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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.
Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2002-2003
03-cc-01 Followup to 2000-2001 Grand Jury Report
⚠️ 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 9 findings
F1
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All employees in ISD are finger printed and have background checks through the sheriff's department, which uses Live Scan. This is a state system that maintains criminal history records. Report 01-03 HUMBOLDT COUNTY SHERIFF'S FARM INTRODUCTION Members of the Humboldt County Grand Jury visited the Humboldt County Sheriff's Farm located next to the Rohnerville Airport in the Fortuna area. Members of the grand jury met with two officers from the Sheriff's department and were given a tour of the farm and its operations. There were Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) personnel performing work at the farm during the visit. THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING: R-1 A tractor located at the Sheriff's boat yard be transferred to the farm. SHERIFF'S RESPONSE: Partially agree. The tractor located at our boat yard is used frequently in moving large and sometimes extremely heavy equipment. We need a tractor for this same purpose. We have since obtained an additional tractor with a front-end bucket and a backhoe. We are using this tractor at the farm to good advantage. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding:
F2
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No action is expected. THE 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING: R-3 All obsolete and unusable materials, equipment, and debris be disposed of. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE TO R-3 This recommendation has been implemented and is in process. The removal of obsolete and unusable materials, equipment and debris is an ongoing process. Because of the large amount of accumulated debris, a portion is budgeted for removal each year. Considering budget constraints, it will take several years to fully complete this recommendation. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding pertinent to R-3:
F3
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The removal of obsolete and unserviceable equipment is an ongoing process at the airport. THE 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING: R-4 The remaining underground fuel storage tanks installed by the federal government be removed. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE: Partially completed and the remainder is in process. Most of the underground tanks have been removed. The remaining tanks will be processed for removal through a contract with Winzler and Kelly. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding pertinent to R-4:
F4
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Two underground fuel tanks were removed this year (2002) at a cost of $25,000.00 per tank with the others to be removed at later dates. One other 50,000-gallon concrete fuel tank has been cleaned and will not be removed. THE 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING: R-5 Upgrade the airport to include an air traffic control tower. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE Has been implemented. A mobile tower (temporary) has been secured and set up and is operational. Also funding for a permanent tower has been placed in the Federal budget by Representative Mike Thompson. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding pertinent to R-5:
F5
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The airport is still waiting for the permanent tower. Until then the airport will continue with the fully operational mobile tower. Report 01-08 HANDICAP PARKING ACCESSABILITY IN CITY OF EUREKA PUBLIC PARKING LOTS The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding:
F6
Page 47
Pertinent to R-6: As of April 2003 the toilets in the Hoopa Substation had not been replaced.
F7
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Pertinent to R-7 The rear door has been repaired in the Hoopa Substation.
F8
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Pertinent to R-8 Did not determine if the fire door at the Hoopa Substation meets State standards
F9
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Pertinent to R-9 The Hoopa Substation does not meet ADA standards. Report 01-13 CLARK COMPLEX INTRODUCTION The Humboldt County Grand Jury inspected the Clark Complex, located on Harris Street between H and I Streets. A survey conducted by the 1999-2000 grand jury of custodial and maintenance procedure highlighted certain problems with the Clark Complex. The original building was built around 1916 as a hospital. The Clark addition was added in the late 1950s. The hospital moved out in the late 1970s. This complex now houses county offices for the following departments: public works, planning, election's office, coroner’s office, mental health, Sempervirens, rehabilitation center and various outbuildings used for storage. THE 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING: R-1 The County meet ADA access standards at the main building of the Clark Complex. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE: Will be implemented. The county has currently contracted with a firm to conduct an evaluation of all county buildings for disability access. Changes identified as a result of this evaluation will then be prioritized and budgeted. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES RESPONSE: Agree. Access to the building for the disabled currently is from the ground floor. A phone allows people to contact Planning, Elections and Public Works who will open the locked doors and escort the person or persons to the elevator from which the elevator can be accessed. The county has two disabled employees at Clark who routinely use this access for the building. The county currently is updating its facilities, evaluations for all buildings, including Clark, which will be used to complete an ADA transition plan. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding:
Recommendations 9
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R1Page 40A tractor located at the Sheriff's boat yard be transferred to the farm. SHERIFF'S RESPONSE: Partially agree. The tractor located at our boat yard is used frequently in moving large and sometimes extremely heavy equipment. We need a tractor for this same purpose. We have since obtained an additional tractor with a front-end bucket and a backhoe. We are using this tractor at the farm to good advantage. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding: F1: There is a tractor at the farm, but it has neither a front-end bucket or backhoe capability. Report 01-04 HUMBOLDT COUNTY CHILD WELFARE SERVICES HUMBOLDT COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH INTRODUCTION The Humboldt County Grand Jury received a citizen’s request to investigate the handling of a case by Child Welfare Services (CWS) and the Humboldt County Mental Health Department (MH). The case involved the murder of a 14-year-old boy by his mentally ill mother who was a client of MH. PROCEDURE The grand jury in its investigation interviewed fifteen individuals. These included personnel from the departments of mental health, social services, school personnel, concerned citizens and family members. The grand jury reviewed police reports, Suspected Child Abuse Reports, the California Penal Code, California Welfare and Institutions Code, section 827 and the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law (Humboldt County Guidelines for Mandated Reporters), and other documents. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding: F1: Of the many findings and recommendations most were responded to with favorable explanations or had been implemented. Those regarding the refusal to allow the grand jury access to juvenile records deemed confidential per California Welfare and Institutions Code, sections 827 and 10850 the department was unable to respond to. No further improvements were anticipated on the basis of the responses provided. Report 01-05 HUMBOLDT COUNTY CHILD WELFARE SERVICES HUMBOLDT COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INTRODUCTION The Humboldt County Grand Jury has been asked by members of the Yurok Tribal Council to investigate the removal of two children, perceived to be covered by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), from a relative's foster care by Child Welfare Services (CWS). PROCEDURE The grand jury in its investigation of this matter interviewed nineteen individuals. These were social service professionals, representatives of the tribal community, and friends of the family. The grand jury has reviewed many documents including copies of court records and proceedings, California Penal Code, several publications related to ICWA, written testimonials of friends and neighbors, California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Laws, Welfare and Institution Code, section 827, and a Resolution of the Yurok Tribal Council concerning one of the children. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding: F1: Most of the responses given by the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Child Welfare Service to the many findings and recommendations cited Welfare and Institutions Code sections 827 and 10850 as reasons for being unable to respond. Others were responded to with favorable explanations or had already been implemented. No further improvements were anticipated on the basis of the responses provided. Report 01-06 ARCATA - EUREKA AIRPORT INTRODUCTION The Arcata-Eureka Airport was first developed by the federal government during World War II as a place to train pilots in bad weather flying. Sometime after the war, this airfield was turned over to Humboldt County for civilian purposes. Humboldt County has existing leases at the airport. The grand jury reviewed two tenant leases during a routine examination. THE 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING:
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R2Page 42The County provide for regular examination of Security Servicing Corporation financial records BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE: Will not be implemented since existing lease is not based on income produced by the company and an audit of records therefore serves no purpose. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding: F2: No action is expected. THE 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING:
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R3Page 40Personnel require extensive background checks on all new ISD staff INFORMATION SERVICES RESPONSE The recommendation will require further analysis. The procedures and costs of background checks must be determined with resource and budget issues identified. After appropriate analysis, the issue will be brought to the Board of Supervisors prior to December 31, 2001. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding: F1: All employees in ISD are finger printed and have background checks through the sheriff's department, which uses Live Scan. This is a state system that maintains criminal history records. Report 01-03 HUMBOLDT COUNTY SHERIFF'S FARM INTRODUCTION Members of the Humboldt County Grand Jury visited the Humboldt County Sheriff's Farm located next to the Rohnerville Airport in the Fortuna area. Members of the grand jury met with two officers from the Sheriff's department and were given a tour of the farm and its operations. There were Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) personnel performing work at the farm during the visit. THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING:
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R4Page 43The remaining underground fuel storage tanks installed by the federal government be removed. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE: Partially completed and the remainder is in process. Most of the underground tanks have been removed. The remaining tanks will be processed for removal through a contract with Winzler and Kelly. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding pertinent to R-4: F4: Two underground fuel tanks were removed this year (2002) at a cost of $25,000.00 per tank with the others to be removed at later dates. One other 50,000-gallon concrete fuel tank has been cleaned and will not be removed. THE 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING:
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R5Page 43Upgrade the airport to include an air traffic control tower. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE Has been implemented. A mobile tower (temporary) has been secured and set up and is operational. Also funding for a permanent tower has been placed in the Federal budget by Representative Mike Thompson. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding pertinent to R-5: F5: The airport is still waiting for the permanent tower. Until then the airport will continue with the fully operational mobile tower. Report 01-08 HANDICAP PARKING ACCESSABILITY IN CITY OF EUREKA PUBLIC PARKING LOTS The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding: F1: The 2001-2002 grand jury published a report on public parking in the city of Eureka which included findings and recommendation in regard to ADA compliance. Therefore the 2002-2003 grand jury did no follow-up on this report. Report 01-09 CARLOTTA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT INTRODUCTION The Humboldt County Grand Jury received two complaints about the Carlotta Community Service District. The Board of Supervisors on April 6, 1965, passed Resolution No. 2089; at that time, Carlotta Community Services District was formed pursuant to the provisions of Title 6 Division 2 of the California Government Code. Currently the Carlotta Community Services District Board consists of five members elected at large and a secretary: hereinafter known as the board. The Carlotta Volunteer Fire Protection Services was formed in the early 1950s. The Carlotta Volunteer Fire Department at this time has fifteen members: hereinafter known as the fire department. Lawsuits have been filed between the board and the volunteer fire department. PROCEDURE The grand jury interviewed members of the board and the fire department. In addition the grand jury inspected the two fire halls and equipment. NOTE: The response to this report was inadvertently left out of the 2000-2001 grand jury final report and responses. There was a note in that report indicating that, "No response from Carlotta Community Services District has been submitted through the County." The response was in fact submitted on August 31 2001 and was published in its entirety in the Final Report and Responses of the 2001-2002 grand jury. FINDING The 2002-2003 grand jury makes the following finding: F1: All recommendations made by the 2000-2001 grand jury have been implemented. Report 01-11 HUMBOLDT COUNTY GARBERVILLE VETERANS BUILDING INTRODUCTION The Humboldt County Grand Jury received a complaint from a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Garberville Post 6354 concerning the lease with the County of Humboldt for the Garberville veterans building. The last lease agreement between the county and the Veterans of Foreign Wars was signed in 1985 and expired in 1987. THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY 2000-2001 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING:
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R6Page 47Replace toilets in the Hoopa Jail:
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R7Page 47Replace the rear door at the Hoopa Substation:
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R8Page 47Replace the fire door at the Hoopa Substation with one that meets state standards:
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R9Page 47Modify the Hoopa Substation to comply with American Disability Act (ADA) standards: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATIONS R-3 - R-9: