Score: 0 (0/19/0)

Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2020-2021

Fire and Safety Inspections in Santa Cruz County

18 pages

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⚠️ 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 8 findings

The City of Santa Cruz Fire Department has not adequately inspected all schools, hotels, apartments, and licensed residential care facilities for fire and safety per California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2, 13146.3, 13146.4, and 171921(b).

Related Recommendations (3)

Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County should comply, as soon as possible, with state health codes for fire and safety inspections and reporting. Specifically, California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2, 13146.3, 13146.4, and 171921(b). (F1–F4, F8)

Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County should, as soon as possible, ensure inspection plans reflect all facilities that fall under California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2, 13156.3, and 171921(b). (F1–F5,F8)

The County of Santa Cruz County Office of Education should by January 2021 begin reviewing fire inspection reports for the schools in their jurisdiction annually at a minimum and ensure that School District leadership do the same. (F1–F5, F8)

The City of Watsonville Fire Department has not adequately inspected all schools, hotels, apartments, and licensed residential care facilities for fire and safety per California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2, 13146.3, 13146.4, and 171921(b)

Related Recommendations (3)

The Felton Fire District has not adequately accounted for the inspection of all schools, hotels, apartments, and licensed residential care facilities for fire and safety per California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2, 13146.3, 13146.4, and 171921(b).

Related Recommendations (4)

Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County should, by January 2021, publish a summary of annual inspection

Santa Cruz County Fire has not adequately inspected all schools, hotels, and apartments for fire and safety per California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.3, 13146.4, and 171921(b).

Related Recommendations (3)

Fire Agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County have not adequately reported inspection performance and the inherent risk associated with a performance gap to residents and leadership external to the governing body.

Related Recommendations (2)

Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County would benefit by sharing technology and processes and at times personnel, in fulfilling fire inspection requirements.

Related Recommendations (1)

The County and City fire agencies should amend their mutual aid agreements to provide for sharing of technology and inspection resources by June 30, 2021. (F6)

Reporting gaps in fire inspection performance to a governing body annually at a time when that governing body is completing its budgeting process makes making budget adjustments prior to budget adoption unnecessarily challenging and may result in delay.

Related Recommendations (1)

The County of Santa Cruz and the City Fire Departments in the County should notify appropriate County or City leadership of the resources necessary to be compliant with inspection requirements early enough to be addressed during the agency’s annual budgeting process. (F7)

Scotts Valley Fire District resolution 2020-2 is at risk of being non-compliant based on a survey of businesses and organizations consistent with California annual inspection code requirements.

Related Recommendations (3)

Commendations 1

CM1 Page 10

C1. The Aptos and Central Fire Districts are commended for the persistence shown in their safety citations, re-inspections, and consistency of reporting.

Agency Responses 2

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors

March 09, 2021 • 46 pages • 12 responses • Score: 0 (+0, 12, 0) View Details ▾

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12 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

. The lack of coordination between key stakeholders is a significant barrier to the efficient and capable implementation of homelessness solutions. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The County agrees that there is much room for improved coordination between stakeholders, however implementation is much more than coordination alone. The County, through our work with Focus Strategies, has adopted a work plan including steps to take towards an improved governance structure which will enh...

Response: Implemented

Scheduled: Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Score: 0

. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and City Councils should jointly develop programs, services, and housing equitably distributed throughout each district and city in the County, communicating to the public an itemized list of such and broken down by supervisorial district by July 1, 2021. (F2) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) X WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

. The public opposition to homeless solutions is partially due to a lack of education, engagement and political will by City and County leadership. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): This is not universally true, as there are many City and County leaders who are educated, involved, and champions for implementing homeless solutions. Furthermore, public opposition to homeless solutions exists in most jurisdictions throughout the U.S. despite widely varying levels of engagement and polit...

Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County should, by January 2021, publish a summary of annual inspection

Response: Implemented

Due: January 2021 Scheduled: Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Score: 0

. By December 31, 2020, the Santa Cruz Administrative Officer (CAO) and Cities should create a Community Task Force that includes City Managers, nonprofit leaders, former homeless individuals, media personnel, community members, and political leaders to create good will, and encourage collaboration in solving homeless issues. (F3, F4) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done X HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMP...

Santa Cruz County Fire has not adequately inspected all schools, hotels, and apartments for fire and safety per California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.3, 13146.4, and 171921(b).

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

. Santa Cruz County elected officials have been unable to combat NIMBYism, which is a significant barrier to getting projects approved and built to support the homeless. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The County disagrees that County officials have never been able to overcome NIMBYism, and indeed many existing programs at first faced some level of NIMBYism. In these cases and others, local elected officials have gone above and beyond to reach out and engage with their constituents...

Response: Implemented

Scheduled: Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Score: 0

. Santa Cruz County and Cities should collaborate to develop a JPA that would be responsible for setting short and long term goals to reduce homelessness, measuring the cost of homelessness, allocating funding, and tracking the effectiveness of funding, by July 1, 2021. (F5, F6, F19) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) X WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

. Inconsistent and unclear funding sources and processes inhibit the effective implementation of solutions that require long term planning and sustained operations. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Response Required by September 28, 2020 Page 7 of 43 F6. The Homeless Action Partnership (HAP) is not organizationally equipped with the appropriate authority, structure, leadership, staff, training or processes and as a result is ineffective in its mission of reducing homelessness. AGRE...

The County and City fire agencies should amend their mutual aid agreements to provide for sharing of technology and inspection resources by June 30, 2021. (F6)

Response: Implemented

Due: June 30, 2021 Scheduled: Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Score: 0

. The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency should expand relationships with regional psychiatric hospitals to identify more beds and treatment options when they are unavailable in Santa Cruz County by December 31, 2020. (F7) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The County of Santa Cruz Health Service...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Response Required by September 28, 2020 Page 7 of 43 F6.

Response: Implemented

Due: January 2021 Scheduled: Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Score: 0

. The Santa Cruz County Administrative Officer (CAO) and the County's City Managers should identify parcels of land within their jurisdictions that could be utilized to supply homeless services and/or temporary or permanent housing, and report such sites to their governing bodies by December 31, 2020. (F9, F21) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe X REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why R...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

. An insufficient number of treatment facilities in Santa Cruz County for mental health and substance use disorders leaves homeless individuals without necessary treatment options. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Response Required by September 28, 2020 Page 9 of 43 F8. Because Santa Cruz County lacks adequate prevention and diversion programs, individuals who could remain in their homes with minimal cash assistance are ending up homeless. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the dis...

Scotts Valley Fire District resolution 2020-2 is at risk of being non-compliant based on a survey of businesses and organizations consistent with California annual inspection code requirements.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors

January 11, 2021 • 15 pages • 7 responses • Score: 0 (+0, 7, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

7 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

. Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County should, as soon as possible, ensure inspection plans reflect all facilities that fall under California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2, 13156.3, and 171921(b). (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5,F8) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and ...

Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County should, by January 2021, publish a summary of annual inspection

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

. Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County should, by January 2021, publish a summary of annual inspection findings on their websites. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F7, F8) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: In reference to F4, Santa Cruz County Fire will be providing...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

. The County of Santa Cruz and the City Fire Departments in the County should notify appropriate County or City leadership of the resources necessary to be compliant with inspection requirements early enough to be addressed during the agency's annual budgeting process. (F7) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and time...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

. Fire Agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County have not adequately reported inspection performance and the inherent risk associated with a performance gap to residents and leadership external to the governing body. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Response Required by September 23, 2020 Page 4 of 12 F6. Fire agencies serving the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County would benefit by sharing technology and processes and at...

The County and City fire agencies should amend their mutual aid agreements to provide for sharing of technology and inspection resources by June 30, 2021. (F6)

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

. The County and City fire agencies should amend their mutual aid agreements to provide for sharing of technology and inspection resources by June 30, 2021. (F6) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe X REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: Sharing of technology and inspection resources occurs through the Fire Chiefs Association. Mutual Aid ag...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

the governing body. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Response Required by September 23, 2020 Page 4 of 12 F6.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

No Responses Found 8

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Ben Lomond Fire Protection District Fire District

Boulder Creek Fire Protection District Fire District

Felton Fire Protection District Fire District

Santa Cruz City

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Elected County Office

Santa Cruz County Office of Education Agency

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District Fire District

Watsonville City