Gran Jurado del Condado de Yolo

2023-2024

6 informes

From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Year-End Report
View the full annual report (PDF)
The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.
Individual reports (6)
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The plight of individuals experiencing homelessness is a complex and difficult issue that will affect Yolo County for the foreseeable future. Although services and funding have increased, so have the numbers of those needing services. With so many service providers, funding streams, organizational structures, and administration of programs, it is essential that public oversight of the “homeless industrial complex” be continued.
F2: The VI-SPDAT form is used to evaluate an individual’s situation and from what services they might benefit. They are given a “Vulnerability Index” score and the information is added to the Continuum of Care’s database. When housing opportunities arise, those with a higher index score and who meet the housing criteria, are given preference for placement. Inconsistencies in the administration of the form results in flawed scoring, may not be reliable, and may perpetuate racial inequities.
F3: County websites, including the Health and Human Services and Homeless Services webpages, have outdated links, missing phone numbers, and incorrect employee and contact links. Effective availability of services information is negatively impacted when the websites are incomplete or incorrect.
F4: Yolo County has not consistently posted meeting information for the Executive Commission to Address Homelessness. This is a violation of the Brown Act. As a consequence, the public is frequently unable to obtain information for scheduled public meetings or participate in deliberations.
F5: Residents of shelters and respite centers may often require support with housing options, application submittals, and other services. Without this support many individuals’ needs go unmet.
F6: The Fourth and Hope property is difficult for its intended clientele to access by bus. The closest bus stop is approximately 1.5 miles away at the intersection of East Main Street and Yolo Polo Plaza. The transportation vans at Fourth and Hope, which initially were donated to alleviate the transportation issues, run irregularly or not at all due to a variety of factors.
F7: Yolo County would benefit from a dynamic GIS mapping application to provide help to anyone needing to access information regarding available services, locations, and hours. Although the development of this type of application is in progress, the county has had difficulty obtaining relevant information from service providers. This results in an incomplete and inaccurate application. RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury recommends the following:
Recomendaciones adicionales 7

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Yolo County Grand Juries should conduct a yearly investigation regarding the issue of homelessness, similar to the current requirement that Grand Juries must follow with annual reporting of some aspect of Yolo County Detention Facilities.
R2: Yolo County Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Homeless and Poverty Action Coalition, need to evaluate alternate screening tools to assess individuals experiencing homelessness. The Grand Jury is requesting an evaluation and determination if another form of assessment would be an improved screening tool to replace the VI-SPDAT form. This evaluation should be completed by October 31, 2024.
R3: The information on all County webpages pertaining to homeless services, need to be updated by September 30, 2024. Web pages need to be updated annually, or more frequently if appropriate.
R4: Yolo County should ensure public meetings are always posted as mandated by the Brown Act.
R5: Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency should develop a routine schedule for employees to visit various shelters and respite centers around the County, be available to assist individuals who might need help filling out applications, and to answer questions they might have about accessing services. This schedule should be posted on the Health and Human Services webpage listing locations with days and hours staff will be available to provide assistance. The schedule and its online posting should be implemented by October 31, 2024.
R6: The City of Woodland and the Yolo County Transportation District should renew efforts to establish bus service in the northwest industrial area of Woodland. The request for a bus stop should be included in the next SACOG Unmet Transportation Needs report submission.
R7: The Health and Human Services Agency should include in the service providers’ grant applications, a requirement that they provide timely information for the GIS mapping project and commit to updating the information as needed. This statement should be included in the applications prior to the next grant submission cycle. COMMENDATION Residents who told their stories regarding their homeless experiences: The Grand Jury interviewed several Yolo County residents who are or have been homeless and commends them for agreeing to be interviewed and to speak about their individual experiences. They shared details of their struggles in finding shelter, both emergency shelter and more permanent housing. They described times on the street when they didn’t feel safe. They spoke of help they received along the way that sustained them during very tough times. They were forthright and open-hearted in speaking about their lives. They spoke honestly about experiencing homelessness. Their openness reminded the Grand Jury that, amidst the complexities regarding funding and issues of communications, homelessness is really about people in our community, and their day-to-day challenges. City of West Sacramento: The Grand Jury commends the City of West Sacramento for developing and implementing a multi-level approach to the City’s concerns regarding homelessness. In 2016, the residents of West Sacramento passed Measure E which permanently increased the sales tax by one-quarter (0.25) percent. These funds are allocated to projects including “homelessness initiative” and “reducing community impacts of homelessness” [8]. With this tax revenue, the City is able to make significant and positive changes for its unhoused residents. This can be a model for other Yolo County jurisdictions to consider in their own communities. HPAC/HHSA GIS Mapping Project: The Grand Jury commends the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency and HPAC for undertaking the GIS Mapping project. The GIS Mapping initiative aims to create a centralized, interactive web application to streamline access to vital information for both homeless clients and service providers in Yolo County. REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury request responses as follows within 90 days: ▪ Yolo County Board of Supervisors F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-7; and R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5,
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 4 hallazgos
F1: The 2022 election of Esparto Unified School District trustees fully complied with the relevant elections law.
F2: No impropriety existed in the act of recruitment of community members to run for office by an Esparto Unified School District official.
F3: The Grand Jury fully accepts testimony presented in interviews that the scope of community involvement in school affairs within the Esparto Unified School District is sometimes a challenge which requires and justifies proactive involvement by District personnel. RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury has determined that there are no corrective actions required. COMMENDATION The Yolo County Election Office was very helpful and responded to all requests for information in a very timely and professional manner. REQUIRED RESPONSES There are no required responses to this report. ENDNOTES [1] California Education Code Section 5326 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&section Num=5326 [2] California Education Code Section 5328 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&section Num=5328 Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code Section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury.
F4: The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek an online RFID system that would work best in their facility. This technology would significantly boost the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to further meet the needs of incarcerated individuals while maintaining accountability. RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury makes the following recommendations:
Recomendaciones adicionales 4

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office should continue to strive to find new ways to hire new staff so that the Walter J. Leinberger Detention Center can be opened.
R2: The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office should continue to fill vacant positions to offer the culinary training as an added program to assist incarcerated persons to develop marketable skills that can be used upon release.
R3: The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office should continue to find a contractor to procure Record Management System/Jail Management System programs within the 2024-2025 budget year.
R4: The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office should continue the search for an RFID system that is compatible with the facilities and, if found, submit a request to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors by April 1, 2025, to invest in this technology. REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses for the following Findings and Recommendations within 90 days: ▪ Yolo County Board of Supervisors
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 3 hallazgos
F1: The West Sacramento Port Commission reported the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Fulcrum-Bluerise was entered and recorded at their closed Board meeting in March 2022, but no record was found in the March 2022 minutes. The public was unaware that an ENA was being considered for this property and created a perception the Port Commission was not being transparent in their plans.
F2: In order for the West Sacramento Port Commission to proceed with the Purchase and Sale Agreement of the Seaway property as described in Resolution No. P22-4 of the Port Commission, adopted on October 5, 2022, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) must deem the property Exempt Surplus Property from the Surplus Land Act (SLA). The process described by law for the property to be exempt requires the Port Commission to apply to the HCD for approval and exemption. The Port Commission did not apply to HCD for the exemption, but simply declared in its Resolution that the property was exempt. Self-certification of exempt status is not sufficient as stated in the SLA. In the final stages of preparing this report, the Grand Jury learned that the Port Commission applied for an SLA exemption which was granted on March 27, 2024 [4].
F3: The Sacramento-Yolo Port Policies Manual of 1997 is out-of-date, does not include guidance on the sale of surplus land, and does not address strategies and policies for the sale and use of real estate properties. RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury makes the following recommendations:
Recomendaciones adicionales 3

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: The West Sacramento Port Commission should ensure future land negotiations are transparently reported and post the amended minutes of the March 2022 meeting to report the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Fulcrum-Bluerise. This should be completed by January 1, 2025.
R2: The West Sacramento Port Commission should post the SLA exemption from HCD, dated March 27, 2024, to a public site and linked to Resolution No. P22-4. This should be completed by September 1, 2024.
R3: The West Sacramento Port Commission should develop a new and updated Port Policies Manual to reflect actual Port practices and strategies envisioned in the 2013 Business Plan, specifically addressing strategies and policies for the sale and use of its real estate properties. This should be completed by January 1, 2025. COMMENDATION The Grand Jury appreciates the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for explaining the Statewide Housing Plan and their role in holding jurisdictions accountable for meeting housing commitments and complying with State housing laws, including the Surplus Land Act (SLA). REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses to its Finding and Recommendations within 90 days as follows: ▪ West Sacramento Port Commission F-1, F-2, and F-3; and R-1, R-2, R-3 INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites responses from the following individuals within 90 days: ▪ West Sacramento City Manager/Port CEO F-1, F-2, and F-3; and R-1, R-2, R-3 ▪ Port General Manager F-1, F-2, and F-3; and R-1, R-2, R-3 ACRONYMS and
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 3 hallazgos
F1: The failure to commit the funds necessary to plan for the next Yolo County General Plan prolongs the lengthy and expensive process required to plan for the future of Yolo County.
F2: The General Plan process is lengthy and will take years to finalize. The failure to establish a timeframe for the General Plan risks a potential setback due to the length of time it will take to complete.
F3: The General Plan Annual Progress Reports were neither current nor easily located on the Yolo County website. This made it difficult for the public to stay informed on annual progress changes to the General Plan. Once apprised of this concern, the Community Services Division established the link in January 2024. RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury makes the following recommendations:
Recomendaciones adicionales 3

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: By September 1, 2024, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should begin committing the funds needed to develop the new General Plan. The General Plan is a process that will undoubtably take years to complete. Allocating the funds needed over multiple years would have less impact on the Yolo County budget.
R2: By September 1, 2024, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should direct Yolo County staff to begin establishing timelines for the new General Plan. It will undoubtably take years to complete, necessitating the allocation of time and resources now to ensure completion by the expiration of the current General Plan.
R3: The Department of Community Services - Planning Division should continue to provide a link on the Yolo County website allowing the public to locate and navigate the General Plan Annual Progress Reports. This will continue to allow accessing previous Annual Reports and provide complete transparency to the public. COMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury was pleased that the Department of Community Services - Planning Division agreed to make their annual reports more accessible on their web site. REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section(s) 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses to its Findings and Recommendations within 60 days as follows: ▪ Yolo County Board of Supervisors F-1, F-2; and R-1, R-2 INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites responses from the following individual within 90 days: ▪ Director of the Yolo County Department of Community Services F-1, F-2; and R-1, R-2 ACROYNMS/GLOSSERY OF TERMS A “Living Document” is a document that is constantly updated and revised as and when needed. ENDNOTES [1] https://www.yolocounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/14470/63528938053520000 0 [2] https://www.yolocounty.org/government/general-government-departments/county- administrator/general-plan/adopted-general-plan Note: The links above is the Adopted 2009 General Plan, valid through 2030
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 3 hallazgos
F1: The West Sacramento Port Commission reported the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Fulcrum-Bluerise was entered and recorded at their closed Board meeting in March 2022, but no record was found in the March 2022 minutes. The public was unaware that an ENA was being considered for this property and created a perception the Port Commission was not being transparent in their plans.
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F2: In order for the West Sacramento Port Commission to proceed with the Purchase and Sale Agreement of the Seaway property as described in Resolution No. P22-4 of the Port Commission, adopted on October 5, 2022, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) must deem the property Exempt Surplus Property from the Surplus Land Act (SLA). The process described by law for the property to be exempt requires the Port Commission to apply to the HCD for approval and exemption. The Port Commission did not apply to HCD for the exemption, but simply declared in its Resolution that the property was exempt. Self-certification of exempt status is not sufficient as stated in the SLA. In the final stages of preparing this report, the Grand Jury learned that the Port Commission applied for an SLA exemption which was granted on March 27, 2024 [4].
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F3: The Sacramento-Yolo Port Policies Manual of 1997 is out-of-date, does not include guidance on the sale of surplus land, and does not address strategies and policies for the sale and use of real estate properties. RECOMMENDATIONS The Grand Jury makes the following recommendations:
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Recomendaciones adicionales 4

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: The West Sacramento Port Commission should ensure future land negotiations are transparently reported and post the amended minutes of the March 2022 meeting to report the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Fulcrum-Bluerise. This should be completed by January 1, 2025. West Sacramento Port Commission – LEVERAGES REAL ESTATE ASSETS, June 2024
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R2: The West Sacramento Port Commission should post the SLA exemption from HCD, dated March 27, 2024, to a public site and linked to Resolution No. P22-4. This should be completed by September 1, 2024.
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R3: The West Sacramento Port Commission should develop a new and updated Port Policies Manual to reflect actual Port practices and strategies envisioned in the 2013 Business Plan, specifically addressing strategies and policies for the sale and use of its real estate properties. This should be completed by January 1, 2025. COMMENDATION The Grand Jury appreciates the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for explaining the Statewide Housing Plan and their role in holding jurisdictions accountable for meeting housing commitments and complying with State housing laws, including the Surplus Land Act (SLA). REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses to its Finding and Recommendations within 90 days as follows: ▪ West Sacramento Port Commission F-1, F-2, and F-3; and R-1, R-2, R-3 INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites responses from the following individuals within 90 days: ▪ West Sacramento City Manager/Port CEO F-1, F-2, and F-3; and R-1, R-2, R-3 ▪ Port General Manager F-1, F-2, and F-3; and R-1, R-2, R-3 West Sacramento Port Commission – LEVERAGES REAL ESTATE ASSETS, June 2024 ACRONYMS and
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R6: (Website): The Grand Jury recommended to the District that they should establish a website, by January 1, 2024. The Grand Jury didn’t receive a response and with the assistance of the office of the 5th District Board of Supervisor, Angel Barajas, the Grand Jury was finally able to reach out to one of the Board Members. The member did state they will be adopting a resolution to claim hardship on establishing a website, as the District has limited funding and staff. The Grand Jury verified the trustees will adopt a resolution claiming hardship. Findings by the 2023-2024 Grand Jury:
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 2 hallazgos
F1: DJUSD stated that it has implemented additional safety measures to some degree in the response to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Investigative Report. It is unclear from the response what these specific safety measures are and what has been implemented to date.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1: (Safety): The Grand Jury recommends that, prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, each school district identify additional hardening approaches and develop a plan to further protect areas of its schools that remain vulnerable. DJUSD: “When considering school safety, the District considers three primary drivers for school safety, which we believe cannot be viewed in isolation; 1) safety related policies, 2) safety related practices, and 3) safety related physical infrastructure and technology. In the District response, we stated that “To maintain security during school hours, the District has implemented adequate policies and continues to work closely with local law enforcement agencies” as an acknowledgement of the multifaceted reality of school safety.”
F2: The 2022-2023 Grand Jury Investigative Report listed a finding regarding lack of signage on DJUSD campuses. This was particularly important safety feature for DJUSD since several campuses share open spaces or parking lots to which the public has free access. Though DJUSD responded that signage needs have been identified, there was no implementation schedule provided to the Grand Jury. Recommendations by the 2023-2024 Grand Jury:
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2: The California Education Code mandates all school districts require visitors to report to a school’s office upon arrival and wear identification while on school campuses. Signage should be a priority for all DJUSD school sites especially since DJUSD schools share open public spaces. Though DJUSD states it has identified signage needs, the school district should improve the signage on all campuses prior to the start of the 2024-2025 school year and report to the Grand Jury by October 1, 2024. 3 | P age