Trinity County Grand Jury

2009-2010

15 reports

Findings & Recommendations 2 findings
F1: It is evident that some departments are unfamiliar with the time frame response deadlines, and are also not familiar with the response guideline requirements. Action Taken: The Grand Jury sent a letter addressing the non-compliance issues with the reports, and included a copy of the State Penal Code and the Trinity County Policy Statement to all departments, elected officials and special districts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: Upon receipt of a final or interim report as provided in Section 933 of the Penal Code, the County Clerk will distribute copies to the members of the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and all affected departments. The Clerk shall establish a timetable for response to the report to comply with the 90 day limitation for the Board of Supervisors and the 60 day limitation for Elective Officers and appointed Department Heads.
F2: Every Trinity County Grand Jury has handled the Continuity Committee in a different manner, and some years has not formed one at all.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: A letter will be sent to next year's Grand Jury Foreman emphasizing the importance of the role of the Continuity Committee. It is recommended that a Continuity Report be included in the Final Report published for public perusal.
Findings & Recommendations 8 findings
F1: TCHHS remains at the forefront of social work practices through active participation in state projects, such as the Eleven County Project.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: TCHHS is to be commended for their efforts. 8
F2: The loss of the AmeriCorps workers has reduced frontline support for families who are at risk for abuse and neglect.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: TCHHS should partner with another community agency or collaborator to provide frontline support for families who are at risk for abuse and neglect.
F3: TCHHS has no written intake procedure delineating specific procedures for Differential Response assignment and follow-up.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: TCHHS should develop a guide for referrals that are evaluated and referred to community partners, and referrals that present moderate risk to the child.
F4: TCHHS does not track the number of families served through the DR pathways.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: TCHHS should track the number of families served through DR pathways.
F5: TCHHS has engineered strong, close relationships with county agencies and community partners.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5: They are to be commended for their efforts.
F6: TCHHS is shifting from a Team Decision Making approach to a Family Group Meeting approach for placement, monitoring, and discussing family progress.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6: In implementing the Family Group Meeting approach, TCHHS should develop written tools for meeting documentation as well as written policies and procedures, and evaluate their effectiveness on an ongoing basis. 9
F7: There is a desperate need for in-county foster homes. The current out-of-county placements put undue hardships on the children and their families.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7: TCHHS should continue its efforts to obtain local foster homes.
F8: TCHHS community agencies and partners, as well as community members, participate in the Peer Quality Case Reviews and the County Self Assessment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8: They are to be commended for their participation.
Findings & Recommendations 7 findings
F1: Marijuana production is flourishing largely unchecked in many areas of the County, including residential areas. This results in increased tension and conflict between growers and neighboring non-growers. There appears a window of opportunity to improve public safety, and reduce tension in residential and public gathering areas by zoning regulations defining compatible, and non-compatible, uses in such areas. The 3 current Land Use Element of the County General Plan dated 1988 utilizes 15 minute quadrangle mapping dated to the 1950’s, providing inadequate definition to current areas of habitation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: County officials should give consideration to a much-needed update of the Land Use Element of the County General Plan, particularly associated zoning definitions, which go hand-in-hand with land use designations. Marijuana production should be considered a non-compatible use within areas zoned for village and one-acre minimum residential. Buffer zones should be enforced around schools, child-care, civic, teen or medical centers and parks, etc.
F2: The State of California, in its Compassionate Use Act, has made provision for those benefiting from the medical use of marijuana to be able to do so within the constraints of the Act. In its zeal for compassion for the user population, the legislature may have overlooked potential adverse impacts upon the non-involved populations of marijuana producing areas of the state, such as the Emerald Triangle (Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties).
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: Protection may be improved by provision for a second medical opinion, at County request by County approved physician, to ascertain medical need.
F3: The presence and production of marijuana in the home has been documented to have significant impact upon children of the household from pre-school age through high school. Aroma from backpacks from growers’ homes is at times, in the fall, sufficiently strong to produce a second hand smoke "buzz" on others nearby. The resulting lethargy and lure of the easy money close to home, appears to result in a growing spirit of apathy and a lack of interest in higher education among high school students, some of whom aspire to participate in the marijuana industry.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: Hayfork High School appears to have an effective program of interaction with youth to encourage them to consider higher education and careers. Local school districts should adopt and implement this program. Evidence of drug abuse by elementary youth should result in vigorous action by Child Protective Service, (CPS) and education follow-up. Law enforcement should become a familiar education presence in schools. 4
F4: Severe reduction in resource industry activity on public lands within the County has resulted in loss of good paying skilled labor jobs in these industries and related support businesses. A non-measurable but significant proportion of local populations, having familiarity with the forest, have turned to marijuana for an unreported, tax-free, cash income source. In some cases growers in the marijuana workforce continue to draw public assistance such as welfare and food stamps.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: Health and Human Services should make more diligent efforts to screen between those truly in need, and those playing the system, while enjoying the fruits of illegal cash income.
F5: While the District Attorney and Sheriff are aware of the presence of organized crime in marijuana production, reports from several interviewees support that awareness with several pertinent footnotes. Much of the organized marijuana workforce appears non- native in origin and often non-English speaking.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5: While recognizing the very real limits of manpower and funding that law enforcement is operating under, priority should be given to the safety of emergency responders.
F6: Stockmen, hunters, hikers and forest workers report concerns for personal safety when in the woods, and periodic confrontation with threatening and sometimes armed people, particularly in the fall of the year. Stockmen traditionally armed for “snake killing” take their firearms more seriously for self-defense. Hunters and hikers are increasingly giving up areas of outdoor activity in response to real or perceived threat. There are reports of firearms brandishing in public, and at least one reported shooting. Some residential area dwellers report increased levels of anxiety with regard to grower neighbors during harvest season.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6: None. Response: None
F7: Marijuana industry investment has artificially elevated values of raw land and improvements in susceptible parts of the County. Likewise, some businesses providing goods or service in demand by industry people have profited. 5
Related Recommendations (1)
R7: None. TTRRIINNIITTYY CCOOUUNNTTYY OOffffiiccee ooff tthhee CCoouunnttyy AAddmmiinniissttrraattoorr DDEERROO BB.. FFOORRSSLLUUNNDD CCoouunnttyy AAddmmiinniissttrraattiivvee OOffffiicceerr PP..Oo.. BBOOXX 11661133,, WWEEAAVVEERRVVIILLLLEE,, CCAALLIIFFOORRNNIIAA 9966009933--11661133 PPHHOONNEE ((553300)) 662233--11338822 FFAAXX ((553300)) 662233--88336655 RECE!"'") RECE~~.:r'''' '-) SSEEPP 11 33 2;!CC.(3] TTRRIINNIITTYY CCOOil. "" .rr' SSUUPPEERRIIOORR CCCc), ..2H R~TT TTOO:: TThhee HHoonnoorraabbllee AAnntthhoonnyy EEddwwaarrddss,, to PPrreessiiddiinngg JJuuddggee ooff tthhee SSuuppeerriioorr CCoouurrtt FFRROOMM:: DDeerroo BB.. FFoorrsslluunndd,, CCAAOO SSUUBBJJEECCTT:: RReessppoonnssee ttoo RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonnss ooff 22000099--11 00 GGrraanndd JJuurryy DDeevveellooppmmeenntt aanndd EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall CCoommmmiitttteeee FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt RRee TTrriinniittyy CCoouunnttyy MMaarriijjuuaannaa IInndduussttrryy -— CCoommmmuunniittyy IImmppaacctt AAsssseessssmmeenntt DDAATTEE:: JJuullyy 1199,, 22001100 TThhee GGrraanndd JJuurryy DDeevveellooppmmeenntt aanndd EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall CCoommmmiitttteeee hhaass rreeqquueesstteedd aa wwrriitttteenn rreessppoonnssee ttoo tthheeiirr ffiinnaall rreeppoorrtt oonn tthhee TTrriinniittyy CCoouunnttyy MMaarriijjuuaannaa IInndduussttrryy —- CCoommmmuunniittyy IImmppaacctt AAsssseessssmmeenntt.. IInn mmyy ccaappaacciittyy aass CCoouunnttyy AAddmmiinniissttrraattiivvee OOffffiicceerr,, mmyy rreessppoonnssee iiss aass ffoolllloowwss:: FFiinnddiinngg 11:: MMaarriijjuuaannaa pprroodduuccttiioonn iiss fflloouurriisshhiinngg llaarrggeellyy uunncchheecckkeedd iinn mmaannyy aarreeaass ooff tthhee CCoouunnttyy,, iinncclluuddiinngg rreessiiddeennttiiaall aarreeaass.. TThhiiss rreessuullttss iinn iinnccrreeaasseedd tteennssiioonn aanndd ccoonnfflliicctt bbeettwweeeenn ggrroowweerrss aanndd nneeiigghhbboorriinngg nnoonn--ggrroowweerrss.. TThheerree aappppeeaarrss aa wwiinnddooww ooff ooppppoorrttuunniittyy ttoo iimmpprroovvee ppuubblliicc ssaaffeettyy,, aanndd rreedduuccee tteennssiioonn iinn rreessiiddeennttiiaall aanndd ppuubblliicc ggaatthheerriinngg aarreeaass bbyy zzoonniinngg rreegguullaattiioonnss ddeeffiinniinngg ccoommppaattiibbllee,, aanndd nnoonn--ccoommppaattiibbllee,, uusseess iinn ssuucchh aarreeaass.. TThhee ccuurrrreenntt LLaanndd UUssee EElleemmeenntt ooff tthhee CCoouunnttyy GGeenneerraall PPllaann ddaatteedd 11998888 uuttiilliizzeess 1155 mmiinnuuttee qquuaaddrraannggllee mmaappppiinngg ddaatteedd ttoo tthhee 11995500''ss,, pprroovviiddiinngg iinnaaddeeqquuaattee ddeeffiinniittiioonn ttoo ccuurrrreenntt aarreeaass ooff hhaabbiittaattiioonn.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr iinn ppaarrtt — tthheerree ddooeess aappppeeaarr ttoo bbee aann ooppppoorrttuunniittyy iimmpplleemmeenntt zzoonniinngg rreegguullaattiioonnss ddeeffiinniinngg ccoommppaattiibbllee aanndd nnoonn--ccoommppaattiibbllee uusseess.. WWee ddoo nnoott aaggrreeee tthhaatt tthhee uussee ooff 1155 mmiinnuuttee qquuaaddrraannggllee mmaappppiinngg pprroovviiddeess iinnaaddeeqquuaattee ddeeffiinniittiioonn ttoo ccuurrrreenntt aarreeaass ooff hhaabbiittaattiioonn.. TThhee ccuurrrreenntt zzoonniinngg ooff eeaacchh zzoonneedd ppaarrcceell iiss ddeessccrriibbeedd aatt tthhee ppaarrcceell lleevveell.. RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn 11:: CCoouunnttyy ooffffiicciiaallss sshhoouulldd ggiivvee ccoonnssiiddeerraattiioonn ttoo aa mmuucchh--nneeeeddeedd uuppddaattee ooff tthhee LLaanndd UUssee EElleemmeenntt ooff tthhee CCoouunnttyy GGeenneerraall PPllaann,, ppaarrttiiccuullaarrllyy aassssoocciiaatteedd zzoonniinngg ddeeffiinniittiioonnss,, wwhhiicchh ggoo hhaanndd--iinn--hhaanndd wwiitthh llaanndd uussee ddeessiiggnnaattiioonnss.. MMaarriijjuuaannaa pprroodduuccttiioonn sshhoouulldd bbee ccoonnssiiddeerreedd aa nnoonn--ccoommppaattiibbllee uussee wwiitthhiinn aarreeaass zzoonneedd ffoorr vviillllaaggee aanndd oonnee--aaccrree mmiinniimmuumm rreessiiddeennttiiaall.. BBuuffffeerr zzoonneess sshhoouulldd bbee eennffoorrcceedd aarroouunndd sscchhoooollss,, cchhiilldd--ccaarree,, cciivviicc,, tteeeenn oorr mmeeddiiccaall cceenntteerrss aanndd ppaarrkkss,, eettcc.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr -— tthhee CCoouunnttyy hhaass ttaakkeenn sseevveerraall sstteeppss ttoo uuppddaattee tthhee LLaanndd UUssee EElleemmeenntt aass wweellll aass tthhee GGeenneerraall PPllaann.. TThhee mmoosstt rreecceenntt bbeeiinngg aa ggrraanntt aapppplliiccaattiioonn ffoorr aa PPrroopp 8844 ppllaannnniinngg ggrraanntt ttoo uuppddaattee tthhee CCoouunnttyy GGeenneerraall PPllaann FFiinnddiinngg 22:: TThhee SSttaattee ooff CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa,, iinn iittss CCoommppaassssiioonnaattee UUssee AAcctt,, hhaass mmaaddee pprroovviissiioonn ffoorr tthhoossee bbeenneeffiittiinngg ffrroomm tthhee mmeeddiiccaall uussee ooff mmaarriijjuuaannaa ttoo bbee aabbllee ttoo ddoo ssoo wwiitthhiinn tthhee ccoonnssttrraaiinnttss ooff tthhee AAcctt.. IInn iittss zzeeaall ffoorr ccoommppaassssiioonn ffoorr tthhee uusseerr ppooppuullaattiioonn,, tthhee lleeggiissllaattuurree mmaayy hhaavvee oovveerrllooookkeedd ppootteennttiiaall aaddvveerrssee iimmppaaccttss uuppoonn tthhee nnoonn--iinnvvoollvveedd ppooppuullaattiioonnss ooff mmaarriijjuuaannaa pprroodduucciinngg aarreeaass ooff tthhee ssttaattee,, ssuucchh aass tthhee EEmmeerraalldd TTrriiaannggllee ((TTrriinniittyy,, HHuummbboollddtt aanndd MMeennddoocciinnoo CCoouunnttiieess)).. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr iinn ppaarrtt -— tthhee CCoommppaassssiioonnaattee UUssee AAcctt ((PPrroopp 221155)) mmaayy hhaavvee oovveerrllooookkeedd ppootteennttiiaall aaddvveerrssee iimmppaaccttss tthhee AAcctt wwaass nnoott aaddoopptteedd bbyy tthhee lleeggiissllaattuurree bbuutt bbyy aa vvoottee ooff tthhee ppeeooppllee aanndd ccaann oonnllyy bbee aammeennddeedd bbyy aa vvoottee ooff tthhee ppeeooppllee.. RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn 22:: PPrrootteeccttiioonn mmaayy bbee iimmpprroovveedd bbyy pprroovviissiioonn ffoorr aa sseeccoonndd mmeeddiiccaall ooppiinniioonn,, aatt CCoouunnttyy rreeqquueesstt bbyy CCoouunnttyy aapppprroovveedd pphhyyssiicciiaann,, ttoo aasscceerrttaaiinn mmeeddiiccaall nneeeedd.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr tthhaatt aa sseeccoonndd mmeeddiiccaall ooppiinniioonn mmiigghhtt iimmpprroovvee tthhee ccoonnddiittiioonnss ssuucchh aa cchhaannggee wwoouulldd ttaakkee aa vvoottee ooff tthhee ppeeooppllee aanndd nnoott wwiitthhiinn tthhee aauutthhoorriittyy ooff tthhee CCoouunnttyy FFiinnddiinngg 33:: TThhee pprreesseennccee aanndd pprroodduuccttiioonn ooff mmaarriijjuuaannaa iinn tthhee hhoommee hhaass bbeeeenn ddooccuummeenntteedd ttoo hhaavvee ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt iimmppaacctt uuppoonn cchhiillddrreenn ooff tthhee hhoouusseehhoolldd ffrroomm pprree--sscchhooooll aaggee tthhrroouugghh hhiigghh sscchhooooll.. AArroommaa ffrroomm bbaacckkppaacckkss ffrroomm ggrroowweerrss'' hhoommeess iiss aatt ttiimmeess,, iinn tthhee ffaallll,, ssuuffffiicciieennttllyy ssttrroonngg ttoo pprroodduuccee aa sseeccoonndd hhaanndd ssmmookkee ""bbuuzzzz"" oonn ootthheerrss nneeaarrbbyy.. TThhee rreessuullttiinngg lleetthhaarrggyy aanndd lluurree ooff tthhee eeaassyy mmoonneeyy cclloossee ttoo hhoommee,, aappppeeaarrss ttoo rreessuulltt iinn aa ggrroowwiinngg ssppiirriitt ooff aappaatthhyy aanndd aa llaacckk ooff iinntteerreesstt iinn hhiigghheerr eedduuccaattiioonn aammoonngg hhiigghh sscchhooooll ssttuuddeennttss.. ssoommee ooff wwhhoomm aassppiirree ttoo ppaarrttiicciippaattee iinn tthhee mmaarriijjuuaannaa iinndduussttrryy.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn 33:: HHaayyffoorrkk HHiigghh SScchhooooll aappppeeaarrss ttoo hhaavvee aann eeffffeeccttiivvee pprrooggrraamm ooff iinntteerraaccttiioonn wwiitthh yyoouutthh ttoo eennccoouurraaggee tthheemm ttoo ccoonnssiiddeerr hhiigghheerr eedduuccaattiioonn aanndd ccaarreeeerrss.. LLooccaall sscchhooooll ddiissttrriiccttss sshhoouulldd aaddoopptt aanndd iimmpplleemmeenntt tthhiiss pprrooggrraamm.. EEvviiddeennccee ooff ddrruugg aabbuussee bbyy eelleemmeennttaarryy yyoouutthh sshhoouulldd rreessuulltt iinn vviiggoorroouuss aaccttiioonn bbyy CChhiilldd PPrrootteeccttiivvee SSeerrvviiccee,, ((CCPPSS)) aanndd eedduuccaattiioonn ffoollllooww--uupp.. LLaaww eennffoorrcceemmeenntt sshhoouulldd bbeeccoommee aa ffaammiilliiaarr eedduuccaattiioonn pprreesseennccee iinn sscchhoooollss.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr -— rreecceenntt bbuuddggeett ccuuttss hhaavvee mmaaddee tthhee pprreesseennccee ooff LLaaww eennffoorrcceemmeenntt iinn tthhee SScchhoooollss.. AA rreevviieeww ooff ootthheerr wwaayyss iitt iimmpplleemmeenntt tthhee rreeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn wwiitthhiinn tthhiiss ffiissccaall yyeeaarr.. FFiinnddiinngg 44:: SSeevveerree rreedduuccttiioonn iinn rreessoouurrccee iinndduussttrryy aaccttiivviittyy oonn ppuubblliicc llaannddss wwiitthhiinn tthhee CCoouunnttyy hhaass rreessuulltteedd iinn lloossss ooff ggoooodd ppaayyiinngg sskkiilllleedd llaabboorr jjoobbss iinn tthheessee iinndduussttrriieess aanndd rreellaatteedd ssuuppppoorrtt bbuussiinneesssseess.. AA nnoonn­- mmeeaassuurraabbllee bbuutt ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt pprrooppoorrttiioonn ooff llooccaall ppooppuullaattiioonnss,, hhaavviinngg ffaammiilliiaarriittyy wwiitthh tthhee ffoorreesstt,, hhaavvee ttuurrnneedd ttoo mmaarriijjuuaannaa ffoorr aann uunnrreeppoorrtteedd,, ttaaxx--ffrreeee,, ccaasshh iinnccoommee ssoouurrccee.. IInn ssoommee ccaasseess ggrroowweerrss iinn tthhee mmaarriijjuuaannaa wwoorrkkffoorrccee ccoonnttiinnuuee ttoo ddrraaww ppuubblliicc aassssiissttaannccee ssuucchh aass wweellffaarree aanndd ffoooodd ssttaammppss.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn 44:: HHeeaalltthh aanndd HHuummaann SSeerrvviicceess sshhoouulldd mmaakkee mmoorree ddiilliiggeenntt eeffffoorrttss ttoo ssccrreeeenn bbeettwweeeenn tthhoossee ttrruullyy iinn nneeeedd,, aanndd tthhoossee ppllaayyiinngg tthhee ssyysstteemm,, wwhhiillee eennjjooyyiinngg tthhee ffrruuiittss ooff iilllleeggaall ccaasshh iinnccoommee.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr FFiinnddiinngg 55:: WWhhiillee tthhee DDiissttrriicctt AAttttoorrnneeyy aanndd SShheerriiffff aarree aawwaarree ooff tthhee pprreesseennccee ooff oorrggaanniizzeedd ccrriimmee iinn mmaarriijjuuaannaa pprroodduuccttiioonn,, rreeppoorrttss ffrroomm sseevveerraall iinntteerrvviieewweeeess ssuuppppoorrtt tthhaatt aawwaarreenneessss wwiitthh sseevveerraall ppeerrttiinneenntt ffoooottnnootteess.. MMuucchh ooff tthhee oorrggaanniizzeedd mmaarriijjuuaannaa wwoorrkkffoorrccee aappppeeaarrss nnoonn-- nnaattiivvee iinn oorriiggiinn aanndd oofftteenn nnoonn--EEnngglliisshh ssppeeaakkiinngg.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn 55:: WWhhiillee rreeccooggnniizziinngg tthhee vveerryy rreeaall lliimmiittss ooff mmaannppoowweerr aanndd ffuunnddiinngg tthhaatt llaaww eennffoorrcceemmeenntt iiss ooppeerraattiinngg uunnddeerr,, pprriioorriittyy sshhoouulldd bbee ggiivveenn ttoo tthhee ssaaffeettyy ooff eemmeerrggeennccyy rreessppoonnddeerrss.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr FFiinnddiinngg 66:: SSttoocckkmmeenn,, hhuunntteerrss,, hhiikkeerrss aanndd ffoorreesstt wwoorrkkeerrss rreeppoorrtt ccoonncceerrnnss ffoorr ppeerrssoonnaall ssaaffeettyy wwhheenn iinn tthhee wwooooddss,, aanndd ppeerriiooddiicc ccoonnffrroonnttaattiioonn wwiitthh tthhrreeaatteenniinngg aanndd ssoommeettiimmeess aarrmmeedd ppeeooppllee.. ppaarrttiiccuullaarrllyy iinn tthhee ffaallll ooff tthhee yyeeaarr.. SSttoocckkmmeenn ttrraaddiittiioonnaallllyy aarrmmeedd ffoorr ""ssnnaakkee kkiilllliinngg"" ttaakkee tthheeiirr ffiirreeaarrmmss mmoorree sseerriioouussllyy ffoorr sseellff--ddeeffeennssee.. HHuunntteerrss aanndd hhiikkeerrss aarree iinnccrreeaassiinnggllyy ggiivviinngg uupp aarreeaass ooff oouuttddoooorr aaccttiivviittyy iinn rreessppoonnssee ttoo rreeaall oorr ppeerrcceeiivveedd tthhrreeaatt.. TThheerree aarree rreeppoorrttss ooff ffiirreeaarrmmss bbrraannddiisshhiinngg iinn ppuubblliicc,, aanndd aatt lleeaasstt oonnee rreeppoorrtteedd sshhoooottiinngg.. SSoommee rreessiiddeennttiiaall aarreeaa ddwweelllleerrss rreeppoorrtt iinnccrreeaasseedd lleevveellss ooff aannxxiieettyy wwiitthh rreeggaarrdd ttoo ggrroowweerr nneeiigghhbboorrss dduurriinngg hhaarrvveesstt sseeaassoonn.. RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn 66:: NNoonnee.. FFiinnddiinngg 77:: MMaarriijjuuaannaa iinndduussttrryy iinnvveessttmmeenntt hhaass aarrttiiffiicciiaallllyy eelleevvaatteedd vvaalluueess ooff rraaww llaanndd aanndd iimmpprroovveemmeennttss iinn ssuusscceeppttiibbllee ppaarrttss ooff tthhee CCoouunnttyy.. LLiikkeewwiissee,, ssoommee bbuussiinneesssseess pprroovviiddiinngg ggooooddss oorr sseerrvviiccee iinn ddeemmaanndd bbyy iinndduussttrryy ppeeooppllee hhaavvee pprrooffiitteedd RReessppoonnssee:: WWee ccoonnccuurr RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonn 77:: NNoonnee.. TRINITY COUNTY Board of Supervisors P.O. BOX 1613, WEAVERVILLE, CALIFORNIA 96093 PHONE (530) 623-1217 FAX (530) 623-8365 TO: The Honorable James Woodward, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court FROM: Trinity County Board of Supervisors SUBJECT: Response to 2009-10 Trinity County Grand Jury Development and Environmental Committee Trinity County Marijuana Industry Community Impact Assessment Final Report DATE: September 7, 2010 The Grand Jury Development and Environmental Committee has requested a written response to their final report on the Trinity County Marijuana Industry Community Impact Assessment. The Board of Supervisors' response is as follows:
Findings & Recommendations 1 findings
F1: These recreational districts rely on outside funds for much of their operational costs making it difficult to plan for, and fund maintenance and seasonal expenditures. Lack of funding has caused program cancellations and personnel layoffs. 3
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: Because the Districts receive significant community support now is the time to seek additional Special Assessment funding, or other stable income sources. This would ensure funds are available for appropriate budgeting. This is especially prudent when the community is looking to expand their facilities and incur future debt. This “special assessment” funding assures the money is spent in the community and for what purpose.
Findings & Recommendations 7 findings
F1: The committee found the monitoring of fuel and the vehicles in general varied from department to department, with a lack of County administrative guidelines in place.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: Trinity County should implement a standardized practice for all departments regarding the specific requirements and usage of County vehicles. 2
F2: The fueling report issued to each department is being used as nothing more than a billing tool.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: A practice similar to the credit card certification signature process should also be developed for the accounting of fueling and the monitoring of the fuel report. This would require that the employee and the department head sign the report on charges each month certifying to the accuracy and validity of the charges.
F3: The fueling report can be used to monitor fuel usage, by individuals, vehicles, or both. This report can also be used to assess the performance of a department’s fleet and the mileage of each unit.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: Guidelines should be implemented to better aid department heads with proper vehicle uses, improved fuel accountability, and improved vehicle assessment.
F4: There is no set procedure for the issuing of fuel cards, allowing each department to have its own practices.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: Trinity County should implement a standardized practice for all departments regarding the issuance of fuel cards.
F5: The automated fueling process is currently using a program that has not been fully implemented, allowing for specific data to be omitted from reports. Fueling reports are not being used to audit mileage or fuel consumption, but only act as a billing tool.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5: The County should contact the vendor of the current fueling program to enable the software being used to completely gather the data being requested at the automated pumping station. This data would better aid department administrators in the accounting of fuel consumption, mileage, and the overall assessment of each County vehicle’s usage. These programming features were found to be a simple function that the current 3 facilitator can implement on site with no cost to the County. These changes in policies and procedures could result in significant savings for the County.
F6: No policy exists that specifies when deputies start and stop work when a deputy lives outside of the County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6: Policy should be generated which specifies that deputies living outside the County start work when they cross the County line.
F7: At this time no policy exists which specifies how far away from the Sheriff’s Department the Sheriff or deputies can live.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7: There are currently no remotely stationed deputies, and current policy allows that work starts from the location of the deputy’s home. When hiring deputies in the future, the County should consider where the prospective deputy lives or would live in order to be effectively responsive to the community.
Findings & Recommendations 1 findings
F1: The Project was handled in a capable manner considering the complexities, and the new ground broken in the engineering of the Picket Peak complex.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: None. Response In accordance with California Penal Code 933.05 a response is required as indicated below. Respondent Finding/Recommendation Due date None 4
Findings & Recommendations 1 findings
F1: TRCC is available to work on projects for non-profit organizations or government agencies. (County, State or Federal.)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1a: It is recommended that the County check into utilizing the crews to provide supplemental help in appropriate community projects thereby saving the County funds that can be reallocated to other much-needed projects. This is not only a cost savings to the County but enhances the quality of life for the prisoners while contributing to the safety and upkeep of Trinity County.
R1b: It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors write a letter of commendation to Trinity River Conservation Camp for its support and commitment to the communities of Trinity County.
Findings & Recommendations 7 findings
F1: Element (1) - Community Program Planning and local review process is conducted as part of the MHSA annual update of the Trinity County’s Integrated Plan. As required, a copy is forwarded each fiscal year to the California DMH and to MHSAOC. BHS verified the MHSA 2009-2010 plan was sent to both agencies on June 15, 2009.
F2: Element (2) - Community Support Services has met their goal of implementing a successful FSP program. Currently there are 12 participants enrolled in FSP receiving services previously unavailable due to lack of Medi-Cal eligibility. Also in place are the two drop-in centers. The centers are supplying peer-motivated services focusing on the recovery model. The plan goals have been met on time. The next goal is to reach the under-represented Native Americans residents in Trinity County.
F3: Element (3) - Capital Facilities purchased and renovated a board and care residence for FSPs. The facility is scheduled to open in May 2010. This is the first in-county facility, which will house and service consumers who are suffering from serious mental illness. BHS should be complimented on its development of a new in-county mental health service. This service will reduce costs for both the County and its consumers.
F4: Element (3) - Information Technology – In October 2009 broadband connectivity was installed in Hayfork. Phase 1 of Anasazi has been completed. Consumers are registered, scheduled, and being billed out of Anasazi. October 2009 also saw the start of Phase 2 of Anasazi implementation. In progress are Assessment, Treatment Plans, Progress Notes set up, form development training, and workflow design
F5: Element (4) - Prevention and Early Intervention – Link Center opened in August 2009 at the Mountain Valley Elementary School. One classroom is fully dedicated to the Center. Currently eighteen students receive counseling once a week. At the present time there are six groups meeting weekly. Each group concentrates on one theme such as: anti- bullying, social development skills, female aggression, and drug and alcohol problems, dealing with ADHD, and developing friendship among male students. Parent interaction with the Center averages out to three a week. Prevention and Intervention Program (PIP) being offered by STHS has three schools participating. Van Duzen Elementary School has twelve students involved. In 2009 three students from Southern Trinity High School took part in the Emotionally Healthy Teens group while fourteen were enrolled in the Addiction and the Brain group. The third school, Bridgeville Elementary, has fifteen students involved in the Learning Self- Control group, who were referred by teachers and identified as students who could benefit from intervention. BHS is to be commended on its implementation of programs for the positive mental health development of our youth.
F6: Element (5) - Innovation –The Board and Care FSP facility is scheduled to open in May 2010 and prove the effectiveness of the recovery model and interaction with the drop-in centers. In-county cost to operate the new facility will be $115 a day per consumer instead of out-of-county costs at $225 a day.
F7: Element (6) - Workforce Education and Training has enabled the hiring of an MHSA Coordinator. Last year three scholarships were awarded to people already working in the Trinity County public mental health field. Underwriting this education and training requires participants to commit to return to the County for two years. This year the focus is on having staff members attend one training program to improve their ability to perform their jobs.
Additional Recommendations 2

Not linked to specific findings.

R3: None. 5
Page 5
R6: None. 6
Page 6
Findings & Recommendations 10 findings
F1: for Item 1: A sexual harassment complaint form has not been developed and included in the Employee Handbook. At this time it appears there is no plan for including a sexual harassment complaint form. County, state, and federal laws do not require a form be used for informal sexual harassment complaints. 3
Related Recommendations (2)
R1: Implement recommendation made by the 2008-2009 Grand Jury.
R6: Item 1 A form for sexual harassment should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 1) Item 2 The complaint forms should be reviewed for reasonable content of the format and information and reissued as revisions. The form should include details of where the employee complaint should be sent. (See Finding 2) Item 3 Handling process for sexual harassment, hostile workplace/violence and illegal activity complaints should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 3) Item 4 Copies of the three complaint forms listed should be made readily available to all employees at their workstations. (See Finding 4) Item 5 Supervisors should advise any employee with a complaint to put it in writing or no action could be taken. Appropriate complaint form should be provided. (See
F2: for Item 2: The current employee complaint forms do not provide information as to where and to whom they should be sent.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2: Implement recommendation made by the 2008-2009 Grand Jury.
R6: Item 1 A form for sexual harassment should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 1) Item 2 The complaint forms should be reviewed for reasonable content of the format and information and reissued as revisions. The form should include details of where the employee complaint should be sent. (See Finding 2) Item 3 Handling process for sexual harassment, hostile workplace/violence and illegal activity complaints should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 3) Item 4 Copies of the three complaint forms listed should be made readily available to all employees at their workstations. (See Finding 4) Item 5 Supervisors should advise any employee with a complaint to put it in writing or no action could be taken. Appropriate complaint form should be provided. (See
F3: for Item 3: The handling process for each type of complaint is included in the employee handbook, however, the timeline for handling each process is not stated.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3: Implement recommendation made by the 2008-2009 Grand Jury.
R6: Item 1 A form for sexual harassment should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 1) Item 2 The complaint forms should be reviewed for reasonable content of the format and information and reissued as revisions. The form should include details of where the employee complaint should be sent. (See Finding 2) Item 3 Handling process for sexual harassment, hostile workplace/violence and illegal activity complaints should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 3) Item 4 Copies of the three complaint forms listed should be made readily available to all employees at their workstations. (See Finding 4) Item 5 Supervisors should advise any employee with a complaint to put it in writing or no action could be taken. Appropriate complaint form should be provided. (See
F4: for Item 4: The Committee was not able to substantiate that all complaint forms are readily available at the employees work location. However, a copy of the hostile workplace/violence form is located in the back of Section 13 – “Workplace Violence Policy” and the illegal activity complaint form maybe found in the back of Section 15 – “Process for Reporting of Illegal Activities Observed in the Workplace.”
Related Recommendations (2)
R4: Implement recommendation made by the 2008-2009 Grand Jury.
R6: Item 1 A form for sexual harassment should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 1) Item 2 The complaint forms should be reviewed for reasonable content of the format and information and reissued as revisions. The form should include details of where the employee complaint should be sent. (See Finding 2) Item 3 Handling process for sexual harassment, hostile workplace/violence and illegal activity complaints should be defined and made part of the employee handbook. (See Finding 3) Item 4 Copies of the three complaint forms listed should be made readily available to all employees at their workstations. (See Finding 4) Item 5 Supervisors should advise any employee with a complaint to put it in writing or no action could be taken. Appropriate complaint form should be provided. (See
F5: for Item 5: The Committee was not able to substantiate if supervisors have been directed to advise any employee with a complaint to put it in writing or no action can be taken.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5: Implement recommendation made by the 2008-2009 Grand Jury. 4
F6: for Item 6: The BOS has been made aware that all departments have been notified to direct all complaints to Administration for action and tracking.
F7: for Item 7: The Committee was not able to substantiate if reporting statistics on new, open and closed complaints, by type of complaint, and by department, are made by CAO and provided to the BOS. The Committee was unable to determine whether investigations of open complaints, which are late in resolution, are highlighted before presentation to the BOS.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7: Implement recommendation made by the 2008-2009 Grand Jury.
F8: for Item 8: During annual employee retraining a review of current policies and procedures and any changes addressing those areas is presented. The Employee Handbook, under Work Place Violence Section 13, does not define "hostile work environment". It does state that acts of violence in the workplace include: "any intimidating behavior perceived as a threat, including, but not limited to yelling, shouting, swearing in anger, throwing things or slamming doors".
F9: Examination of five employees’ Performance Reviews from various departments confirmed that the mandate that upper management should review the employee’s Performance Reviews written by subordinate managers is being followed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9: Upper management must review written employee performance appraisals written by subordinate managers.
F11: Trinity County Leadership and Supervisor Training Program offers training courses in ”Performance Coaching,” “Managing Performance Through Evaluation,” and “Supervisory Skill”. These courses are being used to educate supervisors and management in improving their management skills.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11: Managers should have required periodic training on providing quality annual performance reviews for employees.
Additional Recommendations 1

Not linked to specific findings.

R0: FROM: Trinity County Board of Supervisors SUBJECT: Response to 2009-10 Trinity County Granli Jury Development and Environment Committee Building Dept. Review Final Report DATE: September 7, 2010 The Grand Jury Development and Environment Committee has requested a written response to their final report on the Building Department Review. The Board of Supervisors' response is as follows:
Findings & Recommendations 3 findings
F1: The Committee determined that in one instance, through the expense report approval process, that travel had occurred without documented authorization from the County Administrative Officer.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: Although the expense report approval process by the Office of the Controller caught this violation of county travel policy, it should be noted that the expense report approval process also allowed, in one instance, the payment of an expense report without approval of the Controller. While these could be isolated instances, it cannot be assumed to be so and, therefore, a probability exists that unauthorized travel could be paid by the County. To preclude this from happening, all expense reports should be submitted with a copy of the approved travel request. The county travel policy should be changed to reflect this requirement.
F2: The Committee found that in one instance an expense report had been processed without the required approval signature of the Controller.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: The processing of an unapproved expense report resulted in payment to the employee. The expense report was in fact a legitimate submittal and did not result in a loss to the County. However, combined with Finding 2, a loss could happen, the least of which is the time lost correcting the errors in the County financial records. A review should be made of the process for reimbursement for travel by the Office of the Controller and changes implemented to preclude this in the future.
F3: The Committee found that approval of travel was made by as much as 6 months prior to the travel requested. Although this is not a violation of the travel policy, it does limit the County Administrative Officer's ability to manage discretionary spending on a month-to- month and quarter-to-quarter basis. This is a particularly relevant requirement in these difficult financial times for the County. 4
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: The County policy on out-of-county travel approval should be amended to include a maximum as well as minimum time in advance. The Committee recommends that this maximum be 90 days.
Findings & Recommendations 4 findings
F1: The Juvenile Detention Facility was found to provide a secure facility for juveniles in Trinity County who are awaiting a court hearing or are serving a sentence ordered by the Superior Court. 4
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: No recommendations were made concerning this finding.
F2: The Facility was found to be efficient, organized and well-maintained despite extensive staff and budget cuts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: No recommendations were made concerning this finding.
F3: The mattresses and pillows used for bedding for inmates/detainees are uncomfortable and cause pain to some inmates.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: Probation Department investigate using alternative bedding for inmates, particularly when inmates report back (or other) pain resulting from using current bedding.
F4: Staffing levels are low due to budget constraints.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: Staffing levels be increased as soon as possible considering budget constraints.
Findings & Recommendations 10 findings
F1: The current CEO/CFO was hired at a competitive compensation. 6
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: None. Response: No response
F2: The CEO and CFO positions were combined at a significant savings to the Hospital.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: None. Response: No response JUDY PFLUEGER JUDY MORRIS ROGER JAEGEL HOWARD FREEMAN WENDY OTTO DISTRICT I DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 5
F3: Revenues continue to rise based on the actions of the District management by increasing fees for services and the acquisition of the Hayfork Clinic.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: The District should submit to the Board of Supervisors and the Grand Jury, a plan annually on how and when revenue will increase and/or operating expense will decrease to achieve sustained profitability.
F4: 2009 operating expenses rose faster than revenue.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: The District should continue measurements of revenue, operating costs, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash flow, reserves, line of credit and profit, as well as actions taken to remedy inadequacies. This report should be submitted to the Trinity County Board of Supervisors and the Trinity County Grand Jury on a quarterly and annual basis.
F5: Accounts Receivable (greater than 180 days) rose dramatically between 2008 and 2009 due in part to late payments from Medicare, Medi-Cal, Blue Cross, CMSP, commercial health care insurance companies and uninsured patients.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5: The District should continue measurements of performance by the Hospital for collection and billing cycles (aging report). The District should submit the report to the Trinity 7 County Board of Supervisors and the Trinity County Grand Jury on a quarterly and annual basis.
F6: A consulting firm has been contracted to insure accuracy, completeness and timeliness of billing submittals to Medicare, Medi-Cal, uninsured patients and commercial health care insurance carriers in order to improve Accounts Receivable.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6: Establish continuing measurements of performance by the consultant for billing and collection cycles (aging report). Report on a quarterly and annual basis to the Trinity County Board of Supervisors and the Trinity County Grand Jury.
F7: Bad debt has been reduced and is now managed with appropriate write-offs in a timely manner.
Related Recommendations (3)
R7: TCHHS should continue its efforts to obtain local foster homes. Response: There will always be a need for quality in-county foster placements for the children in our community. CPS is actively working with two foster family agencies and State Adoptions to increase awareness of the need for foster homes in this county. CPS also met with the principals of each school in the county to provide information about how this issue affects them and have been asked to provide more localized informational meetings regarding the need for foster homes at their schools sites. It is the hope of CPS that some new placements will come from these meetings. CPS also continues to advertise the need for foster homes in our county through advertising at the local cinema. CPS has acquired more creative, thought provoking designs for the 2010-2011 fiscal year that will created in the coming months.
R7a: The District should establish a monthly assessment of accounts receivable for bad debt and write off monthly.
R7b: Bad debt should be turned over to a contracted collection agency for possible recovery.
F8: Profitability is still not achievable without the parcel tax that expires in 2011. Due to the large delinquent accounts receivable, and lacking a financial strategic plan, it is not possible to forecast beyond the current year if the District will be able to operate profitably without the parcel tax.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8: The performance of the Hospital should be reviewed annually with the Trinity County Board of Supervisors and the Trinity County Grand Jury as long as the parcel tax is in effect.
F9: Strategic planning activities occurred in 2009. No financial plan, with goals, has yet been set for 3, 5 and 10 years out. 8
Related Recommendations (1)
R9: Strategic planning by the District needs to proceed on a regular basis until long-term strategic planning is completed. Without a plan it is not possible to project when, or if, profitability will occur, or if further expansion and improvements to the Hospital can be made.
F10: A permanent line of credit has not been established although an emergency line of credit has been put in place with the TPUD.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10: Due to the wide variation in month-to-month cash flow and operating expense, a permanent continuing line of credit is essential to day-to-day operations of the Hospital. Every effort should be made to put this in place at the earliest possible date.
Findings & Recommendations 7 findings
F1: The Volunteer Fire Departments are under constant strain to acquire, train and retain volunteers and maintain their aging equipment. They are to be commended for their efforts.
F2: The County has reduced the funds to the Fire Departments to cover their Workmen’s Compensation premiums.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: Recommend that the County return the Workmen’s Compensation reimbursements to the Fire Departments to the previous levels as soon as economically feasible.
F3: Volunteers experience difficulty in obtaining local EMT training.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: Recommend that the County open a dialog with Shasta College to ensure availability of local EMT Training.
F4: Ruth Lake Community Service District has to contract for law enforcement coverage with the Sheriff Department during holidays and weekends.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: Provide Southern Trinity with appropriate County funded law enforcement as soon as possible.
F5: Ruth Lake CSD has a special set of issues related to the Quagga/Zebra Mussel infestation. 4
Related Recommendations (1)
R5: None. The Ruth Lake CSD is commended for the proactive steps they have taken, and are continuing to take, to address this issue.
F6: All Districts are in audit compliance with the exception of Post Mountain.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6: The Post Mountain Board should persist in their efforts to bring their audit into compliance.
F7: The Trinity Public Utilities District is representing the needs of Trinity County in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento.
Findings & Recommendations 8 findings
F1: The staffing levels for Dispatch and the Jail are out of compliance with the State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation guidelines and create a potential safety issue for the Corrections Officers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: Restoring budget monies to bring staffing levels into compliance needs to be a priority.
F2: The emphasis on more onsite medical care has resulted in substantial cost savings.
F3: The existing door locks are difficult to operate, causing keys to break in the locks and officers to sustain wrist injury.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: Funding should be made available to replace the existing door locks or install a new door lock system as soon as possible.
F4: The damaged concertina-wire at the corner of the outside yard needs to be replaced or repaired. 5
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: A new request should be generated to General Services to complete this work.
F5: The Reverse 911 System has several deficiencies. The mapping needs to be fine-tuned, the data from the communications vendors needs to be in compatible format, and an additional server is needed to improve staff efficiency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5: Continue efforts with the vendors to improve the mapping and data capture, and pursue avenues for funds to acquire an additional server.
F6: The camera monitoring and data capture system does not provide complete coverage.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6: These tools are crucial to the management of the Jail and should be upgraded at the earliest opportunity.
F7: The weekly generator tests cause system instability and damage to the computer screens. This could have serious consequences if it occurred during a major emergency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7: Efforts need to be made to stabilize the impact of the generator tests on the computer equipment.
F8: The Equipment Room does not have air conditioning to safely maintain the equipment and the File Storage Room does not have adequate space.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8: Realizing that these deficiencies cannot be immediately resolved within the current plant, it is recommended that creative ways continue to be sought to maintain these rooms in serviceable conditions. 6
Findings & Recommendations 2 findings
F1: The salary for the TCAO was found to have been negotiated by the Board of Supervisors consistent with a 2007 Tehama County commissioned salary survey of seven Northern California counties for the position of CAO.
F2: The benefits package for the TCAO complies with the requirements of Resolution #2002- 087 dated 11/19/2002 which specifies benefits applicable to departments heads within Trinity County and which is applicable to the TCAO by contract incorporation.

* 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.