Responses to the 2020-2021 Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury Reports Providing Continuity by Following Through on Previous

Conclusions 1

• CL1
  The 2021-2022 Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury concluded that the responses to the 2020-2021 Grand Jury Recommendations comply with the Penal Code. In addition, the Grand Jury has included its observations on the responses following pages titled: 2020-2021 Grand Jury Response Summary Chart. Within the five issued reports, the 2020-2021 Grand Jury made 66 Findings and issued 47 Recommendations requiring a total of 98 responses from 19 different County and City agencies and governing boards. There were also two invited responses and five commendations. Responses sometimes indicate partial implementation of a Recommendation and are sometimes ambiguous; the table below is intended to give a general overview. Roughly two thirds of the Recommendations have been or will be implemented and about one fifth have been rejected. Recommendation Actions Implemented Will Not Be In Further Report Total Implemented Progress In Future Implemented Analysis 3 2 Rohnert Park Districts 0 0 0 1 5 18 0 7 0 Broadband Access 6 Jail Telephone and 2 9 0 4 2 1 Commissary COVID Mitigation at 3 7 1 0 2 1 the Jail Emergency 62 32 9 2 6 13 Communications 7 99 18 18 Total 42 14 Percent of all 43% 7% 18% 14% 18%

Observations 18

• OB1
  CRP This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury R1. The City of Rohnert Park establish a procedure implemented. Procedures are in place to acknowledges that this to monitor and track ethics Recommendation has been arrange and provide training and to monitor training for publicly elected compliance with AB 1234. implemented. officials as required by California Assembly Bill No. 1234. This should occur by December 31, 2021. R2. The City of Rohnert CRP This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Park notify elected officials implemented. Notifications of online Recommendation has been of ethics training bi-annual training were sent in November 2020. deadlines by December 31, implemented. 2021. R3. The City Council CCRP This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury members proactively plan implemented but will be implemented in the acknowledges that this in advance and allocate Recommendation will be future. Plans have been established for time in Council Meeting contracting with demographic and outreach implemented in the future. agendas to give the public consultants. At least four public hearings opportunity for robust and will be scheduled in 2021 in order to give the ongoing discussion of any public opportunities for robust and ongoing changes to the City's discussion on any changes in the City's demographics that need to demographics that need to be addressed. The be addressed when the new City's actions will comply with the Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Census data is released on Political Subdivisions (Fair Maps) Act. September 30, 2021. This should occur by December 31, 2021. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report COUNTY JAIL INMATE TELEPHONE AND COMMISSARY Background: As part of its inquiry into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility's (MADF) telephone service, the Grand Jury found a pattern of charges for inmate phone use that exceeds the market rate by more than tenfold. The Sheriff's Office also runs a commissary inside the MADF and its prices are typically 200% to 300% over the jail's wholesale cost. The Sheriff's Office deposits the phone commissions and commissary mark-up into the Inmate Welfare Trust (IWT) as State law requires. The Inmate Welfare Trust (IWT) was established to provide inmate programs, and in any given year, the IWT Committee may decide not to spend all of the money it raised. As of early 2021, the IWT held a surplus of over $1.6 million. The Grand Jury offered these Recommendations to provide inmates a more accessible phone system and a more affordable commissary. GJ = Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury RES = Respondent; BOS = Sonoma County Board of Supervisors MADF = Main Adult Detention Facility; SCSO = Sonoma County Sheriff's Office; GTL = Global Tel Link, (MADF telephone provider) 2021-2022 GJ
• OB2
  R1. The Sheriff's Office SCSO The Grand Jury This Recommendation requires further analysis. The SCSO is open to replacing acknowledges that this work with the Board of the commission-based contract, as long as Recommendation requires Supervisors to replace the current commission-based further analysis and cannot be the inmate programs it supports are not sacrificed. The SCSO would look to the implemented until the audio and video contract with Global Tel Link, using BOS to commit General Funds for these analysis is completed. a model based on the San programs so they would not be discontinued. Francisco County Sheriff's Department, by December BOS This Recommendation requires further The Grand Jury 31, 2021. analysis. County staff will research San acknowledges that this Francisco County's commission-free model Recommendation requires to evaluate feasibility, fiscal impact and further analysis, and that the operational impact. Upon completion of the BOS cannot implement it by analysis, the BOS will look to the Sheriff's December 31, 2021. The GJ office to determine if the program and recognizes that the BOS will structure should be changed, and then bring direct staff to perform the a recommendation to the BOS as needed. necessary research for the analysis. R2. By September 30, SCSO The Grand Jury This Recommendation has been partially 2021, the Sheriff's Office implemented and requires further analysis. acknowledges that this Detention staff is currently in Recommendation requires develop a new communication with GTL for additional communications model to further analysis, and that the provide for sufficient analysis should be completed telephone kiosks and video visitation at the by December 2021. The GJ telephone kiosks to allow MADF. The SCSO is currently offering the inmate population free each inmate 70 minutes of free phone calls recognizes that the SCSO has telephone and video per week. Sheriff's staff has prepared a made changes to improve visitation for at least 90 funding request to the BOS to ensure inmate telephone access by continued funding, and if provided, will offering 70 minutes of free minutes per week until such work with GTL for more equipment as phone calls per inmate per time as a new needed. week. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB3
  communication contract is in effect. SCSO This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury R3. As required by PC § 4025(e), the Sheriff's acknowledges that this implemented. The SCSO has been BOS Office provide an annual Recommendation has been providing an annual report to the BOS as required by PC § 4025(e) since FY 03-04, report to the Board of implemented. Supervisors detailing line and will submit the report for fiscal year item revenue and expenses ending June 30, 2021 by November 30, within the Inmate Welfare 2021. Trust, beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, with the initial report due by November 30, 2021. R4. The Sheriff's Office SCSO This Recommendation will not be The Grand Jury use its $1.6 million Inmate implemented. On June 17, 2021, the SCSO acknowledges that this returned to normal visiting operations. The Recommendation will not be Welfare Trust surplus to remove all charges for SCSO also continues to provide each inmate implemented. The GJ also telephone service while in- recognizes that the SCSO has a free 10-minute phone call per day. made changes that improve person visitation is suspended, on or before inmate access to in-person September 30, 2021. visits and phone usage. R5. The Sheriff's Office SCSO This Recommendation requires further The Grand Jury analysis. The SCSO intends to change the acknowledges that this reevaluate its commissary Recommendation requires markup to be in line with pricing structure with an updated and modernized commissary system based on further analysis and cannot be grocery store, as opposed to convenience store pricing, analysis expected to be completed in implemented until the December 2021. While it is the intent of the on or before September 1, analysis is completed in December 2021. The GJ also SCSO to sell hygiene supplies and 2021. stationery products with a 0% mark-up, recognizes the SCSO does snack items will not be priced similar to a not have the ability at the grocery store because the pricing structure MADF to purchase in bulk needs to compensate for the additional costs and store in large quantity to at the MADF (security, small storage area, obtain discount pricing. The delivery, etc.) that are not present in a MADF also incurs more direct overhead costs than grocery store setting. that of a grocery store. R6. By September 30, SCSO This Recommendation has not yet been The Grand Jury 2021, the Sheriff's Office, implemented, but will be in the future. acknowledges that this Recommendation will be using the reserve Inmate Prolonged interactions between inmates Welfare Trust funds, from different housing areas has been implemented in the future. resume all inmate programs eliminated in order to reduce the spread of The GJ recognizes that the in existence pre-COVID, COVID-19. Detention staff will resume COVID-19 safety precautions with funding at the same pre-pandemic level programming when it is create program challenges in level once COVID related safe to do so. the MADF congregate restrictions are lifted. setting. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB4
  SCSO This Recommendation will not be R7. The Sheriff's Office The Grand Jury acknowledges that this implemented. The Inmate Welfare Trust restructure the 10-member Inmate Welfare Trust Committee provides recommendations and Recommendation will not be Committee by December direction to the Sheriff on inmate programs implemented. The GJ also 31, 2021 to include more and IWT expenditures. The SCSO is always recognizes that Penal Code § diverse representation, for open to suggestions from the community. 5006 applies only to state prisons and not the MADF. example, community members, financial analysts, social workers and educators to bring the Committee more in line with the requirements of Penal Code § 5006 regarding commission membership standards for State Prisons. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report COVID-19 MITIGATION AND THE COUNTY JAIL Background: The Grand Jury investigated activities by the Court, the District Attorney and the Sheriff's Department to reduce jail populations and lessen the likelihood of a major COVID-19 outbreak within the jail. The Sheriff's Office made significant efforts to mitigate Covid-19 transmission throughout its detention facilities to ensure the on-going health and safety of inmates and employees. The Grand Jury recognized the success of the Sheriff's Office in avoiding a major COVID-19 outbreak in the jail. However, some actions significantly limited the ability of inmates to communicate with family and legal representatives. Other actions limited inmates' access to educational and recreational resources. The Grand Jury made several Recommendations aimed at restoring inmates' rights and maintaining reduced prison populations. GJ = Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury; RES = Respondent; SCSO= Sonoma County Sheriff's Office; DA = Sonoma County District Attorney; MADF = Main Adult Detention Facility 2021-2022 GJ
• OB5
  R1. The Sheriff's Office SCSO This Recommendation has not yet been The Grand Jury acknowledges that this develop, no later than implemented but will be implemented in Recommendation will be September 1, 2021, a policy the future. However, the SCSO partially to restore out of cell disagrees with the Recommendation implemented in the future, activity, in person and video because out of cell activities partly depend with a specific goal of visitation, and all programs on inmate population over which it does implementation of video to pre-pandemic levels. visitation programs by April not have final control. It is the goal of the Sheriff's Office to have a revised policy 1, 2022. completed by April 1, 2022. R2. The Sheriff's Office SCSO This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury implement 30-minutes of implemented. As of June 19, 2021, the acknowledges that this Recommendation has been video visits per week by Sheriff's Office has restored in-person September 30, 2021, and visiting to pre-pandemic levels. implemented through the continue until it fully restoration of in-person visits. restores in-person visits to the pre-pandemic levels. R3. The Sheriff's Office The Grand Jury SCSO This Recommendation will not be should continue the implemented because it is not warranted or acknowledges this Recommendation will not be pandemic-era policies reasonable. The SCSO cannot legally "favor" citations over arrests. The decision favoring citations over implemented. of citation vs arrest is the responsibility of arrests. the officer in the field. R4. The Sheriff's Office SCSO The Grand Jury This Recommendation requires further acknowledges that this and the Board of analysis. The SCSO recognizes the substantial role discharge planners play for Recommendation requires Supervisors work together to develop a plan by inmates with ongoing mental health and further analysis. A future GJ December 21, 2021 to medical needs. The SCSO will monitor may choose to follow up on this issue. increase the contracted case load and issue recommendations to Wellpath resources to fund the BOS as needed. four additional Wellpath Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES. RESPONSES
• OB6
  discharge planners for mental health and medical assignments to the Main Adult Detention Facility. DA This Recommendation will not be R5. The District Attorney The Grand Jury discontinue cash bail for acknowledges that this implemented because the DA does not Recommendation cannot be defendants charged with have authority to unilaterally discontinue misdemeanors and non- cash bail. However, the DA acknowledges fully implemented at this violent, non-sexual and less that the practice of issuing citations rather time. serious felonies. than making arrests for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies has helped keep the MADF population from increasing. Further, it involves not only the arrest practices of the SCSO, but that of all law enforcement agencies. R6. The Sheriff's Office SCSO The Grand Jury This Recommendation has not yet been implement a surveillance- implemented but will be implemented in acknowledges that this Recommendation will be testing program and require the future. The California Dept of Public 100% participation by all Health Services order dated July 26, 2021, implemented. unvaccinated jail staff by requires implementation of the September 1, 2021. Recommendation. The SCSO will be fully compliant with the Order by August 23, 2021. R7. The Sheriff's Office SCSO This Recommendation will not be The Grand Jury reassign jail staff who implemented because it is not warranted or acknowledges that this decline vaccination or reasonable. This is a Human Resources Recommendation will not be participation in surveillance issue and will be addressed through the implemented. Given the testing by September 1, Sonoma County Human Resources State Public Health Order, this Recommendation is no 2021. Department. longer relevant as vaccination tracking or surveillance testing is now mandatory for State and local correctional facilities and detention centers. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report BROADBAND ACCESS IN SONOMA COUNTY Background: Access to high quality internet ("Broadband") is not available throughout all of Sonoma County due to the rugged, rural nature of much of the County, the reluctance of broadband providers to underwrite expansion to underserved areas, and the difficulty many residents have in paying for broadband services. This "digital divide" prevents many individuals from participating fully in our increasingly digital society. The Grand Jury investigated the current state of broadband availability in the County and identified several means through which it could be improved. RES = Respondent; GJ = Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury; BOS = Sonoma County Board of Supervisors; EDB = Economic Development Board; TPW = Department of Transportation and Public Works; PS = Permit Sonoma; COA = Sonoma County Office of Administration; ASB = Access Sonoma Broadband 2021-2022 GJ
• OB7
  BOS R1. The Sonoma County This is interpreted as a two-part The Grand Jury recognizes that Board of Supervisors Recommendation: (1) The Sonoma County BOS has interpreted this consider recognizing and Board of Supervisors consider recognizing Recommendation as having designating broadband as a and designating broadband as a "Utility; two parts. The GJ "Utility" that needs (2) Broadband needs prioritization. acknowledges that Part 1 prioritization by October requires further analysis and Part 1 of this Recommendation requires 31, 2021. that designation as a "utility" is further analysis. The Economic dependent on determination of Development Board is beginning a governance structure that is assessment of a governance structure that yet to be determined. would best support broadband infrastructure development and The GJ acknowledges that Part maintenance. This assessment will also 2 of this Recommendation has include analysis of options regarding the been partially implemented County's role with the Office of Broadband through inclusion in the Five- and Digital Literacy and the State's new Year Specific Plan. Office of Broadband. Part 2 of this Recommendation has been implemented. On March 2, 2021, the BOS approved a Five-Year Strategic Plan that includes specific objectives related to broadband deployment and access. The Grand Jury acknowledges R2. The Sonoma County BOS This Recommendation has been Board of Supervisors adopt implemented. On June 8, 2021, the Board that this Recommendation has of Supervisors approved the Broadband and support a plan to been implemented. address a lack of broadband Action Plan and allocated $315,000 to fund access in the County by the initial phase of the Action Plan. November 30, 2021. BOS R3. The Sonoma County This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Recommendation has Board of Supervisors implemented. The EDB has initiated the Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB8
  been implemented. The GJ Broadband Speed Test Initiative, which provide staff and funding to allow the Economic allows community members to test their also notes that speed tests do Development Board and current home internet speeds. When all not address a lack of service Access Sonoma Broadband tests are complete, the EDB will analyze due to unavailability or cost. the data, and may request funding from the to develop accurate data on broadband service for the Board of Supervisors if additional study is County by December 31, needed. 2021. BOS This Recommendation has not been R4. The Sonoma County The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Recommendation has Board of Supervisors and implemented but will be implemented in Economic Development the future. The Board of Supervisors is not been implemented but will Board assemble an awaiting a set of recommendations from be implemented in the future. interdepartmental group to EDB concerning the governing structure coordinate and oversee needed to implement their Broadband efforts in Broadband Action plan. expansion by November 30, EDB This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges 2021. that this Recommendation has implemented but will be implemented in the future. An RFP for consulting services not been implemented but it will be implemented in the related to Broadband expansion is currently in development, with a release future. planned for late July 2021. The scope includes comprehensive research of potential governing structures and the creation of a business plan for the recommended structure. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded in September 2021, with a governance structure and partnerships identified in late 2021. BOS R5. The Sonoma County This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges Board of Supervisors and implemented. In 2016, the County of that the Recommendation has the Economic Development Sonoma entered into a Joint Powers been implemented by means of Board consider the the NBNCBC, and that a Agreement with Marin County, Napa potentially more powerful JPA establishment of a County and Mendocino County to broadband Joint Powers coordinate efforts to improve broadband is under consideration (see access for rural communities. Through the Agreement that includes EDB response below). North Bay North Coast Broadband Sonoma County, Consortium (NBNCBC) the four counties Mendocino County, and possibly other neighboring have worked to identify broadband counties by November 30, deployment opportunities, locate 2021. broadband funding sources, complete broadband strategic plans and help broadband service providers take advantage of funding to address broadband opportunities. The NBNCBC has also worked to recommend the member counties authorize coordination with local, Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES. RESPONSES
• OB9
  state and federal officials to review and support regulations and policies to further expand broadband deployment to rural areas. EDB This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury recognizes that this Recommendation will implemented but will be implemented in the future. A Joint Powers Agreement be implemented in the future. (JPA) is one of the structures recommended by the Broadband Action Plan, and will be considered as part of the scope of work outlined in the response to R4. The County will consider if a regional model is an appropriate tool for deploying broadband infrastructure in Sonoma County. BOS R6. The Sonoma County This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Recommendation has Board of Supervisors give a implemented. The County has given high high priority to addressing priority to accomplishing the Broadband been implemented. However, Action Plan and has allocated $315,000 for personnel levels sufficient the GJ notes that the allocation to accomplish the goals of a the initial stages of this work (consulting addresses the initial phase of broadband specific plan. service, legal services, and grant this work and does not directly address personnel levels. management). R7. The Sonoma County TPW This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Recommendation has Department of implemented but will be implemented in PS Transportation, Permit the future. By December 31, 2021, TPW not been implemented but will Sonoma and Access will begin working with Permit Sonoma to be implemented in the future. Sonoma Broadband start the development of formal public right-of-way construction standards that develop procedures and standards that would ensure will facilitate the permitting and installation of broadband facilities. placement of broadband conduit in all appropriate ASB The Grand Jury acknowledges This Recommendation requires further situations by December 31, that this Recommendation analysis. It is unlikely that ASB will exist 2021. at an operational capacity sufficient to requires further analysis on the create and recommend policy before a part of ASB. governance structure is identified and created (see R4 above). R8. In the annual budget BOS This Recommendation requires further The Grand Jury acknowledges process the Sonoma County analysis. The next opportunity to allocate that this Recommendation Board of Supervisors and funding, during the annual budget process, requires further analysis and the Office of that the County budget is set will take place in June, 2022. Administration include on an annual basis. BOS will evaluation of the costs of not be able to consider laying cable or empty cable/conduit fund allocation conduit in upcoming until June 2022. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB10
  infrastructure projects by COA This Recommendation requires further The Grand Jury acknowledges December 31, 2021. analysis. The County Administrator's that this Recommendation Office will work with departments to requires further analysis. determine if funding is available for "laying cable or empty conduit in upcoming infrastructure projects" and will make appropriate recommendations to the Board of Supervisors through the normal budget hearing process. BOS R9. The Sonoma County This Recommendation requires further The Grand Jury acknowledges EDB that this Recommendation Board of Supervisors, the analysis. Though download/upload speeds of 100/20 have been recommended by the requires further analysis and Economic Development and Board, and Access Sonoma ASB state as well as identified by NBNCBC as that implementation depends Broadband include in the on establishment of a working a target, it is unlikely that formal adoption of any particular speed recommendation implementation of any plan. broadband plan a clear will be made locally before a governing requirement for the structure and business plan are identified and created. It is anticipated that an update download and upload on this work would be made to the BOS speeds of 100/20 proposed in State of California within six months. Executive Order N-73-20 to be the minimal acceptable level of service by September 30, 2021. The Grand Jury acknowledges R10. The Sonoma County This Recommendation requires further BOS that this Recommendation Board of Supervisors assure analysis. Though fiber optic cable or its equivalent is a widely used benchmark, it that any plan for broadband requires further analysis and is unlikely that the County will adopt expansion should utilize depends on adoption of a plan. fiber optic cable formal transmission standards before a transmission or its governing structure and business plan are identified and created. equivalent whenever it is possible by November 30, 2021. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report EMERGENCY ALERTS AND COMMUNICATIONS Background: Wildfires and other emergency situations have threatened Sonoma County and its residents for many of the last several years. There have been losses of lives, property, and a sense of security. This Grand Jury Report centered on emergency communications. Information must be precise, accurate and continuously updated. The Jury found that significant improvements in communication policies, procedures, and practices have been made since the Tubbs fire in 2017. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) have worked in conjunction with the nine cities of the county to ensure that all residents have access to good information. The Jury also noted four specific areas in which improvement was still needed. In addition, the Jury included a comprehensive listing of available resources for information, both before and in case of an emergency. This information is on pages 83-87 of the full report, which is available at any County library and online at www.sonomagrandjury.org. RES = Respondent; GJ = Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury; SCSO = Sonoma County Sheriff's Office; DEM = Dept. of Emergency Management; CCL = City of Cloverdale; CC = City of Cotati; CH = City of Healdsburg; CP = City of Petaluma; CRP = City of Rohnert Park; CSR = City of Santa Rosa; CS = City of Sebastopol; CSO = City of Sonoma; TW = Town of Windsor; BOS = Sonoma County Board of Supervisors; SCFCA = Sonoma County Fire Chief's Association 2021-2022 GJ
• OB11
  ALERTS AND WARNINGS R1. By October 31, 2021, SCSO The Recommendation will not be The Grand Jury acknowledges the Sheriff's office, Dept. of implemented. The Sonoma County that this Recommendation will CSO Sheriff's Office is not responsible for the Emergency Management not be implemented. The GJ and nine cities' departments county's EOPs nor does it control the notes that the Sheriff's Office include within their county's disaster alert and warning does post alerts on Nixle. Emergency Operations program. Plans action steps to reach DEM The Recommendation may not be The Grand Jury acknowledges all subpopulations within implemented as it is vague. The County's that this Recommendation may the County who may not Alert and Warning Annex is responsible not be implemented. otherwise receive an alert. for these requirements. CCL This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Recommendation has implemented. SR been implemented. CS CC The Grand Jury acknowledges This Recommendation is being implemented. The EOP will be updated by that this Recommendation is CP October 31, 2021. being implemented. CRP CH TW This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges that that this Recommendation implemented. Emergency alert services are provided by the SoCo Sheriff's Office Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB12
  and the SoCo Fire District which use Nixle will be part of Town of and social media platforms to alert Windsor updated EOP in 2022. residents of emergencies. Windsor's EOP will be updated in 2022. BOS R2. By October 31, 2021, This Recommendation has not and may not The Grand Jury acknowledges the Board of Supervisors that this Recommendation has be implemented. The County has review and propose developed robust systems to reach most not been implemented. The GJ additional alert and warning residents, as demonstrated in recent also recognizes that BOS and methods such as air raid disasters. In cases of broadband DES continue to explore additional ways to improve and sirens and public address unavailability it has used National Weather systems to put Radio to target challenging areas and expand warning systems. contingencies in place when populations, and has provided more than broadband fails or is not 10,000 weather radios. Hi-Lo sirens have been mounted on vehicles, and DEM available. continues to explore siren networks and other technologies. DEM This Recommendation has not been R3. By October 31, 2021, The Grand Jury acknowledges the Department of that that this Recommendation implemented but will be implemented in Emergency Management will be implemented in the the future. Emergency communications explain the challenges are addressed with residents at every event. future. behind the emergency communications in order that residents may understand, trust and appreciate the complexity and the ongoing work it takes to maintain effectiveness- EVACUATIONS SCO R4. By October 8, 2021, This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges the Sheriff's Office, that this Recommendation has implemented. The evacuation map has DEM Department of Emergency been shared with all nine cities, the DEM been implemented. CC Management, and nine and every law enforcement agency and fire CCL cities work together to agency within Sonoma County. ensure consistent naming CH for all evacuation maps CP used by the public and first CRP responders. CS CSO CSR TW Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB13
  SCSO This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges R5. By October 8, 2021, the Sheriff's Office, that this Recommendation has implemented. Since late 2020 the Sheriff's DEM Department of Emergency Office worked with all nine cities to create been implemented. CC Management, and nine a unified evacuation mapping system. This CCL cities work together to County-wide evacuation map of the ensure the public is unincorporated areas along with all nine CH informed of their cities was posted on the websites of the CP Sheriff's Office and the Department of evacuation zones by CRP publishing evacuation maps Emergency Management on May 24, 2021. in local media, online, and CS through SoCo Emergency. CSO CSR TW 2021-2022 GJ
• OB14
  INFRASTRUCTURE SCSO The Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges R6. By December 31, 2021, the Sheriff's Office implemented. The SCSO that this Recommendation has develop a plan and identify Telecommunications Bureau continually been implemented. what is needed to bring the monitors and analyzes existing equipment communication tower and systems. Critical items are submitted equipment/repeaters up-to- annually to BOS for funding. A current date to ensure during an list of projects is in the FY 2021-2026 emergency the systems Capital Improvement Plan. function (legacy and end of life systems.) SCSO The Grand Jury acknowledges R7. By March 31, 2022, The Recommendation has not been the Sheriff's Office and that implementation of this implemented but will be implemented in Board of Supervisors the future. SCSO submits requests on Recommendation depends on provide funding to maintain behalf of the Telecommunications Bureau budget decisions made each the communication tower through the County's Capital Improvement spring by BOS. Plan. Funding is part of the annual spring equipment/repeaters. budgeting process. BOS This Recommendation requires further The Grand Jury acknowledges analysis. The next opportunity to allocate that this Recommendation funding will be through the annual requires further analysis and budgeting process in June, 2022. The cannot be implemented until Administration will work with departments budget decisions are made. to determine if projects are warranted and funding is available. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB15
  SCSO The Grand Jury acknowledges R8. By June 30, 2022, the This Recommendation has not yet been Sheriff's Office implement implemented but will be implemented in that this Recommendation will the plan to bring the the future. Actions will depend on the be implemented in the future as communication tower assessment of needs (R7) and BOS funding budgeting decisions are made of projects in the 2021-2026 Capital by BOS each spring. equipment/repeaters up-to- Improvement Plan. date. R9. By December 31, DEM This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury recognizes that implementation of this 2021, the Department of implemented and may not be implemented. PS Recommendation relies on the Emergency Management Commercial broadband providers are not work with Permit Sonoma required to share infrastructure location cooperation of commercial to identify where all cellular and do not do so as it is considered cellular providers which may provider towers are in the proprietary information. Some locations not be forthcoming. The GJ accepts that DEM also are known, but this is not considered county. considers this location necessary for optimal use of alert warning information is not needed for systems. use of the emergency alert system SCSO This Recommendation will not be R10. By October 31, 2021 The Grand Jury accepts that the Sheriff's Office and SCSO and DEM cannot assume implemented because it is not warranted or DEM Department of Emergency reasonable. The County cannot assume responsibility for sites that are Management work with the responsibility for vegetation management not under County control. on sites it does not own or control. Fire Agencies in the county However, the GJ encourages work to ensure that county agencies to support defensible space standards efforts to maintain defensible (as outlined by CAL FIRE) space standards for all are met for all county infrastructure that is involved in communication emergency alert systems. towers/repeaters and SCFCA SCFCA supports and concurs with this The Grand Jury acknowledges cellular provider network Recommendation. that SCFCA supports this towers. Recommendation. SCSO R11. By September 30, This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges 2021, The Sheriff's Office that this Recommendation has implemented. SCSO and DEM coordinate DEM and Department of with CALFIRE and local agencies to been implemented. Emergency Management protect local infrastructure. An example is work with the Fire protection of the Mt. Jackson site during Agencies in the County to the LNU Complex fire in 2020. define actions to take The Grand Jury acknowledges SCFCA supports and concurs with this SCFCA during a disaster for the that SCFCA supports this Recommendation. protection of all County Recommendation. communication towers/repeaters and cellular network towers. R12. By December 31, DEM This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury accepts that 2021, the Department of implemented and may not be implemented. DEM does not set safety requirements for commercial Emergency Management DEM does not establish infrastructure Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB16
  safety requirements for cellular providers, cellular providers' work with cellular tower infrastructure. The Jury providers to ensure a plan is but as partners in public safety will support encourages DEM to facilitate developed to ensure their efforts. measures that support the spirit defensible space standards of this Recommendation. are implemented around each tower. This Recommendation has not been R13. By October 31, 2021, DEM The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Recommendation will the Department of implemented but will be implemented in Emergency Management the future. A new County Emergency be implemented by the end of update the County 2021, and that After Action Management Plan is expected to be Emergency Operations Plan submitted for review and approval by BOS Reports and Recommendations to incorporate and post on in the 4th quarter of 2021. After Action will be posted. the Department of Reports will continue to be posted on the DEM website. Emergency Management website the most up-to-date information and Recommendations from the After Action Reports since the disasters of 2017. The Grand Jury acknowledges R14. By October 31, 2021, BOS This Recommendation is in the process of that this Recommendation will the Board of Supervisors being implemented. An updated plan is approve the updated County being prepared and is expected to be be implemented early in 2022. Emergency Operations submitted to BOS in the first quarter of 2022. Completion has been delayed by the Plan. need to comply with the County's new strategic plan and a new State law dealing with community engagement and cultural considerations. CC R15. By October 31, 2021, This Recommendation has been The Grand Jury acknowledges the nine cities update their that this Recommendation has implemented, although the Emergency CCL Operations Plan is a long-term planning Emergency Operations Plan been implemented. CH to incorporate the most up- document and is not necessarily an CS to-date information and appropriate site for most up to date information. lessons learned since the disasters of 2017 and post it CSO The Grand Jury acknowledges This Recommendation has not been on their websites. that this Recommendation will implemented but it will be in the future. CSR Updating is a continuing process, and the be implemented in the future. CRP Emergency Operating Plan is not CP necessarily an appropriate site for the most up to date information. TW This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges Implemented and may not be implemented that this Recommendation may because the Emergency Operation Plan is not be implemented. not an appropriate site for detailed information. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES.
• OB17
  This Recommendation has not been DEM The Grand Jury acknowledges R16. By September 30, that this Recommendation has 2021, Department of implemented and may not be implemented. Emergency Management The Emergency Operations Plan for Warm not been implemented because obtain from the US Army Springs Dam is available to County the Emergency Operations Plan Corps of Engineers a copy officials but subject to a non-disclosure is subject to a non-disclosure agreement. The Army Corps of Engineers of the Emergency agreement. Operations Plan for Warm must balance security concerns and public Springs Dam and safety with release of information. incorporate it into the County Emergency Operations Plan and post it on the Department of Emergency Management website. DEM R17. By December 31, This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges that this Recommendation will 2021, Department of implemented and may not be implemented. not be implemented because the Emergency Management, The County submits reports as part of the through the San Francisco SF Bay Area Local Emergency appropriate Bay Area and State Bay Area Counties, submit Communications Committee which has not organizations are currently non- its annual Emergency Alert met since 2010; this local committee is functional. These organizations System Plan to the State are expected to be reconstituted. controlled by the State Emergency Emergency Alert System Communications Committee which has not Committee of California as met since 2011 but is being reconstituted recommended within the and will hold annual meetings. 2019 State of California Alert and Warnings Guidelines. BOS This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges R18. By December 31, 2021, the Board of implemented and may not be implemented. that this Recommendation has These plans are multiple and complex and not been implemented and may Supervisors adopt a it is impractical to review and update them not be implemented because resolution that all major County disaster plans annually. Plans will be updated on a three annual updating is impractical. having to do with year or as needed basis. Emergencies and Emergency Preparedness be considered "Living Documents" to be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. DEM This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges R19. By December 31, implemented but it will be implemented in 2021, the Department of that this Recommendation will Emergency Management the future. DEM supports multiple be implemented in the future publicize the work of and that support of community community preparedness groups and will community preparedness continue to do so. DEM has applied for a preparedness groups is an groups such as Citizens grant to support these efforts. ongoing process. Organized to Prepare for Emergencies, Community Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report 2021-2022 GJ RES. RESPONSES
• OB18
  Emergency Response Teams, and Community Organizations Around Disasters to more effectively reach all residents about emergency alerts and warnings. BOS This Recommendation has not been The Grand Jury acknowledges R20. By December 31, that this Recommendation 2021, the Board of implemented and requires further analysis. Supervisors increase the The capacity of the DEM Community requires further analysis and capacity of the Department Preparedness function has been increased implementation will be part of of Emergency over the last several years. Community the budgeting process. Management's Community Preparedness is a BOS priority and we Preparedness function in anticipate this discussion will take place order to effectively engage during budget hearings. DEM is currently the greater community in applying for federal grants, which would disaster preparedness with support preparedness efforts including groups such as Fire Safe developing Community Emergency Sonoma, neighborhood Response Teams. groups such as Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies, and Community Emergency Response Teams to foster resilience. Continuity Responses to 2020-2021 Report

Agency Responses 1

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