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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 8 findings
F1
Page 33
Many appellants participating in the assessment appeals process are not fluent in the English language.
Related Recommendations (2)
R09-01
Page 17
Ensure coverage of mandated duties by requiring the Director of Public Health to familiarize him/herself with the duties, requirements, and work hours of the clinical position affected and consult with the Human Resources Officer to ensure coverage for duties mandated by regulation or statute before disciplinary action is taken. (Finding 1)
R09-06
Page 33
Provide language translation service to those appellants requesting such a service. (Finding 1)
F2
Page 33
The Clerk of the Board does not take steps to control frivolous submittals of Applications for Changed Assessments
Related Recommendations (2)
R09-02
Page 17
Create a written policy statement that outlines procedures, duties, and responsibilities of various departments in the enforcement of a civil order for the detention, isolation, and quarantine of individuals infected with communicable diseases. (Finding 2)
R09-07
Page 33
Collect a filing fee for an Application for Changed Assessment and a fee for a Finding of Fact. (Finding 2)
F3
Page 33
The Office of the Assessor does not adequately defend its assessment positions when challenged by companies and individuals that employ specialist attorneys.
Related Recommendations (3)
R09-03
Page 17
Require that the Director of Public Health have the following minimum qualifications: (cid:120) Masters Degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field. (Finding 3) or (cid:120) Two years of experience as an administrator in charge of a County or City Public Health Program or two years as an assistant administrator of a hospital, or five years experience as the top manager of a significant community-based or non-profit organization. (Finding 3) 6
R09-04
Page 18
Require that the Chief Medical Officer of Public Health have the following minimum qualifications: (cid:120) California State Physician and Surgeon’s Certification authorized by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of California. (cid:120) Masters Degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field. (cid:120) Certification from the American Board of Preventive Medicine. (cid:120) At least one year of experience in an administrative capacity. (Finding 3)
R09-08
Page 33
Utilize a private legal firm, or County Council personnel, knowledgeable in the field of appraisals and assessment appeals, to represent the Office of the Assessor during major appeals. (Finding 3)
F4
Page 33
The County of San Bernardino does apprise the public of third-party assessment appeals vendors' activities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R09-09
Page 33
Take the necessary steps to regulate third-party assessment appeals vendors. (Finding 4)
F5
Page 33
A time-line of important dates in the assessment process found on other county's websites was helpful to understanding the assessment appeals process. The Assessors of Ventura, San Diego and several other counties now display time- lines on their websites.
Related Recommendations (1)
R09-10
Page 33
Post a permanent and more detailed notice on Assessor's website, warning that third-party vendors are not necessary in the assessment appeals process. (Finding 5) 12
F6
Page 33
All the information a property owner needs to process his own assessment appeal, without third-party assistance, is on the County Assessor's website.
Related Recommendations (1)
R09-11
Page 34
Include on the Assessor's website a time-line of important dates to remember during the year in order to assist the public in keeping abreast of time limits and due-dates of the property assessment processes as the year progresses. (Finding 6) 13
F7
The Historical Archives is understaffed and in need of full-time employees.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Officers work 10-hour shifts and often must work overtime due to needs such as court appearances. Deputies often must sleep in their cars in the unsecured parking area. This is not conducive to their being alert and rested for the danger and stress of their duties. There is a need for an area which would allow a comfortable refuge for rest.
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R1According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the number of reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S. during the past decade has been on the rise. TB is spread from person to person through the air. Individuals working in confined environments, such as jails, patrol cars or offices, are more likely to contract the disease than individuals working outdoors. During this past summer, there was an incident in the Needles area that brought members of the Sheriff’s Department into contact with a food service worker who, allegedly, had active TB. The Sheriff’s Department did an outstanding job in dealing with this situation. 31 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report After the first of this year, a community college student was also diagnosed with TB. TB-related incidents are becoming numerous, and contracting TB is more likely for those dealing with the public. The California Department of Corrections requires their personnel have a TB test every year. California public schools require their personnel to have a TB test every two years. If TB is diagnosed early, medications are available for effective treatment.
Commendations 4
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CM1The Grand Jury found a highly functioning Workforce Development Department whose vision focuses on a strong, proactive job placement for its clients. Eleven employees of the Workforce Development Department are in the field, making contact with prospective employers. These employees generate in excess of 500 new listings each month. During these challenging economic times this is a commendable effort. The services being provided by the One Stop Employment Resource center to individuals seeking employment exceed the services provided by the State Employment Development Department. 22 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CEDAR GLEN
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CM2With no established program in place to deal effectively with police interactions with the homeless, this HAO has created and continues to implement a viable and exemplary program.
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CM3Regardless of the consequences of the contractual arrangement with the parent company and its subsidiary, the Probation Department protected the juveniles under its control from a dangerous situation. (Finding 1)
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CM4The Grand Jury commends the County Supervisors for their desire to establish an ethics commission. The Grand Jury supports the Board of Supervisors’ efforts to establish an effective and independent ethics commission.