Score: +2 (3/5/1)

San Joaquin County Grand Jury • 2024-2025

San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury Report

Published: June 05, 2025 178 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 8 findings

F1 Page 42

If the City of Tracy agrees to an intertie connection, the County could reduce long-term costs for CSA 44 Zones E and G.

F2 Page 42

A single WWTP would function more efficiently than two. Maintenance and operational costs could decrease.

F3 Page 42

Both WWTPs are nearing the end of their service lives and require replacement.

F4 Page 42

The SCADA system that was installed was not a true SCADA system and did not reduce maintenance labor costs.

F5 Page 42

Maintenance costs have exceeded projections.

F6 Page 42

Employees must first drive to the DPW facility in Stockton before starting work and then return to Stockton. Facilities near the WWTP work site could benefit the southern County sites by reducing labor costs.

F7 Page 42

The County has been transparent with homeowners. 40

F8 Page 43

In 2018, the County adopted a policy that prohibits the formation of CSAs without the approval of the Director of Public Works.

Recommendations 8

R1
Page 43

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should begin negotiations with the City of Tracy to explore the feasibility of an intertie connection to the City of Tracy WWTP.
R2
Page 43

By October 1, 2025, if the intertie is not feasible, the Board of Supervisors should consider consolidating the two smaller WWTPs into a single, more efficient facility.
R3
Page 43

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should create a plan to replace or upgrade the facilities.
R4
Page 43

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should create a plan to install a true SCADA system to reduce maintenance labor costs.
R5
Page 43

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should create a plan with current and projected discharge requirements to reduce operating costs.
R6
Page 43

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should assess the feasibility of establishing a satellite office to serve the south county. Disclaimer Civil Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Civil Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon the specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Section 911. 924.1 (a) and 929). Similarly, the Civil Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defined purposes (Penal Code Sections 924.2 and 929).
R7
Page 77

Implement Task Force Implemented No further action
R8
Page 77

Sign Agreement Implemented No further action

Agency Responses 2

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

Board of Supervisor’s

October 24, 2025 • 14 pages • 9 responses • Score: +2 (+3, 5, -1) View Details ▾

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9 responses to findings and recommendations

If the City of Tracy agrees to an intertie connection, the County could reduce long-term costs for CSA 44 Zones E and G.

Response: Agree Score: +1

0: Agree. Finding 2.0: The Civil Grand Jury found the Board of Supervisors is committed to County Parks and MGZ, as reflected in the County's five-year Capital Improvement Plan, which began in fiscal year 2023-2024. The county's 2024-2025 budget also allocated $10 million to county Parks, including $1 million specifically earmarked for MGZ. These investments will support infrastructure upgrades such as fencing, electrical improvements, and water/sewage systems. Additionally, on February 5, 2025, an extra $66,500 was allocated for a new van, as well as a site survey and conceptual design for ...

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should begin negotiations with the City of Tracy to explore the feasibility of an intertie connection to the City of Tracy WWTP.

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

0: Has been implemented. The Micke Grove Zoo (MGZ), under the direction of the General Servies Department, Parks and Recreation Division, began participating in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' (AZA) Pathway Toward Membership program in 2024-2025. This program helps to prepare non-member zoos to apply for accreditation, typically over a period of up to five years. The MGZ has begun working with its assigned peer consultant, and staff expect to apply for AZA accreditation within the next five years. AZA accreditation will increase the MGZ's eligibility for non-County funding and grants, pro...

A single WWTP would function more efficiently than two. Maintenance and operational costs could decrease.

Response: Agree Score: +1

0: Agree. Finding 3.0: The new Parks and Recreation Director's first task will be to develop a Master Plan for the county's parks, including MGZ. The plan will explore expanding MGZ's footprint to accommodate more exhibits beyond the current 100 species, building an animal-themed mini golf course, and sourcing a new train for the existing tracks. Stockton, California 95202 | T 209 468 3203 F 209 468 2875 44 N. San Joaquin Street, Suite 640 SANDOAQUIN COUNTY-

By October 1, 2025, if the intertie is not feasible, the Board of Supervisors should consider consolidating the two smaller WWTPs into a single, more efficient facility.

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

0: Has been implemented. The MGZ, under the direction of the General Servies Department, Parks and Recreation Division, will explore options to enhance revenue streams in addition to establishing new agreement(s) with organizations to support the MGZ to reduce the reliance on the County's General Fund and become more financially self-sustaining. The Department and the County Administrator's Office are in ongoing negotiations to potentially contract with the San Joaquin Zoological Society for fund-raising activities subject to Board of Supervisors approval. Recommendation 3.0: By October 1, 2...

Both WWTPs are nearing the end of their service lives and require replacement.

Response: Agree Score: +1

0: Agree. Recommendation 1.0: By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors will continue efforts to restore and expand MGZ and secure accreditation.

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should create a plan to replace or upgrade the facilities.

Response: Implemented

Due: October 1, 2025 Scheduled: within 90 days Score: 0

0: Has been implemented. The General Services Department, Parks and Recreation Division, in cooperation with the Purchasing and Support Services Department, released a Request for Proposals (RFP) #25082 - Ten Year Master Plan for Parks and Recreation (including the MGZ) on July 3, 2025. Proposals were due no later than August 22, 2025. In Fall of 2025, a recommendation to award a contract for master planning services will be presented to the Board of Supervisors. 2 of 2 4 (4 SAN JOAQUIN -COUNTY- Sandy Regalo, County Administrator Greatness grows here. Brandi Hopkins, Assistant County Admin...

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should create a plan to install a true SCADA system to reduce maintenance labor costs.

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

R4: This recommendation has been implemented.

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should create a plan with current and projected discharge requirements to reduce operating costs.

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

R5: This recommendation will not be implemented.

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should assess the feasibility of establishing a satellite office to serve the south county. Disclaimer Civil Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Civil Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon the specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (P...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

R6: This recommendation has been implemented.

City of Stockton

October 24, 2025 • 10 pages • 4 responses View Details ▾

PDF

4 responses to findings and recommendations

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should begin negotiations with the City of Tracy to explore the feasibility of an intertie connection to the City of Tracy WWTP.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

The City Acknowledges the Grand Jury's recommendation R1.2. City of Stockton Administrative Directive HR-64 - Workplace Violence Crisis Management Policy, addresses the procedure for handling threats received by City Official and employees. The city further developed written Workplace Violence Prevention Plans in accordance with guidance received from Cal/OSHA. 2. Brown Act Recommendations & Responses: R2.3 By October 1, 2025, the Stockton City Council shall enact a policy requiring all findings from investigations into alleged Brown Act violations to be submitted to the Civil Grand Jur...

By October 1, 2025, if the intertie is not feasible, the Board of Supervisors should consider consolidating the two smaller WWTPs into a single, more efficient facility.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

Via Resolution 2025-09-09-1602 the City Council has adopted Council Policy Manual Chapter 3.15, Brown Act Investigations. The policy provides: "If by majority vote the City Council orders an investigation into alleged Brown Act violation(s), all findings from the investigation regarding the alleged Brown Act violation(s) shall be submitted to the Civil Grand Jury within seven (7) days of receipt by the City Council." Grievance Process 3. Recommendations & Responses: By October 1, 2025, the Stockton City Council shall hire an independent third R3.1 party to investigate the City's Ethics Hotline...

By October 1, 2025, the Board of Supervisors should create a plan to replace or upgrade the facilities.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

The City Acknowledges the Grand Jury's recommendation R3.1 and the importance of ensuring employees have confidence in the City's Ethics Hotline process. The Ethics Hotline was previously maintained by the City's external City Auditor and is currently maintained by the Stockton City Attorney's Office. The City Council provided direction to staff during its September 09, 2025, meeting that the functions of the Ethics Hotline be retained in the City Attorney's Office pending the issuance of an RFP for the retention of an external City Auditor. Upon retention of a firm following that RFP process...

Partner w/ Crime Lab Implemented No further action

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

No Responses Found 1

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

Tracy City