Score: +20 (20/0/0)

Orange County Grand Jury • 2023-2024

2023-2024 Grand Jury Final Report*

Published: June 30, 2024 188 pages Consolidated Report

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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 10 findings

F1 Page 28

Mental health training for law enforcement officers in Orange County exceeds the State's requirements, resulting in law enforcement applying these skills to better evaluate and handle mental health calls for service.

F2 Page 28

Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities.

F3 Page 28

Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service.

F4 Page 28

People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations.

F5 Page 28

Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues.

F6 Page 55

There is some concern that there are not enough composting facilities in Orange County to process all organic waste, forcing some jurisdictions/haulers to transport it long distances for processing.

F7 Page 55

There is currently no infrastructure in the county that is a State-approved source of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and energy from organic waste. Jurisdictions that use vehicles running on RNG procured from non-approved sources cannot count that RNG towards fulfillment of their procurement requirement.

F8 Page 55

The formula used by the State to calculate a jurisdiction's procurement target does not account for a jurisdiction's population density or geographic size (square miles). As such, meeting the annual procurement target presents a significant challenge for most jurisdictions.

F9 Page 55

Many Orange County jurisdictions were unable to meet the requirement in SB 1383 to reduce organic waste sent to landfills by the 2020 deadline. It is unlikely the required seventy-five percent reduction will be achieved by the 2025 deadline.

F10 Page 55

The current procurement requirements mandated by SB 1383 are unrealistic and likely unachievable by most jurisdictions.

Recommendations 7

R1
Page 56

All jurisdictions should expedite the acquisition and distribution of residential containers that meet the CalRecycle standardized colors. Additionally, until the Report compliant containers can be distributed, all jurisdictions should ensure the 2 distribution of labeling for non-compliant containers that explain the current SB 1383 requirements applicable to their jurisdiction by June 30, 2025. Funding and Enforcement
R2
Page 56

By December 31, 2024, all jurisdictions should ensure their waste hauling agreements are in compliance with State statute so that haulers may be designated to perform certain required tasks but are not improperly delegated overall responsibility for compliance. Additionally, all jurisdictions should ensure that any fines collected by a hauler are forwarded to the jurisdiction.
R3
Page 56

The OCGJ recommends that all jurisdictions utilize a dedicated waste and recycling enterprise fund for collection of fines for non-compliance with SB 1383 by December 31, 2024. Education and Outreach
R4
Page 56

By December 31, 2024, all jurisdictions should diversify the methods and media used for education and outreach to include, among others, various social media platforms, emails to residents, newspaper, television, flyer mailings, community events, and appearances at other public gatherings.
R5
Page 56

By December 31, 2024, and in order to gauge the effectiveness of their education and outreach efforts, all jurisdictions should develop new methods to engage residents directly to help determine their awareness of the requirements associated with SB 1383, such as surveys, online quizzes, and door-to-door polling. Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products By June 30, 2025, the OCGJ recommends that all jurisdictions participate in the
R6
Page 56

OCW&R-led efforts to develop a coordinated county-wide approach to the organics recycling infrastructure and programs as well as procurement requirements associated with SB 1383, working towards creating circular economy as a long-term goal. Talking Trash: Recyclables and Organic Waste
R7
Page 57

By December 31, 2024, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and all Orange County cities should lobby appropriate members of the State Legislature and/or CalRecycle to revise the organic waste diversion targets to better reflect Orange County's waste amounts, revise the jurisdictions' procurement requirements to better represent the limited options currently available for procurement, the jurisdictions' varying populations, population densities, and geographic size, Report and to delay associated enforcement actions by the State. RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the Findings and Recommendations of this Grand Jury report: Section 933 (c) No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body, and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head and any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. One copy shall be placed on file with the applicable grand jury final report by, and in the control of the currently impaneled grand jury, where it shall be maintained for a minimum of five years. Section 933.05. (a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons thereof. 2023-2024 Talking Trash: Recyclables and Organic Waste (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. Report (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented 2 in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation, thereof.

Commendations 11

CM1 Page 138

Central Newport Beach Community Association provided important data and various studies on E-bike usage in Newport Beach
CM2 Page 27

Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (OCCJCC) - The OCCJCC is to be commended for its efforts to improve public safety through greater inter-agency communication, coordination and collaboration regarding law enforcement and administration of justice issues including mental health.28 28 Orange County Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 2001-38, Adopted February 6, 2001, OCCJCC Proposed Reorganization. 2023-2024
CM3 Page 13

Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service Report Orange County Intake Release Center (IRC) - The IRC is to be commended for partnering with the OCHCA to reduce inmate behavioral health crises.
CM4 Page 54

County of Orange, OC Waste & Recycling is commended for having successfully met SB 1383 mandates, developing new composting infrastructure, a model education and outreach program, moving towards robust and repurposing recycling programs, and developing gas-to-energy facilities to produce renewable Report energy. 2 City of Mission Viejo, Solid Waste Program is commended for their proactive implementation of SB 1383 mandates, distributing compliant waste containers to all residents, and producing a robust outreach and education program using numerous delivery methods. City of Santa Ana Public Works, Trash and Recycling Program is commended for proactively revising their hauler contract to meet SB 1383 requirements, producing a notable and ongoing outreach and education program, distributing compliant waste containers to all residents, and fostering a highly collaborative relationship with their hauler.
CM5 Page 86

Thank you! The following organizations and agencies are commended for contributing to the 2023- 2024 Grand Jury's goal of better understanding the use of Al in public schools:
CM6 Page 86

Santa Ana Unified School District
CM7 Page 86

Superintendents/delegates who responded to the OCGJ Survey Orange Unified School District, Department of Information Technology Orange County Department of Education Orange County Board of Education 2023-2024
CM8 Page 73

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools (K-12), It's Not Elementary
CM9 Page 115

The OCGJ commends the Orange County Assessor's Office for being one of only a few assessor offices in California that has a full-time Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate provides an important resource for taxpayers who may have questions or concerns about their property taxes or assessments.
CM10 Page 173

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) - The Irvine Ranch Water District successfully acquired 5 water providers serving 57,000 residents since 1999. These consolidations provide reliable water supply at equitable rates, which are mutually beneficial to all customers. City of San Clemente - Based on interviews and a comprehensive site visit, the OCGJ found the City of San Clemente does an excellent job in maintaining and operating its water and wastewater utility systems. This integrated system augments the City's local recycled water sources and is beneficial in reusing urban runoff and reducing biosolids. Report 47 South Coast Water District, CA (scwd.org)
CM11 Page 153

Emerging Opportunities in South County Water/Wastewater Systems

Agency Responses 5

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

City of Fullerton

August 06, 2024 • 2 pages • 3 responses • Score: +3 (+3, 0, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

3 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Agree Score: +1

The Respondent agrees with the findings. From January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, Fullerton Police Officers completed 565.5 hours of mental health training in the following course titles: TRAINING COURSE Homeless Liaison Officer Intervention & De-escalation Techniques for SROs Learning Portal-Autism Recognition and Response Learning Portal-De-Escalation: Enhancing Strategies for Everyday Encounters Learning Portal-Homelessness and Policing: A Collaborative Approach Learning Portal-Media Course-Mental Health: Responding to Individuals in Crisis Mental Health Crisis Intervention I Mental Healt...

Response: Agree Score: +1

The Respondent agrees with the findings. The City of Fullerton Police Department (Fullerton PD) partners with the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) and HOPE Center to have mental health clinicians arrive on mental health calls for service with police officers to help de-escalate the situation and provide resources. Fullerton PD also received $1 million from Orange County Supervisor Doug Chafee's Supervisorial District Discretionary Grant to help fund a two-year pilot Social Worker Program. These licensed clinical social workers will be dispatched alongside or in lieu of police officer...

Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service.

Response: Agree Score: +1

: Law Enforcement collaboration with the County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service. Response: The Respondent agrees with the findings. From January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, Fullerton Police Department responded to 839 mental health calls for service. These calls were cleared as 5150, 5585, or contained remarks indicating a mental health issue was suspected or referenced in the following call types: 914A (attempted suicide), Welfare Check, Transient Problem, Department Assist, or 415F (Famil...

City of Orange

June 12, 2024 • 2 pages • 2 responses • Score: +2 (+2, 0, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

2 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Agree Score: +1

The respondent agrees with the finding.

Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The respondent agrees with the finding.

Fullerton Joint Union High School District

September 05, 2024 • 4 pages • 8 responses • Score: +8 (+8, 0, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

8 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Agree Score: +1

Orange County's K-12 public schools have implemented policies and/or guidelines around the use of different AI platforms in varying and inconsistent ways. Some prohibit AI's use; others allow it: and some don't have policies or guidelines governing AI at all. FJUHSD agrees with the finding. FJUHSD has not yet adopted specific board policies governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, the District has developed internal guidelines for the appropriate use of AI by both teachers and students.

All jurisdictions should expedite the acquisition and distribution of residential containers that meet the CalRecycle standardized colors. Additionally, until the Report compliant containers can be distributed, all jurisdictions should ensure the 2 distribution of labeling for non-compliant containers that explain the current SB 1383 requirements applicable to their jurisdiction by June 30, 2025. Funding and Enforcement

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

By June 30, 2025, Orange County's K-12 schools should implement policies and guidelines regarding the appropriate use of AI. These may be provided at the district level or within individual schools through the adoption of an Acceptable Use Policy, Code of Ethics, or other written directives addressing the use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. FJUHSD is actively collaborating with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) to ensure legal compliance in the development of AI-relat...

Response: Agree Score: +1

Superintendents provide varying levels of support in implementing AI policies and/or guidelines in their respective school districts. FJUHSD agrees with this finding. Date Page 2 FJUHSD's Superintendent has approved the creation of a Coordinator of Educational Services position, which commenced on July 1, 2024. This position is dedicated to supporting advancements in Educational Technology, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, the Superintendent endorsed the development and implementation of district AI guidelines in the spring of 2024. The Superintendent h...

By December 31, 2024, all jurisdictions should ensure their waste hauling agreements are in compliance with State statute so that haulers may be designated to perform certain required tasks but are not improperly delegated overall responsibility for compliance. Additionally, all jurisdictions should ensure that any fines collected by a hauler are forwarded to the jurisdiction.

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

Superintendents should ensure that their schools have policies that cover, at a minimum: the scope, guiding principles, and training regarding the responsible use of AI tools by students and teachers; any prohibited uses of special considerations regarding AI tools; and related security, privacy, and safety considerations. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. FJUHSD is actively collaborating with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) to ensure legal compliance in the development of A...

Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service.

Response: Agree Score: +1

There are many resources to guide educators in using AI. Several are available at the local level through the Orange County Department of Education, Orange County Board of Education, CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County, and Orange Unified School District Technology Department, to name a few. However, utilization and even awareness of the availability of such resources is highly variable across school districts. FJUHSD agrees with this finding. The establishment of the additional Coordinator of Educational Services position, which encompasses oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI), provide...

The OCGJ recommends that all jurisdictions utilize a dedicated waste and recycling enterprise fund for collection of fines for non-compliance with SB 1383 by December 31, 2024. Education and Outreach

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

K-12 students should be trained on the appropriate use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. FJUHSD is in the process of developing a formal training program for students on the appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ongoing research will be conducted to explore various aspects of AI, with a focus on identifying student needs and ensuring the protection of their privacy and data.

By December 31, 2024, all jurisdictions should diversify the methods and media used for education and outreach to include, among others, various social media platforms, emails to residents, newspaper, television, flyer mailings, community events, and appearances at other public gatherings.

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

K-12 teachers should be trained on the appropriate use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. FJUHSD is currently in the preliminary planning stages of developing and implementing training programs for teachers on the appropriate and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We are also conducting thorough research into the various dimensions of AI. This research will continue as we work to identify the necessary tools and knowledge teachers require to successfully integrate AI into their instructional practices. In the spring of 202...

By December 31, 2024, and in order to gauge the effectiveness of their education and outreach efforts, all jurisdictions should develop new methods to engage residents directly to help determine their awareness of the requirements associated with SB 1383, such as surveys, online quizzes, and door-to-door polling. Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products By June 30, 2025, the OCGJ recommends that all jurisdictions participate in the

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

Date Page 4 Schools and educators should be encouraged to collaborate with the various available AI consortiums and think tanks, such as OCDE and CLAOC, to effectively implement AI and establish basic tenets for its use. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. FJUHSD's Coordinator of Educational Services, responsible for overseeing Educational Technology, is planning the following: participate in the Designing Schools courses on the AI Bootcamp: Orange County; serve as an AI Lead for the District in collaboration with the Orange County Department...

Fullerton Joint Union High School District Supplemental Response 11/01/24

November 01, 2024 • 4 pages • 7 responses • Score: +7 (+7, 0, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

7 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Agree Score: +1

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

By June 30, 2025, Orange County's K-12 schools should implement policies and guidelines regarding the appropriate use of AI. These may be provided at the district level or within individual schools through the adoption of an Acceptable Use Policy, Code of Ethics, or other written directives addressing the use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented by June 30, 2025. FJUHSD is actively collaborating with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) to ensure legal compliance in the development of AI-re...

Response: Agree Score: +1

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

Superintendents should ensure that their schools have policies that cover, at a minimum: the scope, guiding principles, and training regarding the responsible use of AI tools by students and teachers; any prohibited uses of special considerations regarding AI tools; and related security, privacy, and safety considerations. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented by June 30, 2025. FJUHSD is actively collaborating with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) to ensure legal compliance in the development o...

Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response units has been an effective tool when responding to mental health calls for service.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

K-12 students should be trained on the appropriate use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented by June 30, 2025. FJUHSD is in the process of developing a formal training program for students on the appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ongoing research will be conducted to explore various aspects of AI, with a focus on identifying student needs and ensuring the protection of their privacy and data. Recommendation 4 K-12 teachers should be trained on the appropriate use of AI. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be ...

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

Date Page 4 Schools and educators should be encouraged to collaborate with the various available AI consortiums and think tanks, such as OCDE and CLAOC, to effectively implement AI and establish basic tenets for its use. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented by June 30, 2025. FJUHSD's Coordinator of Educational Services, responsible for overseeing Educational Technology, is planning the following: participate in the Designing Schools courses on the AI Bootcamp: Orange County; serve as an AI Lead for the District in collaboration with the Orange County Departm...

Fullerton School District

September 01, 2024 • 3 pages View Details ▾

PDF

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.