⚠️ 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 12 findings
F1
The Madera County Grand Jury (MCGJ) finds that the Madera County Jail (Jail) is being operated efficiently and productively.
F2
The Jail building is adding two additional units to the facility to house Incarcerated Persons (IPs) with behavioral health concerns.
F3
The MCGJ finds that the new Barber School provides opportunities for IPs to be able to get their State Barber License and provides a path toward a long-term career that is available to them upon release from prison.
F4
The MCGJ finds that family visiting has been impacted by the renovations of the family units to make them American Disabilities Act compliant. According to the Warden, they are awaiting final approval from the State fire marshal.
F5
The MCGJ finds that the EHD lacks public transparency and community education efforts.
F6
The MCGJ finds that the EHD does not prioritize housing and homeless encampment complaints.
F7
The MCGJ finds impact on public trust: The irregularities in the business license issuance process harm public trust in city officials and the administration.
F8
The MCGJ finds the Council does not read the findings, recommendations, and City responses to MCGJ reports.
F9
The MCGJ finds the equipment inventory, Exhibit B, is outdated.
F10
The MCGJ finds the cleaning of the solar panels has been paid by SGM from the CapitaI Improvement fund and not the maintenance costs. 108
F11
The MCGJ finds that the Advisory Committee monthly meeting reports are not made available to the Council.
F12
The MCGJ finds insufficient training regarding business license applications and issuance requirements.
Recommendations 12
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R1The Madera County Grand Jury (MCGJ) recommends that the Sheriff continue with the current policies.
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R2The MCGJ recommends the Sheriff continue with renovation and building plans.
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R3The MCGJ recommends that the Barber School continue to provide opportunities for IPs.
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R4The MCGJ recommends that the CDCR continue to work at the state level to get the inspections completed on the family visiting unit to allow the IP’s family to continue with family visitation. INVITED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requests responses from the following: Warden Valley State Prison 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Public Information Officer - VSP 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Governor Gavin Newsom 1021 O Street, Suite 9000 Sacramento, CA 95841 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 Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929, prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation. Central California Women's Facility Released: May 18, 2026 Preliminary Report 2526-03 Prepared by the
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R5The MCGJ recommends that the EHD develop an outreach program in charge of regular public education events as well as updates to the EHD website including food inspection reports and fillable vendor forms. This should be completed by 90 days after the MCGJ report posting.
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R6The MCGJ recommends that the EHD join the established Madera Housing Our Homeless task force and collaborate with other county departments to address the recurring housing and homelessness issues. This should be completed by 90 days after the MCGJ report posting.
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R7The MCGJ recommends that the entire MCGJ report be read to the Council members in an open public meeting of receiving this report. 109
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R8The MCGJ recommends hiring an outside expert to check the City's property and equipment records and also to do regular checks within the City. The list of items the City owns (Exhibit B) needs to be brought up-to-date
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R9The MCGJ recommends conducting regular audits of SGM’s business expenses in regards to capital improvements vs maintenance obligations. of receiving this report.
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R10The MCGJ recommends improving the documentation process for issuing and modifying business licenses to ensure that all actions are properly recorded and transparent. of receiving this report.
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R11The MCGJ recommends engaging with stakeholders, including business owners and residents, to gather feedback and improve the business license issuance process of receiving this report.
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R12The MCGJ recommends that the Advisory Committee reports be agendized monthly and read to the Council in an open meeting of this report. REQUIRED RESPONSE Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requires responses from the following: : Mayor of the City of Madera Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requires responses from the following: : Madera City Council Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 110 INVITED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury invites responses from the following : City of Madera City Manager Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 Responses located at the following link: https://www.maderacounty.com/home/showpublisheddocument/47735/63911695452447 0000 City of Madera Director of Parks and Community Services John W. Wells Youth Center 701 East 5th Street Madera, CA 93638 City of Madera Finance Department Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Planning Department Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, Ca 93637 City of Madera Code Enforcement 330 C Street Madera, CA 93637 City of Madera Golf Course Advisory Committee Madera City Hall 205 West 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 111 Responses to 2024-2025 Final Report To reduce expenses, paper waste and keep information as up-to-date as possible, the Madera County Grand Jury has moved the formal responses to last term's recommendations online.By moving these documents to our website, we can ensure the public has immediate, transparent access to the latest updates and agency follow-ups without the high printing costs. The full responses are available from county officials, department heads, and local agencies on the Madera County Grand Jury Reports Archive: https://www.maderacounty.com/grand-jury/grand-jury-reports-archive/-folder-3885 112