitchcock 8.8 Edwin Kwoh Patricia Lofland Lidia Roth Eduardo Valdiviez CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE PURPOSE A function of the Criminal Justice Committee is the evaluation of criminal cases presented to the Grand Jury by the District Attorney for investigative and indictment hearings. The committee also has authority to examine areas of the criminal justice system of the county to identify aspects which may benefit from suggested improvements in its service delivery. A major function of the committee is the review of correspondence and citizen complaints directed to the Grand Jury alleging policy, procedural or law violations; and when warranted, initiate investigations in such matters. The committee also reviews requests for Grand Jury subpoenas. AREAS OF REVIEW Screening of Cases 0 Review of Correspondence • Voting Irregularities . Court Support Video System • Preliminary Hearing Continuances . Investigation of Officer-Involved Citizen Deaths . METHOD OF INVESTIGATION The Criminal Justice Committee reviewed reports and publications relating to areas of concerns. It also interviewed officials responsible for the functions identified in this report. SCREENING OF CASES The Criminal Justice Committee reviews in secrecy the cases presented by the District Attorney to determine whether a Grand Jury investigative or indictment hearing is justified. This process of review is called "screening." Some of the standards the committee used to qualify a case for a Grand Jury hearing were: The case involves allegations of misconduct by a public official; The case requires testimony from witnesses who are non-residents of the county; There is difficulty interviewing a hostile witness whose testimony may prove • vital to the prosecution; A case of unusual complexity; The case requires secrecy in its investigation and presentation. Through May 20, 1983, the Criminal Justice Committee screened and recommended that the Grand Jury hold ten investigative hearings and three indictment hearings. 2000 REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE The Criminal Justice Committee reviewed 41 items of Grand Jury correspondence from citizens alleging varied complaints against officials of the county, city, schools, and law enforcement officers. Complaints included allegations of fiscal irregularities in cities within the county, conflict of interest in the awarding of contracts, prosecutor filing and investigative irregularities, inadequate courtroom procedures, criminal negligence by private medical providers, irregularities in coroner investigations and Election Code violations. Fiscal management within cities of the county is one area of concern that previous grand juries have not addressed. The committee was made aware of this late in our term through grand jury correspondence. Two complaints of fiscal mismanagement were referred to the Audit Committee for appropriate action. Under Section 925a of the California Penal Code, the Grand Jury has authority to make fiscal audits of incorporated cities within Los Angeles County. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE 1983-84 AND FUTURE GRAND
• R35
  The Grand Jury recommends that 1983-84 and future grand juries place more emphasis on investigating fiscal mismanagement within cities of the 43 county...... The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors initiate
• R36
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS INITIATE LEGISLATION WHICH PROMULGATES PROVEN CITIZENSHIP ELIGIBILITY FOR CALIFORNIA VOTERS. COURT SUPPORT VIDEO SYSTEM The Criminal Justice Committee was made aware of the problems of congested calen- dars affecting the courts. Committee attention was directed to a modern technology which has successfully operated in the County of Santa Barbara since August 1981, known as the Court Support Video System. This two-way circuit television system enables probation officers and public defenders to communicate visually and audibly, within a five-mile radius, with defendants in custody at the Santa Barbara county jail. The efficiency and effectiveness of the system is evident in the county jail where inmate conferees are easily escorted to a holding tank adjacent to the video booth where the closed circuit television interviews are held. According to published reports, the Santa Barbara County Public Defender stated that the system exceeded expectations with respect to convenience and economy. Other officials of that county have been enthusiastic in supporting the use of the system. The estimated time saved through use of the video system amounts to one hour per staff person for each average investigation. Such a system is presently under study and consideration for use in Los Angeles County. Despite a lag due to some unresolved technical licensing, budgeting, legal, and procedural issues, we believe that early implementation would be of benefit to the county.
• R37
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THE UTILIZATION OF SUCH A VIDEO SYSTEM IN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY COURT SYSTEM. PRELIMINARY HEARING CONTINUANCES A frequently discussed subject is the backlog of cases in the court system within Los Angeles County, Although over the past year there has been a general decline in delay of cases, there is still concern due to the high cost of operating the courts. According to a study conducted by the Superior Court Executive Officer, the daily cost of operation of a criminal court is $3,791. With this perspective, the Criminal Justice Committee inter- viewed judges and visited sessions of the Municipal and Superior Courts. Particular attention was given to the number of requests for continuances. The committee elected to make a cursory examination to discover the impact of the rate of continuances of felony preliminary hearings. With the assistance of the Grand Jury Legal Advisor and the Municipal Court Coordinator, 1,000 court cases were reviewed. Findings were that 84 percent of the cases required at least one or two continuances. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS CONTINUED EFFORTS TOWARD RE-
• R38
  The Grand Jury recommends continued efforts toward reducing such delays consistent with the protection of the rights of the accused. This would 45 prove significantly beneficial in cost savings to the courts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Grand Jury recommends that officer-involved cases of citizen death or great bodily injury in which the legality of officer conduct is not clearly established by the District Attorney's investigation be referred to the Grand 46 Jury for investigative hearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• R40
  SYSTEM BE INSTALLED ON EACH LEVEL OF CELL ROWS AND DAY ROOMS IN CENTRAL JAIL TO MONITOR INMATE ACTIVITIES. In a follow-up of last year's Grand Jury report, the committee found that there is still a very serious need for additional holding cells in the Criminal Courts Building. It found that the space for these cells is available on three floors and was planned for this purpose in the initial construction. The requirement for these added cells grows out of various mandates with regard to mixing prisoners; i.e., men and women must not be mixed; juveniles must be kept separate from adults; the mentally ill must be separated; gang members, informants, homosexuals, highrisk and persons in the news all must be kept apart from other prisoners to protect them and/or other prisoners. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT FOUR ADDITIONAL KEEP-AWAY
• R41
  CELLS BE PROVIDED IN THE CRIMINAL COURTS BUILDING BY OPENING UP SPACE WHICH IS NOW SEALED OFF. The freight elevator at Central Jail is used to carry food to maximum security inmates and also to transport garbage. At the time of the inspection, the elevator was filthy and emitted a foul odor. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE FREIGHT ELEVATOR AT
• R42
  CENTRAL JAIL BE GIVEN A THOROUGH AND REGULARLY SCHEDULED CLEAN- ING, INCLUDING STEAM CLEANING, WIRE BRUSHING, AND DEODORIZING. After seven prisoners escaped from a Sheriff's Department bus while being transported to Peter Pitchess Honor Rancho, the Sheriff's Department indicated it would undertake alterations as each bus is scheduled for servicing or repairs. The alterations are to include installation of solid vertical bars over existing horizontal bars on rear windows, the side windows replaced with metal plates, and the repositioning of a second deputy's seat to allow full view of inmates as well as the road. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE 1983-84 GRAND JURY MONI-
• R43
  TOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE ALTERATIONS TO THE BUSES IN FUTURE JAIL INSPECTIONS. The custodial maintenance at some municipal jails is done by civilian personnel and indi- 1 2 cates a distinct lack of quality when compared to the same type of maintenance performed by trustees from the Sheriff's Department. · CrustonMinimum Inspection of the following facilities indicated unacceptable conditions: Harbor Division, Huntington Park jail, Maywood jail, Southeast Division, and Hollywood Division. There was extensive graffiti, vermin, and dirt-encrusted corners where mops cannot clean the sharp angles; light colored baseboards collect and keep the filth from the mopping. All of this reflects the generally poor maintenance. Similar conditions at both Southeast and Hollywood Divisions of the City of Los Angeles were noted by last year's Grand Jury. These conditions have been noted by previous grand juries and seem to point out the poor quality of services that the city receives from its custodial maintenance contractors. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CONDITIONS AT HARBOR,
• R44
  HOLLYWOOD, AND SOUTHEAST DIVISION FACILITIES OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE HUNTINGTON PARK AND
• R45
  MAYWOOD JAILS EMPLOY EXTERMINATION SERVICES FOR ERADICATION OF COCKROACHES AND OTHER VERMIN. A GENERAL CLEANING IS NECESSARY FOR WALLS, FLOORS, AND SHOWERS. A SECOND VISIT WAS MADE TO THESE JAILS AND IT WAS FOUND THAT IMPROVEMENTS HAD NOT BEEN MADE EVEN THOUGH UNSANITARY CONDITIONS HAD BEEN POINTED OUT TO JAIL PERSON- NEL ON THE FIRST VISIT. Prisoners brought to the Santa Monica Courthouse are unloaded from the bus at a door adjacent to the public parking lot. No fence or wall separates the unloading of prisoners from the public parking lot, an indication of poor security. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT A PRISONER UNLOADING EN-
• R46
  CLOSURE BE PROVIDED ABUTTING THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SANTA MONICA COURTHOUSE TO ENSURE FULL SECURITY FOR THIS PROCEDURE. METAL ROLL-UP GATES AT EAST AND WEST EXTREMITIES OF THE ENCLOSURE SHOULD BE INCLUDED. The holding tanks at the Santa Monica Courthouse have no monitoring system for observa- tion of inmate activity within the tank and some of the doors are of wood construction. This condition represents an undue threat to the courtroom personnel and security of inmates.
• R47
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT ELECTRONIC MONITORING SCAN- NERS BE INSTALLED SO THAT ALL HOLDING TANKS MAY BE VIEWED INDIVID- . UALLY FROM A CENTRAL STATION. WOODEN DOORS OF HOLDING TANKS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY METAL DOORS. Orlando Sloan, Chair William Cassius Celia Delgado Helene Eller Leo George Jennie Kerr Lori Kraus John Wisda - ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE PURPOSE The Environmental Concerns Committee was formed by this Grand Jury to investigate the progress made in waste management since the 1981-82 Grand Jury Report. AREAS OF REVIEW Recycling Resource Recovery Air Pollution Transportation of Hazardous Materials Landfills METHODS OF INVESTIGATION The committee conducted interviews with officials and private citizens concerned with the problem of waste disposal. It inspected various sites and facilities and attended meetings with groups representative of both government and private business. A complete list of persons interviewed, sites and facilities inspected, and group meetings attended can be found at the conclusion of this report.
• R48
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COUNTY OFFICIALS ENDORSE A RECYCLING POLICY AND ENCOURAGE OTHER CITIES IN THE COUNTY TO INITIATE RECYCLING PROGRAMS. Resource Recovery The Environmental Concerns Committee reviewed studies that have been made by the County Sanitation District, County Engineer, and private business interests engaged in waste disposal; then inspected two prototype facilities (BKK and Puente Hills) to find out the process involved in the recovery system. At the BKK Landfill in West Covina, the committee was given a detailed explanation of the process of capturing methane gas and converting it to electricity. At that time, gas was being burned at a high temperature to eliminate any possibility of contamination which would result in smog. The facility is also employing new techniques to recover from heavy metals and plating the materials which can be reused. At both the BKK and Puente Hills landfill sites, the committee saw massive installation of pipelines with the aggregate bed on which pipes must lay to put into operation the recovery of gas. Despite the enormous cost of the pipelines, it is generally recognized to be necessary for health, safety, and noxious odor control that we begin to think in terms of a resource recovery system. Though the facility for conversion of methane gas to electricity is in only partial production at Puente Hills, both BKK and Puente Hills are operating recovery systems fully endorsed by the Environmental Concerns Committee.
• R49
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT A BASIC CONDITION FOR ISSUANCE OF OPERATING PERMITS FOR NEW LANDFILL SITES, AS WELL AS THOSE CURRENTLY IN OPERATION, BE THE INSTALLATION OF A GAS RECOVERY SYSTEM TO BE OPERATED UNDER SPECIFIED RULES AND REGULATIONS. Air Pollution The committee met several times with officials of the South Coast Air Quality Manage- ment District, toured their laboratory, and attended their hearings on infractions of air . quality standards. We also reviewed with these officials other facets of their governing body and their powers. This appears to be a well-organized and properly administered body. Solar energy is readily available as a new source of electricity which can be utilized in homes and commercial buildings along with conventional power sources. Although initial installation costs are high, modern technology is promising new materials and know-how. Future costs are expected to become lower as new methods are developed. THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT COUNTY OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE STATE LEGISLATION WHICH CONTINUES SUBSIDIZING HOMEOWNERS AND 1 20 OTHERS WHO USE NONPOLLUTING SOLAR ENERGY. Transporting of Solid Waste and Hazardous Materials The Environmental Concerns Committee investigated transportation of hazardous or toxic wastes over our highways and streets. It is felt that toxic spills from trucks and tankers pose danger to the public which may not be aware of what chemicals are being hauled in each of these vehicles. The committee visited the California Highway Patrol in Los Angeles to obtain information on how use of public highways by vehicles carrying hazardous wastes is regulated by both state and federal safety compliance rules. It appears that the California Highway Patrol is very stringent in the enforcement of rules as written. This committee submitted a drawing with recommendations for its use to the California Department of Motor Vehicles after correspondence with that department. It was suggested that information about identifying placards on trucks carrying hazardous materials be included in the California Drivers Handbook. We have had indications from the Division of Driver Safety and Licensing of a favorable response and intention to include such material in the handbook. The committee recommends that the 1983-84 Grand Jury follow up on this matter to ensure the inclusion of the material in the California Drivers Handbook. Landfills 1.5 Our society is guilty of the increasingly irresponsible dumping of enormous tons of recyclable goods, while at the same time the supply of raw materials is diminishing. Many of our waste products could be reclaimed and converted to new products using fewer raw materials, less energy, and with fewer pollutants escaping into the atmosphere. Public and private groups have been actively exploring ways to combat potential dangers to the environment. Surreptitious dumping of hazardous waste into lakes, streams, sewage lines and landfills may soon become a major public health problem. State and county governing bodies have passed laws such as the Hazardous Waste Control Act (Health and Safety Code section 25100) in an effort to halt pollution of the environment. The committee visited many landfills and observed the locations from a helicopter. We were of the impression that much land is available for landfills, especially in mountainous foothills. Once filled and landscaped, they could be laid out as parks and golf courses for use by the public. Puente Hills, BKK in West Covina (a Class I facility licensed to dispose of toxic and hazardous wastes), Toyon Canyon, and Calabassas are all landfill areas which have not been completely filled. Each of these areas are prime sources for the recovery of methane gas for conversion to electricity, as well as possible future recreational areas. The political implications involved in the locating and permitting of landfill sites is covered in the Major Issue section of this report.
• R51
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS SERIOUS CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN AGAIN TO REVIVING OPERATIONS AT TOYON CANYON AND CALABASSAS BY THE CITY AND COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AS A JOINT EFFORT IN THIS GROW- ING CRISIS.
• R52
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT AN EXTENSION OF TIME BE PERMITTED FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATION AND EXPANSION OF THE PUENTE HILLS FACILITY. SUSPENSION OF THIS AREA WOULD PLACE THE COUNTY IN AN EXTREMELY CRITICAL POSITION AS A RESULT OF SHORTAGE OF LANDFILL DISPOSAL CAPACITY.
• R53
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE LICENSING OF BKK WEST COVINA BE CONTINUED SINCE THIS IS THE ONLY CLASS I LANDFILL AVAIL. ABLE FOR USE IN THIS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA. CLOSURE OF THIS OPERATION WOULD HAVE SERIOUS IMPACT ON THE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC MATERIALS. CONCLUSION The recent news which brought attention to the serious mismanagement in the Federal Environment Protection Agency has done little to assuage public distrust and lack of confidence in landfills. Technical expertise and adequate enforcement is a must before the public will accept waste disposal facilities. No city can stand alone in the waste management crisis. It must be a countywide venture. Though county and city officials recognize the magnitude of the disposal problem, the public does not realize it has reached crisis proportions. 2011/11/072011/07/07/07 . . James L. Land, Chair $1000 miles William Cassius Leo George Sandra Klasky A STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE . Section 1999 Motor and a second Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of the Section of t
• R54
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS INSIST THAT DEPARTMENTS 95 AND 95A BE RELOCATED TO A MORE SUITABLE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT WHERE HUMANE TREATMENT AND SURROUNDINGS CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH THE MENTAL PATIENTS, THEIR FAMILIES, THE PETIT JURORS, AND THE STAFF WHO MUST ATTEND THEM.
• R55
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE FACILITY AT 1150 NORTH SAN FERNANDO ROAD BE RENOVATED IMMEDIATELY ACCORDING TO THE EARLIER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1981-82 GRAND JURY. DRINKING DRIVERS PROGRAM PURPOSE As a result of requests by a county supervisor and others, the Health Committee examined the procedures and practices employed in issuance of contracts per Assembly Bill 541, Drinking Driver Programs for first offenders. We were asked to examine the monitoring of these programs to ascertain whether they are effective and produce the desired results.
• R56
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CONTRACTS FOR FIRST OFFENDER PROGRAMS (AB 541) MUST INCLUDE UNIFORMITY IN THE FOLLOWING: FEE SCHEDULES; . TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR STAFF OPERATING THE REHABILI- . TATION PROGRAMS; PROGRAMMATIC REPORTING; • FREQUENCY OF MONITORING; • OBJECTIVES AND GOALS. .
• R57
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: MANAGE AND MONITOR THE CONTRACTS; • SET STANDARDS FOR CONTRACT PERFORMANCE: . ESTABLISH AN APPEAL PROCESS FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS; • PURSUE ALL BREACH OF CONTRACTS. .
• R58
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT HEALTH DEPARTMENT INVESTI- GATORS BE ASSIGNED AT EACH OF THE TRAFFIC COURTS IN THE COUNTY TO INSURE UNIFORMITY IN REFERRALS AND COURT MONITORING PROCEDURES.
• R59
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DEVISE AND MONITOR A FISCAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDES THE COUNTY ITS FULL REIMBURSEMENT.
• R60
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE PLETHORA OF INVOLVED ADVISORS AND/OR COMMISSIONS BE COORDINATED TO SPEAK THROUGH ONE VOICE TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE OAAA.
• R61
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT BECOME INVOLVED IN THE REHABILITATION ASPECTS OF THE DRINKING DRIVER PROGRAM. Juanita Dudley, Chair Helene Eller Jennie Kerr Patricia Lofland Eduardo Valdiviez SOCIAL SERVICE COMMITTEE PURPOSE In response to a growing public concern for abused and neglected children, the 1982-83 Grand Jury selected child abuse as a major issue for review. From the Social Services report of the major issues, the committee extracted the service delivery system for a special study. AREA OF REVIEW The agency in Los Angeles County responsible for the administration of the child abuse program is the Department of Public Social Services. Within the department, the Bureau of Social Services has the direct responsibility to deliver services to families with problems of child abuse. The Bureau operatives are called Children's Services Workers. This report deals solely with problems involved in the delivery of services. METHODS OF INVESTIGATION The committee reviewed and analyzed current information and departmental literature in the following areas: The Department of Public Social Services (redesign and fact sheet) • Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN) Public Social Services Commission • Committee members visited Dependency Court hearings, MacLaren Hall, the Department of Public Social Services, and Cedar House. Interviews were held with judges, judicial review assistants, Children's Services Workers, and administrators in the Department of Public Social Services.
• R62
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT ALL LINE STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILDREN'S SERVICES BE ASSIGNED TO THE BUREAU OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF CASES.
• R63
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE NEW REDESIGN ASSESSMENT SCALE BE BROADENED TO INCLUDE CASES OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT, AS WELL AS LIFE-THREATENING CASES.
• R64
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT FUNDS BE DESIGNATED TO INCREASE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES WORKERS AND COMMENSURATE SUPPORT STAFF TO INCREASE THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED. Judith Richardson, Chair Juan Godoy HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY THE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS COMMISSION: THE MUSIC CENTER OPERATING COMPANY; THE PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL OF THE MUSIC CENTER THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY PURPOSE The County Library, with its 70 years of impressive history, has not been audited by the Grand Jury in recent years. We decided to conduct a partial review of the library services in meeting educational, recreational, and informational needs of the people in our county. We also reviewed various cost-effective measures taken by the library in order to maintain and improve its high standard of services and productivity. AREAS OF REVIEW Overview Sources of Financial Support Library Services Children's Services Cost Effective Measures Community Support METHODS OF INVESTIGATION The committee as a team conducted interviews with the county librarian and heads of several departments, inspected large regional libraries and the smaller community libraries, and reviewed relevant documents from the library administration and community libraries.
• R65
  The Grand Jury recommends that capital funds be provided for new libraries to be constructed in high population growth areas to meet the edu- 67 cational and cultural needs of residents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• R66
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors authorize a study of the salary scale among higher level employees of other county depart- ments and compare the findings with the salaries paid to comparable employees in the library system. Remuneration for library staff should be competitive in 67 order to secure and maintain well-trained personnel...............
• R67
  The Grand Jury recommends that the library show the films under the sponsorship of Friends of the Library groups so that donations can be solicited 68 for the purpose of supporting library services..... The Grand Jury recommends the appointment of more children's librarians in the Los Angeles County library system so that our children can be better 70 serve in meeting their educational and recreational needs..........
• R69
  The Grand Jury recommends that a work measurement study be made by library management to ascertain ways to improve productivity of library personnel..... The Grand Jury recommends that a division for community relations be established in an effort to create public awareness of library services and 71 citizens' responsibility for supporting the library system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Grand Jury recommends that a letter of commendation be sent to Helen Kennedy for her 22 years of outstanding leadership and her dedicated service as a member and president of the Music and Performing Arts Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
• R74
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE 1983-84 GRAND JURY MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE CONTRACTING OUT POLICY AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SERVICES. Department of Purchasing and Stores The charter for Los Angeles County gives the Purchasing Agent exclusive legal responsibility for the purchase of all equipment and supplies. In addition, he supervises 290,000 square feet of warehouse with an inventory of $6 to $7 million. There is a high degree of public interest in department responsibility for large expenditures of govern- 8.8 ment money. Purchasing and Stores has been the object of a great many audits. Grand juries alone have conducted either full or partial audits in eight out of the last ten years. The implementation of audit recommendations is a vital part of an audit. In our review of the 1981-82 Grand Jury audit, the committee did not find adequate justification to support the Purchasing Agent's decision not to implement some of the recommendations. For example, several recommendations of the 1981-82 Grand Jury audit were concerned with the conflict of interest exposure that exists among employees. This Grand Jury concludes that the guidelines for employees remain vaguely defined. The Purchasing Agent has indicated an intention to revise the guidelines and expand disclosure forms in the Personnel Policy Manual.
• R75
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE 1983-84 GRAND JURY PURSUE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISION OF THE PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING AND STORES. Office of Public Administrator-Public Guardian The 1981-82 Grand Jury completed an audit of this department and made 19 recommendations. At the Grand Jury's specific request, the Continuity Committee called for a written status report which was received March 8, 1983. The department has made positive progress on the implementation of all the recommendations within its statutory authority. Of those, some are in their initial stages. For example, the hiring of a full-time procedure writer will facilitate compliance with several other recommendations. This department was contracting out services before the enactment of Proposition A. Credit is due the department for the follow-through on all contracts programs. We specifically took note of the procedures developed to monitor existing drayage and cleanup contracts. In addition, the department expects help from an audit the Chief Administrative Office was to complete in April of 1983 in the area of working standards.
• R76
  THE GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THAT THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, UPON COMPLETION OF ITS CURRENT AUDIT, MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF ALL EXISTING AUDITS BEFORE AUTHORIZING NEW AUDITS. Department of Adoptions This Grand Jury accepts the responses of the Department of Adoptions to the recommendations of the 1981-82 Grand Jury as follows: The response indicated a top-heavy administrative condition — staff reductions have been achieved and there will be further reductions through attrition. The department does not agree with the finding that management tools are inadequate — the bimonthly tracking reports serve for review purposes. The department was specifically charged with finding adoptive homes for children who, because of age, ethnic background, handicaps, both physical and emotional, are hard to place — the department continues to focus on those areas. One recommendation of the 1981-82 Grand Jury stated, "It may become apparent that the courts should be asked to assume responsibility for investigative work, while the Department (of Adoptions) would continue to provide services." The present Grand Jury 1 believes that the 1981-82 contract auditor might not have understood the primary responsibility of the Department of Adoptions in that area. Prior to 1967, stepparent adoptions, including investigative work, were handled by the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Subsequently, the Board of Supervisors requested the County Department of Adoptions to assume that investigative function. It is the opinion of this Grand Jury that the investigative function should remain within the department and not become a function of the court. This Grand Jury concluded that the Department of Adoptions was very responsive to our SESSONIA CONTRACTOR inquiry. Furthermore, it has demonstrated a cooperative effort toward the Department of Public Social Services which should resolve most of the past problems. Sheriff-Marshal Consolidation Grand Jury records dating back to 1967 address the wasteful duplication of costs for the court-related services of the Sheriff and the Marshal. A majority of the electorate approved the consolidation concept in 1980. In 1982, a bill to merge Sheriff-Marshal services (AB 2784, Katz), was allowed to die in the inactive file of the California State Legislature. Recently, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors decided that the County will sponsor the following legislative proposal: "Authorize the Board of Supervisors of each county to consolidate the court-related services provided by the Marshal's Office and the Sheriff's Office." According to an analysis submitted by the Chief Administrative Office, the source of this proposal was the 1981-82 Grand Jury. This Grand Jury believes the Legislature must address the issue of vesting locally elected officials with the power to make managerial decisions about services they are required to fund out of local revenues. The duplication of services within the Sheriff and the Senior Citizens Affairs — Adult Day Care Facilities for senior citizens continue to be of concern to the Social Services Committee. In 1978, the California Adult Day Health Care Program was adopted by the Board of Supervisors. It is a community based, daytime program for people aged 55 or over designed to provide therapeutic, social and health activities. It offers services which allow elderly persons to maintain maximum independence. In 1980, a 15-member Los Angeles County Planning Council was established. It is responsible for developing a county plan for adult day care which implements state guidelines. The council reviews all license applications for Los Angeles County programs. The State Department of Health Services then reviews and approves the council's recommendations for establishing community centers. The State Department of Health Services is required to report to the Legislature the progress and success of Adult Day Health Care programs to the Legislature. The Social Services Committee met with the chairman of the Los Angeles Planning Council. The committee learned there is no money available to continue developing new centers. The council had hoped to build 300 by 1985 and had established a need for 1,000. There are only 12 centers in the entire state; one is in operation in Pomona and one in East Los Angeles. Medi-Cal reimburses the Adult Day Health Care program. The daily $23 per person allocated will not generate enough funds to allow operations to continue. In the current economic climate, worthy operations like these community care centers are often left short of funds. The committee believes the program is important for our senior citizens and should receive thoughtful consideration as funding becomes available. CONCLUSIONS One of the greatest attributes of a grand jury is that the members represent a cross-section of public opinion of an entire county. Time and again, the same issues appear in grand jury reports and audits, indicating the concerns which have come to be of widespread importance. Often it is the repetitive examination of a single subject that promotes its ultimate acceptance. This Grand Jury believes that the power of continuity to ensure lasting change can be used to the advantage of grand juries in the future. Jean Hitchcock, Chair Editorial and Continuity Committee INDEX OF RECOMMENDATIONS Page The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors formally
• R77
  The Grand Jury commends the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for its legislative position and recommends that it diligently pursue the proposal of the 1981-82 Grand Jury.....