Yuba County Grand Jury
2023-2024
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F2:
Grand Jury noted a few areas of the jail emanated odors that made a few of the Grand Jury members touring the facility physically ill. The areas noted as having the strongest odors from the clothing/laundry room, the medical hold cells, and the women's dorm-style cells (large).
F3:
The loss of the ICE contract has resulted in a marked staffing issue that could be contributing to some of the previous findings.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R2:
Change the laundry detergent used to a more eco-friendly and odorless variety.
R3:
Conduct a study on staffing shortages and determine critical positions that would alleviate health and welfare concerns for the staff and inmates.
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
Chronic absenteeism is directly linked to lower test scores and graduation rates for students. There was a 16% reduction in chronic absenteeism in two years district-wide.
F2:
Student test scores have improved at MJUSD in the 2022-23 school year.
F3:
MJUSD ranks in the bottom 50% in California public school system test ranking.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
None. MJUSD is doing a great job to help address chronic absenteeism.
R2:
MJUSD has been successful at improving test scores by using set goals and key driver programs.
R3:
Review spending to continue to increase in the improvement of student test scores and student- to-teacher ratio.
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
Patrol dogs in Yuba County provide an essential service to the citizens as well as deputies. The K-9s are an important deterrent to potentially violent situations. They are a valuable resource that provides a positive bridge between the community and the Sheriff's Department.
F2:
The financial impact of the dogs on the county is minimal when compared to the service they provide.
F3:
There is currently no trained drug dog to assist with contraband in the jail and community services.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends that the county expand the program to include a drug dog. The drug dog program would be a great asset to assist with detecting contraband in the jail and minimize the workload on the officers in the jail.
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
There did not appear to be a clear leader identified to manage emergency response, as there seemed to be a disconnect between multiple departments. However, one department relied heavily on a collaboration that was directed by the Bi-County Health Officer.
F2:
Local public health directives did not coordinate with local law enforcement prior to announcement.
F3:
The After-Action report was not comprehensive and reflective of the entire pandemic emergency.
F4:
There is a service request form on the Marysville Public Works’ website which residents can use to submit service requests for replacing burnt-out bulbs and other Public Works items.
Additional Recommendations
12
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
There should be an established Emergency Plan available to guide emergency responses, rather than relying primarily on the direction of the Bi-County Health Officer.
R2:
The plan should include processes for local Public Health authorities to coordinate with all affected agencies before making public announcements.
R3:
There should be a comprehensive process for After-Action Reports that are reflective of the entire pandemic response. The AAR only encompassed May 2021 to December 2021.
R4:
No Recommendation. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the grand jury requests responses as follows: From the following elected county officials within 90 days: ● The City of Marysville as to Findings F1, F2, F3 as to Recommendations R1 and R2. INVITED RESPONSES: From the following elected county officials within 90 days: ● The City of Marysville as to Recommendations R3.
R5:
Do you have any relatives employed by Yuba County? If so, Yes No Name: Dept. Relationship:
R6:
Spouses employer Occupation N/A
R7:
Have you ever been in the military service? If yes, Branch Yes No Nature of Employment Period served Highest rank or grade held
R8:
Highest school grade completed Degrees held School/University attended Years of attendance
R9:
If appointed to the Grand Jury, will you make a conscientious effort to attend and participate in all of those sessions of the jury as a whole and of the committees of which you are a member? Yes No
R10:
If appointed to the Grand Jury, will you conscientiously adhere to all applicable rules on confidentiality and security? Yes No
R11:
Are you interested in serving as a Grand Juror? Yes No
R12:
Will you be available for jury service for approximately four hours per week? Yes No Other comments: I affirm that the information provided in this questionnaire is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Signed on (date) in (city), California Signature
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
The Yuba County Emergency Plan has not been updated since August 2015.
F2:
An additional river water level monitoring system is needed at the confluence of Yuba River and Feather River near Shanghai Bend.
F3:
There is no flow rate gauge at or below the confluence of the Yuba and Feather Rivers.
F4:
Need evacuation plans for specific critical areas.
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Update the Yuba County Office of Emergency Service Emergency Plan.
R2:
Provide an additional river water level monitoring system.
R3:
Install a flow rate gauge at or below the confluence of the Yuba and Feather Rivers.
R4:
Based on the previously inundated areas, we recommend dividing the county into critical zones and developing specific evacuation plans for these areas.
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The Tri-County Juvenile Hall is very clean, organized, and despite the age of the facility, exhibits every indication of being well run and serving the needs of its inmates and the community.
F2:
The Maxine Singer Youth Guidance Center (Camp Singer) is very clean, organized, well equipped, and exhibits every indication of being well run and serving the needs of its inmates and the community.
F3:
The automated telephone system serving both the Juvenile Hall and Camp Singer did not capture the voicemails that two of the Grand Jury members left to arrange an appointment for a tour.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
No recommendations necessary – please keep up the good work!
R2:
No recommendations necessary – please keep up the good work!
R3:
A review of the automated telephone system serving the Juvenile Hall and Camp Singer should be reviewed to ensure that voicemails are received by the appropriate officers and individuals.