San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
2023-2024
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The location of the Oklahoma Avenue Safe Parking Site next to the Honor Farm continues to create a safety hazard to inmates and staff. Despite increased physical security, illegal substances are still placed in close proximity to the Honor Farm perimeter.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should continue to work with the Homeless Services Division regarding closing the Oklahoma Safe Parking site in 2024. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
F2:
Honor Farm programs are operating at minimal levels due to the current low inmate population which may affect the ability to provide the benefits traditionally associated with inmate vocational training. CITY POLICE AND COUNTY COURTHOUSE HOLDING CELLS
F3:
Despite waiting for progress by the State to build a new courthouse, the current holding cells are functioning well and meeting the needs of the inmate population. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CORONER’S FACILITY
F4:
Physical space at the County Coroner’s facility is limited, thus negatively impacting the overall work atmosphere. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
F5:
The need for improved climate control at the County Property Room continues to cause concern for staff well-being and preservation of evidence.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should complete property room climate control enhancements in 2024.
F6:
Property room evidence storage capacity for the walk-in refrigerator and the overall facility is of concern. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH FACILITY
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff should develop a plan by January 1, 2025, to deal with evidence storage reaching maximum capacity levels. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH FACILITY
F7:
The transfer of management of the PHF from the County to Crestwood Behavioral Health has been in operation for a limited time, therefore it is premature to conduct a thorough analysis of their performance at this time. COMMENDATION[S] The recent implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) at the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Hall has shown early indications of constructive change among youth offenders. The adoption of PBIS by Juvenile Hall staff rewards youth for respectful behavior and is demonstrating a model for success within Juvenile Hall.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department should forward all performance and assessment reports (outlined in the operating agreement) regarding PHF’s management by Crestwood Behavioral Health to the 2024-2025 San Luis Obispo Grand Jury by November 1, 2024.
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Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
There is an absence of predictable year-over-year funding for homeless programs. The “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027" relies heavily on partner agencies without providing adequate ongoing funding to those agencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County revise its plan to include more specific and quantifiable timelines for implementing the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” by December 31, 2024.
F2:
The County’s staffing turnover and reorganization of its homeless services has caused the overall progress of the implementation of the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” to be slower than projected and is at risk of not meeting County goals.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County implement effective knowledge transfer management and succession planning practices to minimize the impact of staff turnover on completing the required tasks to ensure performance to the “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” by December 31, 2024.
F3:
The County’s selection and vetting process for homeless services site selection has not always been successful due to zoning, ordinances, and public perception of the homeless.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends that the County aggressively implement its plan for a comprehensive public awareness campaign to advise the community on homelessness issues. It is further recommended that the County and Cities work together to provide a cohesive voice. The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury recommends completion by December 31, 2024.
F4:
The County has failed to implement a cohesive public awareness plan on homeless issues resulting in insufficient public engagement.
F5:
The “San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness 2022-2027” lacks quantifiable details and specificity to track progress toward meeting their stated goals.
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Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R3:
Implementation of the proposed Multi-Benefit Irrigated Lands Repurposing (MILR) program, to establish voluntary land fallowing needs to be initiated by the 2025 GSP update. If voluntary measures are ineffective, the Paso Basin Cooperative Committee (PBCC) will need to implement a mandatory program. Submitted April 23, 2024 The MILR program recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be in the future. The Multi-benefit Irrigated Land Repurposing (MILR) Program Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was established by the PBCC, via a public process, to develop recommendations to the PBCC for the development and implementation of a MILR program. The MILR program consists of two phases. Phase 1 is a voluntary component that anticipates the adoption of an ordinance to codify a successful MILR program. If Phase 1 is unsuccessful, Phase 2 will be considered which may include a mandatory component that will provide for a groundwater allocation component to contribute to the sustainability of the Paso Basin. The SLOCGJ has not been provided with evidence that either the first or second phases of the MILR program have been completed. This is of concern because the data that is to be collected from this MILR program is to be used during the January 2025 GSP update.
R9:
The SLOCGJ recommended that the PBCC update the 2025 GSP timeline to show a realistic and deliverable set of management actions. The PBCC has advised that they will perform a GSP evaluation prior to the January 2025 deadline which will provide an analysis of the success of implementation of the GSP, covering projects and management actions, as well as considerations for updating the GSP timeline. For the full report, see https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/gi/jury-grandjury.htm ARE HIGH SCHOOLS MAKING THE GRADE AT ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH? The 2022-2023 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury (SLOCGJ) investigated how well high schools in our county were addressing mental health needs for students. This would include resources available, resources needed, referral processes and best practices. The need for youth mental health interventions increased during COVID-19 with the challenges created by remote learning. Submitted April 23, 2024 The Grand Jury reviewed the responses to ten (10) recommendations, R1 through R10, and is satisfied that all recommendations have been implemented. The 2023-2024 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury commends all respondents for their complete and thorough replies. For the full report, see https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/gi/jury-grandjury.htm INSPECTION REPORT FOR SLO COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND DENTENTION FACILITIES The 2022-2023 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury completed their mandatory annual inspections of all public prisons within the county which includes California Men's Colony, county jail, police departments, court holding cells, and juvenile hall. The Grand Jury reviewed the responses to the six recommendations, R1 through R6, and is satisfied that all recommendations have been addressed or will be implemented at a future date and do not require further follow-up. For the full report, see https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/gi/jury-grandjury.htm
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Due to a lack of written procedures for quality control, errors in printed election materials went undetected and were subsequently distributed to voters.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office should establish a written procedure for reviewing printed elections materials before distribution to the voting public.
R2:
The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office should build additional time into the review process to allow for any errors introduced by the printing contractor during the printing process to ensure they are detected and corrected prior to distribution to the voters.
F2:
The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office failed in their responsibility to provide timely and accurate election material to the County’s registered voters in two material matters during the 2022 General Election.
F3:
Since the 2022 General Election, the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office has changed the quality control practices for their printed election materials to prevent similar errors.
F4:
The lack of written procedures in the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office does not allow for adequate knowledge transfer during leadership changes.
F5:
The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office has insufficient staff and is lacking the necessary specialized skills and appropriate job classifications needed to effectively manage all phases of the election process.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The County budget should include the necessary funds to cover the costs of staffing, space, and review time, to assure the accuracy and integrity of voting in San Luis Obispo County.
F6:
The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office has insufficient office and storage space, especially during the election process when members of the public are present.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
Adequate space should be provided to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office for ballot counting, and the Office should be provided sufficient room to store and protect the ballots once counted.
R4:
The County budget should include the necessary funds to cover the costs of staffing, space, and review time, to assure the accuracy and integrity of voting in San Luis Obispo County.
F7:
The public has increasingly scrutinized the election process, resulting in additional ballot recounts and increased workload for the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office.
Findings & Recommendations
12 findings
F1:
The Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village was established by San Luis Obispo County without a clear understanding of the requirements and risks involved and without a plan to operate and maintain the Site.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Child Welfare Services shall immediately remove all minor children from the Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village pursuant to Penal Code Section 273 a(a).
F2:
The policies and rules agreed to by the program participants, detailed in the safe parking contract that participants are required to sign, are inconsistently enforced or ignored entirely by those responsible for site management.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By September 1, 2023, the County Administration shall establish a policy to require a fully executable plan for opening or closing of any future safe parking sites.
F3:
The Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village has evolved from a place to park for a short period of time while seeking other housing options into a County-sanctioned homeless encampment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By September 1, 2023, the Homeless Services Division of the Department of Social Services shall update the participant contract for any safe parking sites. The contract must be appropriate, enforceable, and approved by the County Counsel.
F4:
Modifications to the operations of the Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village over time have largely been poorly improvised responses to problem situations rather than part of any clear plan.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
County Administration shall conduct operational reviews at least quarterly to assess the safe parking program needs and determine changes that might be required.
F5:
Criminal activity makes the Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village an unsafe place for its occupants. Poor security exposes the residents to drug use, acts of violence, and entry by recently released jail inmates and banned persons.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The County shall maintain 24/7 security provided by a licensed security contractor at Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village. HSD shall conduct monthly reviews to assess the adequacy of site security and address any deficiencies. Empower the on-site security to enforce contract rules and policies.
F6:
The Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village is in an unsanitary condition and the County has failed to provide the basic utilities necessary for acceptable living conditions.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
SLO County Public Health Department shall conduct monthly inspections of safe parking sites to identify potential health and safety violations.
F7:
Fire safety is a major concern. While Cal Fire has inspected the Site and made
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Future safe parking sites should be provided with potable water, sewer, electrical, internet access, and proper drainage.
F8:
Allowing children to live at the Site in its current state places them in a situation where the children's health and safety are endangered and exposed to high risk individuals in violation of California Penal Code Section 273a(a).
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
By September 1, 2023, the Office of Emergency Services shall develop and implement a fire safety plan and a hazardous material storage plan for safe parking sites.
F9:
There has been no alignment within County management on how to run the Site and the Department of Social Services (DSS) has been unable to find an agreeable third party provider to assume complete management of the Site.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
By September 1, 2023, County Administration shall establish a date to close the Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village.
F10:
The County and CAPSLO have not followed all of their contractual obligations. Case management was not established contractually until early 2022. County contract oversight was inadequate to ensure expected outcomes and services continue under an expired contract.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
To facilitate the closure of the Site, the County HSD shall immediately provide all necessary casework services to assist residents with mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, benefits eligibility, etc.
F11:
The cost, difficulty and challenges of operating the Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village are detracting from the County’s five-year plan for addressing homelessness.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
To facilitate the closure of the Site, relocate running and registered RVs currently at the Oklahoma Avenue Parking Village to Coastal Dunes RV Park.
F12:
Although the County has announced the intention to close the site, it will continue to operate for an uncertain period of time during which the above findings are still valid, exposing the residents of the site to significant risks and the County of San Luis Obispo to potential liabilities.
* 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.
Additional documents
Documents found alongside this year's reports — not grand jury reports or responses.