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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.
Nevada County Grand Jury
• 2003-2004
California Conservation Camp Washington Ridge Reason for Investigation California Penal Code Section 919(B) requires
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
The Washington Ridge Conservation Camp began operations in 1961. Although some of the buildings are over 40 years old, the entire camp was found to be clean, well maintained, and in good condition.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Wards housed at Washington Ridge Camp are between the ages of 18 and 25. Wards stay at the camp from four months to two years, with the average being 10 months.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Washington Ridge Camp currently has two fully trained fire fighting crews, which assist the CDF and other area fire departments during the fire season.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
When not involved with fire fighting, Washington Ridge camp ward crews, under the supervision of a CDF captain, work providing low cost labor while learning skills. Examples of groups and agencies that they have worked with are the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Senior Center, Master Gardeners, and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
There has been a decrease in the number of juveniles sent to CYA during the past few years. One of the reasons for the decline is due to judges referring fewer youths in favor of more localized and less restrictive methods of rehabilitation for "non-violent" offenders.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The number of wards in the camp ranged from 76 in October 2003 to 41 in January
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The educational facilities and methods of instruction were reviewed and found to comply with state and county standards. Wards are required to attend classes with the objective of obtaining a high school diploma or a GED.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The camp provides appropriate recreational facilities and learning opportunities for the wards that offer them both mental and physical outlets.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Events in mid-2003 caused the relationship between CDF and CYA to become strained. The Grand Jury was informed that both agencies are now expending energy to improve cooperation to provide better services. CONCLUSIONS The Washington Ridge Conservation Camp is a benefit to both the wards and to Nevada County. The wards have the opportunity to develop employment skills and complete their education, while various groups in the county benefit from access to an economical source of labor. In addition, during the fire season, an efficiently run operation at the Washington Ridge Camp is a vital resource for fire prevention and suppression. RESPONSES None required
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 2The Washington Ridge Conservation Camp is a benefit to both the wards and to Nevada County. The wards have the opportunity to develop employment skills and complete their education, while various groups in the county benefit from access to an economical source of labor. In addition, during the fire season, an efficiently run operation at the Washington Ridge Camp is a vital resource for fire prevention and suppression. RESPONSES None required