Yolo County 2000-2001 - California Grand Jury Reports

📋Received Received JUL - 6 2005 JUL 0 6 2005 Clerk of the Board Clerk of the Board Supervisors Picked up from

23 pages 5 findings 44 recommendations

Findings & Recommendations 5 findings

F1: Notification to the public about this project has been FINDINGS ongoing over the 10+ years since this project was initially Before the conclusion of this investigation by the Yolo conceived. In February of 2005 the disposition and County Grand Jury, the City of Woodland implemented a agreement went before the City Council. There were new gas card system. This new system requires the represen- many, many comments and because of these comments, tative or employee of the City of Woodland to have more an additional community workshop was held in March. accountability for the charges they incur on the gas card. A letter was sent to all those that had made earlier comments

F2: The inability of the traffic court system to track and enforce citations and collect fines and penalties has REASON FOR REVIEW reduced the effectiveness of those citations, as well as In response to a citizen's complaint, the Grand Jury allowed large amounts of revenue to go uncollected. investigated the Animal Services policy for their resolution

F3: There is no court date schedule in Traffic Court for the of barking complaints. The complainant alleged that three county codes used in the enforcement of animal control. barking complaints filed with Animal Services had not

F4: At the first interview with the Chief of Animal Services stopped the problem. the Grand Jury learned there were no documented stan- dards as to how a complaint was to be handled or to

F5: periodic reviews of county agencies, the Grand Jury inter- oner to the Monroe Detention Center in Woodland, due viewed department managers and toured the facilities at the to the absence of a secure holding facility in the station, Department of Employment and Social Services in October has the potential for the city to be without an on-duty of 2004. The departments reviewed included Financial Man- night shift officer during such transfer. This would place agement, Employment and Transitional Services and Youth a burden on busy County Sheriff deputies who cover the and Children's Services. extensive unincorporated part of Yolo County.

Additional Recommendations 44

Not linked to specific findings.

R2: Traffic studies were done originally in 1998. PW En- have spent years shepherding the redevelopment of the gineering has since reviewed the 1998 traffic study and City's corporation yard. The Grand Jury believes the City gathered current information. PW Engineering's findings of Woodland used proper procedure in attempting to are that the additional traffic impact will not result in a transfer this parcel to its highest and best use. Unfor- short or long-term unacceptable level of service per City tunately the SVOC was unable to fulfill its promises of of Woodland General Plan criteria. construction.

R3: In 2002 the zoning was changed through a zoning admin- istrative permit, and the police and fire departments RECOMMENDATIONS reviewed these zoning changes and made their comments. The project was approved based on the conditions from None these departments of public safety. SOURCES Hazardous wastes were studied extensively in 1992 by

R4: Wallace Kuhl & Associates. Specific high-risk areas were Complainant targeted. The hydraulic lifts area had no detectable Economic Development Manager, City of Woodland concentrations of contaminates. The other areas checked, Redevelopment Manager, City of Woodland the vehicle wash rack, the former paint shop, the equip- Text, Public Meeting, Nueva Vista Questions and Comments, ment wash areas, the fire training burn depression, the Feb, 2004 pesticide storage area, etc. were all found to have no Traffic Impact Analysis Report significant levels of toxins and were considered an Soil Evaluation Report of Findings insignificant threat to the ground water. Several buildings Council/Redevelopment Agency/SVOC Agreement were still in place at the time of this report (1992). It Engineer, City of Woodland was recommended that when these buildings are re- moved, that the soil under their concrete slab foundations Police Office Space in be excavated and properly treated or disposed. Oakshade Shopping Center,

R5: Drainage concerns have been addressed by the City of Woodland Engineer. While the corporation yard does Davis drain into a common storm drain with the Beamer Park area, the new housing development should permit more ground infiltration of the storm waters and the city plans REASON FOR REVIEW to upgrade the existing storm drainage systems in the The Grand Jury investigated a citizen's complaint stating Woodland Avenue area. While there is, as yet, no specific the developer of the Oakshade Shopping Center in Davis storm drain plan for the new housing, the condition of did not provide adequate space within the complex for police development says that the developer's plan cannot impact use. the surrounding community. The City's contract with SVOC has been in place, in 6.

R8: Woodland City Council and the Redevelopment Agency

04-03: The Board of Supervisors, the Yolo

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04-04: The Board of Supervisors, the Yolo Recommendation No. 04-01: The Yolo County Assessor should County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Executive develop a time sheet that reflects the appraiser's hours. Director of Yolo County Housing Authority should decisively address Response of the Assessor: This recommendation will not be imple- all unresolved issues. mented. Response of BOS: The Board of Supervisors concurs with this The appraisers currently sign a bi-weekly time report that details recommendation. As noted above the Board of Supervisors cannot their hours and have a computer tracking system which tracks the be directly involved in the operation of the Housing Authority. work to be done and the work completed and we believe this system Response of Board of Commissioners: All issues raised by the Grand is adequate. Supervisors review all work completed by the appraisal Jury have been addressed and for the most part resolved; those few staff and counter sign appraiser's bi-weekly time reports. remaining are now being addressed with positive outcomes occurring The staff is already dealing with extremely high workloads and weekly and monthly. adding additional requirement of detail time reporting would have a The Housing Authority and Board of Commissioners are ad- negative impact on morale and would be counter to the spirit of dressing all unresolved issues through open communication with those professionalism among the appraisal staff. concerned and careful investigation of complaints. Where complaints Yolo County Flood Control and have been instigated and found substantiated, remedial action has been taken. Where complaints have been found to be unsubstantiated, Water Conservation District the Board of Commissioners has encouraged the Housing Authority's staff to review the underlying circumstances, determine whether (and Recommendation No. 04-02: Set a schedule for regular, on-going if so, how) staff's actions or inactions could have been misunderstood safety training. and productive of increased tension and conflict with residents and/ Response of the YCFC&WCD: This recommendation has been imple- or employees, and if such actions or inactions are found, to plan to mented. The District implemented a schedule of monthly safety train- avoid similar conduct in the future. ing meetings and additional safety meetings will be held as necessary. Response of Executive Director: Concurs with YCHA Board of Commissioners response to the recommendation and will continue Yolo County Housing Authority to bring about resolution of all issues that remain to be addressed.

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04-05: The Board of Supervisors should schedule County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Executive progress reports as a quarterly "agenda item" of the Board of Super- Director of the Yolo County Housing Authority should review their visors meetings. initial authorizing statutes and subsequent amendments to properly BOS Response: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors concurs with delineate their level of authority, scope of responsibility and oversight this recommendation. functions.

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04-06: Failing timely and significant resolution Response of BOS: The Board of Supervisors authorized creation of of these issues, the Board of Supervisors should consider contracting the Housing Authority, and appoints members of its Board of Com- for an independent consultant's "performance audit" and/or contacting missioners. However, the Yolo County Housing Authority is a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide training, model separate, corporate and public body. State law gives control, operation operating plans and program reviews for the Housing Authority. and oversight of the Housing Authority to the Authority's Board of BOS Response: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors encourages Commissioners, not the Board of Supervisors. State Law also pre- the Yolo County Housing Authority to consider all options and utilize scribes the qualifications and appointment of the Housing Commis- resources available to improve the operating of their organization. sioners. Response of Board of Commissioners: This recommendation will be fully implemented. The target date for completion of such review is November, 2004. Response of Executive Director: This recommendation will be (APPENDIX: Responses to the 2004-2005 Grand Jury implemented in coordination with the YCHA Board of Commissioners Report-continued on next page) 2004-2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Yolo County Office of Education Response of YCOE: A written documentation of desk procedures has been completed and is currently being used by YCOE staff. It is important to note that on April 15, 2004, based on the Additionally, the Yolo County Board of Education is provided with approval of the Yolo County Board of Education and in collaboration the Yolo County Office of Education annual audit and a presentation with special pension legal counsel, Yolo County Office of Education is made by the independent CPA firm. terminated its Operating Agreement with California Administration

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04-07: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors

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04-08: The YCOE Superintendent should submit of this critical public service. a written status report by September 30,2004 to the YCOE Board of Education detailing all inquiries or communications with CalPers, Yolo County Fire Services the SSA, and/or any other government authorities, including the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, regarding YCOE's involvement

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04-09: The YCOE Superintendent should also fire districts with grant applications. However, as is the case with assess and report to the Board of Education how these additional the fire districts, the county does not have a full-time grant writer. costs, if any, may impact the YCOE's budget, identifying programs and/or staffing positions affected thereby and include this information Yolo County Jails in the quarterly reports recommended in above item 04-08. These reports should be made available to the public by the YCOE Board

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04-10: The YCOE Board should develop, and completion by the end of this calendar year. make public, policies to monitor on-going contractural obligations to assure compliance with objectives established at the time the contract is entered. The YCOE Board should review all YCOE cur- rent contracts wherein the Board's concurrence or approval was (APPENDIX: Responses to the 2004-2005 Grand Jury required to assess whether the contract objectives are being met. Report-continued on next page) 11 1 1 . 5 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Yolo County Police Departments Yolo County Juvenile Hall

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04-11: The YCOE should, without delay, seek Services Authority (CASA). appropriate legal advice relative to their CASA obligations, options The Yolo County Office of Education and the Yolo County Board and liability. of Education disagree in whole or in part to many of the Grand Response of YCOE: The Yolo County Office of Education retained Jury's

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04-12: The 2004-2005 Grand Jury should monitor should immediately authorize resources and personnel to the Yolo this matter to its conclusion and investigate further as it deems County Auditor-Controller to perform a review of financial and advisable. administrative controls and practices at the YCOE. This review should be coordinated with other agencies which may institute similar audits Grand Jury Response: The 2004-2005 Grand Jury will not implement so as not to be duplicative. Once completed the Board of Super- this recommendation. visors should consider recommendations, take appropriate action, Yolo County Coroner's Office monitor implementation of recommended action and make this information public.

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04-13: The Coroner's Office displays consum- Response of YCOE: YCOE concurs with the spirit of this recom- mate professionalism and should be commended for its efforts. mendation, but the Yolo County Office of Education is a fiscally Response of BOS: The Board of Supervisors concurs with the independent entity and does not report to the Yolo County Board of recommendation that the Coroner's office displays consummate Supervisors. The YCBOS has no legal jurisdiction or oversight professionalism. The Board recognizes the outstanding professional- responsibility of YCOE. ism of the Supervising Deputy Coroner and her staff. The Board also thanks the Sheriff and his management team for their support

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04-14: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors in CASA. Subsequently, a status report should be made no less should support the use of Development Impact Fees to maintain fire frequently than every calendar quarter, advising of all developments, services. changes in personnel or operations, and/or remedies taken related to BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors has been working with all this matter. The YCOE Superintendent should also include in this fire districts to study use of development impact fees to finance fire quarterly status report all costs, charges, penalties, or claims incurred service equipment and facilities. The Board recently approved fire or settlements reached relating to this matter. development fees for the following districts: Clarksburg, Dunnigan, Response of YCOE: The Superintendent is in continuing communi- Knights Landing and Yolo. cation with the Yolo County Board of Education regarding the CASA JPA. The CASA JPA is currently the subject of litigation, therefore

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04-15: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors most information presented to the Yolo County Bard of Education should provide additional resources as needed to all fire districts for about CASA is subject to attorney-client privilege. grant writing assistance. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors is supportive of assisting

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04-16: Currently, an assessment is being conducted of Education and a copy mailed to the Yolo County Grand Jury. to determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale study about Response of YCOE: The entire matter of dissolution of CASA and relocating or expanding the current jail. The assessment should be any resulting liability or costs of member agencies has not yet been completed as quickly as possible. determined. When a final legal determination is made, any impact to Response of Yolo County Administrative Officer: The County program or budget will be reported with a copy to the Grand Jury. Administrative Office has issued a contract to study the relocation/ expansion of the current jail. The assessment is scheduled for

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04-17: The supervisors and staff should be com-

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04-18: All agencies, departments, and involved and written study about the shuttle service to transport suspects. The personnel should exert every effort to assure that the anticipated report of this study will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors. Juvenile Hall completion and occupancy date is realized, that appro- priate facility-specific policies and procedures are developed prior to

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04-19: Juvenile Hall administrators and staff Follow-up Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer to should pay particular attention to maintaining a high degree of facility Recommendations 04-20, 04-21 and 04-22. and equipment maintenance during the final months of occupancy of Recommendation 04-21 requires publication of the results of a the present Juvenile Hall. study regarding the feasibility of a countywide program to assist entities in transporting arrestees to the Yolo County jail. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors concurs. In April 2005, representatives of the University of California, Davis Response of County Administrative Officer: The Administrative and the cities of Davis, West Sacramento, Winters and Woodland Office staff meets regularly with both Probation and Central Service met with the representatives from the Sheriff's Department and the Division staff to confirm that resources are available to assure that County Administrator's Office to discuss analysis prepared by staff. equipment and facility needs are met. The analysis concluded that a transportation service could be provided Response of Manager, County Administration Office: All Central which would pick up prisoners and transport them to the County jail Services Project managers are actively involved in maintaining the for booking. Cost to provide a 24-hour service, seven days a week, approved schedule and budget. was estimated to be approximately $800,000 annually. The County Response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent: Improvements continue could provide the service if the costs were reimbursed by the partici- to be made in the operation of the existing juvenile hall. All equipment pating entities. Following the meeting, all the entities informed the is being maintained to ensure fully functional capacity. County that they would not participate in the joint effort as it is more economical to provide the service with their own staff. Response of Chief Probation Officer: Reviewed and concur with the response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent.

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04-20: A formal and written study about a shuttle mended for maintaining a high degree of professionalism and per- service to transport suspects to the Yolo County Jail should be un- ceived efficiency despite the antiquated and overcrowded conditions. dertaken by the Sheriff's office and County Administration Office and submitted to the Board of Supervisors. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors commends juvenile hall staff for the professionalism and the efficiency they exhibit, especially Response of the BOS: The Board of Supervisors will require that a formal and written study be prepared and submitted to the Board for with the high facility population. review. Response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent: Agrees that staff should be commended for a job well done while maintaining professionalism Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer: The County when conducting their duties in conjunction with overseeing minors. Administrative Office concurs that a formal and written study should be undertaken, with the results submitted to the Board of Supervisors. Response of Chief Probation Officer: Concurs with response of Response of the Yolo County Sheriff: The Sheriff's Department will Juvenile Hall Superintendent. work with the County Administration office in conducting a formal

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04-21: The study recommended above should result in a report available to the public by the end of the fiscal year occupancy, and that a smooth transition is made. 2004-2005. BOS Response: The Board of Supervisors reviews quarterly reports on all the county's capital projects, including the new juvenile hall. Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer: The County Response of County Administative Officer: The County has proper Administrative office agrees. standards in place to assure that the new juvenile hall is completed Response of the Yolo County Sheriff: The study will be completed on time and within budget. and documented by the end of the fiscal year 2004-2005. The report Response of Manager, County Administrative Office: The project will be made available to the public. is on schedule and on budget.

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04-22: Invite all Yolo County law enforcement Response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent: All agencies, departments departments to participate in the study. and involved personnel have maintained commitment to the juvenile Response of the BOS: The Board of Supervisors concurs. hall's completion date. Additionally, a transition team has been Response of the Yolo County Administrative Officer: All Yolo County developed and meet Titles 15 and 24 of the California Code of law enforcement departments will be invited to participate in the regulations, and that there is a smooth transition between the old study. juvenile hall facility and the new juvenile hall facility. Response of the Yolo County Sheriff: The Sheriff's Department will Response of Chief Probation Officer: Reviewed and concur with invite all Yolo County law enforcement departments to participate in the response of Juvenile Hall Superintendent. the study.

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R05-01: Based on the above findings, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should suspend Mr. Rose from duty. Services Investigation It is further recommended that the Board of Super- The report of this investigation was issued January 27, visors initiate the personnel proceedings necessary 2005 as an interim report of the 2004-2005 Grand Jury. The to terminate Mr. Rose's employment. Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and Based on the above findings, the Yolo County Board

R05-02: the County Auditor-Controller, in accordance with their of Supervisors should suspend Mr. Johnson from mandated requirement as respondent, responded to the report duty. It is further recommended that the Board of February 15, 2005. Supervisors initiate the personnel proceedings neces- Regarding Findings No. 1, 2, and 3 the sary to terminate Mr. Johnson's employment. Board of Supervisors states: Based on the above findings, the Yolo County Board

R05-03: Due to the fact that the Board is not aware of nor is able of Supervisors should suspend Ms. Craig from duty. to review the evidence upon which Grand Jury has based its It is further recommended that the Board of Super- findings, the Board disagrees with the report's Findings, visors initiate the personnel proceedings necessary pending further investigation. The Board has retained the to terminate Ms. Craig's employment. investigative services of the Honorable Richard L. Gilbert The Yolo County Board of Supervisors should im-

R05-04: (Ret.) to conduct a thorough, impartial, independent and fair mediately ensure appropriate funding of the Welfare Fraud Investigations Unit, with budgetary control investigation into the accusations. transferred from DESS to the District Attorney. Regarding Recommendations 05-01, 05-02, The Yolo County Administrative Officer should

R05-05: create an ombudsman position to actively intercede states: in conflicts between DESS and the Welfare Fraud Further analysis may be required. Accordingly, the Board Investigations Unit to ensure sensitivity, fairness, and will await the results of the independent investigation. unbiased arbitration. A priority function of this As to the ongoing issue of the administrative structure individual should be to coordinate joint interpersonal and financing of the welfare fraud investigators, during last skills training for DESS and Welfare Fraud Investi- summer's budget process the Board approved and County gations Unit staff. Administrative Office hired an outside consulting firm to The Yolo County Auditor should arrange for fiscal

R05-06: analyze this issue and make recommendation. Accordingly, audits of DESS by State and Federal funding agen- the Board of Supervisors will await results of this report. cies. Regarding Recommendation 05-05 the The 2005-2006 Yolo County Grand Jury should

R05-07: County Administrative Officer states: follow-up on this report. Further analysis is required. The County Administrative Office hired an outside con- RESPONDENTS sulting firm to analyze this issue and make a recommenda- The Yolo County Board of Supervisors: Recommendations tion. The Board of Supervisors will await the results of this 05-01, 05-02, 05-03, and 05-04 report. The Yolo County Administrative Officer: Recommendation 05 - 05 (INVESTIGATIONS: Yolo County Department of Employment The County Auditor: Recommendation 05-06 and Social Services-continued, on next page) 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Regarding Recommendation 05-06 the Yolo passed on, intact, as it was received. County Auditor-Controller states: In their general response to the Interim Report, the Board of Supervisors cites Penal Code Section (PC) 933.05 require- Since the State Department of Social Services has over- ments that they must agree with the Grand Jury's findings, sight on the County Department of Employment and Social or disagree wholly or partially with the findings. The Board Services, we will transmit to them the complete Grand Jury states that, "Because it is legally limited in its responses to findings and recommendations for their action. However, it the Grand Jury findings, the Board must disagree with the has been our experience that the State and Federal agencies above findings for the reasons set forth herein." The primary do not have resources to deviate from their normal audit reason proffered by the Board is that "The Grand Jury's cycle and focus on a single issue, especially when there is findings are inconsistent with the Board's past experience no clear evidence of material non-compliance with laws or with these employees." regulations affecting their programs or material losses of In effect, the Board concedes that it has insufficient funds. information to respond, yet the Board does respond by Therefore, the office of Auditor-Controller will conduct disagreeing with the Grand Jury. The author of the response a fiscal review of DESS that will determine the validity of blames the statute, but it is disingenuous to suggest that a the three allegations of mismanagement of funds cited in law can require the Board to come to such an illogical the report, and that will include an overall review of internal conclusion. The proper response should have been to agree control throughout the department. with the Grand Jury that an inquiry was warranted. By disagreeing, the Board took a position that the Grand Jury Response of the Grand Jury was wrong; at the same time the Board acknowledged it to the Yolo County Board of lacked evidence to know if the findings were true. Supervisors This lack of candor was further exacerbated when the Board claimed, both in its response to the Grand Jury and On January 27, 2005, the 2004-2005 Yolo County Grand in the Chairwoman's comments to the local newspaper (on Jury released an Interim Report detailing three major areas January 28, 2005) that the three employees had excellent of concern regarding allegedly inappropriate managerial histories. The panel members are also dismayed that the behavior at the Yolo County Department of Employment and Board ignored its suggestion that, for the safety and welfare Social Services (DESS), including: of other employees, the three DESS administrators be sus-

R05-08: ney's Office should create a process that closes the holes in the collection and enforcement process. A new policy should be generated that reflects follow- up of the court decisions, enforcement of penalties, and collection of fines. Animal Services staff should review mid-year, recently

R05-09: created training materials, to determine effective- ness as well as thoroughness and completeness of the program, and re-write it as necessary. RESPONDENTS Chief, Yolo County Animal Services: Findings 1, 2, 3, 4; Recommendations 05-08, 05-09 Yolo County District Attorney: Recommendation No. 05-08 Yolo County Traffic Commissioner: Recommendation No.

R05-10: maintain their physical conditioning. Conditioning is essential the physical plant design to include better monitoring to the officer's ability to perform his job effectively and capabilities. Correctional staff should be able to ob- reduces on the job injuries. The holding cells appeared se- serve inmate activity from a distance, rather than cure and well maintained. Most detainees under arrest are only upon entering the pod. held less than 6 hours before they are released or transported The Sheriff/Coroner and his management team should

R05-11: to the Monroe Detention Center in Woodland for booking. develop plans, policies, and procedures to establish The building is well designed to accommodate future growth a Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) to M and contains state of the art equipment for effective law serve as the first-responder in the event of an emer- enforcement communications. gency (i.e. inmate riot or hostage situation). City of Winters Police Department: Total Comment On February 11, 2005 the Grand Jury interviewed the RESPONDENTS Chief of Police and was given a guided tour of the Winters Yolo County Sheriff/Coroner: Recommendations 05-10, Police Department, located at 318-A First Street, Winters.

R05-12: The Yolo County Communications Emergency Ser- assistance to County residents in the areas of Child Welfare, vice Agency should look into the troubling issue of Licensing of Foster Families, Adult Protective Services, radio communications in Winters to rectify the Transitional and Employment/Training Services. It conducts reception difficulty as soon as possible. This com- eligibility determination for Medi-cal, Food Stamps, General munication problem could seriously impact public Assistance, Cal Works, Workforce Investment Act and Aid safety until the situation is corrected. Payments to eligible persons. The Yolo County Communications Emergency Ser-

R05-13: The Youth and Children's Services department has intensi- vice Agency, working with the Winters City Manager fied its efforts to increase the number of licensed foster and the Winters Police Chief, should find a way to families in the county and provide an adoptive family for add a second channel to the present single-channel children who are in permanent placement. There are more radio system so that more than one emergency entity than 400 children in foster care in the County. At age 19 the can use the system concurrently. foster child becomes emancipated. To prepare for this emanci- We encourage the Police Chief to explore the possi-

R05-14: pation, the department provides an Independent Living Skills bility of using Emergency Preparedness funds to program, designed to assist young people with future plans, purchase a generator to replace the battery currently teach life skills, and provide the resources and training to used when power outages occur. reach these goals. Any youth between 16 and 21 is eligible

R05-15: The Winters City Manager must find a way of for the service. providing a locked holding cell in the police station. The Employment and Transitional Services Department offers many services designed to assist job seekers in job The Winters City Manager should explore all possi- 05 - 16 ble avenues for improving or replacing the depart- search techniques. Resources available include workshops and seminars on job application tips, computer skills, cus- ment's current physical facility. tomer services skills, and interviewing skills, in addition to job leads and on-site recruitment. The department offers RESPONDENTS counseling regarding the training, education and skills needed Coordinator, Yolo County Emergency Services: Recom- to achieve individual goals. Staff also offers instruction on mendations 05-12 and 05-13 enrollment in the CalWorks Program, which provides cash Chief of Police, Winters, California: Recommendation payments, and employment services to families with insuffi- 05 - 14 cient income to meet their most basic needs. CalWorks is City Manager, City of Winters: Recommendations 05-15 designed with a "work first" idea that helps welfare recipients and 05-16 move from welfare to work and toward self-sufficiency. The Financial Management Department manager ex- SOURCES plained the Community Services Block Grants selection Chief of Police, Winters Police Department Captain, Davis Police Department (REVIEWS: Department of Employment and Social Services-continued on next page) . 15 2004-2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT from the main stream. District employees, called "Ditch process. This process consists of a Request for Proposal Tenders", control the flow of water in this secondary network solicitation and a non-competitive/discretionary funds allo- of channels, opening and closing gates to fulfill "orders" for cation. A Community Service Action Board of 15 members, water placed by individual District members. including 5 Board of Supervisor appointees, identifies prior- The District maintains well hydrographs at various loca- ities. The Block Grants received funds of $268,000 from the tions to monitor the depth to ground water in the District. State, which was distributed to respondents and "winners" The hydrographs examined by the Grand Jury indicate no of the application process. This year's priorities are: food, significant ground water overdraft and it could be concluded shelter and youth programs. The process for distribution of that the system was in a steady state. Therefore, this valuable funds is an open invoice/voucher system with county vendors. asset is not at risk. It should be noted, however, that the City The Grand Jury thanks the Department of Social Services of Davis has drilled some of its wells to tap into aquifers far Managers for conducting the tour of their facilities and their deeper than the one utilized by the agricultural members of assistance in explaining the functions of the departments the District. examined. FINDINGS RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury was positively impressed with the manage- None ment of Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and its Board of Directors and we commend their SOURCES efforts. ESS Division Manager, Department of Social Services Children's Services Division Manager, Department of RECOMMENDATIONS Social Services None Summary of Block Grant Funding Children's Services Handouts SOURCES Employment and Transitional Services Handouts General Manager, Yolo County Flood Control and To a second Water Conservation District Yolo County Flood Control Hydrographs and Water Conservation Slide Presentation ı District New Yolo County Schools REASON FOR REVIEW In an effort to determine if the ground water in Yolo REASON FOR REVIEW County is at risk of overdraft, the Yolo County Grand Jury met with the General Manager of the Yolo County Flood In an effort to assess the new educational institutions Į, Control and Water Conservation District on December 8, within Yolo County, members of the Grand Jury interviewed 2004. faculty and administrators, and toured the facilities of Harper Junior High School and Leonardo Da Vinci High School in BACKGROUND Davis, as well as Pioneer High School in Woodland. The Grand Jury was shown an excellent slide show giving BACKGROUND an overview of the District's physical water storage facilities, which include a dam and diversion works at both Clear Lake Harper Junior High School: and Indian Valley. These works control the flow of water The 2004-2005 school year is the first year of operation down Cache Creek, where it is diverted to lands within the for Harper Junior High School, which serves approximately District. This water is supplemented by water pumped from 550 students in grades 7-9. This new school is located on privately-owned farm wells and from the wells operated by the far eastern edge of Davis. the Cities of Woodland, Winters, and Davis. A third, smaller Some of the issues discussed by our panel with the reservoir is located near Winters and is used as a balancing reservoir for both flood control and irrigation. Stream flows ı in Cache Creek included in the District's water right are (REVIEWS: New Yolo County Schools-continued on next page) diverted into lateral canals, which carry water to farms away 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT for Pioneer High School, located in the southeastern area of teachers and administrators at this junior high school included: Woodland. During that academic year, enrollment started at The financing of the new school which was accomplished 1. 875 in grades 9 and 10, dropping to 845 by the end of the in part by a successful school bond election, school year. In September 2004, the enrollment was 1225; The ability of the administration to staff faculty at the 2. currently there are approximately 1132 students attending school completely by voluntary transfer of teachers, grades 9 through 11. Next year, when a new freshman class 3. The use of "advisory sessions", in which all faculty and is added, the school will have its first senior class. staff are actively engaged with student discussion groups, Some of the issues discussed with teachers and adminis- 4. The high level and appropriate use of technology to trators at Pioneer High School included: improve instruction in all core areas, and The culture and school climate, 1. The coordination of library lending services among this 5. The potential for "cross-town rivalries" between the two 2. school and the two previously existing junior high schools high schools in the community, in Davis. 3. The difficulty of opening a school with the realities of The Grand Jury recognizes how difficult opening a new the current school funding situation in California, comprehensive junior high school is, particularly given 4. Issues connected to student leadership, given the lack of limited financial resources. The community is to be com- a current senior class, mended for its vision and dedication to providing a high 5. Challenges of creating a quality academic program for quality educational program for its young people. a high percentages of English Language Learner students, Our panel was impressed with the quality of the facility, and the dedication of the faculty, administrators and staff, as well as by the organizational structures of this new junior high 6. Growth pressures upon the school due to the rapid school. population increases in the southeast portion of Wood- land. Leonardo Da Vinci High School: In each of the above listed issue discussions, we found Da Vinci High School is in its first year of operation on the faculty and administrators at Pioneer well informed, the campus of Davis High School. It is a "small independent capable of identifying potential problems and willing to apply learning community", based on the model of the "new their best professional practices to solving any difficulties technology high schools", funded in part by the Bill and which might arise. Melinda Gates Foundation in concert with additional grants Opening a new high school is always a challenging awarded to the Davis Joint Unified School District. prospect for any school district, and Woodland is not unique The current student population of Da Vinci is approxi- in this regard. The School Board is to be commended for mately 150 students in a sophomore and junior class. In 2005-

R05-17: roadways, controlling points of admission to hospitals, and action training session be developed within the com- isolation of the infected. Members of the Grand Jury attended ing year. The scenario should include law enforcement, the exercise as observers, and noted that the coordination, fire, and environmental health and other agencies procedural standards, communication and planning between that OES would consider pertinent to the training. the aforementioned participants were still in their infancy Law enforcement representatives should attend a

R05-18: stages. medical table top exercise to understand the nature Areas of Vulnerability: of complexities these organizations are experiencing, and how far along they are in their development The Davis Police Department recently took part in a security-related walk through the University of California, stage. Davis (UCD) campus with the Joint Terrorism Task Force. We encourage the Davis Police Department to devel-

R05-19: The walk through consisted of security analysis of high risk op a permanent liaison position with the UCD Police facilities on the campus. They found that the current security systems in place at these high risk facilities were inadequate. A representative from the Davis Police Department concluded that the security systems should go beyond pass codes, and (REVIEWS: Yolo County Homeland Security Preparedness- primarily focus on security changes, with an emphasis on continued on next page) 2004–2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Department to better develop intelligence, promote awareness, and enhance security measures of high- risk facilities on campus. The 2005-2006 Grand Jury should continue to re-

R05-20: view, and investigate further, Homeland Security in Yolo County. RESPONDENTS Yolo County Sheriff/Coroner: Finding 2; Recommenda- tion 05-18 Chief of Police, Woodland: Finding 2; Recommendation 05 - 18 Chief of Police, Davis: Findings 2, 5; Recommendations 05-18, 05-19 Coordinator, Yolo County Office of Emergency Services: Recommendation 05-17 SOURCES Representatives from: Yolo County Sheriff's Department Davis Police Department Woodland Police Department Yolo County Office of Emergency Services Yolo County Office of the Auditor-Controller Sources reviewed include: Yolo County FY04 Homeland Security Grant Program State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority Statewide Medical & Health Disaster Exercise . 10 2004-2005 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT

📋Received Received JUL - 6 2005 JUL 0 6 2005 Clerk of the Board Clerk of the Board Supervisors Picked up from

23 pages 5 findings 44 recommendations

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Findings & Recommendations 5 findings

F4: At the first interview with the Chief of Animal Services stopped the problem. the Grand Jury learned there were no documented stan- dards as to how a complaint was to be handled or to

Additional Recommendations 44

Not linked to specific findings.

R8: Woodland City Council and the Redevelopment Agency

04-03: The Board of Supervisors, the Yolo

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04-07: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors

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04-17: The supervisors and staff should be com-

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📋June 29, 2001 — Child Protective Services

26 pages 14 findings 50 recommendations

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Findings & Recommendations 14 findings

F1: EH issues permits for Small Public Water Systems

F2: 12. EH does not currently have sufficient staff or funding technician and testing done by an accredited labora- to locate and oversee the sealing of abandoned wells. tory.

F3: EH employs Registered Environmental Health Spe- cialists as field inspectors. (INVESTIGATIONS: Small Public Water Systems-

F4: EH water samples are tested at the county Public 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT When water is found to be contaminated and unsafe understaffed. EH employs the equivalent of 1.6 full-

F5: would enable EH to fully meet its legal obligation antagonism if more than one regulatory agency has to protect water quality in Yolo County, at a cost of authority over a water system or associated systems, $70,000 a year. if the operator needs different permits from different

F6: 17. There were no confirmed cases of illness attributable complaint. to contaminated water in Yolo County in the two years preceding the Grand Jury's investigation.

F7: At the time of our investigation, only one formal (INVESTIGATIONS: Yolo County Procurement- training session had been held. 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT The technology the county uses for procurement

F11: EH attempts to verify whether in fact users have been only after at least two consecutive water samples test notified appropriately, but staffing constraints limit negative for contaminants. how much follow-up the department can do. Water sampling must be performed by an accredited 2.

F12: EH does not currently have sufficient staff or funding technician and testing done by an accredited labora- to locate and oversee the sealing of abandoned wells. tory.

F13: At the time of the Grand Jury investigation, EH was

F14: EH lost four employees in 2000 to nearby counties agencies, and if the agencies themselves enforce that can offer better compensation. different standards. EH appears on the whole to

F15: EH's operating budget is $1.3 million; of that total, maintain good working relations with the other agen- 80 percent comes from user fees, 14 percent from cies that have parallel or related authority, but it is the county general fund, and the remainder from possible that more could be done to alleviate the federal grants and state funds. Water user fees bring potential for system operators to misunderstand their the department just over $104,000 a year. obligations and the reasons for them.

F16: EH is legally constrained from raising permit fees. The Grand Jury found no evidence to support the 6.

F17: There were no confirmed cases of illness attributable complaint. to contaminated water in Yolo County in the two years preceding the Grand Jury's investigation.

Additional Recommendations 50

Not linked to specific findings.

R1: water supplies. Health Specialists who, in addition to their pro- When contamination makes system water unsafe 01-02 fessional qualifications, have undergone a year of to drink, the Yolo County Health Department training specific to Yolo County in more than one should require operators of water systems to discipline. The Grand Jury was impressed with their provide bottled water to consumers within 24 knowledge and professionalism. hours. EH's ability to assure safe drinking water is impaired

R2: by inadequate staffing, which may be aggravated by RESPONDENTS the county's inability to match pay scales offered by Board of Supervisors (Recommendations 01-01 and neighboring counties. 01-02)

R3: Given the risk factors in Yolo County and seasonal Yolo County Health Department (Recommendation changes in the water table, EH cannot assure safe 01-02) drinking water without the cooperation of system operators, who are on site more frequently than field

R4: paper work and answer phones and still observe the wards in the monitors. (REVIEWS: Juvenile Hall- 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT assigned to the room and sitting at the desk to many professionals who come to observe how a modern, glancé up and observe the monitors. well-designed facility operates. Leinberger Center RESPONDENTS The Leinberger Center is primarily a working facility, Probation Department (Recommendation 01-41) designed to house sentenced inmates who work at various city, county, and state agencies to reduce their jail time.

R6: There was only one staff person on duty at the shelter 01-03 The county Department of Employment & Social at the time of his violation. Services should ask the Community Care Licens-

R7: The physical layout of the shelter was not sufficient ing division of the state Department of Social to separate residents by gender. Services to investigate the management and

R8: Because nightly monitoring of wards was not sched- supervision of the juvenile shelter for consid- uled randomly, residents had the opportunity for eration of continued licensing. inappropriate and illegal behavior. 01-04 The Yolo County Board of Supervisors should

R9: The Welfare & Institutions Code requires that county require the directors of the departments of Em- departments of probation and social services develop ployment & Social Services and Probation and joint treatment plans for Juvenile Court sentencing the Public Defender to jointly develop and en- determination. dorse a plan to bring the County into compli-

R10: The juvenile's case record did not include a coherent, ance with the Welfare & Institutions Code. unified treatment and sentencing plan as required by 01-05 A draft of any such plan should be submitted for law. review by the Family and Juvenile courts, the

R11: Private attorneys and public defenders have the legal Yolo County Family Law Bar Association, and right to examine any proposed treatment program the County Counsel prior to its codification. for their juvenile clients and have an obligation to determine whether treatment plans will benefit their (INVESTIGATIONS: Juvenile Shelter- 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 01-06 The juvenile shelter should increase night-moni- With such a broad subject to investigate, the Grand toring staff, reconfigure the facility to enable Jury narrowed its focus to the three areas we felt needed proper separation of wards by gender, and insti- the most attention:

R14: On election night, ballots arrive at the Elections the Elections Office to assemble election-day Office escorted by sheriff's deputies. Boxes of ballots materials, conduct vote counts, and store ballots are time-stamped and logged in on arrival. All ballot as required by law. handling and vote counting is done by at least two 01 - 39 The Elections Office should work to improve the people working together in public view. A continu- accuracy and timeliness of its communications ous video feed of the count can be viewed on election with city clerks. night on the Office's web site (www.yoloelections.org).

R15: To help its staff keep abreast of new laws, techno- RESPONDENTS logical advances, and general trends, the Elections Board of Supervisors (Recommendation 01-38) Office belongs to a state association of election Clerk-Recorder (Recommendation 01-39) officials and registrars. All staff attend a conference on new laws each year. The Office also belongs to

R01-01: The County should provide funding for full staf- CONCLUSIONS fing of EH sufficient to assure the safety of rural Yolo County employs well-qualified Environmental 1. water supplies. Health Specialists who, in addition to their pro- When contamination makes system water unsafe

R01-02: fessional qualifications, have undergone a year of to drink, the Yolo County Health Department training specific to Yolo County in more than one should require operators of water systems to discipline. The Grand Jury was impressed with their provide bottled water to consumers within 24 knowledge and professionalism. hours. EH's ability to assure safe drinking water is impaired 2. by inadequate staffing, which may be aggravated by RESPONDENTS the county's inability to match pay scales offered by Board of Supervisors (Recommendations 01-01 and neighboring counties. 01-02) 3. Given the risk factors in Yolo County and seasonal Yolo County Health Department (Recommendation changes in the water table, EH cannot assure safe 01-02) drinking water without the cooperation of system operators, who are on site more frequently than field METHODOLOGY inspectors can be. When a system is out of compli- ance, to the potential detriment of its consumers, EH Persons Interviewed must negotiate a difficult balance between securing Complainant cooperation by working with system operators and pursuing enforcement of the law when cooperation (INVESTIGATIONS: Small Public Water Systems- fails. 4. 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Former and current Environmental Health Specialists, children through one of two methods: demonstrating Yolo County change and appropriate behavior to CPS or complying District Representative, State Department of Housing with remedies that are ordered by a judge under the and Community Development Welfare & Institutions Code. Director, Yolo County Environmental Health FINDINGS Director, Yolo County Health Department Health Officer, Yolo County The complainant failed to meet court-ordered reme- 1. Member, Yolo County Board of Supervisors dies. Chief of Public Health Laboratory Services, Yolo 2. The court granted the complainant three extensions County to comply with court-ordered remedies. The court's orders included the complainant's attend- Documents Examined 3. ing a drug diversion program and parenting training Complainant's file at Yolo County Environmental meetings. Health Relevant sections of the Health and Safety Code CONCLUSIONS Delegation Agreement between California Department of Health Services and Yolo County The Grand Jury found no evidence to support the 1. complainant's allegations of wrongdoing by CPS or Lab results from water samples the staff member identified by the complainant. Wells Sampled 2. CPS is in compliance with court orders, including To assess the efficacy of current regulations, the Grand protective custody. Jury oversaw the testing of water from five Small Public The Court made reasonable efforts, while protecting 3. Water Systems, including the complainant's, operating and providing for the children, to accommodate the under permit in different parts of Yolo County. One complainant. sample, the complainant's, tested positive for bacterial contamination. When that system was later retested, again METHODOLOGY at the request and under the oversight of the Grand Jury, it tested negative. System operators were not charged for Persons Interviewed the cost of Grand Jury tests. Social Work Practitioner, Yolo County Department of Employment & Social Services Documents Examined Child Protective Services Official case file Welfare & Institutions Code Section 300 et seq. REASON FOR REVIEW In response to a citizen's complaint alleging wrong- Juvenile Shelter doing by a member of the Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Yolo County Department of Employment & Social Services, the Grand Jury investigated the han- REASON FOR REVIEW dling of the complainant's case. The Grand Jury did not In response to a complaint alleging negligent ward do a full investigation of CPS. supervision at a Woodland juvenile shelter, the Grand Jury investigated conditions at the shelter. The complaint BACKGROUND also alleged that the court's response to a crime that Under the Welfare & Institutions Code, CPS is respon- occurred at the shelter was incorrect because insufficient sible for the safety and welfare of children whose parents information was presented by county agencies. or guardians are unable or unwilling to provide adequate care. CPS takes custody of children referred to the courts by mandated reporters, or in response to reports by (INVESTIGATIONS: Juvenile Shelter- 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT BACKGROUND clients. The state Department of Social Services' division of 12. According to the Public Defender, the absence of a Community Care Licensing establishes and licenses group treatment plan reduced his ability to fully represent homes and shelters, as well as family homes, to house the juvenile's best interests. juveniles who are victims of, or at risk for, physical and 13. According to Superior Court judges interviewed, many juvenile offenses are directly related to family psychological abuse, parental neglect, and abandonment. The Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the dysfunction and Family Court cases. Yolo County Department of Employment & Social Ser- 14. Superior Court judges we interviewed say the Yolo County Family and Juvenile courts have an informal vices investigates local cases of child endangerment and cooperative relationship that is not currently official petitions the court for custody of children when war- ranted. CPS has no jurisdiction over the shelter, but it policy. may and does place children there. CONCLUSIONS FINDINGS CPS was right to remove the child from his parents' 1. 1. A juvenile was brought to the attention of CPS home. because of suspected child endangerment. 2. Our investigation substantiated the allegations that 2. CPS investigated the case and found probable cause ward supervision and conditions allowed for juvenile to remove the juvenile from his family's home. misbehavior. After a court hearing, CPS placed the juvenile in a 3. Ward supervision and conditions at the shelter may 3. local juvenile shelter. have contributed to the juvenile's crime and subse- 4. While in custody of the shelter, the juvenile was quent incarceration. accused of contributing to the delinquency of a minor 4. Since Yolo County does not have an adequate written and was placed in Yolo County Juvenile Hall. policy for treatment and sentencing plans, the de- 5. Following a Welfare & Institutions Code hearing at partments of Probation and Employment & Social which the child was represented by the Yolo County Services are out of compliance with the Welfare & Public Defender, the child was declared a ward of Institutions Code. the Court and placed in a California Youth Authority facility. RECOMMENDATIONS 6. There was only one staff person on duty at the shelter

R01-03: The county Department of Employment & Social at the time of his violation. Services should ask the Community Care Licens- 7. The physical layout of the shelter was not sufficient ing division of the state Department of Social to separate residents by gender. Services to investigate the management and 8. Because nightly monitoring of wards was not sched- supervision of the juvenile shelter for consid- uled randomly, residents had the opportunity for eration of continued licensing. inappropriate and illegal behavior.

R01-04: The Yolo County Board of Supervisors should 9. The Welfare & Institutions Code requires that county require the directors of the departments of Em- departments of probation and social services develop ployment & Social Services and Probation and joint treatment plans for Juvenile Court sentencing the Public Defender to jointly develop and en- determination. dorse a plan to bring the County into compli- 10. The juvenile's case record did not include a coherent, ance with the Welfare & Institutions Code. unified treatment and sentencing plan as required by

R01-05: A draft of any such plan should be submitted for law. review by the Family and Juvenile courts, the 11. Private attorneys and public defenders have the legal Yolo County Family Law Bar Association, and right to examine any proposed treatment program the County Counsel prior to its codification. for their juvenile clients and have an obligation to determine whether treatment plans will benefit their (INVESTIGATIONS: Juvenile Shelter- 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT

R01-06: The juvenile shelter should increase night-moni- With such a broad subject to investigate, the Grand toring staff, reconfigure the facility to enable Jury narrowed its focus to the three areas we felt needed proper separation of wards by gender, and insti- the most attention:

R01-07: The assistant county administrative officer (CPO), to assist the CPO in developing and maintaining county counsel, and the auditor-controller should revisions to the County Code and Administrative meet at least quarterly to assess the county's pro- Policy Manual, stand-alone software for procure- curement system. ment, a county procurement manual, and basic

R01-08: The Board of Supervisors should reconsider the and advanced procurement training for relevant amendment to the Administrative Policy Manual county personnel. that allows the CAO to approve $10,000-$25,000 service contracts. The CPO is clearly the pur- Policies and Procedures chasing professional within the county as pre-

R01-09: A county procurement manual should be assem- with this office noted. Minimum qualifications bled from all relevant materials derived from the need to be established. County Code and the Administrative Policy Man- 01 - 16 No departments or executive agencies should be ual. A desktop guide and/or computer-generated exempt from the established procurement system. assistance program would be beneficial both for All authority should be vested to the CPO and reference and for training. so noted in the County Code. The County Code needs a section detailing a code

R01-10: 01-17 The County Code should specifically address the of ethical conduct by all county administrative delegation of authority by the CPO and the poli- employees, with language on how to recognize cies and procedures to which those with procure- conflict of interest in all county matters, includ- ment authority must adhere. ing procurement. A similar reference should be 01 - 18 All changes to the County Code or Administrative included prohibiting county employees from Policy Manual should have the advice and con- accepting gifts and gratuities beyond a reasonable sent of the auditor-controller, CPO, and county value. counsel. The Board of Supervisors should con-

R01-11: Stand-alone procurement software should be sider and approve all changes. developed separate from the current General Competitive Processes in Acquiring Goods and Ledger system, especially in the vendor listing Services and updating functions. Alternatively, the county

R01-12: The duties of the CPO should include partici- curement. Although we understand the database we pating in the planning and budgeting process, and investigated is used for more purposes than procure- be so noted in the County Code. ment alone, it was apparent that newer technologies 01 - 13 The Grand Jury wholeheartedly encourages and need to be considered. supports the participation of our administrative personnel in professional groups or associations RECOMMENDATIONS that will assist them in advancing Yolo County's General procurement system.

R01-14: An additional staff person should be considered

R01-15: The duties and responsibilities of the assistant scribed by the State Code. As such, the CPO county administrative officer should be clearly should have responsibility for all purchasing delineated within the County Code, and the inte- matters put before the Board of Supervisors. gration of the purchasing agent's responsibilities

R01-19: The County Code should be updated with specific could establish a procurement system which language on competitive bidding procedures. operates as part of an integrated financial network based on the needs of the relevant administrative (INVESTIGATIONS: Yolo County Procurement- 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Current economic conditions should be taken into planning and payment schedules before any pur- consideration in establishing purchasing thresh- chase order or contract is submitted to the Board holds. Sealed bids should be mandated for all of Supervisors. All policies and procedures purchases and contracts over $10,000. should emphasize the importance of including the auditor-controller's office in the earliest phases

R01-20: The administration of the bidding and award of planning for any large purchases of goods or process (public notice, time periods, bid opening, services. This will help ensure Yolo County's identical low bids, adequate competition levels, appeals process, non-collusion affidavits, confi- long-term economic welfare. dentiality, use of multiple vendors, etc.) needs to

R01-21: amount. The CPO or designee should be respon- waived should be defined in the County Code sible for enforcing the standards to ensure that and subject to approval by the Board of Super- the county is receiving the best value for its visors. Similarly, the CPO's authority to approve purchase. All purchase orders or contracts should or recommend a quote or bid which, based on include penalties for non-compliance. quality or service issues, may not be the lowest The County Code should include all relevant

R01-22: The County Code should prescribe progressive

R01-23: Procurement Training Issues appropriate guidelines for payment criteria and

R01-24: those who are new or have minimum procure- procurement manuals or guides should include ment responsibilities and advanced training for policies and procedures which specifically ad- those intimately involved in procurement. dress standard contracts, short-term contracts,

R01-25: of rapidly changing economic conditions, it may counsel, risk management, auditor-controller, information technology, human resources, etc.) be prudent to encourage long-term contracting, should assist in developing and implementing especially in areas such as health care and main- procurement training programs. tenance. The Board of Supervisors should adopt The County Code should be amended to define a reasonable contracting term limit which allows

R01-26: (INVESTIGATIONS: Yolo County Procurement- in all procurement matters and approve budgetary 2000-2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT RESPONDENTS the city is in the process of revamping the department. Board of Supervisors (all recommendations) For that reason, the Grand Jury decided it could more County Administrative Office (all recommendations) profitably use its time assessing the reforms now being Auditor-Controller (all recommendations) instituted than investigating past practices, however County Counsel (Recommendations 01-07, 01-10, 01- egregious. 18, 01-26, 01-29 through 01-34) BACKGROUND YCPARMIA (Recommendation 01-28) The efforts to overhaul the building division began in METHODOLOGY 1999 when Woodland's newly appointed city manager Persons Interviewed hired a new director for the CDD. At their urging, the County Administrative Officer City of Woodland hired a consultant to perform an audit Assistant County Administrative Officer (CPO) of the building division, which issues building permits, Auditor-Controller enforces building codes, and inspects buildings. The audit County Counsel identified these deficiencies: Director, General Services

R01-27: The County Code should specify standards (in- be clearly defined in the County Code and the cluding inspection and testing) for goods or Administrative Policy Manual. services that cost more than a predetermined Circumstances under which competition can be

R01-28: bid, needs to be noted in the County Code. The insurance requirements for vendors and service conditions and reporting structure to the Board providers. The Risk Management department of Supervisors need to be defined as well. should help draft this addition. The local-vendor preference of 3 percent should

R01-29: be removed from the County Code to assure fair disciplinary measures for vendors or county em- play and to maximize efficiency of tax dollars ployees who intentionally violate the county's spent. policies and procedures. The CPO and auditor-controller should include

R01-30: The county should establish an ongoing training price negotiations in the Administrative Policy program for all essential personnel that annually Manual and any future procurement manuals or reviews policies and procedures, laws, and codes. software. The program should provide basic training for

R01-31: The Administrative Policy Manual and any future

R01-32: Training manuals and/or software should be an rental or lease contracts, multi-year contracts, and integral part of the training program. option contracts. All multi-year or option con- The CPO should be responsible for developing tracts should require approval of the Board of

R01-33: and overseeing procurement training programs. Supervisors. All relevant administrative departments (county To promote stability and efficiency in a climate

R01-34: procurement training programs as the responsi- the CPO maximum flexibility in obtaining the bility of the CPO. best overall value. The auditor-controller's office should participate

R01-35: The City of Woodland should continue imple- services and consultants. menting the MAPCDD remedies promised the Construction Inspection 2000-2001 Grand Jury. By December 31, 2001, the Building Inspection Services

R01-36: The City of Woodland should, in its next budget, will be functioning in a businesslike fashion. allocate the needed funds identified in the In October 2000 a contract Building Official possessing MAPCDD. current and appropriate certifications was hired. On November

R01-37: The 2001-2002 Grand Jury should review the 28, 2000, the Supervising Building Inspector, who did not have operations of the CDD to determine if the current skills and certifications, retired, and the position was promised remedies have been implemented and eliminated. The Consultant Building Official is currently review- ing all records, systems and is developing new procedures to if the department is functioning professionally maximize inspection time and workload. [The City Manager] and consistently. will recommend in the FY2001/2002 budget that a qualified Building Official position be authorized as permanent staff or RESPONDENTS that a contract position be maintained depending on construc- Woodland City Manager (Recommendation 01-35) tion activity. This effort is demonstrating a professional and Woodland City Council (Recommendations 01-35 and fresh perspective to the building division and is eliminating 01-36) outdated and poor past practices. Current construction slow-down, staff turnover and imple- METHODOLOGY mentation of new policies and procedures are creating new opportunities of improvement. Persons Interviewed Complainants Building Division Policy/Procedures The Building Division has lacked standard written policies City Manager, City of Woodland and procedures. The City contract building official ... has been Director of Community Development, City of reviewing examples of manuals from comparative cities and Woodland has been crafting a draft manual for staff review. The prelim- inary draft manual will be available for distribution at the January 23 [2001] City Council meeting. The Policies and Procedures Manual will be implemented and personnel will (INVESTIGATIONS: Woodland Community Development Department- be trained by April 1, 2001. 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT FINDINGS Documents Examined To increase enfranchisement, California law encour- "Management and Action Plan to Improve the 1. Department of Community Development ages people to register to vote when they apply for (Building Division) of the City of Woodland," or renew a driver's license. dated January 22, 2001. 2. California law allows for provisional voting: voters "Management Assessment of Building Inspection who, on arriving at their polling place, find their Services, City of Woodland, California: Final names are not on the rolls may vote provided they Report" meet certain criteria. Their sealed ballots are segre- Complainants' files gated from the ballots of registered voters whose names do appear on the rolls, and they are counted only if the Elections Office determines that the voters Yolo County Elections were in fact eligible to vote. To reduce the likelihood of fraudulent voting, the 3. Elections Office compares absentee and provisional REASON FOR REVIEW voters' signatures with scanned images of the signa- The Grand Jury reviewed the Elections Office to tures on their registration cards, as required by state determine whether Yolo County elections are conducted law. fairly and accurately, focusing on how, if at all, Yolo The Elections Office must adhere to the strict pro- 4. County is protected from the kinds of mistakes and cedures of the federal Voting Rights Act before problems seen in Florida in the November 2000 election. removing a voter from the rolls. California law requires counties to notify each other when voters BACKGROUND move, but there is no federal law that requires this The Elections Office is responsible, under state and kind of notification between states. federal election laws, for registering voters, selecting the During a 30-day canvass period following each 5. equipment and ballots used in elections, finding polling election, the Elections Office performs a hand count places, recruiting and training pollworkers, counting of random samples of ballots, following a formula votes, and reporting results to the public. The office is dictated by state law, to verify the accuracy of the directed by the Clerk-Recorder, assisted by a deputy clerk election-night machine count. The canvass period is recorder and six full-time election workers. In the days also when the legitimacy of provisional votes and before and after elections, when more people are needed, absentee votes not counted on election night is part-time workers swell the staff of the office. verified and those ballots are counted. The city clerks in Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, Yolo County uses the Datavote voting machine, 6. and Woodland work closely with the Elections Office which uses a staple-like tool to punch holes through year-round and share responsibility for elections in their ballots, leaving no partially punched holes. cities. 7. Ballots are imprinted with each issue and candidate, Some statistics may help illustrate the scope of the eliminating the confusion that occurs in counties that Elections Office's job. In November 2000, 83,385 people print only reference numbers on their ballots. had registered to vote in Yolo County. Of that number, 8. Because the Datavote punches cleanly and because 61,950, or 74.2 percent of registered voters, voted in the Yolo County uses ballots that identify candidates and November 2000 election, and 15,668, or 18.7 percent of propositions, voters can clearly see how they voted them, voted by absentee ballot. To prepare for that elec- when they remove their ballots from the machine. tion, 64,355 ballots were printed. Between elections, voting machines are stored by 9. Most of the Elections Office budget comes from the Sequoia Printing Company, which cleans and inspects county general fund, supplemented by reimbursement the machines and certifies that they are functioning from the state for certain state-mandated costs and reim- bursement from municipalities and districts for the costs (INVESTIGATIONS: Yolo County Elections- of their elections. 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT its Datavote machines with newer, more techno- properly before each election. logically advanced equipment. Since research and 10. Converting to touchscreen voting would cost Yolo development of new technologies is underway, it County at least $3 million, and there are unresolved makes sense to wait until there are more and better concerns about the security and practicality of this choices available. technology. Given the long workday, increasing pay for poll- 3. 11. Finding a sufficient number of polling places is a workers is probably not in itself a solution to the chronic problem, particularly for countywide elec- shortage of volunteers. tions in which turnout is expected to be high. The Grand Jury is impressed with the extensive 12. Recruiting a sufficient number of pollworkers is a 4. continuing education Yolo County provides for its chronic problem. State law requires three pollworkers Elections staff. present at all times at each site, so the county assigns four workers per site to allow for the breaks workers Although instances of human error are unavoidable, 5. will need during a workday that can exceed 15 hours. the Grand Jury believes the Elections Office is assid- uous in its efforts to ensure fair, accurate elections 13. Current pay for pollworkers ranges from $60 to $75 in Yolo County. per election, depending on the level of responsibility they undertake. Pollworkers are also paid $10 for attending a training class prior to the election, and RECOMMENDATIONS they may be reimbursed for their mileage.

R01-38: The county should provide adequate space for 14. On election night, ballots arrive at the Elections the Elections Office to assemble election-day Office escorted by sheriff's deputies. Boxes of ballots materials, conduct vote counts, and store ballots are time-stamped and logged in on arrival. All ballot as required by law. handling and vote counting is done by at least two 01 - 39 The Elections Office should work to improve the people working together in public view. A continu- accuracy and timeliness of its communications ous video feed of the count can be viewed on election with city clerks. night on the Office's web site (www.yoloelections.org). 15. To help its staff keep abreast of new laws, techno- RESPONDENTS logical advances, and general trends, the Elections Board of Supervisors (Recommendation 01-38) Office belongs to a state association of election Clerk-Recorder (Recommendation 01-39) officials and registrars. All staff attend a conference on new laws each year. The Office also belongs to METHODOLOGY a national organization that sponsors university class- The Grand Jury witnessed demonstrations of signature es that allow election officials to become certified. verification. 16. City clerks in Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, and Persons Interviewed Woodland are in frequent contact with each other Clerk-Recorder and have good working relationships with Elections Deputy Clerk-Recorder Office staff, although they complain about sometimes City Clerk, Davis receiving incomplete or inaccurate information from City Clerk, West Sacramento the Office. Longtime temporary elections worker Storage and work space is inadequate. Former candidate for the office of Clerk-Recorder 18. According to Elections Office staff, their funding is Chair, Yolo County Democratic Central Committee sufficient. CONCLUSIONS Yolo County's Datavote system is accurate and reli- 1. able. (INVESTIGATIONS: Yolo County Elections- 2000-2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Documents Examined "Statement of Votes Cast: Presidential General Election, November 7, 2000," Yolo County Office of Elections, November 16, 2000. "Touch screen voting unneeded," by Tony Bernhard, Davis Enterprise, March 25, 2001. "Flawed balloting: Lawsuits put pressure on election reform," editorial, Sacramento Bee, April 20, 2001. . 2000-2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Reviews Juvenile Hall REASON FOR REVIEW 5. Juvenile Hall has added two Senior Child Care The 1999-2000 Grand Jury recommended that the Workers to its classification system. 2000-2001 Grand Jury revisit the Yolo County Juvenile 6. In November 2000 Yolo County detention officers Hall to determine how well it was functioning after received an 11.2 percent pay increase and, in June initiating some of the changes recommended by last 2001 safety retirement, retirement benefits for peace year's Grand Jury. officers that previously were not available to officers who work at Juvenile Hall. Detention officers will BACKGROUND be vested in the retirement plan after five years; On August 3, 2000, members of the Grand Jury toured supervisors will be vested after two years. the Juvenile Hall facility at 238 West Beamer Street in 7. As of November 2000, there was a staff turnover Woodland. Under the authority of California Juvenile rate of 44 percent and a vacancy of 8 out of 18 Court Law, Juvenile Hall helps protect the public from positions (44 percent). the delinquent acts of minors by providing for their safe and secure reception and temporary care. CONCLUSIONS The original facility was built in the 1960s and ex- With some exceptions, the physical problems (short- 1. panded in 1976-1977 to a facility with a rated capacity term needs) of the Juvenile Hall appear improved. It of 30. It is not unusual, however, for the facility to house is difficult to recommend major physical corrections more than 40 juveniles. The director predicts that con- to the present facility. Such items as walk-through struction of the new Juvenile Hall will begin in April metal detectors and additional video cameras are 2002 and be completed by June 2003. needed, but the expenditure does not seem warranted In its report, the 1999–2000 Grand Jury recommended in an obsolete and soon-to-be-abandoned facility. a number of short-term remedies for the problems it It is too soon to judge whether increased salaries 2. identified at Juvenile Hall: nonfunctioning security moni- and safety retirement will provide enough impetus tors, insufficient surveillance cameras, and no metal to remedy the serious understaffing we found at the detector at the entrance to the facility. The Grand Jury Hall. Yolo County is facing stiff competition in hiring also recommended increased salaries and benefits for the and retaining competent personnel to staff its Juve- corrections officers who work there. nile Hall. To this end the administrators in the Proba- tion Department, the Department of Human Re- FINDINGS sources, and the Board of Supervisors appear to be 1. There is often no one available to use the wand to trying to do their best. scan visitors entering the Juvenile Hall. RECOMMENDATIONS 2. The surveillance cameras have been repositioned and

R01-40: The 2001-2002 Grand Jury should review the are working. Juvenile Hall to determine if the promising reme- The design of the control room is such that the person 3. dies are working. working there must sit facing away from the moni- tors.

R01-41: In the control room, at the very least, mirrors should be installed that would allow the person It is impossible for the control room person to do 4. paper work and answer phones and still observe the wards in the monitors. (REVIEWS: Juvenile Hall- 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT assigned to the room and sitting at the desk to many professionals who come to observe how a modern, glancé up and observe the monitors. well-designed facility operates. Leinberger Center RESPONDENTS The Leinberger Center is primarily a working facility, Probation Department (Recommendation 01-41) designed to house sentenced inmates who work at various city, county, and state agencies to reduce their jail time. METHODOLOGY The 15,150-square-foot facility houses inmates dormi- Persons Interviewed tory-style. Rated to house 112 male and 30 female Chief Probation Officer inmates, the center acts as an overflow facility for Monroe Juvenile Hall Director Center. Potential inmates are strictly screened for transfer Assistant County Administrative Officer, Human to the lower-security facility. In addition to work oppor- Resources tunities, inmates may participate in programs similar to the ones available at Monroe. Yolo County Jails The Leinberger Center administrative offices house the Sheriff's Work Program, which offers alternatives to incarceration. Two programs are currently being offered: REASON FOR REVIEW Sheriff's Working Inmate Program and Electronic Sur- The state Penal Code instructs grand juries to inquire veillance. During the 1999-2000 fiscal year, there were into the condition and management of public prisons 268 Electronic Surveillance participants who spent 8,964 within their county. Yearly the Yolo County Grand Jury days out of jail. has reviewed the Monroe Detention Center and the Walter J. Leinberger Memorial Minimum Security Detention FINDINGS Facility. In the absence of complaints or obvious prob- The Yolo County detention facilities are understaffed. 1. lems, the review has historically consisted of a one-day Peace Officers Standard Training review showed that overview. This is the procedure the 2000-2001 Grand the Monroe facility was short 30-32 staff. Jury followed. 2. Because it is difficult to recruit and train a large number of new officers at one time, recruitment and BACKGROUND hiring is an ongoing process. Monroe Detention Center As of June 2000, annual overtime expenditures 3. The Monroe Detention Center is the main jail for Yolo required to keep the facility fully manned were County. This 12-year-old, 93,000-square-foot facility is $832,067. able to house 313 inmates of virtually every security 4. Those overtime expenditures would more than cover classification. All controls and instrumentation are fully the cost of hiring 12 new corrections officers. electronic, and Monroe is described as a "new generation" or direct-supervision jail. When the inmates are out of Turnover is low; the Sheriff's Department has lost 5. their cells, they have unlimited access to indoor and only seven deputies in the last three years. outdoor exercise and recreation equipment, including CONCLUSIONS television, table games, and basketball. Educational op- The Grand Jury found safe, clean facilities staffed 1. portunities abound: GED tutoring, literacy, parenting, by well-trained correctional officers who take pride alcohol and drug counseling, anger management, HIV in their profession and the job they are performing. counseling, computer education, and women's support. The equipment and educational programs are purchased RECOMMENDATIONS with funds generated when the inmates purchase items

R01-42: Yolo County should keep hiring until the Monroe from the inmate commissary store or use the telephone. and Leinberger detention centers are fully staffed. The Sheriff reports that Monroe Detention center is one of a few county jails in California operating without a law suit. It is considered a "showcase" facility, drawing (REVIEWS: Yolo County Jails- 2000–2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT RESPONDENTS quarantined animals, and dogs not eligible for adoption. Yolo County Board of Supervisors During "cat season," when cats are breeding, the cat room quickly reaches capacity. There is also a barn on site, as METHODOLOGY well as trailers and storage areas. The Grand Jury conducted a daylong tour and review Most of the shelter's operating costs are paid by cities of the facilities, including a seminar by Sheriff Ed Prieto. within the county that use Animal Control services, Documents Examined supplemented by pet-licensing fees (raised in 2000 for Annual Report 1999-2000 Sheriff Coroner the first time since 1989) and donations, including pallets full of pet food given by various stores within the county. Yolo County Animal Shelter Yolo County Coroner's Office and Morgue REASON FOR REVIEW As part of its mandated annual review of the Sher- iff's Department, the Grand Jury inspected the Yolo REASON FOR REVIEW County Animal Shelter. As part of its mandated annual review of the Sheriff's Department, the Grand Jury inquired into the operations BACKGROUND of the Yolo County Coroner's Office and Morgue. The Yolo County Grand Jury toured the Animal Shel- ter on August 8, 2000. Part of the Administrative and BACKGROUND Special Services Division of the Sheriff's Department, A division of the Yolo County Sheriff's Department, the shelter has the capacity to hold 100 dogs and 75 cats. the Coroner's Office investigates sudden, violent, or In addition to domestic animals, the shelter can (and at unusual deaths to determine their cause. The office also times does) house exotic animals, livestock, and wildlife. is responsible for positively identifying any corpse; The Animal Shelter employs one manager, one supervisor, generally this is done through fingerprints and dental nine animal control officers, and one kennel technician. records. Inmates of the Walter L. Leinberger center help construct, clean, and maintain the cages. FINDINGS Upon entering the shelter, animals are vaccinated and The number of homicides, suspicious deaths, and observed to ensure that only healthy animals will be suicides in the county is increasing. The Coroner's offered for adoption. The Yolo County Animal Shelter case load varies seasonally, but typically ranges from finds homes for over 7,000 animals each year, or more

R30-60: cases a month. In 2000, the office investigated than half of all the animals that enter the shelter. 600 deaths. Animal control officers assist other local and state 2. To perform the work, there are three full-time staff law enforcement agencies when animals are involved, members, one part-time staff member, and up to three enforce pertinent code sections, assist postal employees interns who work two eight-hour days a week. At threatened by loose dogs, and respond to complaints about the time of our review, the office was ready to hire stray animals or animal abuse. an additional full-time staff person. Although it occupies a large site, the facility itself is 3. Deputy coroners investigate the scene of death; small and cramped. Half of the main building houses the serious crimes may take weeks to fully investigate. front office, ASPCA office (the ASPCA works with The average cost to investigate a death in Yolo 4. shelter staff to promote adoptions), staff offices, and a County is $3,000. To save time as well as money, public bathroom which is also used by staff who have no other place to change clothes (after certain "animal events," officers need to shower and change). The other half houses—in separate rooms—cats, adoptable dogs, (REVIEWS: Yolo County Coroner's Office and Morgue- 2000-2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT the office increasingly performs tasks in-house that had previously been contracted out. All personnel are trained in positive fingerprinting, whole body and dental x-rays, some drug testing, and film devel- opment. 5. Officers are allowed time off without pay when the stress of a difficult job becomes unmanageable. Low staff turnover is attributable to the interesting nature of the work and the extra training available. 6. The Sheriff is trying to find reliable transportation for deputies who travel to death scenes at night in isolated or unsafe areas. CONCLUSIONS 1. We found the staff enthusiastic and dedicated. 2. We support the Sheriff's efforts to secure reliable transportation for his staff. No county employee should be put at greater risk than necessary. 2000-2001 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT

📋June 29, 2001 — Juvenile Shelter

26 pages 14 findings

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Findings & Recommendations 14 findings

F1: EH issues permits for Small Public Water Systems

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F2: 12. EH does not currently have sufficient staff or funding technician and testing done by an accredited labora- to locate and oversee the sealing of abandoned wells. tory.

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F3: EH employs Registered Environmental Health Spe- cialists as field inspectors. (INVESTIGATIONS: Small Public Water Systems-

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F6: 17. There were no confirmed cases of illness attributable complaint. to contaminated water in Yolo County in the two years preceding the Grand Jury's investigation.

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F12: EH does not currently have sufficient staff or funding technician and testing done by an accredited labora- to locate and oversee the sealing of abandoned wells. tory.

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F13: At the time of the Grand Jury investigation, EH was

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F14: EH lost four employees in 2000 to nearby counties agencies, and if the agencies themselves enforce that can offer better compensation. different standards. EH appears on the whole to

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F16: EH is legally constrained from raising permit fees. The Grand Jury found no evidence to support the 6.

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F17: There were no confirmed cases of illness attributable complaint. to contaminated water in Yolo County in the two years preceding the Grand Jury's investigation.

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📋June 30, 2000 — Child Protective Services

12 pages 6 findings 36 recommendations

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Findings & Recommendations 6 findings

F1: It appears that the Davis Police Depart- implemented or requires further analysis. If the recommendation requires ment is currently functioning more further analysis, the respondent must identify the scope and parameters of smoothly and with higher morale in the the analysis and a timeframe for completion, not to exceed six months after workforce relative to a few years ago. publication of the report. It appears that a detailed and clear-cut Sections 933 and 933.5 mission statement needs to be developed within the Davis Police Department.

Related Recommendations (2)

R6: The West Sacramento Police Department number of sworn officers. (Finding #1, behind in fire-arms training and meets allows their officers to take the patrol 3 and 4) or exceeds standards mandated by law. cars home. 00-08 The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- (Finding #5) mends that the Winters City Council RECOMMENDATIONS 00-05 The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- should seriously study the pay scales mends that the Davis City Council None and the benefits package for its sworn study the practicality and fairness officers. It is further recommended issues as related to parking enforce- RESPONDENTS that the pay scales and benefits be ment in privately owned lots (espe- West Sacramento City Council brought up to a comparable level with cially in shopping plaza lots) and make West Sacramento City Manager other law enforcement agencies in Yolo sure that the ordinances are enforce- West Sacramento Chief of Police County. (Finding #5) able in a fair and just manner. (Find- 00-09 The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ing #6). that all of Yolo county will benefit 00-06 The Yolo County Grand Jury believes when the new 900 MHz communica- Winters Police that the entire Yolo County will benefit tion frequency is adopted by the Win- when the Davis Police Department ters Police Department. (Finding #6) Department adopts the new 900 MHz communica- tion frequency. (Finding #8) RESPONDENTS

R00-07: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- minorities in their community. mends that the Davis City Council mends that the Winters City Council seriously study the issues relating to 5. The West Sacramento Police Department and the Winters City Manager's office proper fire-arms training needs and has done a very good job of public rela- should study the situation of its police facilities for its police force and make tions. force and find ways to increase the sure that the police force does not fall 6. The West Sacramento Police Department number of sworn officers. (Finding #1, behind in fire-arms training and meets allows their officers to take the patrol 3 and 4) or exceeds standards mandated by law. cars home.

F2: The Woodland Police Department largely officers. priately, smoothly, and harmoniously. The 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 5 FINDINGS

Related Recommendations (1)

R00-01: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- mends that the Davis Police Depart- Addendum 12 ment develop a clear-cut mission state- ment as soon as possible. (Finding #2). (STUDIES: Davis Police Department- continued on next page) 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 4 department seems to have a full grasp

F3: The Davis Police Department deserves to be commended for their emphasis on a community service approach.

F4: The new I-80 under-crossing bicycle tun- Table of Contents nel appears to be highly controversial and raises some serious safety and law-en- forcement concerns. Studies .................................... Due to the decision to shutdown the cur- rent Davis firing range located on Pole Davis Police Department Line Road, serious questions and concerns West Sacramento Police Department have arisen about the availability of Winters Police Department firearms training facilities relative to the actual needs as mandated by law. Lack Woodland Police Department of proper firearms training may poten- Yolo County Sheriff's Department tially have serious ramifications for law The Yolo County Juvenile Hall enforcement in the City of Davis. Yolo County Y2K Strategy Plan

Related Recommendations (2)

R5: Since the Winters Police Department has law-enforcement needs before a seri- has improved significantly, under the new the lowest pay scales and retirement ous incident occurs. (Finding #4) Chief of Police. benefits in the county, the Winters Police The West Sacramento Police Department 00-03 The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- Department has an exceptionally difficult mends that in order to achieve better appears to be fully aware and familiar time recruiting sworn officers for its force. racial harmony in the community and with the additional law-enforcement needs The Winters Police Department has not to deal with race related matters more and problems that would arise as a result yet switched to the new 900 MHz fre- effectively, the Davis Police Depart- of the baseball park that is currently quency as mandated by the Federal Com- ment provide formal and periodic train- under construction. munications Commission (although not ing to their sworn officers for racial The West Sacramento Police Department in violation at this time). tolerance and other cultural awareness has a done a good job of including racial aspects. (Finding #7) minorities in their force in order to main- RECOMMENDATIONS tain a good rapport with various racial 00-04 The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- 00-07 The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- minorities in their community. mends that the Davis City Council mends that the Winters City Council seriously study the issues relating to

R00-12: The Grand Jury recommends that the There is a Spartan medical examina- to deal with race related matters more County Administrator's office conduct tion room at the facility where medical effectively, the Woodland Police De- an independent study to determine the services are provided. More demand- partment provide formal and periodic root-cause of higher than normal turn- ing medical services are conducted training to their sworn officers for over of sworn officers, and then, in outside the facility. Each ward re- racial tolerance and other cultural cooperation with the Sheriff's Depart- ceives a medical examination prior awareness aspects. (Finding #4) ment, find ways to remedy the situ- to admittance to the facility.

F6: It appears that some of the parking enforcement rules, laws, or practices, as Complaints ......8 applied to the privately owned lots (e.g., shopping plaza lots), are not practical and Child Protective Services hence provide high probabilities of un- Esparto Community Services District (ECSD) fairness to motorists. Esparto Unified School District (EUSD) There appears to be a lack of any formal training of sworn officers for racial tol- Tours .................................... erance.

Related Recommendations (2)

R00-06: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes when the new 900 MHz communica- Winters Police that the entire Yolo County will benefit tion frequency is adopted by the Win- when the Davis Police Department ters Police Department. (Finding #6) Department adopts the new 900 MHz communica- tion frequency. (Finding #8) RESPONDENTS BACKGROUND Winters City Council RESPONDENTS Members of the Yolo County Grand Jury Winters City Manager Davis City Council- met with members of the Winters Police Winters Chief of Police Davis City Manager Department as part of the Grand Jury's Davis Chief of Police annual oversight function. Woodland Police FINDINGS Department 1. It appears that the Winters Police Depart- West Sacramento ment is currently operating with fewer sworn officers than necessary. The depart- Police Department BACKGROUND ment is still operating with the same Members of the Yolo County Grand Jury number of sworn officers as when the city met with members of the Woodland Police population was 2,500, relative to the BACKGROUND Department as part of the Grand Jury's current population of 5,500 or more. Members of the Yolo County Grand Jury annual oversight function. The Winters Police Department is to be ^{2}. met with members of the West Sacramento FINDINGS commended for doing an outstanding job Police Department as part of the Grand considering they are seriously under- 1. After apparent employee dissatisfaction Jury's annual oversight function. staffed and under-equipped. of several years in the past, the Woodland FINDINGS Police Department now appears to be Operation of Winters Police Department 3. improving in terms of morale, enthusi-. with fewer officers is jeopardizing the 1. The West Sacramento Police Department asm, effectiveness, and loyalty. safety of both citizens as well as sworn appears to be functioning properly, appro- 2. The Woodland Police Department largely officers. priately, smoothly, and harmoniously. The 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 5 FINDINGS 4. The Correctional Officers are concerned appears to be functioning smoothly. about the forthcoming administrative "To protect the public from the After three years of higher than normal changes that the sworn deputies will be delinquent acts of minors by providing personnel turnover, it appears to have taken out of the detention facility and for the safe and secure reception and been significantly reduced. put on the patrol and that they would temporary care of minors in detention 4. There appears to be a lack of any formal have to fill the role of deputies inside pursuant to provisions of the California training of sworn officers for racial toler- the facility without any commensurate Juvenile Court Law." - Mission Statement ance. pay and benefits. The Correctional Offi- of the Juvenile Hall The Woodland Police Department has not cers do not have Safety Retirement either. "We seek diverse individuals to join yet switched to the new 900 MHz fre- This situation could result in the depar- and strengthen our organization and we quency as mandated by the Federal Com- ture of as many as 15 Correctional Offi- strive to create a work environment that munications Commission (although not cers from the Monroe Detention facility. nurtures and encourages good people to in violation at this time). remain a part of our Yolo County team." The Sheriff's Department almost always -Yolo County Values has difficulty in filling the vacant deputy RECOMMENDATIONS positions.

F8: The Davis Police Department has not yet Martins' Achievement Place switched to the new 900 MHz frequency Monroe Detention Center and the Leinberger Center as mandated by the Federal Communica- Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District tions Commission (although not in viola- tion at this time). Yolo County Alcohol and Drug Services Yolo County Animal Shelter

Related Recommendations (2)

Additional Recommendations 27

Not linked to specific findings.

R1: The present ECSD board, which includes and training program that will fast and Recommendation 00-22 two new members3 elected in November track the new staff to be fully func- 1999, has violated the Brown Act on at 1ECSD was previously investigated by the 1997-1998 tional within 90 days of hire. least one specific occasion by discussing Yolo County Grand Jury for Brown Act violations. (See 1997-1998 Report with extensive Findings and Recom- and taking action on an item not appear- RESPONDENTS mendations.) ing on the posted agenda for the meeting 2Government Code Section 54950 et seq. All

R00-02: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R2: It appears that the West Sacramento used in court trials. crossing and determine and meet the Police Department's morale and harmony

R00-03: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- Department has an exceptionally difficult mends that in order to achieve better appears to be fully aware and familiar time recruiting sworn officers for its force. racial harmony in the community and with the additional law-enforcement needs The Winters Police Department has not to deal with race related matters more and problems that would arise as a result yet switched to the new 900 MHz fre- effectively, the Davis Police Depart- of the baseball park that is currently quency as mandated by the Federal Com- ment provide formal and periodic train- under construction. munications Commission (although not ing to their sworn officers for racial

R3: The Deputy Director reported that case district. It provides policy oversight to the 00-22 Coordinate with other local agencies workers exceed the case load ratios on a unincorporated Esparto community for water, such as County Counsel, District At- regular basis due to an acute shortage of sewage treatment, and street lighting. The torney, or other local agencies that qualified and experienced case workers, ECSD consists of five elected members, who provide Brown Act training allowing but was unable to report that there is a serve four-year terms. ECSD members to participate in that plan in place in Yolo County to address The California Ralph M. Brown Act, training. The training should be fo- that shortage. enacted in 1953 (Act)2, requires that meetings cused on the Brown Act and not merely of local government agencies, such as the

R00-04: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R4: The Deputy Director reported that it an aside, which typically is the case ECSD, be open to the public. Meetings, as takes almost a year for a new employee with larger conferences focusing on defined in the Act, albeit slippery, includes to become fully functional in the depart- more global statewide issues. [Find- "any congregation of a majority of the mem- ment, but was unable to produce a compre- ings 1, 2, & 3] bers of a legislative body ... to hear, discuss, hensive plan to shorten that orientation 00-23 Take personal responsibility to assure or deliberate upon any item that is within time. that the public’s business is conducted the subject matter jurisdiction of the legisla- RECOMMENDATIONS in public as required by law. The intent tive body" (54952.2.a). The Act prohibits any of the Brown Act is that actions taken "use of direct communication" or "techno- 00-18 The Director should verify that there by public bodies, such as the ECSD, logical devices" by a majority "to develop a are written protocols and objective be taken openly and their deliberations collective concurrence as to action to be assessment instruments in place to be conducted openly. [Findings 1, 2, taken on an item" by the legislative body guide the placement decisions of the & 31 (54952.2.b). (Emphasis added) The use of a caseworkers according to accepted 00-24 Review Findings and Recommenda- telephone, email, and facsimile devices used standards. to develop such a collective concurrence fall tions from the 1997-1998 Yolo County 00-19 The Director should review the written within the parameters of the Act. Finally, Grand Jury and institute that Report's protocols for the department periodi- "no legislative body shall take action by secret Recommendations immediately. cally to assure that the department is ballot, whether preliminary or final" (54953.c). 00-25 The 2000-2001 Grand Jury continues in compliance with accepted stan- Except for limited circumstances, e.g., to monitor the ECSD. dards. emergency, the Act prohibits "action or dis- 00-20 The Director should enlist the services RESPONDENTS cussion" at public board meetings on items of the Human Resources Department Esparto Community Services District: All unless those items appear on the posted and the County Administrator's Office

R00-09: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ing #6). that all of Yolo county will benefit

R00-10: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- are being provided. RECOMMENDATIONS mends that in order to achieve a better A. Medical Needs racial harmony in the community and

R00-11: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ation. (Finding number 2 & 5). B. Food Services that all of Yolo County will benefit

R00-14: Short Term corded to any employee. The current G. Volunteer Program contractual guidelines specify that The easiest and quickest solutions A volunteer program that allows employees will pay their own share involve the facility itself. All safety screened volunteers to interact with of their retirement to the California and security issues must be remedied the wards is in place and is con- Public Employee Retirement System at once. sidered quite beneficial. There is the (PERS) for the first five years of A. All monitors fixed and on line. possibility of expansion of this pro- employment. After that time, the gram if more qualified volunteers can B. All surveillance cameras working county will pay both the county's and be found. These people who willingly and pointed in relevant areas, new the employee's contribution to PERS. give of their time are to be com- cameras installed where needed. Many counties pay both contributions mended. C. All locks in working order with when an employee begins employment. The current facility is old, out-dated, and downtime held to a minimum. overcrowded Another feature of most law enforce- D. A metal detector installed at the ment and many probation depart- The original Juvenile Hall was built in main entrance. ments is "safety retirement" or a the 1960s and expanded in 1976-77 to what E. The Director of the Juvenile Fa- better retirement benefit package it is today. cility should be given authority (up that encourages careers in law en- Originally there were twelve bed spaces; to a pre-determined monetary limit) forcement. The Yolo County Proba- there are now thirty beds in the facility and to maintain the integrity of any tion Department employees do not twenty-two sleeping rooms. Additional beds physical security related items with- have this benefit. Many other pro- are set up in a "dorm" setting. The facility is out having to go through the normal bation departments within the state built in a linear fashion that makes manage- bureaucratic channels. share this benefit with their law ment of the facility difficult. There are many

R00-15: Intermediate Term enforcement and correctional coun- blind spots and corners. Those problems admitting an intermedi- terparts. It is to be noted that all At the time of our visit there were forty ate fix involve the hiring and training of Juvenile Hall Supervisors and Adult wards although the building was built to adequate staff. Probation Officers are classified as house only thirty. Males and females are kept A. Pay scales need to be investigated peace officers under Section 830.5 of separated with the exceptions of mealtime the California Penal Code. and adjusted to more accurately and during school. The overcrowding was reflect the going rate with com- E. Employee Turnover especially noticeable in the "dorm" area. parable positions in neighboring The average headcount continues to grow Better than seventy-five percent of counties. Comparisons could also year after year as the population increases. the staff at the Juvenile Facility are be made between positions of simi- Over the last few years the average has at entry level. Only two persons have lar responsibility in the juvenile grown from the low thirties to the high better than five years experience. One and the adult sections of the proba- thirties and beyond. Severe overcrowding person has three years with the re- tion department. could be handled by sending overflow wards mainder having less than two years

R00-16: Long Term what was proceeding. Meetings were held problems occurred, but were resolved quickly. A. A new juvenile hall must be given with other governmental bodies within the RECOMMENDATIONS serious consideration and study, counties to share ideas and compare notes. this process is already underway.

R00-17: The Grand Jury would like to com- The problem of the Y2K issue was divided The present hall is woefully inade- mend all the people involved in re- into three areas: applications maintained by quate both from the standpoint of solving the Y2K issue. Our special Central Information Technology, those main- size and supervision. We want to commendation goes to the Information tained by vendors, and those maintained by point out that the safety, security Technology Division for providing lead- departments along with the commercial type and morale issues at the present ership and direction to the depart- applications. Desktop computer hardware facility must take priority over the ments. It was a job well done by many had to be looked at along with network consideration for a new facility. people, and should provide compliance devices and operating systems. Embedded for many years to come. chips and the global Y2K issues also had to RESPONDENTS be resolved. On a monthly basis, progress RESPONDENTS Yolo County Board of Supervisors on these areas was noted by each department Yolo County Board of Supervisors Yolo County Probation Department and was shown on a graph, for a comparison with the other departments. Each depart- ment was to resolve a Business Continuity Yolo County Y2K & Contingency Plan that would allow the department to operate if the computer world Strategy Plan shut down. Complaints Yolo County government consists of 23 departments, along with 11 sub-units, mak- BACKGROUND ing a total of 34 different units. The reports The Yolo County Grand Jury decided to Child Protective that kept us informed showed great improve- monitor the activities of the various Yolo ment from month to month. By October 15th, County Departments to assure that there Services a report was given as to the status of the would be few problems with the highly touted efforts. All application systems were either Y2K issues. The Grand Jury began to monitor Y2K compliant, or there was a way to work the Y2K issues in the summer of 1999 and BACKGROUND around the application, or the application continued through the last critical time A citizen's complaint was received regard- was not supporting a critical function. All period of February 29, 2000. ing the way the Department of Child and PC desktops and software supporting critical Protective Services places children in foster functions were Y2K compliant, and all com- FINDINGS homes and monitors their care while in foster munication devices supporting critical func- The Year 2000 issue began as a problem care. tions were now Y2K compliant. All of the that would possibly occur on or before Janu- departments with Mission Critical functions ary 1, 2000, because most computers and FINDINGS or Department Critical Business support programs would not recognize the "00" date. Members of the Grand Jury interviewed functions had their Business Continuity & A lot of early forecasts called for widespread the Deputy Director of the department Contingency Plans for those critical functions. power outages, and other problems including to obtain an overview of the department Refinements and testing of all the areas a paralyzing shutdown of the computer world. and its protocols. Following that inter- would continue. Forecasters were predicting the most serious view, a review was conducted of the Foster The Grand Jury also looked into the of all situations and a total downfall of the Family Homes Policy and Procedure Man- preparedness of the 911 emergency system. economy, both private and governmental. As ual (Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 7.5) The whole system could go mobile, with the year 2000 continued to come closer, the along with the report of the Little Hoover generators, and still carry on all functions hype of the situation grew. Commission, Now in Our Hands: Caring as normal. The 911 system, along with the The officials of Yolo County looked at the for California's Abused and neglected various police agencies, had emergency con- problem and had to decide the best solution Children, released August 1999. Follow- tingency plans that would function during to make sure the County, and all its depart- ing that review, a list of questions was any event. Meetings and drills took place to ments, would be Y2K compliant when the submitted to the Deputy Director for re- assure the full preparedness of these agen- clock turned on January 1, 2000. The County sponse followed by another in-person inter- cies. Administrative Office directed that a strategy view with members of the Grand Jury. As January 1, 2000 approached, the be planned with the Information Technology 1. The Grand Jury was unable to document Grand Jury felt assured that all would pass Division (ITD) leading the way for the rest that the department is consistently fol- with a minimum of problems. A private firm of the departments. The solutions came to lowing the guidelines as outlined in the was hired by the County to give a second dividing the problem into manageable parts reviewed documents. opinion on the validity of the preparedness and assigning responsibility to the depart- of the departments. A green light was given 2. The Deputy Director was unable to pro- ments to have a Y2K plan, and the ITD would 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 9 duce written protocols which outlined an board members, staff, and private citizens. RECOMMENDATIONS objective, step-by step protocol that case The Grand Jury also reviewed minutes (both

R00-18: The Director should verify that there by public bodies, such as the ECSD, logical devices" by a majority "to develop a are written protocols and objective be taken openly and their deliberations collective concurrence as to action to be assessment instruments in place to be conducted openly. [Findings 1, 2, taken on an item" by the legislative body guide the placement decisions of the & 31 (54952.2.b). (Emphasis added) The use of a caseworkers according to accepted

R00-19: The Director should review the written within the parameters of the Act. Finally, Grand Jury and institute that Report's protocols for the department periodi- "no legislative body shall take action by secret Recommendations immediately. cally to assure that the department is ballot, whether preliminary or final" (54953.c).

R00-20: The Director should enlist the services RESPONDENTS cussion" at public board meetings on items of the Human Resources Department Esparto Community Services District: All unless those items appear on the posted and the County Administrator's Office Findings and Recommendations agenda for the meeting. (54954.2.a). to develop a comprehensive recruit- Yolo County Counsel: Recommendation FINDINGS ment and retention plan. This should

R00-21: The ECSD institute a formal policy of workers utilize to decide upon the level written summaries and audio tape record- initial and annual refresher training of placement that a child needs and the ings), agendas, correspondence, and the on the requirements of the Brown Act options for placement that might include ECSD by-laws. for its board members. [Findings 1, 2, kin-care. The ECSD is an independent special & 31 3. The Deputy Director reported that case district. It provides policy oversight to the

R00-22: Coordinate with other local agencies workers exceed the case load ratios on a unincorporated Esparto community for water, such as County Counsel, District At- regular basis due to an acute shortage of sewage treatment, and street lighting. The torney, or other local agencies that qualified and experienced case workers, ECSD consists of five elected members, who provide Brown Act training allowing but was unable to report that there is a serve four-year terms. ECSD members to participate in that plan in place in Yolo County to address The California Ralph M. Brown Act, training. The training should be fo- that shortage. enacted in 1953 (Act)2, requires that meetings cused on the Brown Act and not merely of local government agencies, such as the 4. The Deputy Director reported that it an aside, which typically is the case ECSD, be open to the public. Meetings, as takes almost a year for a new employee with larger conferences focusing on defined in the Act, albeit slippery, includes to become fully functional in the depart- more global statewide issues. [Find- "any congregation of a majority of the mem- ment, but was unable to produce a compre- ings 1, 2, & 3] bers of a legislative body ... to hear, discuss, hensive plan to shorten that orientation

R00-23: Take personal responsibility to assure or deliberate upon any item that is within time. that the public’s business is conducted the subject matter jurisdiction of the legisla- RECOMMENDATIONS in public as required by law. The intent tive body" (54952.2.a). The Act prohibits any of the Brown Act is that actions taken "use of direct communication" or "techno-

R00-24: Review Findings and Recommenda- telephone, email, and facsimile devices used standards. to develop such a collective concurrence fall tions from the 1997-1998 Yolo County

R00-25: The 2000-2001 Grand Jury continues in compliance with accepted stan- Except for limited circumstances, e.g., to monitor the ECSD. dards. emergency, the Act prohibits "action or dis-

R00-26: The EUSD institute a formal policy of simile devices used to develop such a collec- meeting. She did not call 'B'. At the reorganization initial and annual refresher training on tive concurrence fall within the parameters of meeting, 'A' followed through and nominated 'C' and 'B' the requirements of the Brown Act for the Act. Contrary to members' testimonial to their respective officer positions. Predictably, 'C' and 'B' were elected by a majority of the four members its board members. [Findings 1, 2, & 3] assertions, the use of the telephone does not present at the meeting. What seems to be lost to the have to be by way of simultaneous communi-

R00-27: Coordinate with other local agencies members is that prior to getting to the official meeting three members of the board had already "met" and cation, such as by conference call, to fall within such as County Counsel, District Attor- formed a majority in their "collective concurrence" on the Act's prohibitions. Finally, "no legislative ney, or other local agencies that provide the election of officers by 'A's telephone calls to 'B; and body shall take action by secret ballot, whether Brown Act training allowing EUSD 'C'. The "action" at the official board meeting was a mere formality, the real "action" had already been taken preliminary or final" (54952.2.c). members to participate in that training. when the telephone calls were made by 'A' Much significance was voiced by three of The training should be focused on the "We remind the EUSD board of the Brown Act's legislative the EUSD members that the allegations filed intent: "The people of this State do not yield their Brown Act and not merely an aside, sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The with the Grand Jury were groundless because which typically is the case with larger people, in delegating authority, do not give their public they were as a result of retaliation by an ex- conferences focusing on more global servants the right to decide what is good for the people member of the EUSD2 or as a result of a "sour to know and what is not good for them to know. The statewide issues. [Findings 1, 2, & 3] people insist on remaining informed so that they may grapes" motivation (as one local newspaper

R00-28: Take personal responsibility to assure retain control over the instruments they have created." editorialized3). However, regardless of the For example, this member, with the concurrence of other that the public's business is conducted members, agreed that he should not be considered for motivation for filing the complaint, if a violation in public as required by law. The intent president because of his absences. 1999–2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT ш The Monroe Detention Center is the main 2,013 square miles. The district's annual Tours jail for Yolo County. It is equipped to house budget is approximately $4 million, approxi- virtually any classification of inmates: maxi- mately $660 thousand comes from Yolo Coun- mum, medium, protective custody, medical ty. The district's main source of income is and special housing for male and female from county property taxes. Martins' inmates. It is designed in "pods" and all The District responds to citizen com- controls and instrumentation are fully elec- plaints about mosquitoes and other pests Achievement Place tronic. A new integrated computer system (non-human of course). It uses a variety of will be installed to link Monroe's system with means to attempt to control mosquitoes: Martins' Achievement Place is an inten- other law enforcement systems, which will educational, public relations, biological and sive residential treatment program for adju- result in significant savings of time and chemical. The primary chemical for control dicated adolescent male sex offenders. The manpower. of adult mosquitoes is Malathion, sprayed Grand Jury toured the school facilities. The The facility houses 303 inmates; of these, from hand held cans, power spraying, and/ school is certified by the State Department up to 64 can be female inmates. This year, or air spraying. For larval control primarily of Education to provide special education for for lack of space only, 16 inmates had to be genetic altering chemicals are used. learning or emotionally handicapped stu- released early, as compared to 894 last year. For biological controls they use mosquito dents in grades 7 through 12. A specialized The average length of stay in Monroe is 32 fish. In 1998, 2,962 pounds of fish were used, program is designed to promote positive days. Medical and dental facilities are avail- primarily in rice fields, ponds, and marshes. change in the student's behavior and provide able on site. The kitchen provides three hot The district is also experimenting with the an individualized curriculum. For those stu- meals per day, all cooked from "scratch" in a three-spine stickleback fish. The district dents not requiring special education ser- clean, well-managed kitchen. equips and staffs active laboratory projects vices, home and hospital instruction is pro- The staff seems to have good control of to collect samples, evaluate, and experiment vided by the local school district in addition their population despite the fact, that depu- with different chemicals and biological con- to the structured, educationally focused day ties are in the pods mixing freely with the trols methods. program provided by Martins' Achievement inmates. Over the last eleven years only three The District undertakes an active educa- Place. deputies have been assaulted, two of these tional program at various schools, home- The students are supervised 24 hours a assaults were by mentally unstable inmates. owner groups, service clubs, governmental day. There is one staff person to every three Seldom do inmates need to be physically agencies, and public events. wards during the day and one to six during restrained (none in January, four in February Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector the sleeping hours. The staff receives training and two in March). Pepper spray is used on Control District has over one hundred rolling updates from various sources. There is a high the average of twice a year. stock, consisting of pickups, Jeeps, forklifts, turnover in staff of about 50% every six Education, counseling and training pro- tractors, 4x4s, and a variety of handheld months. This is mainly in the aide staff, due grams are paid for by the Inmates Welfare instruments. They have a staff of approxi- to low salary and the fact that they are main- Fund along with other extras such as TV. mately 35 field technicians, in addition to ly college students who are moving toward The Inmates generate the Inmate Welfare mechanics, scientists, and administrative completing their degrees. Fund when they purchase candy, sundries staff; the entire operation is impressive. Our Overall, this is a well-run program with or use the telephone. These programs act as tax money seems to be well spent here. measures in place to make certain that both positive inducement for good behavior as well the students and community are kept safe. as positive rehabilitation. There is a no-touch, non-contact program to Yolo County The Leinberger Center, located adjacent insure the safety of all residents and staff. to the Monroe Detention Center, is a mini- There is a level system with clear expec- Alcohol and Drug mum-security unit that houses inmates in a tations about behavior throughout the school dormitory style facility. The inmates housed Services program. It was noted that students who do in this area work on and off the Yolo County not succeed here due to behavior problems Detention Facility grounds. Leinberger also are returned to the court or the probation This department provides services is in charge of the house arrest technology. department for other placement. This is one throughout the county with county run of the few programs designed to treat adoles- Sacramento-Yolo programs as well as contractual arrange- cent male sex offenders. ments with non-profit agencies. Some exam- Mosquito and ples of county run programs are Beamer Street, Drinking Driver Program, and Adult Monroe Detention Vector Control Drug Court. John H. Jones Community Clinic, a pro- Center and The District gram of CommuniCare, is a non-profit con- tractor who provides several services for Yolo Leinberger Center The Yolo County Grand Jury toured Sac- County residents. Some examples are out- ramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control patient treatment with outpatient medical The Grand Jury toured the Monroe De- District located in Elk Grove, on February detoxification, day treatment for pregnant tention Center and the Leinberger Center 7, 2000. and parenting women including young chil- in October 1999, as part of its annual over- This district represents Sacramento and dren, Youth for Recovery, an after school sight inspection of county jails. We found a Yolo Counties. This also includes the follow- substance abuse treatment for high school safe clean facility staffed by well-trained ing cities: Davis, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Sacra- Correctional Officers who take pride in their mento, Winters, Woodland, and West Sacra- (TOURS: Yolo County Alcohol and Drug profession and the job they are performing. Services-continued on next page) mento. The district covers a total area of 12 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT age youth, an Adolescent day treatment Daily mandatory observation and tem- for a positive or negative reaction for drugs program, and a day treatment program in perament testing (written assessment not to minimize sending out all samples for transitional living facility for women and formerly done). expensive forensic tests. children. It was reported to us that the Coroner's 3. Increased holding period mandatory on This department has been merged from Office has very low turnover within its work- all other stray cats and dogs to six days two to create a structure that is cost effective force. This may be explained by the inter- (formerly 72 hours). and able to provide seamless delivery to esting nature of the work and the extra 4. Owner surrendered animals must now customers. It appears to be moving toward training given to the personnel. The Sheriff be held two days before being adopted. that goal by utilizing quality improvement provides great support and allows time off These new codes will necessitate building principals. from work (XTO), without pay, when the a new metal structure to house more animals stress load becomes unmanageable. longer, and hiring one additional Animal Care Technician. Yolo County RECOMMENDATIONS Animal Shelter

R00-29: Board members evaluate their own Jury attached no significance to the motivation commitment of time to productively behind the allegation and investigated the serve their community and the EUSD BACKGROUND allegation on its own merit by investigating board by actively participating by their the factual content of the events in question. In response to a citizen complaint, the presence on the board. Absences from Grand Jury investigated allegations of viola- the community and/or the board meet- FINDINGS tions of the Brown Act open meetings require- ings may detract from a member's effec-

R00-30: That the shelter work out an under- standing with the UC Davis Depart- The Yolo County Grand Jury toured the ment of Animal Science and the Col- county's Animal Shelter on November 2, lege of Veterinary Medicine to create 1999. The shelter has the capacity to hold internships with the shelter. 100 dogs and 75 cats. Reptiles and barnyard animals are kept in outside pens. The Animal RESPONDENTS Shelter employs one manager, one supervisor. Yolo County Sheriff and/or Animal Shelter nine Animal Control Officers and one Kennel Administrator Technician. Inmates of the Walter L. Lein- Addendum berger Center help to clean and maintain the cages and assist in the construction of Yolo County others. The shelter is a section within the Admin- The Grand Jury wishes it to be noted Coroner's Óffice istrative and Special Services Division of the that during the course of year various admin- Sheriff's Department. Duties of Animal Con- istrators from each of the county's depart- and Morgue trol Officers include assisting other law ments were invited to address the Grand Jury enforcement agencies where animals may be concerning the nature and functions of their On November 2, 1999, the Grand Jury involved; enforcement of pertinent code sec- respective departments. We appreciate those visited the two-year-old Yolo County Coroners tions; assisting Fish and Wildlife Officers; administrators taking their valuable time to Office and Morgue. The purpose of this office assisting postal employees who have been open the communication channels which are is to investigate the "cause and manner of threatened by loose dogs; and filling requests so vital as our county progresses into the death". Deaths investigated can include; from citizens who complain of stray animals new millenium. sudden, violent, unusual, on the job, acci- or animal abuse. Members of the Grand Jury also toured dental and those deaths that occur while a Much of the operating costs for the shelter Folsom Prison on April 17, 2000. We would person is in protective custody. The office are met by contracts with cities within the like to express our appreciation and gratitude handles about 600 cases per year, of these county, license fees, humane fees and dona- to the administration and correctional officers perhaps 100 are violent deaths, 15-20 homi- tions, including pet food given by various of this facility for the service they provide to cides, 200-300 natural deaths, 75 motor stores in the county. the people of our country. vehicle accidents and a disproportionate Upon entering the shelter, animals are number of suicides relative to other counties. vaccinated and observed to ensure that the To do this job, there are three full-time public has a healthy group from which to staff members, one part-time staff member adopt. Nearly half of all the animals entering and up to three interns who work two eight- the shelter are adopted. The shelter and the hour days per week. A case may take only a SPCA have entered into a reciprocating minimum of four hours time to investigate. agreement to foster additional adoptions in For a more serious crime the cause of death approved homes. Unwanted animals, which may take weeks to investigate. It is the job are disease-free, are euthanized and frozen of the Sheriff Coroner's Office to positively for study by University of California at Davis identify the body, and mostly this is done Veterinary students. through fingerprints. County residents whose pets are missing We found that the staff seems enthu- and feared stolen or dead should report the siastic and dedicated to their job. In a time facts to the Animal Shelter. If the pet is not of tightening budgets, the staff is increasingly found at the shelter, it may have been given handling more of their tasks in-house rather to the S.P.C.A. than contracting them out. All staff personnel Recently the Food and Agriculture De- are trained in positive fingerprinting. In- partment passed State Codes and imposed house whole body and teeth x-rays are being four new mandates that follow. performed and a photo lab is being set up 1. A 72-hour holding period for feral cats for developing the x-rays. Blood is first tested and dogs. .

📋June 30, 2000 — Monroe Detention Center and the Leinberger Center

12 pages 6 findings 36 recommendations

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Findings & Recommendations 6 findings

Related Recommendations (2)

F2: The Woodland Police Department largely officers. priately, smoothly, and harmoniously. The 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 5 FINDINGS

Related Recommendations (1)

F3: The Davis Police Department deserves to be commended for their emphasis on a community service approach.

Related Recommendations (2)

Additional Recommendations 27

Not linked to specific findings.

R00-02: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R2: It appears that the West Sacramento used in court trials. crossing and determine and meet the Police Department's morale and harmony

R00-04: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R00-09: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ing #6). that all of Yolo county will benefit

R00-10: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- are being provided. RECOMMENDATIONS mends that in order to achieve a better A. Medical Needs racial harmony in the community and

R00-11: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ation. (Finding number 2 & 5). B. Food Services that all of Yolo County will benefit

R00-24: Review Findings and Recommenda- telephone, email, and facsimile devices used standards. to develop such a collective concurrence fall tions from the 1997-1998 Yolo County

R00-25: The 2000-2001 Grand Jury continues in compliance with accepted stan- Except for limited circumstances, e.g., to monitor the ECSD. dards. emergency, the Act prohibits "action or dis-

📋June 30, 2000 — Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District

12 pages 6 findings 36 recommendations

Quick View Full Details →

Findings & Recommendations 6 findings

Related Recommendations (2)

F2: The Woodland Police Department largely officers. priately, smoothly, and harmoniously. The 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 5 FINDINGS

Related Recommendations (1)

F3: The Davis Police Department deserves to be commended for their emphasis on a community service approach.

Related Recommendations (2)

Additional Recommendations 27

Not linked to specific findings.

R00-02: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R2: It appears that the West Sacramento used in court trials. crossing and determine and meet the Police Department's morale and harmony

R00-04: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R00-09: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ing #6). that all of Yolo county will benefit

R00-10: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- are being provided. RECOMMENDATIONS mends that in order to achieve a better A. Medical Needs racial harmony in the community and

R00-11: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ation. (Finding number 2 & 5). B. Food Services that all of Yolo County will benefit

R00-24: Review Findings and Recommenda- telephone, email, and facsimile devices used standards. to develop such a collective concurrence fall tions from the 1997-1998 Yolo County

R00-25: The 2000-2001 Grand Jury continues in compliance with accepted stan- Except for limited circumstances, e.g., to monitor the ECSD. dards. emergency, the Act prohibits "action or dis-

📋June 30, 2000 — Woodland Police Department

12 pages 6 findings

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Findings & Recommendations 6 findings

Page 1

F2: The Woodland Police Department largely officers. priately, smoothly, and harmoniously. The FINDINGS

Page 1

F3: The Davis Police Department deserves to be commended for their emphasis on a community service approach.

Page 1

📋June 30, 2000 — Yolo County Animal Shelter

12 pages 6 findings 36 recommendations

Quick View Full Details →

Findings & Recommendations 6 findings

Related Recommendations (2)

F2: The Woodland Police Department largely officers. priately, smoothly, and harmoniously. The 1999-2000 YOLO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 5 FINDINGS

Related Recommendations (1)

F3: The Davis Police Department deserves to be commended for their emphasis on a community service approach.

Related Recommendations (2)

Additional Recommendations 27

Not linked to specific findings.

R00-02: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R2: It appears that the West Sacramento used in court trials. crossing and determine and meet the Police Department's morale and harmony

R00-04: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom-

R00-09: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ing #6). that all of Yolo county will benefit

R00-10: The Yolo County Grand Jury recom- are being provided. RECOMMENDATIONS mends that in order to achieve a better A. Medical Needs racial harmony in the community and

R00-11: The Yolo County Grand Jury believes ation. (Finding number 2 & 5). B. Food Services that all of Yolo County will benefit

R00-24: Review Findings and Recommenda- telephone, email, and facsimile devices used standards. to develop such a collective concurrence fall tions from the 1997-1998 Yolo County

R00-25: The 2000-2001 Grand Jury continues in compliance with accepted stan- Except for limited circumstances, e.g., to monitor the ECSD. dards. emergency, the Act prohibits "action or dis-