Ventura County Grand Jury

2022-2023

4 reports

Findings & Recommendations 11 findings
F01: The Grand Jury finds that of the 13 deaths of detained persons reviewed, most were avoidable. (SF-01, SF-07, SF-12, SF-18, SF-29)
F02: The Grand Jury finds that in general, the public is not informed of the final results of the MCU and ME’s investigations of deaths of detained persons in the Ventura County jails. (SF-02, SF-03, SF-04)
F03: The Grand Jury finds that the current training regarding suicide prevention and response does not follow recommended best practices for consistent cross-training of deputies, SSTs, and Wellpath medical personnel. We did find that current practices are compliant with state law and BSCC requirements. (SF-05)
F04: The Grand Jury finds that between 2016 and 2022, the VCSO committed to implementing or strengthening primary, secondary and tertiary suicide prevention measures consistent with BSCC and NCCHC standards. Despite these efforts, detained persons committed suicide. (SF-06, SF-08, SF-09, SF-10, SF-14, SF-15, SF-16, SF-24)
F05: The Grand Jury finds that during incarceration, multiple factors can lead to a personal crisis after the initial screening. Communication and follow- up become key for suicide prevention. (SF-06, SF-10, SF-13)
F06: The Grand Jury finds that primary level intervention measures, including improvement of the orientation process and involvement of families, aid in the prevention of suicide. (SF-06, SF-11, SF-12, SF-13, SF-16)
F07: The Grand Jury finds that current incentives to surrender illicit substances and body searching protocols do not result in adequate detection and confiscation of increasingly dangerous drugs at PDTF and TRJ. (SF-17, SF- 18, SF-19, SF-22, SF-23)
F08: The Grand Jury finds that use of passive-alert drug detection dogs to discover illicit drugs is an effective methodology not fully utilized at the PTDF and TRJ facilities. (SF-19, SF-20, SF-21)
F09: The Grand Jury finds that historically, medical and behavioral health treatment in Ventura County’s jails often has been reactive rather than proactive, and has not included a robust “See Something, Say Something” protocol. (SF-06, SF-07, SF-25, SF-26, SF-29)
F10: The Grand Jury finds that the intake screening process and reassessments during incarceration do not always provide a complete evaluation of current medical and behavioral health, as outlined in the NCCHC Initial Health Assessment standard. (SF-26, SF-27, SF-28) Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities 13
Related Recommendations (1)
R10: The Grand Jury recommends that within ninety days, the VCSO implement a procedure to inform the public of the circumstances surrounding all jail deaths after the MCU investigation and/or independent review are completed. (F-02, F-11) RESPONSES Responses required from: The following elected officer within 60 days: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (F-01, F-02, F-03. F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F- 09, F-10, F-11, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-04, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08, R-09, R-10) The following governing body within 90 days: Ventura County Board of Supervisors (F-11, R-01, R-06, R-08) Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities 15 REFERENCES Ref-01. 9341. (2023, April 19). How to lower the high level of jail suicides. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our- work/analysis-opinion/how-lower-high-level-jail-suicides, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-02. Russo, J., Woods, D., Shaffer, J. S., & Jackson, B. A. (2017a, November 27). How to reduce mortality in correctional facilities. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1967.html, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-03. Wiering, M., Christian, G., & Wooden, C. (2019, September 17). Suicide rate in prisons raises alarm, calls for change. Angelus News - Multimedia Catholic News. https://angelusnews.com/news/life- family/suicide-rate-in-prisons-raises-alarm-calls-for-change/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-04. Initiative, P. P. (n.d.). Rise in jail deaths is especially troubling as jail populations become more rural and more female. Prison Policy Initiative. https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2021/06/23/jail_mortality/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-05. Special report: 2022 fatal overdoses - s31042.pcdn.co. (n.d.-f). https://s31042.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UPDATED-OD- Report-2022.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-06. Statutes, codes, and regulations. Legal research tools from Casetext. (n.d.). https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-penal- code/part-2-of-criminal-procedure/title-4-grand-jury- proceedings/chapter-3-powers-and-duties-of-grand-jury/article-1- general-provisions/section-919-inquiry-into-case-of-person- imprisoned-but-not-indicted-condition-and-management-of-prisons- and-misconduct-in-office-of-public-officers, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-07. Inmate death from Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Nixle. (n.d.). https://local.nixle.com/alert/9600254/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-08. Grand Jury interviews Ref-09. County of Ventura Sheriff’s Office. (n.d.-d). https://s29762.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PUBLIC- Information-Plan-0722.pdf (pp. 153-156; 179-186; 325-339; 540- 545; 604-612; 656-660; 690-698; 699-712) https://s29762.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Divisional- Policy-Public-Redacted-090722.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 16 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities Ref-10. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office confidential files and related documents reviewed by the Grand Jury Ref-11. San Diego County Sheriff’s department. Report 2021-109. (n.d.-a). Figure 2. https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2021- 109/index.html#section3, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-12. Procedure in the event of an inmate death. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. (2022, May 16). https://www.ncchc.org/spotlight-on-the-standards/procedure-in-the- event-of-an-inmate-death/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-13. H.R.1447 - Death In Custody Reporting Act of 2013 - congress.gov. (n.d.-f). https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house- bill/1447, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-14. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. (n.d.-j). Project 2025 | American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://project2025.afsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/NCCHC- AFSP_Suicide_Prevention_Resource_Guide.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-15. Home - ventura county sheriff’s office. (n.d.-f). (pp. 153-155) https://s29762.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Divisional- Policy-Public-Redacted-011023.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-16. Guidelines for investigating deaths in custody. (n.d.-h). https://www.icrc.org/en/doc/assets/files/publications/icrc-002- 4126.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-17. Lester, D. (2019). Suicide and self-harm in prisons and jails (2nd ed.). Lexington Books. [pp. 2; 9-10; 15-37; 52-56; 61; 70; 81; 95-97; 112-113; 117-118; 165; 220-221; 224-227; 229] Ref-18. Spotlight on the standards. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. (2022c, May 17). https://www.ncchc.org/spotlight-on- the-standards/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-19. Piper, S. (2022, July 20). 4 innovative approaches to inmate suicide prevention. Corrections1. https://www.corrections1.com/corrections- training/articles/4-innovative-approaches-to-inmate-suicide- prevention-KEWdUrajQPHmlHZ1/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-20. State of California. (n.d.). Bscc.ca.gov. The Board of State and Community Corrections. https://bscc.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/Adult-T15-Effective-1.1.2023-Full-Text.pdf, [pp. 18- 22, 26, 28-31, 34, 58, 61-62, 64], Accessed 06/05/2023 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities 17 Ref-21. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (n.d.-b). The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - CDCR. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/regulations/wp- content/uploads/sites/171/2022/03/CDCR-DOM_2022.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-22. Jezierski, Abstract Some recent publications claim that the effectiveness of police canine drug detection is uncertain and likely minimal, Leitch, O., et.al. (2014a, February 7). Efficacy of drug detection by fully-trained police dogs varies by breed, training level, type of drug and search environment. Forensic Science International. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037907381400 0371?via%3Dihub, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-23. Don Chaddock, I. C. editor. (2023, February 22). Meet the cen K-9 team: Arrow and Kendra. Inside CDCR. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2023/02/16/meet-the-cen-k-9- team-arrow-and-kendra/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-24. Dalton, N. (2023, April 3). Everything Drug Detection Dog gets up to in 24 hours - and human way they relax. mirror. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/everything-drug-detection- dog-gets-29616974.amp, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-25. Office of the Inspector General. (2023, January). Www.oig.ca.gov. https://www.oig.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CDCR- Controlled-Substances-Contraband-Interdiction-Efforts-Audit.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-26. Burciaga, M., & Courtesy of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. (2019, December 17). Deputy’s dog is “kryptonite” for criminals: New K-9’s nose to help nab jailhouse narcotics. Santa Maria Times. https://santamariatimes.com/news/local/deputys-dog-is-kryptonite- for-criminals-new-k-9s-nose-to-help-nab-jailhouse- narcotics/article_0664c47a-65a4-515c-ab29-6836f0f553bf.html, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-27. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. (n.d.). Canines help with keeping our LA county jails safe. Lasd.org - information detail. http://shq.lasdnews.net/pages/PageDetail.aspx?id=1408, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-28. Don Chaddock, I. C. editor. (2022a, December 5). K-9 CAMO takes Riverside Top Detection Honors. Inside CDCR. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2022/11/30/k-9-camo-takes- riverside-top-detection-honors/, Accessed 06/05/2023 18 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities Ref-29. Columbia Human Rights Review. (n.d.-c). Chapter 23 Y R Adequate Medical Care - Columbia University. https://jlm.law.columbia.edu/files/2017/05/35.-Ch.-23.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-30. American Civil Liberties Union. (2005, November). Know your rights - american civil liberties union. https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/images/asset_upload_file690_ 25743.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-31. Mendoza, L. (2020, December 9). CCR § 3350: Provision of medical care in California state prisons. foundations of law and society. https://foundationsoflawandsociety.wordpress.com/2020/12/08/15- ccr-3350-provision-of-medical-care-in-california-state-prisons/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-32. Code section. Law section. (n.d.). https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?la wCode=PEN&sectionNum=4011, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-33. Item - Primegov Portal. (n.d.). BOS 6-21-22 Meeting Agenda, Item 76, Item Attachment, Exhibit 1, CMFG Medical Services Contract #8705, [Exhibits A – Sections K, Q & PP; and Exhibit D]. https://ventura.primegov.com/portal/item?id=232563, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-34. Wilson, K. (2022a, June 26). New contract promises Better Health Care in county jails. Ventura County Star. https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2022/06/26/contract-promises- improved-mental-health-care-jails-ventura-county/7678721001/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-35. Initial health assessment. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. (2022a, May 16). https://www.ncchc.org/spotlight-on-the- standards/initial-health-assessment/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-36. MacDonald, R., Parsons, A., & Venters, H. (n.d.). The triple aims of Correctional Health: Patient Safety, population ... https://cochs.org/files/health-it-hie/triple-aim-in-corrections.pdf, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-37. Reingle Gonzalez, J. M., & Connell, N. M. (2014, December). Mental health of prisoners: Identifying barriers to mental health treatment and medication continuity. American journal of public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232131/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities 19 Ref-38. Brook-Eisen, L., & Nahra, A. (2023, May 9). The landscape of recent state and County Correctional Oversight EffortsLau. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research- reports/landscape-recent-state-and-county-correctional-oversight- efforts, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-39. 2022 California code :: Penal code - pen :: Part 3 - of imprisonment and the death penalty :: Title 7 - administration of the State Correctional System :: Chapter 5 - The Corrections Standards Authority :: Article 1 - General Provisions :: Section 6031.1. Justia Law. (n.d.-b). https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2022/code- pen/part-3/title-7/chapter-5/article-1/section-6031-1/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-40. Statutes, codes, and regulations. Legal research tools from Casetext. (n.d.-a). https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california- welfare-and-institutions-code/division-2-children/part-1-delinquents- and-wards-of-the-juvenile-court/chapter-2-juvenile-court-law/article- 1-general-provisions/section-209-inspection-of-jails-juvenile-halls-or- special-purpose-juvenile-hall-facility-unsuitable-for-confinement-of- minors, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-41. Statutes, codes, and regulations. Legal research tools from Casetext. (n.d.-a). https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california- welfare-and-institutions-code/division-2-children/part-1-delinquents- and-wards-of-the-juvenile-court/chapter-2-juvenile-court-law/article- 24-wards-and-dependent-children-juvenile-homes-ranches-and- camps/section-885-standards-adopted-by-board-of-supervisors- inspection- reports?sort=relevance&type=case&tab=keyword&jxs=&resultsNav=fa lse, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-42. The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), Biennial Inspection Records and Related Documents – Adult Detention Facilities – Ventura 09/22/2022 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DW0At3nnjBIA5PvgtfiVKhVt7e YrqgLL, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-43. Statutes, codes, and regulations. Legal research tools from Casetext. (n.d.-a). https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california- health-and-safety-code/division-101-administration-of-public- health/part-3-local-health-departments/chapter-2-powers-and-duties- of-local-health-officers-and-local-health-departments/article-1-county- health-officers/section-101045-investigation-of-health-and-sanitary- conditions-in-detention- facility?sort=relevance&type=case&tab=keyword&jxs=&resultsNav=fal se,, Accessed 06/05/2023 20 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities Ref-44. 2022 California code :: Penal code - pen :: Part 2 - of criminal procedure :: Title 4 - grand jury proceedings :: Chapter 3 - Powers and duties of grand jury :: Article 4 - Conduct of Investigations :: Section 939.9. Justia Law. (n.d.-b). https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2022/code-pen/part-2/title- 4/chapter-3/article-4/section-939-9/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-45. Grand jury. Ventura County. (2020, April 9). https://www.ventura.org/grand-jury/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-46. Bill text. Bill Text - AB-1185 County board of supervisors: sheriff oversight. (n.d.). https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=20 1920200AB1185, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-47. Diskin, M. (2019, April 18). Case documents reveal details, allegations in Ventura County jail inmate’s death. Ventura County Star. https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2019/ 04/18/detailcase-reveals-details-allegations-ventura-county-jail- inmates-deaths-allegations-emerge-jail-in/3455108002/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-48. Butterfield, M., Al-Abri, S., Huntington, S., Carlson, T., Geller, R. J., & Olson, K. R. (2015b, September). Symptomatic exposures among California inmates 2011-2013. Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4547960/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-49. Naloxone in correctional facilities for the prevention of opioid overdose deaths (2020). National Commission on Correctional Health Care. (2023, February 2). https://www.ncchc.org/position- statements/naloxone-in-correctional-facilities-for-the-prevention-of- opioid-overdose-deaths-2020/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-50. Brannon, M. (2020, October 8). Analysis reveals disparities among death rates in California County Jails. Dying Inside: Data shows gaps among California county jail death rates. https://www.redding.com/in- depth/news/local/2020/10/02/california-jails-inmate-deaths-shasta- county-mental-health-care/5539531002/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-51. “see something, say something” - DPSS training. School of Nursing, University of Michigan. (n.d.). https://nursing.umich.edu/about/events-calendar/%E2%80%9Csee- something-say-something%E2%80%9D-dpss-training-190213, Accessed 06/05/2023 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities 21 Ref-52 Mitchell, J. (2018, July 16). See something, say something. See Something, Say Something | Harvard Medical School. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/see-something-say-something, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-53. Nsiah, C., Siakwa, M., & Ninnoni, J. P. K. (2019, December 19). Barriers to practicing patient advocacy in healthcare setting. Nursing open. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7024610/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-54. (OCR), O. for C. R. (2022, December 28). 505-when does the privacy rule allow covered entities to disclose information to law enforcement. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/505/what- does-the-privacy-rule-allow-covered-entities-to-disclose-to-law- enforcement-officials/index.html, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-55. Brannon, M. (2020a, October 7). With jail deaths on the rise, California counties look to improve. Dying Inside: California counties look for reforms as jail deaths rise. https://www.redding.com/in- depth/news/local/2020/10/07/shasta-county-jail-inmate-deaths- mental-health-california-reform-ideas/5621258002/, Accessed 06/05/2023 Ref-56. 7pillars. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. (2023, February 8). https://www.venturasheriff.org/7pillars, Accessed 06/05/2023 22 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities GLOSSARY TERM DEFINITION BOS Ventura County Board of Supervisors BSCC Board of State and Community Corrections DSD Detention Services Division MCU Major Crimes Unit ME Medical Examiner NCCHC National Commission on Correctional Healthcare PTDF Pre-Trial Detention Facility SST Sheriff’s Service Technicians TRJ Todd Road Jail VCSO Ventura County Sheriff’s Office ATTACHMENTS Att-01. Deaths in Ventura County jails since 2016 Att-02. Case studies Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities 23 Attachment-01 Source: Ref-10 24 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities Attachment-02 CASE STUDIES Suicide: Case Study 1 – One attempted suicide involved a cell wall fixture that was not properly attached that provided the opportunity for hanging. Case Study 2 – One suicide involved a person with suicidal ideation of jumping to death being housed on second level with exposed railing. Overdose/Intoxication: Case Study 3 – Person was arrested for an outstanding warrant and no license plate after stopping at a convenience store. The person asked to go to the bathroom at the convenience store. After spending 14 minutes in the bathroom, the person was asked to come out of the bathroom by convenience store personnel. Paraphernalia found were found in the person’s belongings. A body scan at booking was done incorrectly. Specifically, the person’s hands were in a position behind his back which obscured any view of contraband hidden in the body cavity. The body scan was not redone. The detained person was found deceased 27.5 hours later. The cause of death, determined by the ME, was drug overdose. Medical: Case Study 4 – Person was booked symptomatic with signs and symptom of withdrawal, requiring intervention. Regular cell checks were not done according to VCSO’s Standard Operating Procedures. Person exhibited multiple incidents of vomiting & defecation over three days but refused fluids. No indication in case file that person was given emergency treatment in hospital setting. Case Study 5 – Person was booked under the influence. Screening process did not detect underlying medical condition (hypertensive cardiac disease, manifested by elevated blood pressure readings). There were gaps in verifying the person’s physical and mental health statements; 4.5 hours between last time seen alert and responsive in cell and time seen unresponsive in cell. Paramedics did not arrive to the jail until approximately thirty minutes had past when notified. Source: Ref-10 Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities 25
F11: The Grand Jury finds that involvement of the public and independent subject matter experts in the review of deaths in jail may reduce the risk of death, provide additional insight, justify additional resources and increase transparency. (SF-30, SF-31) RECOMMENDATIONS
Related Recommendations (1)
R11: R-02. The Grand Jury recommends that within six months, the VCSO with Wellpath develop and implement a consistent in-service suicide prevention cross-training for all deputies, SSTs and Wellpath medical personnel. (F-03, F-04, F-09) R-03. The Grand Jury recommends that within six months, the VCSO with Wellpath improve existing communication protocols for monitoring suicidal ideation and/or increased risk factors among detained persons. (F-03, F- 04, F-05, F-09) R-04. The Grand Jury recommends that within six months, the VCSO develop and implement suicide and self-harm prevention protocols involving family input, including: • Placing Suicide Prevention Hotline Posters in visiting areas encouraging family members to contact a 24/7 number to report concerns about suicide or self-harm of a detained person. • An automated recording with the same hotline information at the beginning of each phone call to a detained person. (F-05, F-06) R-05. The Grand Jury recommends that within six months, the VCSO’s Inmate Orientation include information explaining available resources for prevention of suicide, self-harm and overdose. (F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08) R-06. The Grand Jury recommends that within ninety days, the VCSO evaluate and report to the BOS the technical and financial feasibility of adding passive-alert drug detection dogs to each jail facility. (F-07, F-08) R-07. The Grand Jury recommends that within six months, the VCSO implement a more robust protocol of “See Something, Say Something” that is reinforced by ongoing staff training and detained persons’ orientation. (F-
Findings & Recommendations 14 findings
F01: The Grand Jury finds that an adequate supply of water is essential for successful suppression of wildfires. (SF-01, SF-02, SF-03, SF-04)
F02: The Grand Jury finds that the limited number of Fire Weather Watch (FWW) advisories amplifies the importance of establishing written procedures, protocols and training. (SF-01, SF-05, SF-07, SF-10)
F03: The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-05, SF-07, SF-10)
F04: The Grand Jury finds that the limited number of Red Flag Warning (RFW) events amplifies the importance of establishing written procedures, protocols, and training. (SF-01, SF-06, SF-07, SF-10) 6 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County
F05: The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during a Red Flag Warning event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-06, SF-07, SF-10)
F06: The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during an active fire event is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-08, SF-10)
F07: The Grand Jury finds that written procedures for actions taken by water purveyors during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County. (SF-01, SF-09, SF-10)
F08: The Grand Jury finds that backup power to critical infrastructure is not always available. (SF-01, SF-11)
F09: The Grand Jury finds that SCADA systems are not equipped with backup power in all instances. (SF-01, SF-12)
F10: The Grand Jury finds that inadequate communication between adjoining water purveyors limits the ability to coordinate needed actions such as available water transfers. (SF-13, SF-14)
Related Recommendations (1)
R03: The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors establish common communication protocols with adjoining water purveyors to coordinate needed actions, including water transfers during active fires. (F-10)
F11: The Grand Jury finds that notification to water purveyors of FWWs and RFWs is inconsistent due to out-of-date contact lists. (SF-13, SF-15)
Related Recommendations (1)
R04: The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County Sheriff’s OES develop a current contact list of water purveyors, updated at least once a year. (F-11)
F12: The Grand Jury finds that enrolling in GETS and WPS would allow Ventura County water purveyors priority access to landline and cellular telephone networks in emergency situations. (SF-16, SF-17)
Related Recommendations (2)
R05: The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors enroll their employees in the FCC Wireless Priority Service (WPS) providing cell phone priority in emergencies. (F-12)
R06: The Grand Jury recommends that water purveyors enroll in the Government Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS) providing landline phone priority in emergencies. (F-12)
F13: The Grand Jury finds that enrolling in CalWARN would allow Ventura County water purveyors access to statewide resources. (SF-18)
Related Recommendations (1)
R07: The Grand Jury recommends that all water purveyors enroll in CalWARN, a network of water and wastewater agencies that can provide emergency resources. (F-13)
F14: The Grand Jury finds that Ventura County Fire Code section 4907.8 regarding brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure applies to all rural and unincorporated communities, and all cities except Fillmore, Oxnard and Ventura. (SF-19, SF-20, SF-21) Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County 7 RECOMMENDATIONS
Related Recommendations (2)
R08: The Grand Jury recommends that all water purveyors provide brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure. (F-14)
R09: The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura City Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department and Fillmore Fire Department adopt the Ventura County standard for brush clearance around water tanks, water supply pumps, pump houses and related infrastructure. (F- 14) 8 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County RESPONSES Responses required from: The following elected officer within 60 days: Ventura County Sheriff (F-11, R-04) The following governing bodies within 90 days: Camrosa Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F- 07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Casitas Municipal Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F- 06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07,
Additional Recommendations 1

Not linked to specific findings.

R14: 8 Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County RESPONSES Responses required from: The following elected officer within 60 days: Ventura County Sheriff (F-11, R-04) The following governing bodies within 90 days: Camrosa Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F- 07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Casitas Municipal Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F- 06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Camarillo, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Fillmore, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08, R-09) City of Oxnard, City Council (F-14, R-09) City of Santa Paula, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F- 09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Simi Valley, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F- 09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Thousand Oaks, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) City of Ventura, City Council (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08, R-09) Meiners Oaks Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Triunfo Water & Sanitation District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Ventura County Board of Supervisors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F- 08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Ventura River Water District, Board of Directors (F-01, F-02, F-03, F-04, F-05, F-06, F-07, F-08, F-09, F-10, F-12, F-13, F-14, R-01, R-02, R-03, R-05, R-06, R-07, R-08) Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County 9 REFERENCES Ref-01 Williams, A. P., Abatzoglou, J. T., Gershunov, A., Guzman‐Morales, J., Bishop, D. A., Balch, J. K., & Lettenmaier, D. P. (2019). Observed impacts of anthropogenic climate change on wildfire in California. Earth’s Future, 7(8), 892–910. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019ef001210 retrieved May 22, 2023 Ref-02 National Weather Service, Forecast Office Los Angeles/Oxnard, Fire Weather Watch https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/office/brochures/lox_firewx_brochure.p df retrieved May 19, 2023 Ref-03 Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Data Collection on Parcel Vulnerabilities https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/wildland-urban- interface-wui-fire-data-collection-parcel-vulnerabilities retrieved May 19, 2023 Ref-04 NWS WFO Los Angeles/Oxnard, Red Flag Criteria https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/fire_weather/redflag.pdf retrieved May 20, 2023 Ref-05 Ventura County 2040 General Plan (September 2020), Chapter 11, figure 11-08, section 11.2, -37 https://docs.vcrma.org/images/pdf/planning/plans/VCGPU_11_Adopted _Hazards_Safety_September_2020.pdf#11-08 retrieved May 20, 2023 Ref-06 Ventura County 2040 General Plan (September 2020), Chapter 11, figure 11-10, section 11.3, -48 https://docs.vcrma.org/images/pdf/planning/plans/VCGPU_11_Adopted _Hazards_Safety_September_2020.pdf#11-10 retrieved May 20, 2023 Ref-07 Ventura County 2040 General Plan Update (September 2020),
Findings & Recommendations 6 findings
F01: The Grand Jury finds that all Ojai City Council members elected in 2020 and 2022 were in compliance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 889 at the time of their election. [SF-01, SF-02]
F02: The Grand Jury finds there is no requirement for city council members to report a change of residency as defined in the California Election Code upon moving out of their district. [SF-03, SF-04]
F03: The Grand Jury finds that, after an election, there is no provision for the Ojai City Clerk to periodically re-verify city council members continue to reside within their district in compliance with Ojai Municipal Code No. 889, Section 2.6-105. [SF-05]
F04: The Grand Jury finds one Ojai City Council seat is vacant pursuant to the requirements of Ojai Municipal Code Ordinance No. 889, Sections 2.6-105 and 2.6-107. [SF-06, SF-07]
F05: The Grand Jury finds Ojai City officials have failed to acknowledge that a vacancy exists on the Ojai City Council. [SF-08, SF-09]
F06: The Grand Jury finds that interim appointment from within the district, special election, or the Quo Warranto process are suitable remedies to address the vacancy on the Ojai City Council. [SF-08, SF-09] Addressing District-Based Representation for the Ojai City Council 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.