Responses to Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury Reports 2018-2019 through 2021-2022 Every year the Civil Grand Jury

Recommendations 14

• R1

  Page 6
  The Board of Supervisors, working in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office Yes and the Coroner’s Office Lieutenant, identify a new location for the Coroner’s Office and Morgue facility by December 1, 2020. Current Status: The Coroner’s Office has moved to 2796 Ventura Ave. in Santa Rosa. HOMELESS YOUTH: Sonoma County in Dubious First Place Unresolved recommendations and Implemented Current Status
• R2

  Page 6
  Sonoma County Community Development Commission increase the number Yes of shelter beds for homeless youth, keeping in mind the needs for safe space for young people, by February 28, 2021. Current Status: The number of beds for homeless youth has increased relative to the current number of homeless people, as noted in the 2023 Point in Time report.
• R3

  Page 7
  The Leadership Council adopt a plan to deal with homeless encampment Yes emergencies by December 31, 2020. Current Status: A protocol for dealing with encampments is now in place based on recommendations to the Leadership Council in 2021.
• R4

  Page 8
  The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors develop a funding source for Yes consistent and predictable funding of homeless programs by December 31, 2021. Current Status: Funding sources have been identified by the Continuum of Care Council.
• R5

  Page 6
  Sonoma County Department of Health Services establish a drug and alcohol Yes program specifically designed to treat youth with substance abuse disorders, by February 28, 2021. Current Status: DHS has established a Substance Use Disorder program for youth located at 2255 Challenger Dr. in Santa Rosa.
• R6

  Page 8
  The County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors direct the County Yes Administrator to develop a methodology for tracking all costs of homeless services and programs across County agencies by June 30, 2021. Current Status: Funding for countywide homeless services is identified in the Budget Binder memo. EMERGENCY WATER SHORTAGES IN SONOMA VALLEY: The Situation Has Worsened Unresolved Recommendations and Implemented Current Status
• R7

  Page 9
  By September 30, 2020, the Valley of the Moon Water District inform Yes customers annually, or when conditions change, regarding risks and deficiencies in the emergency water supply and any actions taken to mitigate them. Current Status: Information is shared with customers regularly via the website and inserts included with customer bills. SONOMA VALLEY REGIONAL WATER RESOURCES: Water for a Changing future Unresolved Recommendations and Implemented Current Status
• R8

  Page 15
  By December 31, 2022, the Board of Supervisors will consult with the No Human Resources Department to consider establishing an Ombudsperson for County employees to provide a neutral means to voice issues of concern. Current Status: The Human Resources Department responded that it plans to conduct an employee-engagement survey in 2024 to determine the best path forward.
• R11

  Page 20
  The Board of Directors direct advisory committees to develop and Yes implement a policy to keep documents and information related to their advisory role centrally located and remotely accessible, by January 31, 2023. Current Status: This was implemented in August of 2022. Documents and information are now stored electronically. In summary, the tables above give an update of the recommendations of the Civil Grand Jury reports of 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 that were unanswered when the follow-up reports were published. While there are still unresolved issues, this update shows the progress made after the Civil Grand Juries’ terms expired. 20
• R12

  Page 6
  Sonoma County Community Development Commission establish and Yes budget for a Youth Action Board to improve the chances of federal funding 6 through HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, by February 28, 2021. Current Status: A Youth Action Board and budget have been established, as noted in the Youth Action Board minutes.
• R13

  Page 7
  The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Sonoma County Yes Administrator’s Office identify, by December 31, 2020, a stable funding source to support sustainable programs that will reduce youth homelessness to functional zero. Current Status: To the extent possible, these funding sources have been established as noted in the 2023 County Strategic Plan.
• R14

  Page 7
  The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Sonoma County Yes Administrator’s Office develop and implement, by June 30, 2021, a procedure for County departments to consistently identify and track the cost of services provided to the homeless population. Current Status: Funding for services to the homeless, including homeless youth, is identified in the Budget Binder memo. SONOMA COUNTY HAS A HOMELESS CRISIS: Is There a Response Plan? Unresolved Recommendations and Implemented Current Status
• R16

  Page 15
  By March 1, 2023, the Board of Supervisors direct the County Partially Administrator’s Office and the County Human Resources Department to develop a plan for the Board’s review and consideration whereby the County Human Resources Department has oversight authority over all satellite human resource divisions. Current Status: The Human Resources Department responded that it will work with a consultant in 2024 to develop recommendations regarding oversight of all satellite-department human resources functions. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE Unresolved Recommendations and Implemented Current Status
• R19

  Page 13
  By December 31, 2021, the Department of Emergency Management Yes publicize the work of community preparedness groups such as Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies, Community Emergency Response Teams, and Community Organizations Around Disasters to more effectively reach all residents about emergency alerts and warnings. Current Status: The work of community preparedness groups is publicized on a regular basis. ROHNERT PARK ELECTION DISTRICTS: Transitioning from At-Large to District-Based Elections Unresolved Recommendations and Implemented Current Status