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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 54 findings
F26-1
Illegal dumping of trash has been a massive problem in the City of Oakland for many years.
F26-2
In recent years, the City of Oakland has collected about 20 million pounds of illegally dumped waste annually.
F26-3
Illegal dumping in the City of Oakland is a multi-faceted problem, with several causes and several different actions necessary to tackle different parts of the problem.
F26-4
Among the causes of illegal dumping, the City of Oakland’s rates for residential garbage containers have spurred illegal dumping of excess trash, as customers choose smaller containers that cost less, rather than a sufficient size for the amount of waste they generate.
F26-5
The City of Oakland has thousands of businesses without mandatory garbage service, resulting in illegal dumping of their waste.
F26-6
Over the years, the City of Oakland has tried different approaches to fighting illegal dumping, with various programs using different names.
F26-7
Eradication, or cleaning up illegally dumped waste, alone is not a solution; it must be combined with education about proper disposal and strong enforcement of laws against dumping.
F26-8
While the City of Oakland has made some particular enforcement efforts against illegal dumping, such as having Environmental Enforcement Officers and using cameras, its overall illegal dumping enforcement has been inadequate. (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-9
Although the City of Oakland’s ordinances provide for civil and even criminal penalties for illegal dumping, the amount of civil penalties has been too low to deter or effectively punish illegal dumping.
F26-10
Current state law does not allow the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to withhold vehicle registration renewals for vehicles used in illegal dumping if the owners have any delinquent illegal dumping fines.
F26-11
Currently, the City of Oakland cannot use delinquent illegal dumping fines imposed under its local ordinance to prevent the DMV from renewing a vehicle registration.
F26-12
The City of Oakland has implemented cameras around the city to catch people engaged in illegal dumping, and the city council recently allowed Community Safety (CS) camera footage to be used for illegal dumping enforcement.
F26-13
The City of Oakland has prohibited the Oakland Police Department from sharing Automated License Plate Reader data with the Public Works Department for illegal dumping enforcement.
F26-14
In the past several years, the City of Oakland has not made any referrals to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution of illegal dumping.
F26-15
The City of Oakland’s Environmental Enforcement Officers lack sufficient technology for their enforcement and citation efforts involving illegal dumping.
F26-16
The City of Oakland recovers a low percentage of civil penalties imposed on illegal dumping offenders through administrative citations. (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-17
The City of Oakland’s free programs for bulky waste disposal have been underutilized for various reasons, such as lack of awareness, scheduling, and language hurdles, making it difficult for residents to use them.
F26-18
The City of Oakland does not regulate private junk haulers, except those handling construction and demolition debris.
F26-19
The City of Oakland’s crews in its Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful division, who are responsible for illegal dumping cleanup, also conduct work clearing homeless encampments.
F26-20
The City of Oakland’s OAK311 system allows the public to inform the city where illegal dumping problems occur.
F26-21
The City of Oakland (Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful) has prematurely closed illegal dumping work orders before all types of waste had been removed from a location.
F26-22
The City of Oakland (Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful) has provided training to its employees on the proper closure of work orders, but needs to reinforce that training.
F26-23
The City of Oakland’s Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful crews have had their illegal dumping cleanup work slowed by vehicles and equipment not being in working condition.
F26-24
The City of Oakland does not have a single point person responsible for overseeing and coordinating its illegal dumping efforts.
F26-25
In 2015, NUSD Board of Education members agreed with the Grand Jury’s report that identified systemic governance problems, and agreed to remedy them by adhering to state law, board bylaws, and policies.
F26-26
Some NUSD Board of Education members exhibit disruptive and disrespectful behavior during board meetings in violation of the NUSD Governance Team Handbook. For example, some members shout, make personal attacks, interrupt other Board members, and disparage staff at Board meetings.
F26-27
The NUSD Board of Education’s Bylaw 9280 allows a majority of the board to censure board members for behavior that violates the NUSD Governance Team Handbook. The board has failed to use its censure power to prevent disruptive and unprofessional behavior at board meetings. (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-28
Not all NUSD Board of Education members have participated in the training sessions offered by the California School Board Association, which the NUSD Governance Team Handbook recommends.
F26-29
NUSD’s Board of Education failed to formally evaluate the current superintendent during her two-year tenure, despite the NUSD Governance Team Handbook requiring annual evaluations.
F26-30
NUSD’s Board of Education failed to conduct an annual self-evaluation, despite the requirements of the NUSD Governance Team Handbook.
F26-31
In the past decade, student enrollment in NUSD declined by 25 percent, a higher rate than in neighboring districts.
F26-32
NUSD teachers have lower average pay than surrounding districts and receive no contributions towards their health insurance premiums from the district.
F26-33
Aggressive budget cuts will be necessary for NUSD to meet its required Reserves for Economic Uncertainty of 3 percent.
F26-34
NUSD has experienced repeated superintendent turnover, hiring difficulties, staffing gaps, and budget pressures.
F26-35
NUSD has had instability in the Chief Business Officer position.
F26-36
NUSD experienced inadequate fiscal oversight, particularly regarding hiring contractors and retirees.
F26-37
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) requires NUSD to report whether individuals hired through employment agencies, as independent contractors, or as employees are CalSTRS members or retirees. NUSD failed to comply with this requirement. (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-38
NUSD’s financial reporting has been irregular, including the identification of a $14 million budget deficit, followed by an abrupt recovery of $10 million without adequate explanation, and it would benefit from further oversight.
F26-39
NUSD is not regularly convening or making publicly available the agendas and minutes of two of the three parent and community advisory committees mentioned in the Governance Team Handbook, as necessary to achieve the 2025-2026 district goal of parent and community engagement and communication.
F26-40
Community members regularly provide BOE members with information about the district obtained from Public Records Act requests, rather than BOE members obtaining information through the district superintendent, as recommended in the Governance Team Handbook.
F26-41
The district office does not always give the public adequate time to review information to be discussed at regularly scheduled board meetings
F26-42
The NUSD district office is deteriorating and represents a safety hazard for staff and visitors.
F26-43
The city of Alameda has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) intended to be flexible enough for use in all emergencies.
F26-44
An update to the EOP was approved by the city council in April 2026. This is the first update in seven years. Best practice for updating EOPs is every five years. (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-45
The city of Alameda has failed to conduct any in-person disaster preparedness training since 2019.
F26-46
The city of Alameda maintains a voluntary database of residents in need of additional help during a large-scale emergency. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services advises against such databases because they can create a false sense of security.
F26-47
The 2026 EOP recommends that the city create partnerships with community groups that represent individuals with disabilities in order to ensure an effective response to an emergency.
F26-48
Unlike neighboring cities, Alameda does not have a siren system to warn residents of disasters.
F26-49
The city of Alameda has the ability to send emergency alerts to residents via cell phone, land line, email, and text, and to post more detailed information on social media and city websites.
F26-50
During tsunami warnings in 2024 and 2025, the city of Alameda’s social media sites contained little, no, and at times inconsistent messages.
F26-51
The 2026 EOP includes emergency messaging templates for use across all communication platforms.
F26-52
Over the past several years, the city of Alameda failed to conduct discussion-based and operations-based exercises to test its emergency plans, as required by its EOP.
F26-53
The city of Alameda has failed to prepare written after-action reports after informal testing of its emergency response plans or after actual emergencies, missing opportunities to evaluate and improve its response.
F26-54
The 2026 EOP requires after-action reports for test exercises, but not for responses to actual emergencies. (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
Recommendations 7
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R1to act as the public watchdog by investigating and reporting on the affairs of local government;
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R2to make an annual examination of the operations, accounts, and records of officers, departments, or functions of the county, including any special districts;
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R3to inquire into the condition and management of jails and prisons within the county;
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R4to weigh allegations of misconduct against public officials and determine whether to present formal accusations requesting their removal from office; and
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R5to weigh criminal charges and determine if indictments should be returned. Additionally, the Grand Jury has the authority to investigate the following:
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R6all aspects of county and city government, including over 100 special districts; and
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R7the books, records, and financial expenditures of any government agency, including cities, schools, boards, and commissions. Many people have trouble distinguishing between the Grand Jury and a trial (or petit) jury. Trial juries are impaneled for the length of a single case. In California, most civil Grand Juries consist of 19 citizen volunteers who serve for one year and consider a number of issues. Most people are familiar with the criminal Grand Jury, which only hears individual (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3) cases and whose mandate is to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. This report was prepared by a civil Grand Jury whose role is to investigate all aspects of local government and municipalities to ensure government is being run efficiently, and that government monies are being handled appropriately. While these jurors are nominated by superior court judges based on a review of applications, it is not necessary to know a judge in order to apply. From a pool of 25-30 accepted applications (from throughout the county), 19 members are randomly selected to serve. Grand Jury Duties The Alameda County Grand Jury is a constituent part of the Alameda County Superior Court, created for the protection of society and the enforcement of law. It is not a separate political body or an individual entity of government, but is a part of the judicial system and, as such, each Grand Juror is an officer of the court. Much of the Grand Jury's effectiveness is derived from the fact that the viewpoint of its members is fresh and unencumbered by prior conceptions about government. With respect to the subjects it is authorized to investigate, the Grand Jury is free to follow its own inclinations in investigating local government affairs. The Grand Jury may act only as a whole body. An individual grand juror has no more authority than any private citizen. Duties of the Grand Jury can generally be set forth, in part, as follows:
In the News 3
News coverage of this report, automatically tracked.
Alameda County Grand Jury Report Finds City’s Emergency Operations Planning Lacking - Alameda Post
Alameda Post
· June 23, 2026
Alameda Grand Jury: Jails Clean, Critical Upgrades Needed for Aging Facilities - Davis Vanguard
Davis Vanguard
· June 22, 2026
Alameda County Civil Grand Jury final report for 2025-2026 released - KTVU
KTVU
· June 16, 2026