Gran Jurado del Condado de San Luis Obispo

2020-2021

6 informes

Recomendaciones adicionales 3

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: The CCSD should resume a regular plan for fire hydrant testing as soon as possible and no later than the end of the calendar year 2017. Follow up Questions: a. Was maintenance and flow testing completed on all fire hydrants? b. Has an adequate schedule been established for fire hydrant maintenance and flow testing and if so, how often are the tests done? Submitted November 17, 2021 Response: Since responding to your last inquiry, all fire hydrant maintenance and flushing has been turned over to the CCSD Water Department as part of their regular duties. Currently, every one of the 368 hydrants located within the CCSD water system infrastructure has been serviced. Due to water restrictions and concerns over stirring up sedimentation, we have not actively flow tested each hydrant; however, each hydrant has been charged to ensure operational effectiveness. Flow testing and pressure testing is done on a limited basis in select locations to purge the system and verify anticipated operating pressures. Continued testing and regular maintenance are completed by CCSD Water Department staff.
R2: The CCSD should amend their fire code to require the removal of dead trees from private property while exploring funding sources to help homeowners in need of financial assistance comply with that requirement. Follow up Questions: a. Has the fire code been amended to include tree removal? b. Has a funding source to assist homeowners been located? c. Have the Ad-Hoc Fire Committee meetings resumed? Response: The 2019 California Fire Code, with more restrictive local amendments, was adopted by the CCSD in December of 2019, and ratified by the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors in February of 2020. An amendment requiring the removal of dead trees was not included due to the potential economic and financial impact to the residents. With recent ecological reports suggesting, and as identified in the initial Grand Jury report, that between 40 to 80 percent of the Monterey Pine Forest in Cambria is dead or dying, it would by financially devastating to require their removal. However, the CCSD is also quite familiar with and sensitive to the very real fire danger that exists. Therefore, in a proactive step the CCSD had expanded the annual Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to include the removal of standing dead or diseased trees on unimproved properties that post a safety risk to improved property and/or infrastructure. The CCSD is aggressively seeking funding opportunities for dead and hazardous tree removal through available grants. We have been working closely with the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council (FSCSLO) on grant applications to the State of California. The FSCSLO was awarded a $1.8 million Monterey Pine Mortality Grant, and $199,000 for East Village Tree Submitted November 17, 2021 Mortality. We have performed a great deal of defensible space work from a FSCSLO sponsored countywide Hazard Fuel Reduction grant in the amount of $972,606. We were successful in securing an $88,000 grant from PG&E for dead and hazardous tree removal along Village Lane. We are continuing to pursue grant funding as it becomes available. We are also exploring the possibility of expanding our existing FHFRP and developing a global defensible space ordinance for the community. Ideally, this would apply to unimproved and improved parcels alike, and give us greater latitude and enforcement opportunities in creating a firesafe community. The Ad-Hoc Fire Committee meetings have not resumed. After the recent election in November 2020, the make-up of the CCSD Board of Directors changed, and new members have not yet been assigned to the Ad-Hoc Fire Committee. Furthermore, due to administrative changes imposed secondary to the Covid-19 pandemic, in person meetings, Board meetings and ad-hoc meetings have moved to an online-only format. As restrictions ease, we are planning to appoint members to the Ad-Hoc Fire Committee and resume regular meetings.
R3: The CCSD should request its staff to evaluate and recommend whether any of the following actions should be pursued and funded. Follow up Questions: a. Evacuation signs (no deadline was provided): Have additional evacuation signs along primary roadways been added? Has the siren warning system been extended? Has a separate emergency notification system for Cambria been developed? b. Access and parking for emergency vehicles (no deadline was provided): Have existing streets been updated to single-side parking to allow emergency vehicles to pass? Have additional areas for emergency vehicle access and parking been identified? c. Hazardous fuel reduction: Has funding continued for hazardous fuel reduction? d. Strategic fire plan (no deadline was provided): Has the Fire Department developed a new strategic plan and if so has the plan been formally reviewed or adopted by the CCSD administration and Board of Directors? Submitted November 17, 2021 e. Reverse 911: At the time of this report an asserted effort had been made to expand Reverse 911 notifications. Have these efforts been successful in getting more people registered for notifications? Response: The Cambria CSD Fire Department has partnered with FSCSLO and Cal Poly University to fund a series of evacuation studies specific to Cambria. Professor Cornelius Nuworsoo has developed an evaluation matrix that he uses to determine minimum evacuation criteria. He has completed these studies for many of the subdivisions in our community. We are currently in the process of pursuing grant applications to fund similar studies for the remainder of the community. Additionally, the County Fire Chief's Association has applied for a grant to fund the implementation of Zonehaven, an evacuation management platform that will enable communities to plan, train and execute evacuations expediently. The studies completed by Professor Nuworsoo will be critical to making this venture successful. We have submitted a grant application to the State of California that will fund roadside evacuation signage and emergency messaging. We are pursuing grant funding for the installation of an early siren warning system. We have had site evaluations from industry professionals and have draft plans available that include the necessary infrastructure to reach all of Cambria and San Simeon. We are working with San Luis Obispo County to identify narrow roadways with limited access and improve vegetation clearance in those areas. We have identified a number of existing streets that will need to be improved, expanded or marked with limited parking access to ensure the safe passage of emergency vehicles. This assessment is in progress. The Cambria CSD Fire Department is continuing to work with FSCSLO to coordinate continued roadside burning and removal of flammable brush alongside Highway 1. Last year we completed an extensive project alongside the east side of Highway 1, from Burton Drive north to Cambria Drive. Additional areas are being considered for further treatments. However, all suggested work includes Cal Trans easements, where we have limited access and controlling agencies are slow to allow future work. In areas adjacent to the easements, we have had great success in partnering with San Luis Obispo County and private landowners in gaining their permission to complete necessary clearing. We are primarily limited by available funding and narrow weather time frames when burning would be considered safe and not endanger the community. Local annual funding continues each year for the continuation of the FHFRP. The CCSD has developed a strategic plan for the community. The four identified "three-year goals" are specific to improved communication, Submitted November 17, 2021 financial resiliency, balancing growth and resources, and developing long-term infrastructure. None of the identified goals are specific to bolstering the infrastructure of the Fire Department or fire resiliency within the community. However, many of the Fire Department internal goals can be loosely connected and identified under one of these categories. The strategic plan is due for review within the next few months, and we are planning to push for a high level of clarity and inclusion specific to that of the Fire Department. Communication with the public during an evacuation order is key; the Reverse 911 system is active and working in our community. It is in place and utilized by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department. Reverse 911 works with a traditional landline phone system, and does not automatically include mobile phones, VPN, or cable telephone systems. However, all residents are encouraged to register their mobile phones with reverse 911. We have implemented NIXLE as an alert system for those with smartphones and used it successfully in recent months. We have done extensive marketing for this within the community and have seen an increase of those registered with both Reverse 911 and NIXLE.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 5 hallazgos
F1: There is an ongoing problem with introduction of contraband into the facility via the West Facility fence near the exercise yard.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1: The State should consider additional security measures to monitor blind spots in the security fence in the West Facility.
F2: The WWII era buildings that are used to house the fire crews in the West Facility are in poor repair. San Luis Obispo County Jail
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2: The State should plan for the rehabilitation or replacement of the WWII era buildings in the West facility. San Luis Obispo County Coroner’s facility
F3: The Sheriff’s Department has done an exceptional job of improving the overall quality of care for inmates.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3: Plans for additional space should be developed to expand the working area.
F4: The use of Wellpath, being overseen by the County Chief Medical Officer, to provide the medical, dental and mental health care for the inmates, has improved the recognition of potential problems before they become major issues. COMMENDATION We commend the Sheriff and his staff, who have worked diligently to meet and improve conditions for the additional inmate population issues. San Luis Obispo County Coroner’s facility
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4: Coroner’s records should be digitized to save space.
F6: It is the observation of the Grand Jury that the space is inadequate and insufficient and needs to be addressed.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R6: Injuries a) Injuries to inmates due to aggression/agitation b) Accidental injuries to inmates requiring medical attention greater than first aid c) Injuries to staff by inmates due to assault or managing inmate aggression/agitation
Recomendaciones adicionales 5

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R5: Health services a) How delivered b) Common medical problems c) Public health concerns
R7: Suicide a) Suicide attempts/deaths b) Serious self-injury incidents requiring medical attention beyond first aid
R8: Drugs a) Drug overdoses b) Drug deaths by overdose
R9: Deaths a) Other deaths
R10: Training (title, hours, and instructor credentials for each type) a) Managing inmate violence b) Handling mental health behaviors c) Responding to drug/alcohol related problems
Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Additional paramedics should be provided on County-funded engines and added to the next contract. The County Fire Chief (CFC) and Board of Supervisors (BOS) both responded with further analysis required. They confirmed that the San Luis Obispo Fire Department Strategic Plan of 2012 was due for updating. This process would examine EMS procedures followed by SLO County. As of the date of this report no further analysis has been provided, although their responses stated the plan was for this to happen in the Spring of 2020. It should be noted that the BOS has reviewed and updated the Fire Department Strategic Plan. When preparing this report, no additional response from either CFC or the BOS has been received.
R2: The County EMS Division should improve more options for airway protection by BLS (basic life support) personnel using equipment that limits risky outcomes. This should be accomplished January 1, 2020. County Public Health, the Board of Supervisors and County Fire Chief responded with further analysis required. No additional response has been received even though it has been reported the County Fire Department has completed its updates to the Fire Protection Master Plan. Submitted October 9, 2020 REPORT 2: FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT - Cities Do It, Why Not the County? Link to full report: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lu7Isf1f8e-8Kbtcq39wTAbdfE0190og The topic for this Grand Jury report emerged as a result the especially devastating California wildfires in recent years, which have caused great loss of life and property. While there is no absolute way to prevent a serious fire, steps can be taken by the county and by individuals to decrease both the risk of fires starting and their severity. Although San Luis Obispo County has created ordinances and guidelines to assist property owners to minimize risks of fire damage, there is no weed abatement ordinance for the county beyond what is required by state law. In response to these concerns the Grand Jury identified five findings and eight recommendations related to weed abatement, fuel reduction and fire prevention in San Luis Obispo County and requested responses from eight different entities as seen in the following charts.
R3: The County should develop a weed abatement ordinance that is consistent with the cities' regulations. The BOS has indicated that this recommendation requires further analysis. As indicated in Recommendation 2, the BOS adopted Ordinance No.3386 to provide for the abatement of fire hazardous weeds and rubbish in County Service Area 10. In addition to this, a countywide ordinance has been considered and is being studied further.
R4: The County and all city fire jurisdictions should offer a chipping program similar to Atascadero. Funds may be available through the Fire Safe Program. A plan for this should be accomplished by the end of the 2019-20 fiscal year. The BOS has adopted the response of the County Fire Chief for this recommendation and determined that it requires further analysis. The vast area covered by County Fire, the costs of such a program, the availability of staff to conduct the work, and the need to purchase and maintain several chippers and vehicles must be evaluated along with a funding source(s). Analysis was to be completed by Submitted October 9, 2020 November 30, 2019. As of this date the Grand Jury has not received a follow up response from the BOS or County Fire. The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department has indicated that this recommendation requires further analysis as an option to community fuel reduction projects as part of the recently completed San Luis Obispo City Community Wildlife Protection Plan (CWPP). The Five Cities Fire Authority has indicated that this recommendation requires further analysis. They have requested special funding that was not available and the cost of this program would need to be weighed against other existing community priorities. The City of Morro Bay disagreed with this recommendation. As in all communities in San Luis Obispo County, Morro Bay's weed abatement program and the green waste program through Morro Bay Garbage Service has proven to be sufficient for the lighter vegetation fuel load removal in that city. The City of Paso Robles disagreed with this recommendation. In lieu of a chipping program, Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services has initiated two significant hazardous fuel reduction projects, the Fern Canyon Fuel Break and the Salinas Riverbed Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project.
R5: The County should work with the cities in a concerted effort to educate the public on detailed and coordinated evacuation plans. Various ways to disseminate this information may include all types of County or city mail communications. Public Service Announcements, websites, and other forms of communication are also informative. The BOS adopted the response of the County Office of Emergency Services who has implemented this recommendation. Both agencies are currently working with all operational area partners in disseminating emergency planning and preparedness information.
R6: Plans should be implemented to incorporate the PG&E siren warning system for any and all emergencies where evacuation is warranted. The BOS has adopted the response of the County Office of Emergency Services and the recommendation has been implemented. The San Luis Obispo County Early Warning System (EWS) sirens are incorporated into each of the County's emergency response plans where protective actions may be directed. This includes nuclear power, tsunami, dam/levee, hazardous material, and fire response plans. Submitted October 9, 2020
R7: Cities should investigate installing additional warning systems where there are no existing sirens. A draft plan should be finalized by the end of the fiscal year 2019- 20. The BOS has adopted the response of the County Office of Emergency Services and the recommendation has been implemented. The County Office of Emergency Services has indicated that this recommendation has been partially implemented for five of the seven cities within the county of San Luis Obispo. The cities of Atascadero and Paso Robles are not in the Emergency Planning Zone and these cities would need to make the decision to purchase, install and maintain an EWS siren network for their respective jurisdictions. The City of Paso Robles disagreed with this recommendation. Their primary emergency alert system is through the SLO County Sheriff's Office Reverse 911 system. Morro Bay is currently in Protection Action Zone-9 and is covered by the PG&E siren system, which is described in the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant annex in both Morro Bay's and San Luis Obispo County Emergency Management Plan. The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department disagreed with this recommendation. The City has clear policy and a variety of mechanisms to communicate emergency information. The Five Cities Fire Authority have implemented this recommendation and the communities served are all located in Plan Protection Action Zone 10 related to Diablo Canyon Power Plant emergency planning and are served by the siren network.
R8: The Sheriff's Office should provide Reverse 911 registration information to county and city agencies for dissemination via bills or other routine mail communication. This information should include a procedure for registering by phone. The Board of Supervisors has adopted the response of the County Sheriff's Office and the recommendation will require further analysis. Any cost to mail such a notification is not budgeted in the current fiscal year and would require funding. The Sheriff's Office will examine the cost and feasibility of a mailer. Submitted October 9, 2020 REPORT 3: SCHOOL DEVELOPER FEES REVISITED: Differing Interpretations? Link to full report: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JDu8iS_fJ76kAZBQGWrY81v5M5FnsT3N The 2018/19 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury examined school developer fees based on a complaint filed by a county citizen. Their investigation looked specifically at how developers are notified of their right to protest fees, how the funds from these fees are maintained and accounted for, how the public can inform themselves of utilization of these fees, and who provides oversight for school developer fees. State Law requires school developer fees to be maintained in separate accounts and are used exclusively for expansion and/or improvement of school facilities necessary to meet the demand resulting from new construction or expansion. The law also requires that reports are made available to the public in an easily accessible manner with a clear accounting of how funds are expended. The result of their investigation showed permissive and expansive interpretations of these laws within SLO County. The County Superintendent of Education takes no role to determine if developer fees have been used appropriately as part of their audits of school districts. Four of the ten county school districts along with the County Office of Education were selected to respond to some of the ten findings and six recommendations in the report.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 1 hallazgos
F1: Not having the full complement of additional security guards has had an indeterminate effect on the reduction of reported behavior problems.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1: It is recommended that the PHF security staff be increased to 4.0 FTEs per the August 2019, authorization.
Recomendaciones adicionales 1

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R2: It is recommended the PHF staff continue to collect data and analyze the impact of additional security staff.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 1 hallazgos
F1: The use of PBIS with our incarcerated youth teaches them the criteria of demonstrating safe, responsible and considerate behavior as adults. COMMENDATIONS The SLOCJH and the SLOCOE are to be commended for their cooperative effort in implementing a research-based method of behavioral improvement into JH. This method has the long-term potential to positively impact the prosocial behavior and general culture of youth while in JH. REQUIRED RESPONSES “This is an information report. No responses are required.” Presiding Judge Grand Jury Presiding Judge Jacqueline H. Duffy San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury Superior Court of California P.O. Box 4910 1035 Palm Street Room 355 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 APPENDICES, ATTACHMENTS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, GLOSSARY AND SUGGESTED READING Bradshaw, C.P. (2013). Preventing Bullying through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): A Multitiered Approach to Prevention and Integration, Theory Into Practice, 52:4, 288-295, DOI: 10.1080/00405841.2013.829732 Cook, Clayton R.; Frye, Megan; Slemrod, Tal; Lyon, Aaron R.; Renshaw, Tyler L. & Zhang, Yanchen (2015). An integrated approach to universal prevention: Independent and combined effects of PBIS and SEL on youths’ mental health. School Psychology Quarterly, Vol 30(2), 166-183. Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.O. & Heward, W.L. (2019). Applied behavior analysis. Hoboken, NJ: Pearson. Horner, R. H., & Sugai, G. (2015). School-wide PBIS: An example of applied behavior analysis implemented at a scale of social importance. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 8(1), 80–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-015-0045-4 Simonson, B. & Sugai, G. (2013). PBIS as Prevention for High-Risk Youth in Alternative Education, Residential, and Juvenile Justice Settings. Education and Treatment of Children., Vol. 36, No. 3. Simonson, B., Britton, L., & Young, D. (2010). School-wide positive behavioral support in an alternative school setting: A case study. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions. Vol. 12, No. 3. 180-191.
Recomendaciones adicionales 2

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: The County of San Luis Obispo should explore cost recovery for county services. The nature of off-road activities on the Oceano Dunes/SVRA require a unique level of county support. Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not indicated. The County does not differentiate when or how much per unit of service to charge or not charge for County service based upon the level of support required for a particular geographical area. All County departments assess their fees annually to determine whether new fees or changes to fee amounts Submitted January 10, 2022 are warranted. The County Board of Supervisors reviews all fees, whether changed or unchanged, every five years.
R2: The County of San Luis Obispo should actively promote public safety announcements encouraging safety at the Oceano Dunes: (a) Be educated to your surroundings and vehicle (b) Be attentive (c) Be mindful of your speed. Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Given that the Oceano Dunes is a State park and under the jurisdiction of the State, the State is charged with implementing public safety protocols pertaining to the use of vehicles on the Dunes.

* 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.