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2002- 2003
KINGS COUNTY
GRAND JURY
FINAL REPORT
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2002- 2003 GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreman's letter to Presiding Judge
Letter from Presiding Superior Court Judge the Honorable Peter M. Schultz
Members of the 2002- 2003 Kings County Grand Jury
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Superintendent Kings County Parks .................................................... 1
Kings Mosquito Abatement District .................................................... 4
Kings County Government Imaging System ....................................... 6
Kings County Shop Equipment/ Repair/ Maintenance.......................... 12
Chemical Waste Management Inc ....................................................... 13
Kings Area Rural Transit ..................................................................... 15
Agriculture Commissioner- Sealer of Weights and Measures.............. 17
Kings County Government Center/ Parks Shop ................................... 19
Burris Park and Museum ..................................................................... 22
Kings Waste and Recycling Authority ................................................ 25
Victim Witness Program...................................................................... 28
Kings County Water District................................................................ 30
Kings County Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder .............................................. 32
Public Guardian/ Veterans Service Officer........................................... 36
Kings County Human Services............................................................ 38
Summary ............................................................................ 41
HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Corcoran Nutrition Center ................................................................... 43
Kings County Commission on Aging .................................................. 45
Meals on Wheels ............................................................................ 47
Lemoore Nutrition Center.................................................................... 49
Kings County Health Department Women Infant & Children WIC ... 51
Kings County Public Health ............................................................... 55
Kings County Office of Education ...................................................... 58
Armona Elementary School................................................................. 61
Parkview Middle School...................................................................... 62
Avenal Elementary School .................................................................. 63
Tamarack Elementary School .............................................................. 64
Avenal High School ............................................................................ 66
Adelante Continuation High School .................................................... 68
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Sunrise Continuation High School....................................................... 70
Corcoran Community Day School....................................................... 73
Mark Twain School ............................................................................ 75
Kings Lake Education Center .............................................................. 76
James Monroe Elementary School....................................................... 77
Jefferson Elementary School ............................................................... 79
Lee Richmond School.......................................................................... 81
John F. Kennedy Jr. High School ........................................................ 83
Woodrow Wilson Junior High School................................................. 84
Joe Simas Elementary School.............................................................. 85
Hanford High School ........................................................................... 86
Hanford West High School.................................................................. 87
Earl F. Johnson Continuation High School.......................................... 89
Hanford Adult School .......................................................................... 91
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School.......................................... 93
Kit Carson Union School ..................................................................... 95
Lakeside Elementary School................................................................ 96
Cinnamon Elementary School ............................................................. 97
P. W. Engvall Elementary School......................................................... 99
Lemoore Elementary School................................................................ 100
Meadow Lane Elementary School ....................................................... 101
Liberty Middle School ......................................................................... 103
Lemoore High School .......................................................................... 105
Donald C. Jamison High School.......................................................... 108
Island Union Elementary School ......................................................... 111
Summary ............................................................................ 112
LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Kings County Fire Department............................................................ 113
Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department................................................... 124
Hanford Fire Department..................................................................... 127
Kings County Sheriff's Department and Main Jail .............................. 130
Kings County Sheriff's Department Communications Division.......... 132
Kings County Branch Jail .................................................................... 134
Kings County District Attorney ........................................................... 136
Corcoran Police Department................................................................ 139
Hanford Police Department ................................................................. 141
Lemoore Police Department ................................................................ 143
Avenal State Prison ............................................................................ 145
California State Prison Corcoran ......................................................... 147
California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison
at Corcoran ............................................................................ 149
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Kings County Probation ...................................................................... 151
Summary ............................................................................ 154
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Armona Community Services District........................................................... 155
City of Avenal .................................................................................... 157
City of Corcoran .................................................................................... 158
City of Lemoore .................................................................................... 159
City of Lemoore Public Works Department .................................................. 160
Lemoore Golf Course .................................................................................... 162
Hanford Parks and Recreation ....................................................................... 163
Old Courthouse Square.................................................................................. 166
City of Hanford Building Department ........................................................... 168
Hanford Recreation Department .................................................................... 169
Hanford Refuse Waste Department ............................................................... 170
City of Hanford Fleet/ Building Manager....................................................... 172
City of Hanford Field Utilities....................................................................... 174
City of Hanford Finance Department ............................................................ 176
Hanford Wastewater Treatment Plant............................................................ 178
City of Hanford Street Maintenance .............................................................. 180
Hanford City Offices .................................................................................... 182
Hanford Municipal Airport/ Park.................................................................... 183
City of Hanford Corporation Yard................................................................. 186
City of Hanford Public Works Engineering Department............................... 188
Home Garden Community Services District ................................................. 189
Summary .................................................................................... 190
Visitation Log
County Government ............................................................................ 191
Health and Education ........................................................................... 194
Law and Public Safety ......................................................................... 197
Local Government ............................................................................ 199
MEMBERS OF THE
2002- 2003
KINGS COUNTY GRAND JURY
Carl Zimmerman Foreman
Patricia Crouch Foreman Pro Tem
Elizabeth Anne Sutton Secretary
William D. Bowen Asst. Secretary
Glenver K. Myers Treasurer
Larry Orth Sergeant- at- Arms
Richard Martinez Asst. Sergeant- at- Arms
Fred Lawall Edit and Review
Kenneth Beinhorn
Herbert Biddle
Nancy Cartwright
Marvin Costa
Russell Nail
Shawn M. Poirier
Katherine Ramsey
Jack Rea
Thomas Ross
Ted Schlosser
Dallas Uffman
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Superintendent,
Kings County Parks
Burris Park
6500 Burris Park Dr
Kingsburg CA 93631
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701
Hickey Park
16580 Flint Ave
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701
Kingston Park
13196 Douglas Ave
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Interview
August 26, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
Kings County has three county parks that had recommendations from the 2000-
2001 Grand Jury Final Report and recommendations from the 2001- 2002 Grand
Jury Final Report.
Burris Park, located on Burris land settled in 1857, was donated to the county for a
park in 1924. The parks 57 acres can accommodate large crowds. There are 23
picnic areas, each with its barbeque pit, tables and benches. The two largest areas
have kitchens equipped with propane, electricity and a deep pit barbeque. There
are 528 parking spaces and, if needed, an adjacent field is used for additional
parking.
Hickey Park was established October 8, 1958 and consists of approximately 40
acres. The parking capacity is 104 including handicap spaces. The park has 32
picnic areas that can be reserved for a fee by calling the County Public Works
Department.
Kingston Park was established August 28, 1972 and consists of seven improved
acres located on a strip of land on the south side of the Kings River. It is the site of
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the first Kings River Ferry Crossing. The shoreline of the river at the edge of the
park has a large sandy beach that is used for sunbathing and wading.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Parks Superintendent at the Grand Jury Room for his
response to the recommendations of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report and
follow- up information on previous Grand Jury Final Reports.
Proposition 12 was a recreational grant passed in March 2000. These funds helped
replace playground equipment at Burris and Hickey Parks, which are now in place.
Proposition 4 funds are expected next summer amounting to about 1.2 million
dollars.
The Parks Superintendent is a California State Certified Playground Equipment
Inspector, available to inspect and certify park and school playgrounds when
needed.
Burris Park
1. Twelve tons of material has been applied to repair and resurface
roads.
2. The shed behind the office has been removed.
3. The contaminated water well will be sealed and abandoned.
4. Two new wells for irrigation and domestic use are drilled to 300 feet
and are producing potable water. They will be finished soon.
5. The well site near the Kings River has a high water table, 30 to 40
feet.
6. Fees are charged for reservations and facility rentals according to a
set schedule with proceeds turned over to the General Fund.
7. Gate fees are collected when a booth operator is on duty, weekends
and holidays.
8. Cleaning deposits are required for large groups of 200 or more and
for kitchen rental clean up.
Hickey Park
1. The handicap area drinking fountain has been repaired.
2. The Superintendent recognizes the need for wheelchair access to
picnic tables. The tables will be relocated to provide more spacing.
3. The horseshoe pits have been removed and the area graded smooth.
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New pits with proper spacing will be constructed to National
Horseshoe Pitching Association Standards in the near future using
Proposition 4 funds.
Kingston Park
1. Close monitoring, prompt cleaning and painting control graffiti.
2. Exposed tree roots are being covered. More time is needed to
complete work.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Grand Jury recommends that gate fees, reservation charges, facility rental
income and park related savings be applied to park upkeep and maintenance.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Parks Superintendent for his interview and progress
report.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Mosquito
Abatement District
10871 Bonnieview Lane
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 584- 3326
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tours
August 12, 2002
August 19, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The California Legislature adopted the Mosquito Abatement Act in 1915, which
had been incorporated into the state health and safety code ( Chapter 5, Division 3).
The Hanford Mosquito Abatement District ( 13 square miles) was formed in
January 1945 through a special election. On July 9, 1947 the Corcoran Mosquito
Abatement District was formed and on April 19, 1961 the two districts were
consolidated to form the Kings Mosquito Abatement District. This district
currently covers 552 square miles, which includes a small area of Tulare County.
The seven member board is responsible for personnel, administration,
implementing policies and operations.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Kings Mosquito Abatement District Manager and
toured the grounds. Presently the district has eleven permanent and five seasonal
employees. The district is currently fully staffed. The Mosquito Abatement
Program is a major part of pest control efforts. During the post season,
maintenance, repair to vehicles, equipment and district grounds is accomplished.
The Committee found there were no handrails on the steps or on the ramp of the
technicians' building. We did not see an exit sign or fire extinguisher in the
conference room. The 10,000 gallon tank containing larvicide GB- 1111 was not
properly marked and the plastic sight gauge was not protected.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Install exit sign over door in conference room.
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2. Properly install fire extinguisher in conference room
3. Install handrails for steps and ramp on technicians' room.
4. Protect mosquito larvicide GB- 1111 tank sight gauge.
5. Install hazard placards on all sides of larvicide tank.
COMMENTS:
At present Kings Mosquito Abatement District is keeping alert to the current
Status of the West Nile Virus. The facility was clean and well maintained.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Government
Imaging System
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interviews/ Tours
January 27, 2003
February 10, 2003
March 3, 2003
March 17, 2003
March 24, 2003
March 31, 2003
April 7, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
While we are living in the Informational Age, ninety percent of our documentation
is still on paper. Document Imaging System is a combination of software and
hardware that allows users to capture information from a number of sources: fax,
e- mail and hand written information. The captured documents are then stored
digitally on a computer system that can be retrieved in seconds on a computer
system with a few keystrokes. Users can store, copy and retrieve documents and
integrate them into their department applications. Whether for a single desktop or
a multi- user environment, document imaging is an invaluable tool for controlling,
managing and sharing critical information.
Under the current filing system, to acquire documents, requires workers to search
through filing cabinets or central file rooms and storage areas, which may be
located in other sites. When you consider the possibility that employees will need
to copy and distribute the documents ( find an available copier, stand and wait for
copies) you begin to see the staggering financial burden paperwork places on a
department.
Document imaging employees can retrieve information in seconds on the desktop
workstations and they can distribute the documents throughout many departments
without leaving their desk. Documents may be retrieved, reviewed or transferred
by as many people as necessary. The Imaging System has a security program to
insure that no unauthorized activities can occur.
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There are several departments in the county that realize the Imaging System is
essential to enter all paper documents into the County computer system. The
advantages of the system are error corrections, storage costs, ease of retrieval,
cross- referencing, random access distribution and cost effectiveness.
Since 1998, The Imaging System has been available to the
Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department, Human Services Agency,
Sheriff's Department, Probation Department, Informational Technology
Services and District Attorneys Department. The Imaging System is not being
utilized by all Departments.
ASSESSOR/ CLERK/ RECORDER/ ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT:
FINDINGS:
On January 27, 2003, a presentation by the County
Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department was made to the Committee
outlying the many aspects of the Imaging System. The first department to use the
system was the Human Services Agency followed by the
Assessors/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department. Since those departments started
using the Imaging System several other departments have come on line.
Participating departments in the county must pay a license fee to utilize the
Imaging System.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Assessors/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department has utilized the Imaging
System and shows that it is fully automated. ( Refer to
Assessors/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department Report)
HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY:
FINDINGS:
On February 10, 2003, Human Services Department Representatives presented to
the Committee how imaging has reduced the cost of storage and the Microfiche of
their records. Since the agency started utilizing the Imaging System, several other
departments have come on line. The Imaging System software used for imaging is
available to all departments in the County.
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In September of 1998, the Human Services Agency began scanning closed cases
with the goal of storing documents in a more cost effective manner while
increasing the availability of those documents to the people who utilize them.
Scanning duties are assigned to the reception unit and are performed primarily by
clerks and Welfare to Work Clients. The agency is able to keep up with all of their
current scanning demands and when man- power is available, they scan boxes of
closed cases, which were previously stored in the warehouse. Each month the
department is able to scan 15- 20 boxes of documents, which have been purged
from ongoing cases. The agency has scanned all closed cases from 1995 to the
current year. The agency is charged eighty- five cents per box per month for
storage of cases. This agency has learned how to access and search the entire
document for accuracy. They keep up with all current scanning demands and when
manpower is available, they can scan closed cases, which were previously stored
in the warehouse. The agency has developed a " can- do attitude".
RECOMMENDATIONS: NONE
COMMENTS:
The Human Services Agency is able to accomplish the imaging of open and closed
cases because of available manpower.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES:
FINDINGS:
A System Analyst from Informational Technology Services ( IT) gave us an
overview of the County Imaging System. It provides support to all departments
using the Imaging System and insures users are properly licensed. This system
backs up electronic data on a scheduled basis to ensure security of data in case of
systems failure or catastrophe. The Redundant Array of Independent Disks
( RAID) System is used to backup everything in the County.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. IT should convert Central Microfilm and Records Storage to an
Imaging System.
2. IT should follow the lead of the Human Services Agency and
Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department by imaging all
documents that they store for other Departments.
COMMENTS:
IT should utilize the Imaging System to its fullest potential.
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PROBATION DEPARTMENT:
FINDINGS:
On March 17, 2003 the Committee met with the Supervising Probation Officer.
Our main objective was to inquire about whether the Imaging System was being
used in the Probation Department, if so how well was it working and if not, why
not? Two years ago there was a full time imaging position in the Probation
Department. This individual was transferred to the Sheriff's Department.
Consequently, the vacant position was not filled because of a lack of funds.
However, all equipment was and still is in good working condition and funding is
unavailable. At present time enormous backlogs of files have been left unfinished
and are imaged when possible. A clerk would be unable to complete the task of
imaging even if he/ she worked twenty- four hours a day.
If the files were clean before the clerk received the files for imaging they could be
imaged in a more timely manner. Taking apart the files for imaging is extremely
time consuming. Every paper clip and staple must be removed before this process
can transpire.
The Committee suggested the Probation Department use volunteers that have
passed a background check to clean the files and have them prepared for the clerk
to image.
Some juvenile files are massive. Currently the Probation Department has a
caseload of 890 not including 2500 to 3000 walk- ins and check- ins each month.
Depending on the case the file would have to be kept indefinitely. Image scanning
files can improve transactions and accessibility to critical information. Imaging
would allow multiple departments to share the material from the files. Imaging can
improve the availability of the files, reducing the cost of storage and enable the
departments to use disks instead of having a paper trail. Integrating the image
capture process into existing platforms increases user acceptance while reducing
long- term storage costs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Execute the Imaging System Program.
2. Reevaluate the use of storing case files at Central Microfilm and
Records Storage.
3. Secure volunteers that have passed a background check to clean the
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files and have them prepared for the clerk to image.
COMMENTS:
The Chief Probation Officer has been appointed within the last several months and
is still getting acclimated to the position.
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT:
FINDINGS:
On March 3, 2003 the Records Supervisor met in the Grand Jury room to give an
overall view of the Imaging System and how it operates. We learned that the
Sheriff's Department is completely up- to- date. The Imaging System has been
operating five years. The Imaging System is used to scan documents that are not
part of the automated Sheriff's Department Reporting System. These documents
are bank records, medical records, or other evidentiary documents. These
documents are cross- referenced to the individual investigation reports.
The Sheriff's Department is unable to send investigation reports electronically to
the District Attorney's Department.
The Sheriff's Department has eight clerks that are all trained in the Imaging
System. Each clerk has time to enter documents into the system. All shifts are
eight hours shifts ( 24- 7). All reports are done in English. There is a low turnover
of employees. It takes approximately four to six hours per report. The in- custody
reports are completed within 48 hours. There are no proposed budget cuts for the
staff in the Sheriff's Department Records Division. At present time this department
is able to keep up with the workload and no documents are destroyed until they are
verified.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT:
FINDINGS:
The District Attorney's Department uses the Imaging System which stores and
organizes documents and information, thus enabling immediate and reliable access
to critical information right when it’s needed. The Imaging System allows easy
retrieval, editing, annotating, and distribution of documents. Advantages of the
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Imaging System or any other complete document management solution will enable
the department to have easy storage and retrieval of vital information, secure and
reliable document management and distribution for immediate delivery. The
Imaging System has the power to effectively manage and organize all types of
documents across the entire County Departments. This system offers a complete
imaging solution. This system is not being used because of many roadblocks. The
major roadblock is not having enough employees to run the system. This system
would require at least two computers, scanners programmed with the programs
and four employees.
After two of the Grand Jury members were invited to try this system, we now
realize how much work is involved in operating this system. The District
Attorney's Department has tried Welfare to Work Clients, however because of the
confidentiality these people have to pass a background check. After they pass the
background check they are trained on the system and understand how it operates,
they usually move on to a paying job, making it necessary to retrain more people.
This is an on- going process.
Prior to imaging a case file, each case file must be gone through, all staples
removed, papers put in order and sorted. The Department does not have the funds
to use the system, which is an expense to the County and is currently idle. This
doesn’t seem like a well thought out plan. However, because of the expense and
benefit to the County, the Department needs to implement the Imaging System.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Upgrade the system to two scanners and computers with the
appropriate software and licensing.
2. Begin imaging present case files, not past cases, so that present cases
are accessible by computers, which will save staff time and be more
efficient.
3. Implement office procedures for better organization of case files to
be imaged by better planning by management staff.
COMMENTS:
It appeared to the Grand Jury that there may have been a lack of understanding
and/ or planning by the District Attorney’s management staff when the Imaging
System was proposed. The only reason that Welfare to Work Clients were used is
because it was a free work force. That work force proved to be unreliable and has
since evaporated, leaving the Imaging System Program virtually a total failure in
this District Attorney's Department. This is somewhat concerning since a large
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amount of taxpayer monies were used to purchase equipment, software, licenses
and implement this system only to see it fail.
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Shop
Equipment/ Repair/ Maintenance
11827 11th Ave
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 9207
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- Up/ Informational Tour
October 14, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County shop is located on 11th Avenue north of Houston Avenue. This
shop is responsible for repairing and maintaining most of the county equipment,
including vehicles for the Sheriff's Department and large equipment for the Kings
County Road Department. There are seven employees in this department. The
shop consists of a long metal building divided into several work areas. These areas
include a warehouse, parts room, two offices, small training room, bays for
working on large equipment and a vehicle washing area. There is a natural gas
fueling station on the premises.
FINDINGS:
The Committee interviewed the Fleet Service Manager regarding the shop
facilities in reference to the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury recommendations. We found
the shop heaters had been replaced. The Manager informed the Committee that the
rain gutters will be replaced on the south side of the building by maintenance or
outside bid. All county vehicles and equipment use recycled oil.
The County has 65 vehicles on alternate fuel. The County is purchasing seven
small golf cart type vehicles for parks and grounds. These vehicles are street legal
and run on alternate fuel.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Replace rain gutters.
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Chemical Waste
Management Inc
Kettleman Hills Facility
35251 Old Skyline Rd
Kettleman City CA 93239
( 559) 386- 9711
www. wm. com
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and
Interview
March 27, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Kettleman Hills Facility is a division of Chemical Waste Management Inc. It is
committed to protect and enhance the environment under strict Federal and State
policy and procedure guidelines.
This facility accepts and manages virtually every type of hazardous waste except
etiological ( disease causing), radioactive or infectious material, live explosives or
compressed gases.
Hazardous waste materials are managed at numerous units on this site. They
include: landfill disposal, stabilization, solidification, encapsulation, solar
evaporation, bulk storage, drum storage, transshipment to off site facilities, poly
chlorinated biphenyls ( PCB) storage and transformer drain and flush operations.
The capacity of this hazardous waste landfill is 10.7 million cubic yards with an
expected remaining life of 20 years. The solid waste landfill has a capacity of 7.7
million cubic yards with an approximate remaining life of 25 years.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Executive Secretary of Kettleman Hills Facility and
was given an interview and tour of site operations.
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On tour, the Committee observed several units, some of which were: burial units
for hazardous and non- hazardous waste materials, the container storage area and
the encapsulation unit. All employees, who were involved with any chemical
substance, including the truckers bringing waste to the facility wore proper safety
gear and equipment.
An Endangered Species Program has been implemented to ensure the protection of
all species of animals and plants on the premises, considered endangered or
threatened by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of
Fish and Game. In addition, the program assures compliance with State and
Federal endangered animals and plants from accidental harm due to facility
operation and construction activities. This is just one of several areas that caught
our attention.
Kettleman Hills Facility is a highly respected facility which draws the attention of
officials from around the world who come to tour the site looking for better ways
to manage waste in their own country.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury was quite impressed with the overall layout and operations of the
Kettleman Hills Facility.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Area Rural Transit
Agency ( KART)
629 W Davis St
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 584- 0101
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and
Interview
January 14, 2003
February 3, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Kings Area Rural Transit ( KART) is a countywide transit system formed as a Joint
Powers Agency, which includes the cities of Hanford, Lemoore, Avenal and the
County of Kings. Its primary purpose is providing transportation that is accessible
to the general public. KART also provides transportation for seniors and door- to-door
service for qualified people with disabilities in Hanford, Lemoore, Armona
and Avenal.
FINDINGS:
The Kings County Transit Coordinator met with the Committee in the Grand Jury
Chambers. We were told that KART has 13 daily route buses: five serve the City
of Hanford, three serve Lemoore, West Hills College and Naval Air Station
Lemoore, three go to College of Sequoias and the Cypress Medical Center in
Visalia, one goes to Avenal and one goes to Laton, Hardwick and Grangeville.
Fresno County pays KART $ 11,000 yearly for the service to Laton. In addition,
there is a route to Valley Children's, Kaiser and Veteran's Hospitals twice weekly.
The transit agency has a 2.5 person staff and a $ 3.5 million budget. A private
contractor provides drivers, mechanics, dispatchers and an operations manager, for
a total of 37 employees. Eighty percent of KART's funding comes from federal,
state and local taxes. It is mandated that the remaining twenty percent must come
from passenger fares. Due to the growth in population, the area that KART serves
has been declared an Urban Area and now receives $ 800,000 yearly from the
federal government.
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KART's Dial- a- ride service provides door- to- door service in Hanford, Lemoore
and Avenal for those certified by KART and ADA as disabled or who live more
than a half mile from a fixed route. The service operates similar to a taxi, though
most rides are usually scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
In addition to his duties with KART, the Kings County Transit Coordinator is
working with the state and federal governments on a Van Pool Project and Farm
Worker Transportation.
Members of the Committee took two different routes on KART buses, leaving
from the staging area by the AMTRAK Station in Hanford. The buses were clean
and the drivers helpful and courteous. However, the majority of the buses were not
marked as to their route numbers, the loading areas did not specify a route number
nor was there a master list of routes and their destinations posted.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Each bus should have its route number posted.
2. Loading areas should have signs indicating route numbers.
3. A master list of routes and their destinations should be posted in the
staging area.
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Agriculture Commissioner-
Sealer of Weights and Measures
680 Campus Drive
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2830
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
January 6, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Board of Supervisors appoints the head of this two division department, the
Agriculture Commissioner- Sealer of Weights and Measures. Acting under the
direction of the State Director of Food and Agriculture, the department enforces
state agriculture laws pertaining to plant quarantine, nursery stock, agriculture and
vegetable seeds, pesticides, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables and apiaries. The
department also gathers crop statistics, provides information on pest control and
performs vertebrate pest control. As the enforcement agent of the State Division of
Measurement Standards, the department checks the accuracy of all weighing and
measuring devices used by merchants to sell their goods, including scales and
gasoline pumps. In addition, the department checks packaged and canned goods
ranging from grocery items to petroleum products to determine if the goods
contain the stated amount.
FINDINGS:
The agriculture department reviews and issues restricted pesticide permits
annually, most are applied for by fax, some come by computer, others are
personally applied for.
Enforcement detection is the largest inspection and eradication activity of the
department's 26 member staff.
The agriculture department inspects plants, which enter the county from nurseries
within and from other states for insects and diseases. They set and check traps for
infestation and eradication throughout the county. They use the Global
Information System for location of crops and infestation of insects.
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The agriculture department prepares 600,000 pounds of poison bait for squirrels
and rodents, which is 60 percent of state use and is packaged and sold to other
counties.
The Sealer of Weights and Measures charges fees for scale checks but still
requires money from the General Fund.
Various types of weighing and measuring devices are tested and inspected, such as
gasoline dispensers, propane and butane meters, electric meters, taxi meters,
odometers on ambulances, farm milk tanks, pharmacy scales, deli- counter scales,
livestock scales, concrete batch plant scales and truck scales. There are
approximately 3,500 such devices inspected in Kings County annually.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
19
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Government
Center/ Parks Shop
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2609
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and
Interview
October 7, 2002
October 9, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Government Center moved to the present site in 1977- 78. It
consists of approximately 77 acres, 43 physical structures with 407,000 square feet
of office space. The Kings County Public Works Department is responsible for
maintenance of the Government Center.
FINDINGS:
The Committee toured the County Complex/ Parks Shop. Parking in the County
Complex has continued to be limited. This has been a subject of prior Grand Jury
Recommendations and will continue until it is addressed. The following items
were found requiring action:
1. A drain grate located on the northeast side of the Administration
Building is uneven and could cause someone to trip and fall resulting
in possible injury and liability to the County.
2. The stepping stones through the landscaping near the northeast
corner of the Finance Building are a hazard due to the stones being
staggered and below the grade level of the sidewalks on either side.
3. A hole was observed in the landscape area on the northeast corner of
the Finance Building. This hole was covered by a barricade and
appeared to have been in this condition for some time.
4. The trees and bushes near the northeast side of the Finance Building
are dying from lack of water. Boron damage and other diseases have
affected a number of the trees and bushes throughout the
Government Center.
5. In front of Superior Court 4 there is a 10 inch deep hole in the
20
lawn.
6. A fire hydrant obstructs the crosswalk on southeast corner of the
Finance Building on South Drive.
7. The Parks Department Shop is a safety hazard which could result in
injury to employees and cause liability.
a. The shop has poor lighting and light switches are poorly
placed within the building.
b. There is a square hole in the floor at the north end of the
building and is a safety hazard.
8. " High Voltage" signs were missing from the electrical transformers
at the Probation Department and Branch Jail.
The Committee met with the Director of Public Works and the Building
Maintenance Superintendent to discuss concerns of safety at the County
Government Center. The Director of Public Works and the Building Maintenance
Superintendent said that these issues will be corrected. They told the Committee
that there are pending plans to build a new Parks Shop this year. This new Parks
Shop will house the Ag Transportation personnel and part of the construction of
the building will be funded by a grant.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The drainage grate on northeast corner of the Administration
Building needs to be stabilized.
2. Stepping stones need to be replaced with a concrete walkway on the
northeast corner of the Finance Building.
3. Fill hole at the northeast corner of the Finance Building.
4. Maintain the Government Complex sprinkler systems to insure all
plants and trees receive adequate water.
5. Repair deep hole in the lawn in front of the Superior Court 4
Building.
6. Realign crosswalk away from fire hydrant.
7. a. Correct the lighting deficiency in the Parks Department Shop
and relocate light switches.
b. Fill square hole at the north end of building with either safety
cover or cement.
8. " High Voltage" signs should be placed on transformers at the
Probation Department and other Departments that have electric
transformers.
COMMENTS:
21
The Grand Jury has found that in the previous years many of the recommendations
have been taken lightly or ignored. The Director of Public Works has informed us
that a new Parks Shop is going to be constructed this year. We did note that the
employees do keep the shop neat and orderly. He has requested the Committee
bring any concerns to either the Director of Public Works or the Building
Maintenance Superintendent so that they may be able to address or correct them.
The Building Maintenance Superintendent viewed the areas of our concerns and
he assured us that they would be corrected.
Our County Government Complex should reflect the pride of the community with
a continued high standard of maintenance for all of our citizens and visitors. The
citizens and visitors to the Kings County Government Complex have a right to
expect nothing less.
The removal of the large pine tree from the west side parking lot has been
accomplished as recommended by the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report.
April 14, 2003
ADDENDUM TO: Kings County Government Center/ Parks Shop
An inspection was made on 4- 14- 2003 by members of the County Government
Committee concerning recommendations made in this report.
1. Recommendation numbers 1, 2, 3, and 7 are considered completed
and no further action is required.
2. Recommendation numbers 4, 6, and 8 still require action to be taken
to insure compliance.
22
AREA OF INQUIRY: Burris Park and Museum
6500 Clinton Ave
Kingsburg CA 93631
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational and
Follow- up Tour
March 6, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Burris Park is located on Clinton Avenue on land donated to the county for a park
by the Burris family in 1924. The 57 acre park accommodates large crowds, has
23 picnic areas, each with its own barbeque pit, tables and benches. There are two
large areas with kitchens equipped with propane, electricity and a deep pit
barbeque.
The Kings County Museum was established in 1927 and was housed in the
Hanford City Auditorium basement. In 1955 it was moved to a new building,
donated by the Swanson family, located in Burris Park. The museum is currently
scheduled to be open from 10: 00 AM to 4: 00 PM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and
major holidays. It is closed for most of the winter season. The museum has an
interesting collection of Kings County Memorabilia dating from the 1800' s.
Included in the collections of relics is a display of the Tachi Indians captured in a
mural as they go about their daily routine with a backdrop of the valley in a most
serene, tranquil and dreamlike landscape.
The Committee, in addition to its normally planned tour of Burris Park, conducted
a special tour of the park facilities as a result of recent discussion to close, change
the days of operation and/ or make modifications to its current maintenance
operations.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Parks Superintendent and toured the entire park
facilities. The Committee was informed of the recent developments to the park.
Two new wells were recently constructed and are operating. They service the
needs for Burris Park, the museum, as well as those of the Burris Park Fire Station
23
# 1. The wells are designed to deliver the water where it is most needed. There is a
program installed that can recognize, prioritize and deliver the water for
emergency services. The Committee was informed the funds utilized to construct
the wells were a result of a state bond and if the park is closed the county may be
responsible for reimbursing the state for the allocated funds.
The Committee toured the area where the firing range is located and was informed
it is no longer in service. It was closed due to the proximity of the entrance to the
park and the fire station. It is in direct line of fire. We were informed the range
was merely closed and never cleaned or decontaminated from the presence of lead
in the berme. The Committee noted the removal of the lead to preserve the
integrity of the drinking water and the environment is of paramount importance.
In addition to the closed firing range the Committee observed that the Kings
County Sportsman Club is located adjacent to the park facilities and next to the
fire station. It appeared the presence of the Sportsman Club did not pose a
negative factor to the park because of its location, types of weapons used and the
member’s involvement to maintain the facilities. We were informed the Sportsman
Club members and it’s visitors must use the parks front and only entrance gate to
gain access to their facility and have no other means of entry.
The Committee toured the park grounds and observed new playground equipment
that has been installed. A separate gated playground area has been constructed to
accommodate younger children. New picnic tables and restrooms have been
designed and built to be handicap accessible. We were informed the funds for
these improvements were a result of grant money and may be subject to forfeiture
if the park is closed.
The Committee was informed the park was preparing to open in April in order to
be available for the Easter weekend. We were told this is the busiest and most
profitable weekend for the county parks, Burris Park in particular. The current
entrance fees and new fees effective April 28, 2003:
Current Fees New Fees
$ 3.00 Cars and Bikes $ 6.00 Cars and Bikes
$ 1.00 Senior Driver $ 2.00 Senior Driver
$ 25.00 Season pass $ 50.00 Season pass
Non- profit and schools are free $ 10.00 Non- profit and schools
The Committee toured the Museum and enjoyed the display of historic artifacts
dating back to the 1800’ s. The recently constructed wing to the museum includes
displays from the native Indian tribes, artifacts such as; arrowheads, spears, tools,
24
etc. We also observed interesting early century farming equipment, firearms, dairy
equipment, furniture and switchboards to name a few.
The Committee reviewed the recommendations noted in the previous Grand Jury’s
Final Report and after completing this tour of the area, is satisfied the fore noted
concerns have been rectified.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Research and determine if the park is closed, the funds received
through grant money and used for the development of the well
system have to be returned, and if so how much money is actually
involved.
2. Develop and initiate a plan to remove the lead from the berme of the
old firing range to avoid a potential environmental hazardous
situation.
3. Consider establishing a fee for users of the Sportsman Club.
4. Research and determine if the park is closed do the funds received
through grant money and used to improve the playground areas,
handicap accessible tables and restrooms have to be returned, and if
so how much money is actually involved.
5. Consider a reasonable increase of rates for park usage and a separate
fee for admission to the museum area.
6. Upon completing the recommendations in items 1, 2, and 4
determine if the closure of the park is financially prudent.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the personnel of the Parks and Recreation Department for
their efforts in developing the county’s parks into a picturesque, clean, safe and
enjoyable retreat for the residents of Kings County. In light of the current budget
crisis the Grand Jury encourages the county administrators to research and use
their creativity to remedy the county budgetary concerns without disturbing the
citizen’s ability to enjoy Burris Park. It is a tradition based on our earliest
ancestors to enjoy and recreate in the beauty of our county’s natural resources.
25
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Waste and Recycling
Authority
7803 Hanford- Armona Rd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 583- 8829
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
September 23, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings Waste and Recycling Authority ( KWRA) was formed in 1989 as a
Joint Powers Authority ( JPA) in order to comply with California Assembly Bill
939 ( AB- 939). AB- 939 is a state law, which requires all California cities, counties
or regional jurisdictions, such as KWRA, to reduce the amount of garbage ( in the
form of recyclable material), going to local landfills, by 50 percent by the year
2000.
The members of Kings County's JPA are the cities of Corcoran, Lemoore, Hanford
and some of the unincorporated areas of Kings County. KWRA's governing body
consists of one representative from the city councils of each city, plus two
members of Kings County's Board of Supervisors. Avenal elected not to join when
the JPA was formed and reports their recycling data and diversion percentage
directly to the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Executive Director for an orientation brief and a tour
of the entire facility. A question and answer period was also held.
The Material Recovery Facility ( MRF) opened on November 21, 1995 and is self-supporting
from tipping fees only. KWRA receives no subsidies from JPA cities
and receives no tax dollars. KWRA processes all municipal solid waste collected
within the JPA and hand- sorts recyclable material from the waste stream. KWRA
is a transfer station for residue being transferred to the landfill at Chemical Waste
Management. KWRA has a 16- acre composting operation which processes green
waste collected in the green waste recycling bins in the three member cities, and
26
material delivered directly to the KWRA site by individual householders. City
garbage is collected Monday through Friday and is delivered to KWRA's 92,000
square feet MRF. Material is deposited on the floor and either pushed to the " main
line" for recyclable material collection or delivered to a staging area for transfer to
the landfill. Material staged for transfer without sorting is contaminated with
everything from water treatment plant sludge, raw food waste, oil from
restaurants; dairy waste and other contaminates. Material received in clear plastic
bags is recovered because it is easily identified as recyclable. Material delivered in
black bags, or other bags, which cannot be seen through, goes directly to the
staging area for transfer to landfill.
According to the Executive Director, approximately 80 percent of household
" waste" is actually recyclable. KWRA also runs the JPA's School Bin Recycling
Program. Recyclable material collected in school bins is very clean and more
easily sorted than items received in residential garbage trucks. By participating in
the school program, schools collect 20% of the profit made from selling the
materials. Lemoore schools have aggressively taken advantage of the School
Bin Recycling Program, reaping the financial rewards reported in the
Lemoore Advance editorial, published December 11, 2002. Corcoran schools
also do a commendable job of recycling and have had two recycling
competition programs in the last year. Besides normal funds collected for
their recycling efforts, KWRA has provided over $ 1,700 in state grant funds
to Corcoran schools for their recycling support. Hanford schools at one time
had eight schools, plus the elementary school districts office in the program, but
have dropped to just three schools plus the district office. John F. Kennedy,
Jefferson, Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Monroe no longer have school bins,
nor does the new school, Joe Simas. All but JFK were removed at the request of
the district office, and JFK was removed because of its low volume of material
collected, due to its non- accessibility to the public. The Hanford Elementary
Schools need to re- evaluate their need to join Kings County's School Bin
Recycling Program, since the state recently mandated schools must have a
recycling program. The two Hanford High Schools recently joined the School
Bin Recycling Program due to their dedicated and conscientious maintenance
supervisor. County and private schools also play a major role in county recycling
with 17 additional schools participating.
KWRA has done a most commendable job working with schools and showing that
besides being the right thing to do, recycling can bring monetary rewards to those
who are willing to cooperate and keep valuable material from going into our
landfills. Since KWRA opened in November of 1995, it has paid out over $ 41,000
to schools throughout Kings County's JPA area. Of this amount, over $ 20,806
has gone to just seven schools inside Lemoore City limits.
27
Materials brought to the MRF are weighed upon arrival and a tipping fee is
charged. The tipping fee charged for green waste is $ 35.00 per ton and $ 70.00 per
ton for garbage. Objects such as tires and refrigerators require an additional fee.
Computer monitors, televisions, car and household batteries, paints and solvents
are toxic and require special handling. Used motor oil is accepted and five quarts
of re- refined oil is offered free on a scheduled basis. Green waste, including
leaves, weeds and grass clippings, small tree trimmings and small pieces of wood
are shredded by machine. It is aged on the ground for 90 to 100 days until ready to
be sold as compost. Shredded waste heats naturally and is kept at a minimum of
130° F for 15 days to kill seeds and undesirable agents.
The Executive Director stated that the 50 percent landfill goal is at hand, and
in anticipation of new requirements, more high- level support is urgently
needed. A new goal of 75 percent recycling is attainable with more support of
the County Board of Supervisors, the Hanford City Council and other
officials in the cities of Kings County.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The County Board of Supervisors, Hanford City Council and other
elected officials of Kings County must increase recycling awareness
among their constituents and require positive action in all areas of
influence.
2. All eligible schools must expand the School Bin Recycling Program
there by earning extra money.
3. The County Board of Supervisors, Hanford City Council and other
elected officials of Kings County must encourage merchants,
businesspersons, apartment and hotel managers, church officials,
educators and contractors to recycle all recyclable material.
4. Strong emphasis should be made on using clear plastic bags for all
recyclable materials.
COMMENTS:
Kings County already has nine closed landfills that must be continuously
monitored. Recycling reduces landfill dumping.
The MRF is capable of recovering more materials with more wide spread use
of CLEAR ( see- through) plastic bags.
The Grand Jury recognizes the progress being attained with recycling in Kings
County.
28
AREA OF INQUIRY: Victim Witness Program
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2640
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
September 9, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Victim Witness Program provides a range of services for individuals, who are
a victim or a witness of a crime in California, that suffer either financial loss or
emotional problems from the experience.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Supervising Probation Officer who is responsible for
operating the Victim Witness Program and informed the Committee on the
operations of the Victim Witness Program. Included in the services, which may
be available to victims and witnesses, is the following: information services,
counseling services, emergency assistance, claims assistance, justice system
information assistance, notification of family and employer assistance and
eligibility information.
The program is available to all victims who are residents of California at the time
of the crime and citizenship is not required. Kings County averages five to ten
victim crimes per week. The program benefits are: funeral and burial assistance up
to $ 7,500, physical trauma up to $ 45,000 and relocation for domestic violence and
sexual assault up to $ 2,000.
The Victim Witness Program is a division of the Kings County Probation
Department and was authorized and funded through the passing of California
Victims' Bill of Rights in 1982 ( Proposition 8) and Crime Victims' Justice Reform
Act in 1990 ( Proposition 115). The Victim Witness Program has a staff of seven
and receives 100 percent of its funding through the penalties assessed by the
courts against criminal offenders. State law mandates crisis intervention and
emergency assistance for victims and witnesses.
29
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Victim Witness Program is an important community asset.
30
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Water District
200 N Campus Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 584- 6412
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
April 28, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Water District ( KCWD) was formed in 1954 under the County
Water District Act to provide a legal entity for water management in the northwest
portion of Kings County. The basic programs of the district are:
1. Protecting, conserving and stabilizing of ground water.
2. Negotiating and contracting for supplemental water.
3. Maintaining facilities for surface water distribution for irrigation and
ground water recharge.
4. Preserving the existing surface water rights held by mutual water
companies through a program of water stock acquisition and
retention.
The District is located in the east central part of the Kings River service area and is
entirely within Kings County. The City of Hanford, with a population of
approximately 45,000, lies near the center of the district. The total area of the
District is 143,000 acres, of which 51,150 acres are within the boundaries of
Division 5 of the Kings River Conservation District, 82,610 acres are within the
boundaries of Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District and 9,240 acres are
within the area where the two Districts overlap.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the General Manager of the KCWD. The District has a
Board of Directors, General Manager and a Secretary.
The KCWD purchases water and sells to water users within the District to reduce
ground water pumping, also water is sent to recharging basins. During dry years
there is no recharging of the ground water. Water from the Sierra Mountain Range
is very slow to flow horizontally and vertical flow is much faster.
31
The KCWD recently purchased 400 acres of the old Kings River bed in the
northeast corner of Kings County. This area was known to have four times greater
than average capacity to percolate water. When free water is available from the
Kings River it is used to recharge the basin.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
32
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Assessor/
Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections
Government Center
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2496
Fax ( 559) 582- 2794
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tours
August 19, 2002
October 7, 2002
October 14,2002
October 28, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
ASSESSOR
The County Assessor is a constitutionally elected official responsible for the
discovery and value enrollment of all locally assessable property within Kings
County. The office observes and protects the confidentiality rights of the public.
There are 37 employees in the Assessor's Office. This also includes the
Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Divisions.
The duties of the County Clerk/ Recorder Department are combined with a staff of
seven employees.
The Elections Division conducts all Federal, State, School, County and Special
District Elections. There are six employees in the election divisions. All of these
divisions are located in the Finance Building at the Kings County Government
Center.
FINDINGS:
ASSESSOR
The Committee visited the Kings County Assessor's Office located in the
Government Center. The Committee was introduced to the County Assessor.
The Assessor's Office is in charge of assessment terms, which includes the
valuation for all property. The assessed value of property as of 12: 01
AM. on January 1 governs the fiscal tax year beginning the following July.
33
Assessment is the value upon which your taxes are calculated. Generally seniors
55 years and older may transfer their factored base year value from the property
they have sold to a replacement property under specific circumstances under
section 51 of the California Revenue and Taxation code. The Assessor's Office is
required to perform mandatory audits for individuals who own property, real or
personal, with a value of $ 300,000.00 or more. Property owners may request a
review of their property value. Property value may be lowered if the current
factored base year value is lower than the current market value.
The Williamson Act provides for lowered property taxes for land maintained in
agricultural and certain open space uses. The landowner enters into a contract with
county or city to restrict land uses to that which is compatible with agriculture,
wildlife habitat, scenic corridors, recreational use or open space. In return, the
local authorities calculate the property tax assessment based on the actual
agricultural use of the land. To be eligible, the land must be designated by a city or
county as an agricultural preserve, scenic highway corridor, or wildlife habitat
area or it must be actively used for the three years immediately preceding the
beginning of the contract as a saltpond, managed wetland, recreational or open
space area.
Some properties in the county are void of value, including properties, which have
had hazardous spills. The zero value will remain until the property has been
cleaned up. The property will then be reevaluated.
Possessory interest taxes are collected from businesses or individuals who use tax
exempt government owned property, such as farming interest that are located on
state or federal property, such as that located on Lemoore Naval Air Station.
COUNTY CLERK/ RECORDER
The Clerk/ Recorder Department staff is responsible for all filings of personal and
real properties in the county, maintaining accurate vital statistics, fictitious
business licenses, acceptance of United States passport applications and recording
official documents.
The Clerk/ Recorder Department uses a cashing system, which tracks the cash flow
of fees paid to the County.
All documents that are received by the Clerk/ Recorder Department are scanned
into the computer system, which was implemented by the Assessor two years ago.
All documents received daily are scanned into the Redundant Array of
Independent Disks ( RAID) System.
34
The Clerk/ Recorder Department has the authority and responsibility to certify all
documents filed at their office.
Title Companies deliver documents to the Clerk/ Recorder Department daily. All
documents are checked for accuracy and then scanned into the computer system.
Immediately after the documents are scanned they are accessible to the public.
Anything not computerized is sent to be microfilmed.
The Clerk/ Recorder Department is on the County Website, but only has the
application form for United States Passport and the fees. Applications for
marriage, birth and death records are not on the Clerk/ Recorder website.
ELECTIONS
The Committee toured the Kings County Elections Division. An interview, general
discussion and orientation took place with the Elections Manager.
The Kings County Elections Division now has a web site where citizens can find
elections results or down load an Absentee Voter Application.
The Kings County Elections Division is at present looking into a new voting
machine called a Touch- Screen System that operates much like an ATM. A
plastic, ATM- like card is coded especially for the voter once they arrive at the
polling location.
The card is then inserted into the machine by the voter, enabling the voter's
selections to be officially recorded. The new system virtually eliminates the
possibility of double voting or other potential errors. Once voting is complete the
voter is shown a summary of their votes, even highlighting areas the voter has left
blank, and is given one final opportunity to make changes. Kings County presently
uses an ES& S Optec Eagle voting system.
We were informed that a precinct consists of approximately 250 to 1,000
registered voters. If there are fewer voters in the area they will vote by mail ballot.
When the registered voters exceed 1,000 a new precinct is formed. Currently the
voter informational booklets cost $ 1.80 to be sent Third Class mail. Every
registered household receives a booklet.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ASSESSOR: None
35
COUNTY CLERK/ RECORDER
The Clerk/ Recorder Department should continue to upgrade the website to enable
the public to access application forms for marriage, birth and death records.
ELECTIONS
The Grand Jury recommends that the new voting system be implemented.
COMMENTS:
ASSESSOR: None
COUNTY CLERK/ RECORDER
The Clerk/ Recorder Department shows that it is well automated and is continuing
in that direction.
ELECTIONS
The Elections Division should be responsible for the education of the precinct
workers in order for the new system to work efficiently. The office should
continue to update the computer information to inform the public of the operations
of the Elections Division.
36
AREA OF INQUIRY: Public Guardian/
Veterans Service Officer
County Government Center
1400 West Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2669
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
October 28, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Public Guardian, appointed by the Board of Supervisors with Court approval,
is given the authority over the person and estates of individuals who are
incompetent to handle their own affairs.
The Veterans Service Officer is appointed by the Board of Supervisors to assist
veterans and their dependents in obtaining the benefits they are due under the law.
This office helps them present claims for compensation, pensions and to apply for
hospitalization, Veterans Administration insurance and other benefits.
FINDINGS:
The Committee visited the Public Guardian/ Veterans Service Officer in the
Government Center.
The Public Guardian’s office handles court appointments for guardianships for
minors and conservatorships for adults. These court appointments are made when
the minors or adults cannot care for themselves or handle their financial affairs
and there are no others to provide for their needs. Powers and duties of the Public
Guardian’s office include conserving the estate of individuals as well as providing
for their basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care and psychiatric
treatment. As a result of the Welfare- to- Work Act, the Public Guardian is now
charged with handling the financial affairs of those who do not comply with its
guidelines. Since the children cannot be left without financial support, the Public
Guardian will step in and ensure that public funds are spent responsibly for the
benefit of the children.
The Veterans Service Officer ( VSO) provides assistance and services to veterans'
and their families. To meet this objective, the VSO strives to increase veteran’s
awareness of eligibility, entitlement, benefits programs and services provided by
37
federal, state and local government agencies. Information is provided through
outreach, counseling and referral services. The VSO assists veterans in
developing, preparing and submitting claims for benefits to the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs. This VSO office serves in excess of 3,000
individuals annually. The VSO erected a Veteran’s Memorial on the grounds of
the Hanford District Cemetery. For $ 20.00 the name of any veteran, living or
dead, may be placed on the memorial wall behind the U. S. Army tank at that
location.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None.
COMMENTS: None.
38
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Human Services
1200 South Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3241 ext 2324
Fax 584- 4416
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interviews
November 4, 2002
December 9, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Committee met with one of the Deputy Directors of Human Services on two
separate occasions. The first meeting was held in the Deputy Director’s Office on
November 4, 2002. The second was held in the Grand Jury room on December 9,
2002. The first meeting was unannounced and the Deputy Director was more than
willing to speak with us about the Child Protective Services ( CPS).
FINDINGS:
This Deputy Director of Human Service supervises CPS, Adult Protective
Services, School Social Work/ Family Preservation, In Home Supportive Services,
Independent Living Skills and Foster Care Licensing- Recruitment.
The Human Service provides mandated services to the abused, neglected and/ or
exploited children and adults. This prevents or reduces inappropriate institutional
care and secures institutional care when no other solution is appropriate. This
helps individuals and families achieve and maintain the highest level of
independence, self- support, and self- sufficiency and keeps families within the
range and scope of their capabilities. Mandated services for children and families
consist of Information and Referral, Emergency Response, Family Maintenance,
Family Reunification, Permanent Placement, Adoption, Foster Home Licensing
and Independent Living Skills.
When CPS receives a referral, it is the department’s responsibility to obtain the
facts and determine if there is abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child or adult. If
the case is accepted, one must identify the problem, get the facts, plan and provide
the services and set goals within a reasonable time frame. Twelve months of
service are provided when the child remains in the home in a safe environment.
Other arrangements are made with a foster home located close to the family if the
child is not safe in its own home. If a child is removed from the home, services are
39
provided up to 18 months for the child and the family. Reunification is the goal of
the CPS.
When a person of authority, such as a teacher or a school nurse, makes a
complaint, it is mandated that they are required to make a formal complaint.
This type of complaint must be referred to law enforcement. Complaints
made in person must meet the definition of child abuse before being
followed up. If it is an immediate response that is required, the time frame
is one hour. If the case is not an emergency, CPS has up to ten days to
investigate.
These services are available to children and their families when children are
victims of, or at risk of, abuse, neglect, exploitation or parental absence.
Abuse is defined as physical injury, willful cruelty, and sexual abuse,
failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or
supervision.
There are seven CPS caseworkers that are handling 300 to 360 open cases
this year. With money getting tighter, it becomes more difficult each year
for the department to cover all of the cases, leaving some children that are
in the system vulnerable.
Training for foster parenting requires an initial 16 hours at College of the
Sequoias, or an accredited college, plus 12 additional hours each year.
There is an extreme shortage of foster parent homes. The service tries to
promote parent- child interaction and focus on all family members, not just
children or parents individually. Aftercare for the families is also
encouraged for the safety of the child. Half of the children return to their
homes, 20 percent go to guardianship with a family member or extended
family member. Upon reaching the age of 18 some are lucky enough to go
to a group home called a transitional home. At present, Lemoore has one
for females.
One worker will have a caseload of 15.8 cases to a high of 30 referrals per
month. CPS works under State Regulations and the state audits the paper
work.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury’s idea of how children should be treated was quite different
from that of the reality of the CPS Laws. Funding must be set aside for
40
aftercare of the children and a program needs to encourage more help for
the substance abuser involved in the child’s life.
More funding is needed to increase their capability to meet with these
families. The system needs a better way to track the progress with these
families and to track these children.
41
SUMMARY
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
The County Government Committee dedicates this year’s work to Patricia Davis,
Chairperson, at the beginning of the year, but was taken from us unexpectedly.
She was a dedicated person to the citizens of Kings County. She was very
community minded and participated in many community programs and projects.
The County Government Committee of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury consists of 12
diversified members. These members brought to this committee a dedication,
personal expertise and interests, worked together and contributed to the formation
of the Final Reports contained herein.
The County Government Committee visited and met with the Kings County
Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder, Public Works Director, Building Maintenance
Superintendent, Parks Superintendent, Mosquito Abatement District Manager,
Human Services Agency Administration Program Managers, Office Systems
Analyst, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Chief Probation Officer, Executive
Secretary of Kettleman Hills Facility, Kings County Water District General
Manager, Kings County Transit Coordinator, Agriculture Commissioner- Sealer,
Kings Waste and Recycling Authority Executive Director, Public
Guardian/ Veterans Service Officer, Victim Witness Program Supervising
Probation Officer, Sheriff's Department Records Supervisor, Fleet Service
Manager and their staffs during this year. The cooperation of all County
Departments and their willingness to spend time with the Committee and to share
their knowledge assisted us in carrying out our duties as Grand Jurors.
The Committee thanks all the County Department Heads and their staffs for their
cooperation and willingness to answer all questions on our tours or during our
interviews. The Committee witnessed that many of the County employees that we
interviewed and observed during working hours are dedicated to their careers and
Kings County.
Patricia Davis, Chairperson ( Deceased)
Larry Orth, Chairperson
Dallas Uffman, Assistant Chairperson
Ken Beinhorn Fred Lawall
Herb Biddle Russell Nail
William D. Bowen Shawn Poirer
Marvin Costa Tom Ross
Patricia Crouch
42
43
AREA OF INQUIRY: Corcoran Nutrition Center
800 Dairy Ave
Corcoran CA 93212
( 559) 992- 4419
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up
October 22, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Nutrition Program is available in Kings County through the Kings/ Tulare
Area Agency on Aging ( K/ TAAA) for all senior citizens regardless of their
income. K/ TAAA contracts with both Kings and Tulare Counties to provide
specified services within the communities. The Corcoran Nutrition Center is one
of the service centers of K/ TAAA. The Corcoran Nutrition Center is located in a
building owned by the Corcoran YMCA and named the Kate Boswell Senior
Center. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9: 00 a. m. to 1: 00 p. m.
Donations of $ 2.00 are requested of those participating in the meals.
Food for the center is prepared at the Lemoore Senior Center. It is transported to
Corcoran in containers to insure temperature and quality control. Between the time
the food arrives and it is served it is checked twice to be sure the temperature has
been maintained.
The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury toured the facility and found the following
discrepancies:
1. The gates from the inner courtyard to outside the facility were
locked.
2. There were exposed wires and a broken conduit outside near the
front entrance.
3. Shades, drapes or tinting were needed on the large picture windows
on the South side.
FINDINGS:
1. The gates of the courtyard are now opened after the building is
entered.
2. The wires and conduit have been repaired.
3. Shades have been installed on the windows to alleviate the glare
from the sun.
44
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury complements the Nutrition Center for correcting the deficiencies
noted last year.
45
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County
Commission on Aging
Mary Brock Hall
1197 South Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2924
REPORTING COMMITTEE Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and
Informational Tour
January 7, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
This tour was in response to the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. Their
Recommendations were:
1. Repair and paint the interior of the building.
2. Take care when watering the patios to keep the furniture dry and
yard safe for walking to prevent accidents.
Their report also mentioned the need for more space to accommodate the guests
and a better volunteer network.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Executive Director of the Kings County Commission
on Aging ( KCCOA) at Mary Brock Hall. When entering the building, we noticed
that the back door was in need of repair or replacement. The Executive Director
assured us that it was going to be replaced in a couple of days. The interior has
been repaired and repainted except for two of the rooms. What really caught our
attention was the condition of the carpets. Throughout the building, the carpet is
worn through, dirty and stained. We were told they are hopeful of having a
fundraiser to replace the carpets as soon as possible.
There were pamphlets on health, taxes and other county services available to
senior citizens. There is a need for more room to do interviews with guests and
their families. The hallways and offices are overwhelmed with the amount of
office furniture and material that is required to assist the seniors of the benefits for
which they are entitled. The Committee was informed that the volunteer network
was working fine and it is unknown why last year’s Grand Jury said it needed
improvement.
46
The Adult Day Support Center had the carpet replaced last year, thanks to the help
of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury. KCCOA received an area grant to install a new
glass patio next to the center with temperature control. Inside the patio makes it
feel like you are outside on a spring day. This helps the staff monitor the guests
from wandering off. The patio was installed where the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury had
observed that the existing patio areas were unsafe when wet.
The Committee was informed that the south half of Mary Brock Hall is not
currently being used.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Replace back door.
2. Finish painting the interior.
3. Replace carpet at Mary Brock Hall.
4. KCCOA should utilize all of Mary Brock Hall.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury was impressed with the Executive Director and the staff for their
knowledge, friendliness and care given to the guests and their families.
47
AREA OF INQUIRY: Meals on Wheels
1197 South Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211
( Ext 4848 or 4835)
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
August 20, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
Meals on Wheels is a program funded through the Kings/ Tulare Area Agency on
Aging ( K/ T AAA). Meals are delivered to eligible seniors ( age 60 and over)
weekly which provide two- thirds of daily nutrition requirements for a five day
period. Frozen meals are provided to homebound convalescing seniors who may
be unable to participate at the meal centers funded by K/ T AAA and located in
various locations around both Kings and Tulare Counties.
FINDINGS:
The Committee talked with both the Nutrition Coordinator and the Meals on
Wheels Coordinator. The Nutrition Coordinator informed the members that the
meals are prepared and frozen in Orange County and stored at the Lemoore Senior
Center. The program for the K/ T AAA is operated from the Mary Brock Hall
Office, which is under the management of the parent office in Visalia.
The meals provided include both a breakfast and a lunch/ dinner and are delivered
to the client's homes once a week. All homes are required to have freezer space
and a microwave. If the person does not have the microwave the program will
assist in the acquisition of one for the client. There is a donation requested of
$ 10.50 per week, but like the Senior Center meals the actual amount donated is
according to need of the client. Participants are asked to pay what they can afford.
The Committee received a menu of the meals provided and they were described as
similar to TV dinners. The servings are approximately 1800 calories per day. The
Coordinator informed the Committee that the law provides meals five days a
week. At present there is a surplus of meals available, the meals are being
provided seven days a week. This is due to the “ use by expiration date” on the
meals. There aren't any provisions for extra meals.
48
RECOMMENDATIONS: None.
COMMENTS: None.
49
AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore Nutrition Center
789 S Lemoore Ave
Lemoore CA 93245
( 559) 924- 7791
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
and Interview
March 18, 2003
March 25, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Lemoore Nutrition Center is a service of the Kings/ Tulare Area Agency on
Aging ( K/ TAAA). Funding for K/ TAAA comes from federal ( 50 percent), state
( 35 percent) and county ( 15 percent). Services provided by K/ TAAA are
administered to citizens of both counties on an as needed basis rather than by area
or population. The agency is governed by a five- member board of directors ( three
from Tulare County and two from Kings County) who are appointed each year by
members of the Boards of Supervisors of the two counties.
FINDINGS:
The Committee made an unannounced visit to the Lemoore Senior Citizens and
Nutrition Center. The center is divided into three sections: a dining area, an
exercise ( game) area and a kitchen. The kitchen prepares an average of 450 meals
daily for delivery throughout Kings and Tulare Counties. Service is provided to 19
cities from Avenal on the west to Springville and Three Rivers on the east.
There are five drivers and four vehicles that start delivery at 8: 45 A. M. All hot
foods leave the center at 165° F to 207° F and are kept hot in insulated containers.
Cold foods are placed in insulated and iced containers.
The Nutrition Center is staffed with a supervisor cook and three assistants.
Additional workers may come from persons sentenced to community service,
usually one or two daily, also senior volunteers. Servers at the center are usually
three staff and five to six volunteers.
The menus are changed weekly and not necessarily repeated. The Nutrition
Program has approximately 50 home deliveries of both breakfast and lunch with
additional meals on Friday for Saturday and Sunday. The Supervisor informed us
there is one nutritionist that travels to all the Senior Centers.
50
She took us on a tour of the kitchen and the food storage areas. The kitchen
equipment was all stainless steel and exceptionally clean. There is a walk- in
refrigerator/ freezer in the kitchen. A commercial size refrigerator for bulk fruit,
milk, etc. and a commercial size freezer for frozen meals, meat, etc. is located in
an adjacent building.
Any one can purchase a meal at any of the centers at $ 3.80 for persons under 60
and $ 2.00 for persons 60 and older. The only requirement is to sign up one day
prior. The cost of the meal to K/ TAAA is approximately $ 7.00.
At the present time K/ TAAA is negotiating to lease a kitchen facility not presently
in use in Tulare County and closing the Lemoore kitchen. The lease for the
Lemoore kitchen expires in September 2004 and the refrigeration equipment is
currently being leased on a day- by- day basis. Some of the kitchen equipment will
be moved to the new facility. Further steps are being proposed to reduce costs by
15 percent and keeping the centers open four days a week and staggering days
open.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Kings County Supervisors should oppose the proposed move of this kitchen as the
Lemoore kitchen is already in place and established. The new location will require
added costs to Kings County and increased distance for meal delivery in Kings
County.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury was impressed with the cleanliness and organization of the
Lemoore Nutrition Center.
51
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Health Department
Women Infant and Children
( WIC) Program
595 Clyde Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 4695
www. countyofkings. com
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Interviews and
Informational Tours
August 13, 2002
August 20, 2002
August 22, 2002
September 3, 2002
September 10, 2002
September 17, 2002
September 24, 2002
October 8, 2002
January 28, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Health Department- WIC Program
The ensuing information was developed over an approximate six- month period. It
consists of several physical tours to the WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program
Clinics throughout Kings County and face- to- face interviews with the WIC
Program Administrators. The WIC Program is for low- income pregnant,
breastfeeding, post- partum women and children under age five who are at a
nutritional risk.
The goal of the WIC Program is to decrease the risk of poor birth outcomes and to
improve the health of participants during critical times of growth and
development. To meet this goal, WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding
promotion, medical care referrals and specific supplemental foods, which are high
in protein and/ or iron. The specific foods provided to participants include peanut
butter, beans, milk, cheese, eggs, iron- fortified cereal, infant formula and juices. A
major focus of WIC is the promotion of breastfeeding. Pregnant women receive
information on the benefits of breastfeeding and once the babies are born, the WIC
staff provides encouragement and support to the mothers. This has an additional
positive impact on the health of WIC participants since breastfed babies tend to
52
have fewer medical problems such as colds, ear infections and diarrhea. In Kings
County, approximately six percent of the infants enrolled in WIC are exclusively
breastfed.
WIC is unique among federally administered programs in that it provides specific
supplemental food and nutrition education to a specific targeted population as a
short- term intervention and adjunct to ongoing health care. The supplemental
foods provided by the WIC Program are designed to meet the participant's dietary
needs for specific nutrients during brief but crucial periods of physiological
development. It is “ short- term” in that on average, WIC participants receive
services for approximately two years.
Numerous scientific studies show that pregnant women who participate in the
WIC Program seek earlier care and consume a healthier diet. The improved
nutrition and education provided to enrolled women results in more full- term
pregnancies, less low birth weight babies and fewer fetal and infant deaths.
WIC receives federal funding from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. California
contracts with 82 local, county and private non- profit agencies to deliver WIC
services at the local level. In the past few years, Congress has “ level funded” the
program and has provided no funding for program expansion. To maintain the
level of services, the WIC program has entered into over $ 200 million in
innovative rebate contracts with juice, infant formula and infant cereal
manufacturers. This allows California WIC to serve about 400,000 additional
women and children at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Kings County Director of Protocol Services and was
informed of the various programs throughout the county to promote better health.
We were informed of the health clinics located in Hanford, Kettleman City,
Avenal, Corcoran and Lemoore. The Hanford clinic is staffed full time; however,
the remaining clinics are open on a rotating basis. The schedule is published
monthly in local newspapers and is posted at the various sites. The primary
mission of the clinics is to provide services for the WIC Program. The Committee
was informed of the need to establish a satellite clinic to serve the population
located at the Lemoore Naval Air Station.
We were informed of the Healthy Families Program, a state and federally funded
program for children. The Director of Protocol Services also informed the
Committee of the concerns regarding the Senior Citizen Programs and the lack of
funding for in- home services, for Diabetic Programs and the need for programs
addressing Teen Pregnancies in Kings County.
53
We toured various clinics and observed the process while participants of the WIC
program were being served by the Health Department Staff. Initial observations
led us to believe the program was under staffed and the facility is inadequately
furnished to complete its mission. By questioning staff the Committee was
informed the program had several vacancies. These included the Program
Coordinator, Program Supervisor and several other positions. The program is
lacking training that should be provided to staff and participants. The lack of
training is a direct result of the vacant positions. Training is sacrificed in order to
provide the more crucial elements of the WIC Program. Later visits to the clinics
by the Committee found that most of the vacant positions had been filled, with the
exception of the Coordinator position. We were informed that the Coordinator
salary was less than the Registered Dietician salary therefore it is difficult to fill.
We were informed that funds had been allocated for the purchase of new laptop
computers, but they have not been placed into the program. The Committee
examined the vehicles used to transport staff and equipment to and from the
satellite clinics and found the vehicles to be unsafe and in need of repair.
Subsequent to the above referenced areas of concern the Committee met with the
Director for the Department of Public Health and was informed our concerns
were either misrepresentations by staff, who were not completely
knowledgeable of the intricacies of the WIC Program or had already been
resolved. The Director assured the Committee that all of our findings had
been appropriately addressed and corrected if warranted.
The Director provided the Committee with a two page, ( unsigned and undated),
document entitled “ Questions Regarding Women, Infants, and Children ( WIC)
Supplemental Nutrition Program”. It itemizes six responses as follows:
1. Strengthening the management and professionalism of WIC
2. Computerization of WIC
3. Site education materials
4. Nutritional education
5. WIC vans
6. WIC re- certifications
Based on our meeting with the Director and the information provided, the
Committee sought to confirm the deficiencies that had been brought into
compliance with WIC Program standards. The Committee met with staff during a
follow- up tour of the Lemoore WIC Clinic and discovered that some of the
original areas of concern had been rectified. However, the Committee noted key
positions are still vacant; the computers on site are mended together by
untrained staff; donated copy equipment lies inoperable due to apparent
insignificance; and nutritional education is lacking for both staff and
54
participants. The Director has made improvements to positions by upgrading
pay scales and/ or deleting/ adding positions to the program.
The Committee found the condition of the vans first indicated as needing to
be repaired are now in acceptable working order.
Given the ensuing efforts by the Committee to ascertain the problematic
areas of the WIC Program we have modified our original recommendations
by italicizing those, which have been adequately resolved.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Assess the feasibility of establishing a satellite clinic for the
Lemoore Naval Air Station.
2. Obtain and maintain full staffing level.
3. Initiate the education/ training phase for staff and provide
appropriate training for the participants.
4. Conduct staff training in the use of computers, specifically in the
areas of registering and monitoring the participants.
5. Review and adjust the salary of the Program Coordinator position.
6. Conduct a financial audit to ensure federal funds are received
and spent on the WIC Program.
7. Repair the vehicles used for transportation to and from the satellite
clinics as needed.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury was impressed with the staff’s enthusiasm and interaction
with the participants of the WIC Program. Even with the shortage of staff
there was a sincere dedication to providing the best possible service. The
Grand Jury maintains a reservation regarding the allocation of WIC funds
and would like to be reassured that the funds are being channeled directly to
the WIC Program and it’s participants.
The Grand Jury would like to impress upon the administrators of the WIC
Program to consider authorizing two staff members to attend a seminar
designed for personnel tasked with the responsibility of providing training.
Those selected would in turn train the remainder of the staff upon their
return.
55
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Public Health
Hanford Clinic
330 Campus Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2605
Corcoran Clinic
1002 Dairy Ave
Corcoran CA 93212
( 559) 992- 2601
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
and Interview
March 4, 2003
April 8, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Department of Public Health provides a broad spectrum of
preventative health services. The mission of the department is to help the residents
of Kings County achieve the highest level of health and wellness by:
1. Emphasizing and promoting positive health behaviors
2. Encouraging individual responsibility in the health process,
including modification of life- style factors that cause disease and
disability
3. Working with the community to prevent, solve or mitigate
environmental health problems
4. Increasing awareness and client utilization of preventative services,
community resources and primary health services
Services are available to anyone regardless of color, race, creed or ability to pay.
Some services are targeted to specific age groups and to individuals with special
medical needs. Fees vary depending on the funding source. There is a small fee for
most services; however, no one is refused a needed service because of an inability
to pay.
56
FINDINGS:
HANFORD CLINIC
The Committee met with the Health Office Supervisor at the Hanford Clinic. The
Health Clinics are staffed with a total of 95 employees of which 50 percent are
bilingual. Some positions are required to be bilingual. These employees provide
services for:
1. Children Services- Immunization and lead- poisoning screenings
2. Family Planning Birth Control
3. Diabetes
4. Women, Infant and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program
( WIC)
5. Preventive Health Care for the Aging
6. Communicable Disease Services- Confidential HIV Testing, HIV
Infection/ AIDS Case Management Services, Communicable Disease
Control Services, Tuberculosis ( TB) related work and Immigration
Clearances, TB Clearances and TB Control Clinics
The Hanford Clinic is the only County Clinic staffed five days per week. Clinics
in Avenal, Corcoran, Kettleman City and Lemoore are operated on a revolving
schedule, posted and published each month.
The Hanford Clinic has five examination rooms and two interview rooms. The
clinic does primarily disease control, TB control, immunization, WIC and public
health nurses. A motor home, medically equipped, travels to all the county clinics
primarily for children immunization, outreach program and information for
Expanded Clinic Access Program ( ECAP).
The Hanford Health Clinic was very clean and well illuminated. The waiting room
was very comfortable with ready access to the appointment desk.
CORCORAN CLINIC:
The Committee made an unscheduled visit to the Corcoran Health Clinic on a day
scheduled for nursing personnel to be in attendance. The waiting room was nearly
full with mothers and children. There were toys for the small children and
comfortable chairs for all patients.
We met with the nurse practitioner in charge and were given a tour of the facility.
There are two examination rooms, three interview rooms, two small offices and an
57
all- purpose room. Though all exits are clearly marked, there is no fire evacuation
plan posted.
The Corcoran Clinic is staffed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Family Planning
and Reproductive Health. These programs include annual exams for women
( PAP), Prevention Program ( provide some prescriptions, antibiotics, birth control
and condoms) and some male patients for sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment
is mostly by appointment but the staff will see walk- ins. The ECAP mobile unit
visits Corcoran one day per week.
Staff for the clinic consists of two nurse practitioners, one licensed vocational
nurse ( LVN), one Public Health Nurse ( PHN), two medical assistants and one
receptionist. All of the staff travel from Hanford in a county vehicle.
The clinic treats or examines an average of twenty patients per day. Fee for service
is billed to the state, therefore the county incurs no cost.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Develop a fire evacuation plan for the Corcoran Health Clinic and post as needed.
COMMENTS: None
58
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Office
of Education
1144 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 1441
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
April 29, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Office of Education ( KCOE) is the responsible local agency
required to perform such functions as the administrative support and coordination
of the implementation of a written plan developed locally and approved by the
State Department of Education.
The KCOE was founded in 1893 with the election of the first Superintendent
being C. A. McCourt. The first meeting of the Kings County Board of Education
was held June 10, 1893 on the third floor of the Opera House on 7th and Irwin
Streets. One of the first actions of the board was to develop a teacher certification
test for Kings County teachers.
In 1950 the State Education Code defined the KCOE’s primary function as
improving education services and ensuring equity of opportunity for all students.
Accordingly, the fifties saw expansion of KCOE services for students with
disabilities and in alternative school programs.
Today, there are 14 school districts in Kings County, each with an elected local
governing board and its own superintendent. These 14 school boards oversee a
total of 46 schools, which serve more than 25,500 students. Kings County employs
approximately 1,350 teachers.
The KCOE Superintendent is an elected official and is charged with overseeing
the budget for each school district as well as promoting the most relevant
educational programs for Kings County students.
FINDINGS:
The Committee interviewed the Superintendent of Schools for Kings County. The
Committee asked questions during a slide presentation by the KCOE
Superintendent. There are 58 counties in California of which 53 superintendents
59
are elected and 5 are appointed to serve for four years. The Kings County
Superintendent does not have oversight of the separate school districts. In Kings
County there are 14 school districts: two Unified School Districts, two High
School Districts and ten Elementary School Districts, all with five board members
that are elected to serve four- year terms.
The KCOE is an agency providing an array of services to the 14 school districts
through seven departments:
1. Curriculum provides curriculum in- services to districts, assists with
state and federal projects and compliance issues.
2. Alternative Programs educates students in the Juvenile Hall and
Boot Camp as well as Community Schools ( a school designed to
serve students who have been expelled from school districts in the
county).
3. Business Services provides payroll services and technical business
services to school districts.
4. Human Services monitors teacher credentials in the county in
addition to coordinating fingerprinting clearances for teachers and
classified staff. They encourage new and prospective teachers to
obtain aid with the Commission on Teacher Credential requirements.
5. Information Systems provides internet and technology services to
school districts and the community. The department employs
computer technicians to assist school districts with network and
computer needs.
6. Regional Occupation Program provides business and teacher classes
to high schools and works with school districts on career education.
7. Special Education provides nursing, speech and psychological
services to most districts. Shelly Baird School works with students
who are handicapped, either physically, mentally or emotionally, to
the point that they cannot be educated in a regular school setting.
The KCOE employs more than 300 staff members. The staff continues to grow as
more programs and services are added.
KCOE has obtained land near Hanford- Armona Road and 10 ½ Avenue for a new
community school. They hope to break ground by summer 2003.
They are in the planning stages for a Charter Trade High School that will create
trade opportunities for at- risk youth.
The public has probably noticed the 160- foot tower being built at the Kings
County Government Center. This will be the KCOE Hub to the Digital California
60
Project ( DCP). The next step is the construction of self- standing monopoles at
each school within Kings County. When completed this wireless network will
provide a variety of technology services to the students and staff, which include
access to the internet, support of educational resources and business services. The
DCP project is funded by the State of California as a step in connecting all K- 12
schools to the existing high- speed educational network of the University of
California, California State Universities and Community Colleges of California.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
61
AREA OF INQUIRY: Armona Elementary School
14th Ave and Pimo St
Armona CA 93202
( 559) 583- 3020
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up
December 3, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this visit is a follow- up of the recommendations from the 2001-
2002 Grand Jury Final Report. The recommendations were:
1. Install wheelchair ramps to all rooms that require them.
2. Remove balance beam and PVC pipe in kindergarten playground.
3. The large cement pipe should be repaired, replaced or covered with
safety cover.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Principal in the school office and discussed last
year's Grand Jury Recommendations. The classrooms in need of wheelchair ramps
were two portable classrooms. The school removed one and the other one is not
being used. After discussing the other two recommendations with the Principal,
the Committee agreed, that they were not safety hazards.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
62
AREA OF INQUIRY: Parkview Middle School
11075 C St
Armona CA 93202
( 559) 583- 5020
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
December 3, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
Parkview Middle School was built in 1965 and has an enrollment of 480 students
from fifth through eighth grades. The purpose of this visit was to follow- up on
Recommendations from the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the school’s Principal and was given a tour of the
campus and discussed the Recommendations noted in the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury
Final Report.
The Committee noted the faucets and leaking drinking fountains have been
repaired and was assured ongoing maintenance will be provided. The Intervention
Room has been rearranged to eliminate the hazard of falling equipment in the
event of an earthquake.
The Principal said they are using every available space. However, they are
experiencing overcrowding problems due to the student population being 40
percent above capacity.
The Committee discovered a junction box approximately two to three inches
below ground level, resulting in a pothole type situation. The Committee was
concerned a person could easily twist an ankle or sustain a more serious injury if
this matter is left unattended.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The junction box located between the portable classrooms needs to be raised to
ground level.
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COMMENTS: None
AREA OF INQUIRY: Avenal Elementary School
500 S First St
Avenal CA 93204
( 559) 386- 5173
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
October 9, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
Avenal Elementary School was constructed in 1939- 1940 with major renovations
completed in 1999. The school has an enrollment of 646 students, kindergarten
through fifth grade. The purpose of this visit was to follow- up on
Recommendations from the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Principal and the Head Custodian. The
Recommendations of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report were discussed.
1. Repair and paint the awnings over the walkways. This
recommendation is presently being completed.
2. Replace flags in Room 18. The replacement of flags has been
accomplished.
3. Ensure all restrooms have soap in dispensers and sinks are in
adequate repair. The Committee found this problem is corrected.
4. Locate and mount fire extinguisher in office. This recommendation
has been accomplished.
Student absence is being maintained at a low five percent. This is partially due to
the students receiving a free bicycle drawing. The drawing is held three times a
year for those with perfect attendance.
There is a full time Nurse’s Clerk on site and the Registered Nurse is there once a
week. Health screening is done for all first graders. Vision and hearing tests are
given in kindergarten, second and fifth grades each year. The Committee observed
a large ceiling patch due to a roof leak in the hall near the Speech Therapy room.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
64
The leak in the hall roof near the Speech Therapy room needs to be repaired.
COMMENTS: None
AREA OF INQUIRY: Tamarack Elementary School
1000 Union Ave
Avenal CA 93204
559) 386- 4051
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
October 8, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
Tamarack Elementary School is a new kindergarten through fifth grade school,
which opened at the start of this school year. Last year Tamarack was housed in
separate buildings on the Avenal Elementary School Campus. Tamarack was built
at its present location so that the students wouldn't have to walk across Skyline
Boulevard.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the School Secretary, who conducted a tour of the Staff
Lounge, Library Room/ Computer Lab, two Kindergarten classrooms and the play
area. The Staff Lounge was equipped with the bare necessities, i. e. microwave,
soda machine and refrigerator. Neither the Library nor the Computer Lab is
complete. Books and computers are still in storage. The Committee toured two of
the three kindergarten classrooms and found them well organized with students in
attendance. There were 14 and 18 students in the two classrooms.
The Committee, upon meeting the Principal, toured the rest of the campus and
visited a third grade classroom. This classroom was very well kept and the
students were observed to be attentive.
The buildings are modular and have been permanently installed. The Committee
noticed that during the placement of the buildings, an access gap was left between
some of the structures and the ground between the buildings was approximately
one foot below the sidewalk. Some had drinking fountains in front of the spaces
while others did not. It is important that a safety retaining wall be installed at these
gaps to keep students from falling into the space between the buildings.
65
The restrooms are located at the playground end of the wings and are all in new
condition and handicap accessible. There is a room behind the restrooms that has
access to all plumbing fixtures normally hidden in the walls. This is an excellent
design feature in case of plumbing problems.
There are two playground areas on campus, both have the rubberized playing
surface. The kindergarten area has two boat structures for the children to utilize.
Also noted in the kindergarten area was a drinking fountain that appeared to be too
high for kindergarten children to be able to access easily. There are drinking
fountains in the classrooms that are kindergarten accessible. The older student
playground also had new equipment, however the slide was taped off because it
had to be secured at the base by welding and it had not been done by this date.
The Principal informed the Committee that they had a ceremony on September 11,
2002 where the students helped plant some trees. Parts of the campus have been
sodded but there are still large barren areas. The school is slowly buying more sod
to lay down. It was noted by the Principal that at least now they will know where
to put some of the sidewalks by noting where the paths through the dirt are.
The Committee toured the Cafeteria where meals, both breakfast and lunch, are
served free of charge. The food is prepared at Avenal Elementary School. There is
room for a stage to be installed at a later date in an alcove of the cafeteria. The
room is also used for assemblies, however the present sound system is inadequate
because the speaker can not be heard from the stage area. There are presently
plans to upgrade the system.
There is an After School Program staffed by Child Development students of West
Hills College, who receive credit and pay, for their time and effort.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Complete Library and Computer Lab set up.
2. Install safety walls between the buildings where a gap exists.
3. Secure slide properly.
4. Finish sodding grounds.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury is pleased that the new school is open and suggests that the
corrections be completed to make it an impressive campus.
66
AREA OF INQUIRY: Avenal High School
601 East Mariposa St
Avenal CA 93204
( 559) 386- 5253
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and
Follow Up Investigation
October 8, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
Avenal High School was built in 1937. Twice in the last twenty- five years it has
undergone major restoration. This included remodeling and conversion of a bus
barn into agriculture classrooms and a laboratory. A new gymnasium was funded
last year but construction has not begun.
On October 8, 2002 the enrollment totaled 560 students, an increase of 27 students
from the previous year. Presently the school has a full complement of teachers. In
addition there is a School Resource Officer ( Kings County Deputy Sheriff) and a
Kings County Probation Officer on Campus.
The Principal is new, beginning his tenure in July 2002. The Principal accorded
the Committee an interview and a tour of the campus.
FINDINGS:
The school serves free breakfast and lunch to all students. The free meals are a
federally funded program. Approximately eighty percent of the students eat these
meals. Last year's Grand Jury Committee found that there was not enough seating
for the students during the meal period. Students find a seat wherever they can
including outside on the lawn. Last year's Committee recommended that
additional seating be provided for the students. Reef - Sunset Unified School
District responded to the recommendation by stating that additional seating would
be provided for the students by the middle of the 2002 - 2003 school year. This
has not been accomplished to date.
67
The 2001 - 2002 Grand Jury was also informed that the school would be adding a
new gymnasium, classrooms and a ball field with a projected completion date in
the fall of 2002. These additions have not started.
While touring the campus the Committee noticed that both the School Resource
Officer and the Probation Officer were on campus. According to the Principal
their presence has greatly reduced crime at the school. Thefts occur occasionally,
primarily during the physical education classes because there are not enough
lockers for the students and the present lockers do not secure.
During the tour the Committee observed that the campus was littered with soda
bottles, candy and chip bags and miscellaneous litter.
The gymnasium sink did not have running hot water. The shower area was dirty
and only a few of the soap dispensers contained soap. There were no visible fire
sprinklers.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The immediate purchase or construction of additional seating for the
students during their breakfast and lunch periods
2. School management should discuss with maintenance personnel
better ways of keeping the grounds clear of litter and the School
Resource Officer set an example by enforcing littering laws.
3. It may be possible with the help of Avenal State Prison inmates that
the school can construct lockers out of wood that secure properly
and enhance the appearance of the school. This has been
accomplished at Avenal Elementary School.
4. The hot water needs to be restored to the sink in the gymnasium
locker room and this area cleaned up.
COMMENTS:
The Principal intends to focus on the issues of morals and values for the students.
This is commendable and the Grand Jury hopes that he is successful.
68
AREA OF INQUIRY: Adelante Continuation
High School
General Petroleum St
Kettleman City CA 93204
( 559) 386- 9081
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
April 1, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Adelante Continuation High School is part of the Reef- Sunset School District and
is located on the Kettleman City Elementary School campus. There are currently
eight students, sixteen years and older, with one teacher. The school was started in
1992 and is affiliated with the Sunrise Continuation High School in Avenal and
prepares students for graduation from either Continuation High School or Adult
School.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Teacher and the Principal who showed us the one
classroom with the attached computer lab. The classroom is large and will
accommodate up to 15 students. There are six computers in the classroom. The
students prefer to use the computer lab, which has 25 up- to- date computers that
are also used by the Kettleman City Elementary and Adult Schools. The Adult
School students utilize the Continuation School classroom and computer lab and
are graduated along with the Continuation School students.
The computer lab was once a storeroom for gardening equipment and other
materials. In May 2002 the storeroom was cleaned and renovated to become the
computer lab. The computers and printer were provided by grants from the
Governors Performance, Title I and Limited English Proficiency Programs. The
Continuation School students volunteered and repainted their classroom to blend
with the renovated computer lab. The students have access to the Kettleman City
Elementary School’s library, cafeteria and physical education facilities. All
students receive free breakfasts and lunches. Beginning in February 2003, the
students can receive extra credit for helping the custodian and provide after school
library assistance. All students must be in class a minimum of three hours daily by
law and are self- paced for instruction, as all students do not learn at the same rate.
69
Both the Teacher and the Principal agreed the classroom book allowance needs to
be increased. There is a possibility, due to the decreased budget, that the Teacher
will be shared with the Sunrise Continuation High School in Avenal, or possibly,
the Adelante students will be bussed to Avenal. Previously, bussing Continuation
School students to Avenal proved to be problematic.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The book allowance should be increased for the Continuation School to be more in
line with the other schools.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury was impressed with the school facilities and the respect shown to
the Teacher.
70
AREA OF INQUIRY: Sunrise Continuation
High School
205 N Park Ave
Avenal CA 93204
( 559) 386- 9083
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
April 1, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Sunrise Continuation High School is located in Avenal and the campus consists of
two separate buildings adjacent to the Reef- Sunset School District Office. The
objective of the Continuation School is alternative education. The learning
environment is designed to meet the educational needs of students with a wide
range of academic and social skills, learning styles, career interests and aptitudes.
The curriculum is applied in two distinct areas:
1. General Education: which consists of emphasizing the development
of basic academic and social skills. Instructional strategies include
the use of interactive computers and other multi- media technology.
The curriculum and daily schedules are designed to be flexible.
2. Work Experience: students may participate in the District’s Work
Experience Program. The program is designed to develop students’
employability by combining their on- the- job experience with
classroom instruction. Students learn how to get a job, keep a job,
and leave a job. Also, they learn how to manage money and how to
make decisions about their future career plans.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the school’s Principal/ Teacher and was given a tour of
the campus. We were informed 36 students are currently enrolled in grades 9- 12
and the minimum age requirement is 16. The school consists of a portable room
and a main building with two classrooms, restrooms, storage room and an office.
The Committee toured a portable room, which, serves as the Library, Science
Laboratory, Computer Laboratory and is used for indoor Physical Education. We
noted the condition of the room to be cluttered, however given the multiple uses
for the room it is understandable. The Committee also noted the portable room is
missing a fire evacuation plan, which should be posted on all exits.
71
The Committee was informed Sunrise Continuation School students attend here by
choice and not necessarily as a result of disciplinary action. The students have a
variety of special needs that cannot be met by traditional high school standards.
We were informed some students have children and the school assists in providing
care for the children with the assistance of childcare programs through West Hills
Community College.
The school provides students with the opportunity to receive a High School
Diploma by accruing 205 units. The amount of units required is substantially less
due to the elimination of elective classes. The Principal assured us the courses
instructed and required are equal to those of a traditional high school.
The Committee was informed Sunrise Continuation High School continues to
benefit from a very good relationship with the local state prisons. The Principal
said the school receives bikes, re- furbished furniture and community crews’
assistance with clean- up details and in essence, “ Anything we ask for they’ve
made an attempt to help”. It is apparent the state prisons have become a benefactor
and good neighbor for Sunrise Continuation High School.
The Principal informed us there are no serious disciplinary problems amongst the
student body and they do not have a serious gang issue. He attributed their success
in avoiding these problematic issues with the school’s policy to be pro- active. He
informed us Sheriff’s personnel conduct routine tours of the school grounds and is
available if needed. Although there are no serious problems, the Principal
informed us there are cultural differences between the students from Mexico and
the students born in the United States. He said occasionally there may be some
tension between these students but not a significant concern.
The Committee noted in previous tours by the Grand Jury there existed some
concerns regarding storage issues. We were informed storage continues to be a
growing problem due to the existing building having been found to contain mold.
We were told the school is in the process of obtaining a container to satisfy their
storage needs and once in place the storage situation should no longer be a
concern.
The Committee was informed two state grants have been received by the school to
purchase books for the library. The students were escorted to Barnes & Noble
where they were allowed to select their own books. In lieu of the recent grants, we
were informed the school would like to pursue additional funding in order to
expand the library facilities.
The Committee met with the students in one of the classrooms and held an
impromptu question and answer session. We found the students to be truly
interested in the functions of the Grand Jury and noted their desire to have more
72
variety with their lunch options. Currently Sunrise Continuation High School is a
closed campus and meals are provided by the Avenal High School. Students are
afforded an opportunity to have their lunch in the neighboring park but other than
that, their choices are very restricted. We were informed the closing of the campus
was a result of previous problems with local vendors.
While touring the main building the Committee noted the water fountain to be out
of service. We were informed this was a temporary situation and the water
fountain will be repaired.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Re- arrange the furnishings, equipment and enhance the overall
appearance of the portable room
2. Develop and post fire evacuation plans at all exits
3. Continue to explore methods to satisfy the storage needs of the
school
4. Actively pursue funding to expand the current library
5. Ensure the repair to the water fountain is completed in a timely
fashion
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the students and staff of Sunrise Continuation High School
for their candidness, kindness and sincerity during our visit. It was a pleasure.
73
AREA OF INQUIRY: Corcoran Community
Day School
1128 Dairy Ave
Corcoran CA 93212
( 559) 992- 3951
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and
Informational Tour
October 22, 2002
INTRODUCTION:
The Corcoran Community Day School is administered by the Corcoran Unified
School District. The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report stated that there is a
Principal/ Teacher and one Aide in one classroom. The classroom is for high
school students and elementary students. All of the students have been expelled
from regular schools.
The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury toured the school in August 2001 at its previous
location on Ottawa Avenue. There were five recommendations:
1. Play area for basketball court should be cemented, per prior Grand
Jury Final Report of 2000- 2001.
2. More space is needed in the classroom to ease overcrowding.
3. Needs one more teacher in order to divide the class into upper and
lower levels.
4. Textbooks that are up- to- date and in line with state standards are
needed.
5. The front door needs a handicapped access.
FINDINGS:
All of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Recommendati
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| Rating | |
| Title | Kings County Grand Jury final report |
| Subject | California. Grand Jury (Kings County)--Periodicals.; Kings County (Calif.)--Politics and government--Periodicals. |
| Description | Description based on: 2005/2006; title from opening screen of PDF.; Harvested from the web on 2/16/07 |
| Creator | California. Grand Jury (Kings County) |
| Publisher | Kings County Grand Jury] |
| Type | Text |
| Identifier | http://digitalarchive.oclc.org/request?id%3Doclcnum%3A144566439; http://www.countyofkings.com/grand%20jury/reports.htm |
| Language | eng |
| Relation | http://worldcat.org/oclc/144566439/viewonline |
| Format-Extent | 1 web site : digital, PDF files. |
| Relation-Requires | Mode of access: Internet.; System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
| Transcript | 2002- 2003 KINGS COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT i 2002- 2003 GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreman's letter to Presiding Judge Letter from Presiding Superior Court Judge the Honorable Peter M. Schultz Members of the 2002- 2003 Kings County Grand Jury COUNTY GOVERNMENT Superintendent Kings County Parks .................................................... 1 Kings Mosquito Abatement District .................................................... 4 Kings County Government Imaging System ....................................... 6 Kings County Shop Equipment/ Repair/ Maintenance.......................... 12 Chemical Waste Management Inc ....................................................... 13 Kings Area Rural Transit ..................................................................... 15 Agriculture Commissioner- Sealer of Weights and Measures.............. 17 Kings County Government Center/ Parks Shop ................................... 19 Burris Park and Museum ..................................................................... 22 Kings Waste and Recycling Authority ................................................ 25 Victim Witness Program...................................................................... 28 Kings County Water District................................................................ 30 Kings County Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder .............................................. 32 Public Guardian/ Veterans Service Officer........................................... 36 Kings County Human Services............................................................ 38 Summary ............................................................................ 41 HEALTH AND EDUCATION Corcoran Nutrition Center ................................................................... 43 Kings County Commission on Aging .................................................. 45 Meals on Wheels ............................................................................ 47 Lemoore Nutrition Center.................................................................... 49 Kings County Health Department Women Infant & Children WIC ... 51 Kings County Public Health ............................................................... 55 Kings County Office of Education ...................................................... 58 Armona Elementary School................................................................. 61 Parkview Middle School...................................................................... 62 Avenal Elementary School .................................................................. 63 Tamarack Elementary School .............................................................. 64 Avenal High School ............................................................................ 66 Adelante Continuation High School .................................................... 68 ii Sunrise Continuation High School....................................................... 70 Corcoran Community Day School....................................................... 73 Mark Twain School ............................................................................ 75 Kings Lake Education Center .............................................................. 76 James Monroe Elementary School....................................................... 77 Jefferson Elementary School ............................................................... 79 Lee Richmond School.......................................................................... 81 John F. Kennedy Jr. High School ........................................................ 83 Woodrow Wilson Junior High School................................................. 84 Joe Simas Elementary School.............................................................. 85 Hanford High School ........................................................................... 86 Hanford West High School.................................................................. 87 Earl F. Johnson Continuation High School.......................................... 89 Hanford Adult School .......................................................................... 91 Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School.......................................... 93 Kit Carson Union School ..................................................................... 95 Lakeside Elementary School................................................................ 96 Cinnamon Elementary School ............................................................. 97 P. W. Engvall Elementary School......................................................... 99 Lemoore Elementary School................................................................ 100 Meadow Lane Elementary School ....................................................... 101 Liberty Middle School ......................................................................... 103 Lemoore High School .......................................................................... 105 Donald C. Jamison High School.......................................................... 108 Island Union Elementary School ......................................................... 111 Summary ............................................................................ 112 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY Kings County Fire Department............................................................ 113 Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department................................................... 124 Hanford Fire Department..................................................................... 127 Kings County Sheriff's Department and Main Jail .............................. 130 Kings County Sheriff's Department Communications Division.......... 132 Kings County Branch Jail .................................................................... 134 Kings County District Attorney ........................................................... 136 Corcoran Police Department................................................................ 139 Hanford Police Department ................................................................. 141 Lemoore Police Department ................................................................ 143 Avenal State Prison ............................................................................ 145 California State Prison Corcoran ......................................................... 147 California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran ............................................................................ 149 iii Kings County Probation ...................................................................... 151 Summary ............................................................................ 154 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Armona Community Services District........................................................... 155 City of Avenal .................................................................................... 157 City of Corcoran .................................................................................... 158 City of Lemoore .................................................................................... 159 City of Lemoore Public Works Department .................................................. 160 Lemoore Golf Course .................................................................................... 162 Hanford Parks and Recreation ....................................................................... 163 Old Courthouse Square.................................................................................. 166 City of Hanford Building Department ........................................................... 168 Hanford Recreation Department .................................................................... 169 Hanford Refuse Waste Department ............................................................... 170 City of Hanford Fleet/ Building Manager....................................................... 172 City of Hanford Field Utilities....................................................................... 174 City of Hanford Finance Department ............................................................ 176 Hanford Wastewater Treatment Plant............................................................ 178 City of Hanford Street Maintenance .............................................................. 180 Hanford City Offices .................................................................................... 182 Hanford Municipal Airport/ Park.................................................................... 183 City of Hanford Corporation Yard................................................................. 186 City of Hanford Public Works Engineering Department............................... 188 Home Garden Community Services District ................................................. 189 Summary .................................................................................... 190 Visitation Log County Government ............................................................................ 191 Health and Education ........................................................................... 194 Law and Public Safety ......................................................................... 197 Local Government ............................................................................ 199 MEMBERS OF THE 2002- 2003 KINGS COUNTY GRAND JURY Carl Zimmerman Foreman Patricia Crouch Foreman Pro Tem Elizabeth Anne Sutton Secretary William D. Bowen Asst. Secretary Glenver K. Myers Treasurer Larry Orth Sergeant- at- Arms Richard Martinez Asst. Sergeant- at- Arms Fred Lawall Edit and Review Kenneth Beinhorn Herbert Biddle Nancy Cartwright Marvin Costa Russell Nail Shawn M. Poirier Katherine Ramsey Jack Rea Thomas Ross Ted Schlosser Dallas Uffman 1 AREA OF INQUIRY: Superintendent, Kings County Parks Burris Park 6500 Burris Park Dr Kingsburg CA 93631 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701 Hickey Park 16580 Flint Ave Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701 Kingston Park 13196 Douglas Ave Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Interview August 26, 2002 INTRODUCTION: Kings County has three county parks that had recommendations from the 2000- 2001 Grand Jury Final Report and recommendations from the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. Burris Park, located on Burris land settled in 1857, was donated to the county for a park in 1924. The parks 57 acres can accommodate large crowds. There are 23 picnic areas, each with its barbeque pit, tables and benches. The two largest areas have kitchens equipped with propane, electricity and a deep pit barbeque. There are 528 parking spaces and, if needed, an adjacent field is used for additional parking. Hickey Park was established October 8, 1958 and consists of approximately 40 acres. The parking capacity is 104 including handicap spaces. The park has 32 picnic areas that can be reserved for a fee by calling the County Public Works Department. Kingston Park was established August 28, 1972 and consists of seven improved acres located on a strip of land on the south side of the Kings River. It is the site of 2 the first Kings River Ferry Crossing. The shoreline of the river at the edge of the park has a large sandy beach that is used for sunbathing and wading. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Parks Superintendent at the Grand Jury Room for his response to the recommendations of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report and follow- up information on previous Grand Jury Final Reports. Proposition 12 was a recreational grant passed in March 2000. These funds helped replace playground equipment at Burris and Hickey Parks, which are now in place. Proposition 4 funds are expected next summer amounting to about 1.2 million dollars. The Parks Superintendent is a California State Certified Playground Equipment Inspector, available to inspect and certify park and school playgrounds when needed. Burris Park 1. Twelve tons of material has been applied to repair and resurface roads. 2. The shed behind the office has been removed. 3. The contaminated water well will be sealed and abandoned. 4. Two new wells for irrigation and domestic use are drilled to 300 feet and are producing potable water. They will be finished soon. 5. The well site near the Kings River has a high water table, 30 to 40 feet. 6. Fees are charged for reservations and facility rentals according to a set schedule with proceeds turned over to the General Fund. 7. Gate fees are collected when a booth operator is on duty, weekends and holidays. 8. Cleaning deposits are required for large groups of 200 or more and for kitchen rental clean up. Hickey Park 1. The handicap area drinking fountain has been repaired. 2. The Superintendent recognizes the need for wheelchair access to picnic tables. The tables will be relocated to provide more spacing. 3. The horseshoe pits have been removed and the area graded smooth. 3 New pits with proper spacing will be constructed to National Horseshoe Pitching Association Standards in the near future using Proposition 4 funds. Kingston Park 1. Close monitoring, prompt cleaning and painting control graffiti. 2. Exposed tree roots are being covered. More time is needed to complete work. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Grand Jury recommends that gate fees, reservation charges, facility rental income and park related savings be applied to park upkeep and maintenance. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Parks Superintendent for his interview and progress report. 4 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Mosquito Abatement District 10871 Bonnieview Lane Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 3326 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tours August 12, 2002 August 19, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The California Legislature adopted the Mosquito Abatement Act in 1915, which had been incorporated into the state health and safety code ( Chapter 5, Division 3). The Hanford Mosquito Abatement District ( 13 square miles) was formed in January 1945 through a special election. On July 9, 1947 the Corcoran Mosquito Abatement District was formed and on April 19, 1961 the two districts were consolidated to form the Kings Mosquito Abatement District. This district currently covers 552 square miles, which includes a small area of Tulare County. The seven member board is responsible for personnel, administration, implementing policies and operations. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Kings Mosquito Abatement District Manager and toured the grounds. Presently the district has eleven permanent and five seasonal employees. The district is currently fully staffed. The Mosquito Abatement Program is a major part of pest control efforts. During the post season, maintenance, repair to vehicles, equipment and district grounds is accomplished. The Committee found there were no handrails on the steps or on the ramp of the technicians' building. We did not see an exit sign or fire extinguisher in the conference room. The 10,000 gallon tank containing larvicide GB- 1111 was not properly marked and the plastic sight gauge was not protected. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Install exit sign over door in conference room. 5 2. Properly install fire extinguisher in conference room 3. Install handrails for steps and ramp on technicians' room. 4. Protect mosquito larvicide GB- 1111 tank sight gauge. 5. Install hazard placards on all sides of larvicide tank. COMMENTS: At present Kings Mosquito Abatement District is keeping alert to the current Status of the West Nile Virus. The facility was clean and well maintained. 6 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Government Imaging System 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interviews/ Tours January 27, 2003 February 10, 2003 March 3, 2003 March 17, 2003 March 24, 2003 March 31, 2003 April 7, 2003 INTRODUCTION: While we are living in the Informational Age, ninety percent of our documentation is still on paper. Document Imaging System is a combination of software and hardware that allows users to capture information from a number of sources: fax, e- mail and hand written information. The captured documents are then stored digitally on a computer system that can be retrieved in seconds on a computer system with a few keystrokes. Users can store, copy and retrieve documents and integrate them into their department applications. Whether for a single desktop or a multi- user environment, document imaging is an invaluable tool for controlling, managing and sharing critical information. Under the current filing system, to acquire documents, requires workers to search through filing cabinets or central file rooms and storage areas, which may be located in other sites. When you consider the possibility that employees will need to copy and distribute the documents ( find an available copier, stand and wait for copies) you begin to see the staggering financial burden paperwork places on a department. Document imaging employees can retrieve information in seconds on the desktop workstations and they can distribute the documents throughout many departments without leaving their desk. Documents may be retrieved, reviewed or transferred by as many people as necessary. The Imaging System has a security program to insure that no unauthorized activities can occur. 7 There are several departments in the county that realize the Imaging System is essential to enter all paper documents into the County computer system. The advantages of the system are error corrections, storage costs, ease of retrieval, cross- referencing, random access distribution and cost effectiveness. Since 1998, The Imaging System has been available to the Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department, Human Services Agency, Sheriff's Department, Probation Department, Informational Technology Services and District Attorneys Department. The Imaging System is not being utilized by all Departments. ASSESSOR/ CLERK/ RECORDER/ ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT: FINDINGS: On January 27, 2003, a presentation by the County Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department was made to the Committee outlying the many aspects of the Imaging System. The first department to use the system was the Human Services Agency followed by the Assessors/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department. Since those departments started using the Imaging System several other departments have come on line. Participating departments in the county must pay a license fee to utilize the Imaging System. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Assessors/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department has utilized the Imaging System and shows that it is fully automated. ( Refer to Assessors/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department Report) HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY: FINDINGS: On February 10, 2003, Human Services Department Representatives presented to the Committee how imaging has reduced the cost of storage and the Microfiche of their records. Since the agency started utilizing the Imaging System, several other departments have come on line. The Imaging System software used for imaging is available to all departments in the County. 8 In September of 1998, the Human Services Agency began scanning closed cases with the goal of storing documents in a more cost effective manner while increasing the availability of those documents to the people who utilize them. Scanning duties are assigned to the reception unit and are performed primarily by clerks and Welfare to Work Clients. The agency is able to keep up with all of their current scanning demands and when man- power is available, they scan boxes of closed cases, which were previously stored in the warehouse. Each month the department is able to scan 15- 20 boxes of documents, which have been purged from ongoing cases. The agency has scanned all closed cases from 1995 to the current year. The agency is charged eighty- five cents per box per month for storage of cases. This agency has learned how to access and search the entire document for accuracy. They keep up with all current scanning demands and when manpower is available, they can scan closed cases, which were previously stored in the warehouse. The agency has developed a " can- do attitude". RECOMMENDATIONS: NONE COMMENTS: The Human Services Agency is able to accomplish the imaging of open and closed cases because of available manpower. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES: FINDINGS: A System Analyst from Informational Technology Services ( IT) gave us an overview of the County Imaging System. It provides support to all departments using the Imaging System and insures users are properly licensed. This system backs up electronic data on a scheduled basis to ensure security of data in case of systems failure or catastrophe. The Redundant Array of Independent Disks ( RAID) System is used to backup everything in the County. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. IT should convert Central Microfilm and Records Storage to an Imaging System. 2. IT should follow the lead of the Human Services Agency and Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Department by imaging all documents that they store for other Departments. COMMENTS: IT should utilize the Imaging System to its fullest potential. 9 PROBATION DEPARTMENT: FINDINGS: On March 17, 2003 the Committee met with the Supervising Probation Officer. Our main objective was to inquire about whether the Imaging System was being used in the Probation Department, if so how well was it working and if not, why not? Two years ago there was a full time imaging position in the Probation Department. This individual was transferred to the Sheriff's Department. Consequently, the vacant position was not filled because of a lack of funds. However, all equipment was and still is in good working condition and funding is unavailable. At present time enormous backlogs of files have been left unfinished and are imaged when possible. A clerk would be unable to complete the task of imaging even if he/ she worked twenty- four hours a day. If the files were clean before the clerk received the files for imaging they could be imaged in a more timely manner. Taking apart the files for imaging is extremely time consuming. Every paper clip and staple must be removed before this process can transpire. The Committee suggested the Probation Department use volunteers that have passed a background check to clean the files and have them prepared for the clerk to image. Some juvenile files are massive. Currently the Probation Department has a caseload of 890 not including 2500 to 3000 walk- ins and check- ins each month. Depending on the case the file would have to be kept indefinitely. Image scanning files can improve transactions and accessibility to critical information. Imaging would allow multiple departments to share the material from the files. Imaging can improve the availability of the files, reducing the cost of storage and enable the departments to use disks instead of having a paper trail. Integrating the image capture process into existing platforms increases user acceptance while reducing long- term storage costs. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Execute the Imaging System Program. 2. Reevaluate the use of storing case files at Central Microfilm and Records Storage. 3. Secure volunteers that have passed a background check to clean the 10 files and have them prepared for the clerk to image. COMMENTS: The Chief Probation Officer has been appointed within the last several months and is still getting acclimated to the position. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: FINDINGS: On March 3, 2003 the Records Supervisor met in the Grand Jury room to give an overall view of the Imaging System and how it operates. We learned that the Sheriff's Department is completely up- to- date. The Imaging System has been operating five years. The Imaging System is used to scan documents that are not part of the automated Sheriff's Department Reporting System. These documents are bank records, medical records, or other evidentiary documents. These documents are cross- referenced to the individual investigation reports. The Sheriff's Department is unable to send investigation reports electronically to the District Attorney's Department. The Sheriff's Department has eight clerks that are all trained in the Imaging System. Each clerk has time to enter documents into the system. All shifts are eight hours shifts ( 24- 7). All reports are done in English. There is a low turnover of employees. It takes approximately four to six hours per report. The in- custody reports are completed within 48 hours. There are no proposed budget cuts for the staff in the Sheriff's Department Records Division. At present time this department is able to keep up with the workload and no documents are destroyed until they are verified. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT: FINDINGS: The District Attorney's Department uses the Imaging System which stores and organizes documents and information, thus enabling immediate and reliable access to critical information right when it’s needed. The Imaging System allows easy retrieval, editing, annotating, and distribution of documents. Advantages of the 11 Imaging System or any other complete document management solution will enable the department to have easy storage and retrieval of vital information, secure and reliable document management and distribution for immediate delivery. The Imaging System has the power to effectively manage and organize all types of documents across the entire County Departments. This system offers a complete imaging solution. This system is not being used because of many roadblocks. The major roadblock is not having enough employees to run the system. This system would require at least two computers, scanners programmed with the programs and four employees. After two of the Grand Jury members were invited to try this system, we now realize how much work is involved in operating this system. The District Attorney's Department has tried Welfare to Work Clients, however because of the confidentiality these people have to pass a background check. After they pass the background check they are trained on the system and understand how it operates, they usually move on to a paying job, making it necessary to retrain more people. This is an on- going process. Prior to imaging a case file, each case file must be gone through, all staples removed, papers put in order and sorted. The Department does not have the funds to use the system, which is an expense to the County and is currently idle. This doesn’t seem like a well thought out plan. However, because of the expense and benefit to the County, the Department needs to implement the Imaging System. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Upgrade the system to two scanners and computers with the appropriate software and licensing. 2. Begin imaging present case files, not past cases, so that present cases are accessible by computers, which will save staff time and be more efficient. 3. Implement office procedures for better organization of case files to be imaged by better planning by management staff. COMMENTS: It appeared to the Grand Jury that there may have been a lack of understanding and/ or planning by the District Attorney’s management staff when the Imaging System was proposed. The only reason that Welfare to Work Clients were used is because it was a free work force. That work force proved to be unreliable and has since evaporated, leaving the Imaging System Program virtually a total failure in this District Attorney's Department. This is somewhat concerning since a large 12 amount of taxpayer monies were used to purchase equipment, software, licenses and implement this system only to see it fail. AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Shop Equipment/ Repair/ Maintenance 11827 11th Ave Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 9207 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- Up/ Informational Tour October 14, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County shop is located on 11th Avenue north of Houston Avenue. This shop is responsible for repairing and maintaining most of the county equipment, including vehicles for the Sheriff's Department and large equipment for the Kings County Road Department. There are seven employees in this department. The shop consists of a long metal building divided into several work areas. These areas include a warehouse, parts room, two offices, small training room, bays for working on large equipment and a vehicle washing area. There is a natural gas fueling station on the premises. FINDINGS: The Committee interviewed the Fleet Service Manager regarding the shop facilities in reference to the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury recommendations. We found the shop heaters had been replaced. The Manager informed the Committee that the rain gutters will be replaced on the south side of the building by maintenance or outside bid. All county vehicles and equipment use recycled oil. The County has 65 vehicles on alternate fuel. The County is purchasing seven small golf cart type vehicles for parks and grounds. These vehicles are street legal and run on alternate fuel. RECOMMENDATIONS: Replace rain gutters. COMMENTS: None 13 AREA OF INQUIRY: Chemical Waste Management Inc Kettleman Hills Facility 35251 Old Skyline Rd Kettleman City CA 93239 ( 559) 386- 9711 www. wm. com REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview March 27, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Kettleman Hills Facility is a division of Chemical Waste Management Inc. It is committed to protect and enhance the environment under strict Federal and State policy and procedure guidelines. This facility accepts and manages virtually every type of hazardous waste except etiological ( disease causing), radioactive or infectious material, live explosives or compressed gases. Hazardous waste materials are managed at numerous units on this site. They include: landfill disposal, stabilization, solidification, encapsulation, solar evaporation, bulk storage, drum storage, transshipment to off site facilities, poly chlorinated biphenyls ( PCB) storage and transformer drain and flush operations. The capacity of this hazardous waste landfill is 10.7 million cubic yards with an expected remaining life of 20 years. The solid waste landfill has a capacity of 7.7 million cubic yards with an approximate remaining life of 25 years. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Executive Secretary of Kettleman Hills Facility and was given an interview and tour of site operations. 14 On tour, the Committee observed several units, some of which were: burial units for hazardous and non- hazardous waste materials, the container storage area and the encapsulation unit. All employees, who were involved with any chemical substance, including the truckers bringing waste to the facility wore proper safety gear and equipment. An Endangered Species Program has been implemented to ensure the protection of all species of animals and plants on the premises, considered endangered or threatened by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game. In addition, the program assures compliance with State and Federal endangered animals and plants from accidental harm due to facility operation and construction activities. This is just one of several areas that caught our attention. Kettleman Hills Facility is a highly respected facility which draws the attention of officials from around the world who come to tour the site looking for better ways to manage waste in their own country. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury was quite impressed with the overall layout and operations of the Kettleman Hills Facility. 15 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Area Rural Transit Agency ( KART) 629 W Davis St Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 0101 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview January 14, 2003 February 3, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Kings Area Rural Transit ( KART) is a countywide transit system formed as a Joint Powers Agency, which includes the cities of Hanford, Lemoore, Avenal and the County of Kings. Its primary purpose is providing transportation that is accessible to the general public. KART also provides transportation for seniors and door- to-door service for qualified people with disabilities in Hanford, Lemoore, Armona and Avenal. FINDINGS: The Kings County Transit Coordinator met with the Committee in the Grand Jury Chambers. We were told that KART has 13 daily route buses: five serve the City of Hanford, three serve Lemoore, West Hills College and Naval Air Station Lemoore, three go to College of Sequoias and the Cypress Medical Center in Visalia, one goes to Avenal and one goes to Laton, Hardwick and Grangeville. Fresno County pays KART $ 11,000 yearly for the service to Laton. In addition, there is a route to Valley Children's, Kaiser and Veteran's Hospitals twice weekly. The transit agency has a 2.5 person staff and a $ 3.5 million budget. A private contractor provides drivers, mechanics, dispatchers and an operations manager, for a total of 37 employees. Eighty percent of KART's funding comes from federal, state and local taxes. It is mandated that the remaining twenty percent must come from passenger fares. Due to the growth in population, the area that KART serves has been declared an Urban Area and now receives $ 800,000 yearly from the federal government. 16 KART's Dial- a- ride service provides door- to- door service in Hanford, Lemoore and Avenal for those certified by KART and ADA as disabled or who live more than a half mile from a fixed route. The service operates similar to a taxi, though most rides are usually scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. In addition to his duties with KART, the Kings County Transit Coordinator is working with the state and federal governments on a Van Pool Project and Farm Worker Transportation. Members of the Committee took two different routes on KART buses, leaving from the staging area by the AMTRAK Station in Hanford. The buses were clean and the drivers helpful and courteous. However, the majority of the buses were not marked as to their route numbers, the loading areas did not specify a route number nor was there a master list of routes and their destinations posted. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Each bus should have its route number posted. 2. Loading areas should have signs indicating route numbers. 3. A master list of routes and their destinations should be posted in the staging area. COMMENTS: None 17 AREA OF INQUIRY: Agriculture Commissioner- Sealer of Weights and Measures 680 Campus Drive Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2830 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour January 6, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Board of Supervisors appoints the head of this two division department, the Agriculture Commissioner- Sealer of Weights and Measures. Acting under the direction of the State Director of Food and Agriculture, the department enforces state agriculture laws pertaining to plant quarantine, nursery stock, agriculture and vegetable seeds, pesticides, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables and apiaries. The department also gathers crop statistics, provides information on pest control and performs vertebrate pest control. As the enforcement agent of the State Division of Measurement Standards, the department checks the accuracy of all weighing and measuring devices used by merchants to sell their goods, including scales and gasoline pumps. In addition, the department checks packaged and canned goods ranging from grocery items to petroleum products to determine if the goods contain the stated amount. FINDINGS: The agriculture department reviews and issues restricted pesticide permits annually, most are applied for by fax, some come by computer, others are personally applied for. Enforcement detection is the largest inspection and eradication activity of the department's 26 member staff. The agriculture department inspects plants, which enter the county from nurseries within and from other states for insects and diseases. They set and check traps for infestation and eradication throughout the county. They use the Global Information System for location of crops and infestation of insects. 18 The agriculture department prepares 600,000 pounds of poison bait for squirrels and rodents, which is 60 percent of state use and is packaged and sold to other counties. The Sealer of Weights and Measures charges fees for scale checks but still requires money from the General Fund. Various types of weighing and measuring devices are tested and inspected, such as gasoline dispensers, propane and butane meters, electric meters, taxi meters, odometers on ambulances, farm milk tanks, pharmacy scales, deli- counter scales, livestock scales, concrete batch plant scales and truck scales. There are approximately 3,500 such devices inspected in Kings County annually. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 19 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Government Center/ Parks Shop 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2609 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview October 7, 2002 October 9, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Government Center moved to the present site in 1977- 78. It consists of approximately 77 acres, 43 physical structures with 407,000 square feet of office space. The Kings County Public Works Department is responsible for maintenance of the Government Center. FINDINGS: The Committee toured the County Complex/ Parks Shop. Parking in the County Complex has continued to be limited. This has been a subject of prior Grand Jury Recommendations and will continue until it is addressed. The following items were found requiring action: 1. A drain grate located on the northeast side of the Administration Building is uneven and could cause someone to trip and fall resulting in possible injury and liability to the County. 2. The stepping stones through the landscaping near the northeast corner of the Finance Building are a hazard due to the stones being staggered and below the grade level of the sidewalks on either side. 3. A hole was observed in the landscape area on the northeast corner of the Finance Building. This hole was covered by a barricade and appeared to have been in this condition for some time. 4. The trees and bushes near the northeast side of the Finance Building are dying from lack of water. Boron damage and other diseases have affected a number of the trees and bushes throughout the Government Center. 5. In front of Superior Court 4 there is a 10 inch deep hole in the 20 lawn. 6. A fire hydrant obstructs the crosswalk on southeast corner of the Finance Building on South Drive. 7. The Parks Department Shop is a safety hazard which could result in injury to employees and cause liability. a. The shop has poor lighting and light switches are poorly placed within the building. b. There is a square hole in the floor at the north end of the building and is a safety hazard. 8. " High Voltage" signs were missing from the electrical transformers at the Probation Department and Branch Jail. The Committee met with the Director of Public Works and the Building Maintenance Superintendent to discuss concerns of safety at the County Government Center. The Director of Public Works and the Building Maintenance Superintendent said that these issues will be corrected. They told the Committee that there are pending plans to build a new Parks Shop this year. This new Parks Shop will house the Ag Transportation personnel and part of the construction of the building will be funded by a grant. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The drainage grate on northeast corner of the Administration Building needs to be stabilized. 2. Stepping stones need to be replaced with a concrete walkway on the northeast corner of the Finance Building. 3. Fill hole at the northeast corner of the Finance Building. 4. Maintain the Government Complex sprinkler systems to insure all plants and trees receive adequate water. 5. Repair deep hole in the lawn in front of the Superior Court 4 Building. 6. Realign crosswalk away from fire hydrant. 7. a. Correct the lighting deficiency in the Parks Department Shop and relocate light switches. b. Fill square hole at the north end of building with either safety cover or cement. 8. " High Voltage" signs should be placed on transformers at the Probation Department and other Departments that have electric transformers. COMMENTS: 21 The Grand Jury has found that in the previous years many of the recommendations have been taken lightly or ignored. The Director of Public Works has informed us that a new Parks Shop is going to be constructed this year. We did note that the employees do keep the shop neat and orderly. He has requested the Committee bring any concerns to either the Director of Public Works or the Building Maintenance Superintendent so that they may be able to address or correct them. The Building Maintenance Superintendent viewed the areas of our concerns and he assured us that they would be corrected. Our County Government Complex should reflect the pride of the community with a continued high standard of maintenance for all of our citizens and visitors. The citizens and visitors to the Kings County Government Complex have a right to expect nothing less. The removal of the large pine tree from the west side parking lot has been accomplished as recommended by the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. April 14, 2003 ADDENDUM TO: Kings County Government Center/ Parks Shop An inspection was made on 4- 14- 2003 by members of the County Government Committee concerning recommendations made in this report. 1. Recommendation numbers 1, 2, 3, and 7 are considered completed and no further action is required. 2. Recommendation numbers 4, 6, and 8 still require action to be taken to insure compliance. 22 AREA OF INQUIRY: Burris Park and Museum 6500 Clinton Ave Kingsburg CA 93631 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2701 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational and Follow- up Tour March 6, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Burris Park is located on Clinton Avenue on land donated to the county for a park by the Burris family in 1924. The 57 acre park accommodates large crowds, has 23 picnic areas, each with its own barbeque pit, tables and benches. There are two large areas with kitchens equipped with propane, electricity and a deep pit barbeque. The Kings County Museum was established in 1927 and was housed in the Hanford City Auditorium basement. In 1955 it was moved to a new building, donated by the Swanson family, located in Burris Park. The museum is currently scheduled to be open from 10: 00 AM to 4: 00 PM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and major holidays. It is closed for most of the winter season. The museum has an interesting collection of Kings County Memorabilia dating from the 1800' s. Included in the collections of relics is a display of the Tachi Indians captured in a mural as they go about their daily routine with a backdrop of the valley in a most serene, tranquil and dreamlike landscape. The Committee, in addition to its normally planned tour of Burris Park, conducted a special tour of the park facilities as a result of recent discussion to close, change the days of operation and/ or make modifications to its current maintenance operations. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Parks Superintendent and toured the entire park facilities. The Committee was informed of the recent developments to the park. Two new wells were recently constructed and are operating. They service the needs for Burris Park, the museum, as well as those of the Burris Park Fire Station 23 # 1. The wells are designed to deliver the water where it is most needed. There is a program installed that can recognize, prioritize and deliver the water for emergency services. The Committee was informed the funds utilized to construct the wells were a result of a state bond and if the park is closed the county may be responsible for reimbursing the state for the allocated funds. The Committee toured the area where the firing range is located and was informed it is no longer in service. It was closed due to the proximity of the entrance to the park and the fire station. It is in direct line of fire. We were informed the range was merely closed and never cleaned or decontaminated from the presence of lead in the berme. The Committee noted the removal of the lead to preserve the integrity of the drinking water and the environment is of paramount importance. In addition to the closed firing range the Committee observed that the Kings County Sportsman Club is located adjacent to the park facilities and next to the fire station. It appeared the presence of the Sportsman Club did not pose a negative factor to the park because of its location, types of weapons used and the member’s involvement to maintain the facilities. We were informed the Sportsman Club members and it’s visitors must use the parks front and only entrance gate to gain access to their facility and have no other means of entry. The Committee toured the park grounds and observed new playground equipment that has been installed. A separate gated playground area has been constructed to accommodate younger children. New picnic tables and restrooms have been designed and built to be handicap accessible. We were informed the funds for these improvements were a result of grant money and may be subject to forfeiture if the park is closed. The Committee was informed the park was preparing to open in April in order to be available for the Easter weekend. We were told this is the busiest and most profitable weekend for the county parks, Burris Park in particular. The current entrance fees and new fees effective April 28, 2003: Current Fees New Fees $ 3.00 Cars and Bikes $ 6.00 Cars and Bikes $ 1.00 Senior Driver $ 2.00 Senior Driver $ 25.00 Season pass $ 50.00 Season pass Non- profit and schools are free $ 10.00 Non- profit and schools The Committee toured the Museum and enjoyed the display of historic artifacts dating back to the 1800’ s. The recently constructed wing to the museum includes displays from the native Indian tribes, artifacts such as; arrowheads, spears, tools, 24 etc. We also observed interesting early century farming equipment, firearms, dairy equipment, furniture and switchboards to name a few. The Committee reviewed the recommendations noted in the previous Grand Jury’s Final Report and after completing this tour of the area, is satisfied the fore noted concerns have been rectified. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Research and determine if the park is closed, the funds received through grant money and used for the development of the well system have to be returned, and if so how much money is actually involved. 2. Develop and initiate a plan to remove the lead from the berme of the old firing range to avoid a potential environmental hazardous situation. 3. Consider establishing a fee for users of the Sportsman Club. 4. Research and determine if the park is closed do the funds received through grant money and used to improve the playground areas, handicap accessible tables and restrooms have to be returned, and if so how much money is actually involved. 5. Consider a reasonable increase of rates for park usage and a separate fee for admission to the museum area. 6. Upon completing the recommendations in items 1, 2, and 4 determine if the closure of the park is financially prudent. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the personnel of the Parks and Recreation Department for their efforts in developing the county’s parks into a picturesque, clean, safe and enjoyable retreat for the residents of Kings County. In light of the current budget crisis the Grand Jury encourages the county administrators to research and use their creativity to remedy the county budgetary concerns without disturbing the citizen’s ability to enjoy Burris Park. It is a tradition based on our earliest ancestors to enjoy and recreate in the beauty of our county’s natural resources. 25 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Waste and Recycling Authority 7803 Hanford- Armona Rd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 583- 8829 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour September 23, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Kings Waste and Recycling Authority ( KWRA) was formed in 1989 as a Joint Powers Authority ( JPA) in order to comply with California Assembly Bill 939 ( AB- 939). AB- 939 is a state law, which requires all California cities, counties or regional jurisdictions, such as KWRA, to reduce the amount of garbage ( in the form of recyclable material), going to local landfills, by 50 percent by the year 2000. The members of Kings County's JPA are the cities of Corcoran, Lemoore, Hanford and some of the unincorporated areas of Kings County. KWRA's governing body consists of one representative from the city councils of each city, plus two members of Kings County's Board of Supervisors. Avenal elected not to join when the JPA was formed and reports their recycling data and diversion percentage directly to the California Integrated Waste Management Board. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Executive Director for an orientation brief and a tour of the entire facility. A question and answer period was also held. The Material Recovery Facility ( MRF) opened on November 21, 1995 and is self-supporting from tipping fees only. KWRA receives no subsidies from JPA cities and receives no tax dollars. KWRA processes all municipal solid waste collected within the JPA and hand- sorts recyclable material from the waste stream. KWRA is a transfer station for residue being transferred to the landfill at Chemical Waste Management. KWRA has a 16- acre composting operation which processes green waste collected in the green waste recycling bins in the three member cities, and 26 material delivered directly to the KWRA site by individual householders. City garbage is collected Monday through Friday and is delivered to KWRA's 92,000 square feet MRF. Material is deposited on the floor and either pushed to the " main line" for recyclable material collection or delivered to a staging area for transfer to the landfill. Material staged for transfer without sorting is contaminated with everything from water treatment plant sludge, raw food waste, oil from restaurants; dairy waste and other contaminates. Material received in clear plastic bags is recovered because it is easily identified as recyclable. Material delivered in black bags, or other bags, which cannot be seen through, goes directly to the staging area for transfer to landfill. According to the Executive Director, approximately 80 percent of household " waste" is actually recyclable. KWRA also runs the JPA's School Bin Recycling Program. Recyclable material collected in school bins is very clean and more easily sorted than items received in residential garbage trucks. By participating in the school program, schools collect 20% of the profit made from selling the materials. Lemoore schools have aggressively taken advantage of the School Bin Recycling Program, reaping the financial rewards reported in the Lemoore Advance editorial, published December 11, 2002. Corcoran schools also do a commendable job of recycling and have had two recycling competition programs in the last year. Besides normal funds collected for their recycling efforts, KWRA has provided over $ 1,700 in state grant funds to Corcoran schools for their recycling support. Hanford schools at one time had eight schools, plus the elementary school districts office in the program, but have dropped to just three schools plus the district office. John F. Kennedy, Jefferson, Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Monroe no longer have school bins, nor does the new school, Joe Simas. All but JFK were removed at the request of the district office, and JFK was removed because of its low volume of material collected, due to its non- accessibility to the public. The Hanford Elementary Schools need to re- evaluate their need to join Kings County's School Bin Recycling Program, since the state recently mandated schools must have a recycling program. The two Hanford High Schools recently joined the School Bin Recycling Program due to their dedicated and conscientious maintenance supervisor. County and private schools also play a major role in county recycling with 17 additional schools participating. KWRA has done a most commendable job working with schools and showing that besides being the right thing to do, recycling can bring monetary rewards to those who are willing to cooperate and keep valuable material from going into our landfills. Since KWRA opened in November of 1995, it has paid out over $ 41,000 to schools throughout Kings County's JPA area. Of this amount, over $ 20,806 has gone to just seven schools inside Lemoore City limits. 27 Materials brought to the MRF are weighed upon arrival and a tipping fee is charged. The tipping fee charged for green waste is $ 35.00 per ton and $ 70.00 per ton for garbage. Objects such as tires and refrigerators require an additional fee. Computer monitors, televisions, car and household batteries, paints and solvents are toxic and require special handling. Used motor oil is accepted and five quarts of re- refined oil is offered free on a scheduled basis. Green waste, including leaves, weeds and grass clippings, small tree trimmings and small pieces of wood are shredded by machine. It is aged on the ground for 90 to 100 days until ready to be sold as compost. Shredded waste heats naturally and is kept at a minimum of 130° F for 15 days to kill seeds and undesirable agents. The Executive Director stated that the 50 percent landfill goal is at hand, and in anticipation of new requirements, more high- level support is urgently needed. A new goal of 75 percent recycling is attainable with more support of the County Board of Supervisors, the Hanford City Council and other officials in the cities of Kings County. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The County Board of Supervisors, Hanford City Council and other elected officials of Kings County must increase recycling awareness among their constituents and require positive action in all areas of influence. 2. All eligible schools must expand the School Bin Recycling Program there by earning extra money. 3. The County Board of Supervisors, Hanford City Council and other elected officials of Kings County must encourage merchants, businesspersons, apartment and hotel managers, church officials, educators and contractors to recycle all recyclable material. 4. Strong emphasis should be made on using clear plastic bags for all recyclable materials. COMMENTS: Kings County already has nine closed landfills that must be continuously monitored. Recycling reduces landfill dumping. The MRF is capable of recovering more materials with more wide spread use of CLEAR ( see- through) plastic bags. The Grand Jury recognizes the progress being attained with recycling in Kings County. 28 AREA OF INQUIRY: Victim Witness Program 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2640 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview September 9, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Victim Witness Program provides a range of services for individuals, who are a victim or a witness of a crime in California, that suffer either financial loss or emotional problems from the experience. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Supervising Probation Officer who is responsible for operating the Victim Witness Program and informed the Committee on the operations of the Victim Witness Program. Included in the services, which may be available to victims and witnesses, is the following: information services, counseling services, emergency assistance, claims assistance, justice system information assistance, notification of family and employer assistance and eligibility information. The program is available to all victims who are residents of California at the time of the crime and citizenship is not required. Kings County averages five to ten victim crimes per week. The program benefits are: funeral and burial assistance up to $ 7,500, physical trauma up to $ 45,000 and relocation for domestic violence and sexual assault up to $ 2,000. The Victim Witness Program is a division of the Kings County Probation Department and was authorized and funded through the passing of California Victims' Bill of Rights in 1982 ( Proposition 8) and Crime Victims' Justice Reform Act in 1990 ( Proposition 115). The Victim Witness Program has a staff of seven and receives 100 percent of its funding through the penalties assessed by the courts against criminal offenders. State law mandates crisis intervention and emergency assistance for victims and witnesses. 29 RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Victim Witness Program is an important community asset. 30 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Water District 200 N Campus Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 6412 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview April 28, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Water District ( KCWD) was formed in 1954 under the County Water District Act to provide a legal entity for water management in the northwest portion of Kings County. The basic programs of the district are: 1. Protecting, conserving and stabilizing of ground water. 2. Negotiating and contracting for supplemental water. 3. Maintaining facilities for surface water distribution for irrigation and ground water recharge. 4. Preserving the existing surface water rights held by mutual water companies through a program of water stock acquisition and retention. The District is located in the east central part of the Kings River service area and is entirely within Kings County. The City of Hanford, with a population of approximately 45,000, lies near the center of the district. The total area of the District is 143,000 acres, of which 51,150 acres are within the boundaries of Division 5 of the Kings River Conservation District, 82,610 acres are within the boundaries of Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District and 9,240 acres are within the area where the two Districts overlap. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the General Manager of the KCWD. The District has a Board of Directors, General Manager and a Secretary. The KCWD purchases water and sells to water users within the District to reduce ground water pumping, also water is sent to recharging basins. During dry years there is no recharging of the ground water. Water from the Sierra Mountain Range is very slow to flow horizontally and vertical flow is much faster. 31 The KCWD recently purchased 400 acres of the old Kings River bed in the northeast corner of Kings County. This area was known to have four times greater than average capacity to percolate water. When free water is available from the Kings River it is used to recharge the basin. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 32 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Government Center 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2496 Fax ( 559) 582- 2794 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tours August 19, 2002 October 7, 2002 October 14,2002 October 28, 2002 INTRODUCTION: ASSESSOR The County Assessor is a constitutionally elected official responsible for the discovery and value enrollment of all locally assessable property within Kings County. The office observes and protects the confidentiality rights of the public. There are 37 employees in the Assessor's Office. This also includes the Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder/ Elections Divisions. The duties of the County Clerk/ Recorder Department are combined with a staff of seven employees. The Elections Division conducts all Federal, State, School, County and Special District Elections. There are six employees in the election divisions. All of these divisions are located in the Finance Building at the Kings County Government Center. FINDINGS: ASSESSOR The Committee visited the Kings County Assessor's Office located in the Government Center. The Committee was introduced to the County Assessor. The Assessor's Office is in charge of assessment terms, which includes the valuation for all property. The assessed value of property as of 12: 01 AM. on January 1 governs the fiscal tax year beginning the following July. 33 Assessment is the value upon which your taxes are calculated. Generally seniors 55 years and older may transfer their factored base year value from the property they have sold to a replacement property under specific circumstances under section 51 of the California Revenue and Taxation code. The Assessor's Office is required to perform mandatory audits for individuals who own property, real or personal, with a value of $ 300,000.00 or more. Property owners may request a review of their property value. Property value may be lowered if the current factored base year value is lower than the current market value. The Williamson Act provides for lowered property taxes for land maintained in agricultural and certain open space uses. The landowner enters into a contract with county or city to restrict land uses to that which is compatible with agriculture, wildlife habitat, scenic corridors, recreational use or open space. In return, the local authorities calculate the property tax assessment based on the actual agricultural use of the land. To be eligible, the land must be designated by a city or county as an agricultural preserve, scenic highway corridor, or wildlife habitat area or it must be actively used for the three years immediately preceding the beginning of the contract as a saltpond, managed wetland, recreational or open space area. Some properties in the county are void of value, including properties, which have had hazardous spills. The zero value will remain until the property has been cleaned up. The property will then be reevaluated. Possessory interest taxes are collected from businesses or individuals who use tax exempt government owned property, such as farming interest that are located on state or federal property, such as that located on Lemoore Naval Air Station. COUNTY CLERK/ RECORDER The Clerk/ Recorder Department staff is responsible for all filings of personal and real properties in the county, maintaining accurate vital statistics, fictitious business licenses, acceptance of United States passport applications and recording official documents. The Clerk/ Recorder Department uses a cashing system, which tracks the cash flow of fees paid to the County. All documents that are received by the Clerk/ Recorder Department are scanned into the computer system, which was implemented by the Assessor two years ago. All documents received daily are scanned into the Redundant Array of Independent Disks ( RAID) System. 34 The Clerk/ Recorder Department has the authority and responsibility to certify all documents filed at their office. Title Companies deliver documents to the Clerk/ Recorder Department daily. All documents are checked for accuracy and then scanned into the computer system. Immediately after the documents are scanned they are accessible to the public. Anything not computerized is sent to be microfilmed. The Clerk/ Recorder Department is on the County Website, but only has the application form for United States Passport and the fees. Applications for marriage, birth and death records are not on the Clerk/ Recorder website. ELECTIONS The Committee toured the Kings County Elections Division. An interview, general discussion and orientation took place with the Elections Manager. The Kings County Elections Division now has a web site where citizens can find elections results or down load an Absentee Voter Application. The Kings County Elections Division is at present looking into a new voting machine called a Touch- Screen System that operates much like an ATM. A plastic, ATM- like card is coded especially for the voter once they arrive at the polling location. The card is then inserted into the machine by the voter, enabling the voter's selections to be officially recorded. The new system virtually eliminates the possibility of double voting or other potential errors. Once voting is complete the voter is shown a summary of their votes, even highlighting areas the voter has left blank, and is given one final opportunity to make changes. Kings County presently uses an ES& S Optec Eagle voting system. We were informed that a precinct consists of approximately 250 to 1,000 registered voters. If there are fewer voters in the area they will vote by mail ballot. When the registered voters exceed 1,000 a new precinct is formed. Currently the voter informational booklets cost $ 1.80 to be sent Third Class mail. Every registered household receives a booklet. RECOMMENDATIONS: ASSESSOR: None 35 COUNTY CLERK/ RECORDER The Clerk/ Recorder Department should continue to upgrade the website to enable the public to access application forms for marriage, birth and death records. ELECTIONS The Grand Jury recommends that the new voting system be implemented. COMMENTS: ASSESSOR: None COUNTY CLERK/ RECORDER The Clerk/ Recorder Department shows that it is well automated and is continuing in that direction. ELECTIONS The Elections Division should be responsible for the education of the precinct workers in order for the new system to work efficiently. The office should continue to update the computer information to inform the public of the operations of the Elections Division. 36 AREA OF INQUIRY: Public Guardian/ Veterans Service Officer County Government Center 1400 West Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2669 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour October 28, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Public Guardian, appointed by the Board of Supervisors with Court approval, is given the authority over the person and estates of individuals who are incompetent to handle their own affairs. The Veterans Service Officer is appointed by the Board of Supervisors to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining the benefits they are due under the law. This office helps them present claims for compensation, pensions and to apply for hospitalization, Veterans Administration insurance and other benefits. FINDINGS: The Committee visited the Public Guardian/ Veterans Service Officer in the Government Center. The Public Guardian’s office handles court appointments for guardianships for minors and conservatorships for adults. These court appointments are made when the minors or adults cannot care for themselves or handle their financial affairs and there are no others to provide for their needs. Powers and duties of the Public Guardian’s office include conserving the estate of individuals as well as providing for their basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care and psychiatric treatment. As a result of the Welfare- to- Work Act, the Public Guardian is now charged with handling the financial affairs of those who do not comply with its guidelines. Since the children cannot be left without financial support, the Public Guardian will step in and ensure that public funds are spent responsibly for the benefit of the children. The Veterans Service Officer ( VSO) provides assistance and services to veterans' and their families. To meet this objective, the VSO strives to increase veteran’s awareness of eligibility, entitlement, benefits programs and services provided by 37 federal, state and local government agencies. Information is provided through outreach, counseling and referral services. The VSO assists veterans in developing, preparing and submitting claims for benefits to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This VSO office serves in excess of 3,000 individuals annually. The VSO erected a Veteran’s Memorial on the grounds of the Hanford District Cemetery. For $ 20.00 the name of any veteran, living or dead, may be placed on the memorial wall behind the U. S. Army tank at that location. RECOMMENDATIONS: None. COMMENTS: None. 38 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Human Services 1200 South Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3241 ext 2324 Fax 584- 4416 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interviews November 4, 2002 December 9, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Committee met with one of the Deputy Directors of Human Services on two separate occasions. The first meeting was held in the Deputy Director’s Office on November 4, 2002. The second was held in the Grand Jury room on December 9, 2002. The first meeting was unannounced and the Deputy Director was more than willing to speak with us about the Child Protective Services ( CPS). FINDINGS: This Deputy Director of Human Service supervises CPS, Adult Protective Services, School Social Work/ Family Preservation, In Home Supportive Services, Independent Living Skills and Foster Care Licensing- Recruitment. The Human Service provides mandated services to the abused, neglected and/ or exploited children and adults. This prevents or reduces inappropriate institutional care and secures institutional care when no other solution is appropriate. This helps individuals and families achieve and maintain the highest level of independence, self- support, and self- sufficiency and keeps families within the range and scope of their capabilities. Mandated services for children and families consist of Information and Referral, Emergency Response, Family Maintenance, Family Reunification, Permanent Placement, Adoption, Foster Home Licensing and Independent Living Skills. When CPS receives a referral, it is the department’s responsibility to obtain the facts and determine if there is abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child or adult. If the case is accepted, one must identify the problem, get the facts, plan and provide the services and set goals within a reasonable time frame. Twelve months of service are provided when the child remains in the home in a safe environment. Other arrangements are made with a foster home located close to the family if the child is not safe in its own home. If a child is removed from the home, services are 39 provided up to 18 months for the child and the family. Reunification is the goal of the CPS. When a person of authority, such as a teacher or a school nurse, makes a complaint, it is mandated that they are required to make a formal complaint. This type of complaint must be referred to law enforcement. Complaints made in person must meet the definition of child abuse before being followed up. If it is an immediate response that is required, the time frame is one hour. If the case is not an emergency, CPS has up to ten days to investigate. These services are available to children and their families when children are victims of, or at risk of, abuse, neglect, exploitation or parental absence. Abuse is defined as physical injury, willful cruelty, and sexual abuse, failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision. There are seven CPS caseworkers that are handling 300 to 360 open cases this year. With money getting tighter, it becomes more difficult each year for the department to cover all of the cases, leaving some children that are in the system vulnerable. Training for foster parenting requires an initial 16 hours at College of the Sequoias, or an accredited college, plus 12 additional hours each year. There is an extreme shortage of foster parent homes. The service tries to promote parent- child interaction and focus on all family members, not just children or parents individually. Aftercare for the families is also encouraged for the safety of the child. Half of the children return to their homes, 20 percent go to guardianship with a family member or extended family member. Upon reaching the age of 18 some are lucky enough to go to a group home called a transitional home. At present, Lemoore has one for females. One worker will have a caseload of 15.8 cases to a high of 30 referrals per month. CPS works under State Regulations and the state audits the paper work. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury’s idea of how children should be treated was quite different from that of the reality of the CPS Laws. Funding must be set aside for 40 aftercare of the children and a program needs to encourage more help for the substance abuser involved in the child’s life. More funding is needed to increase their capability to meet with these families. The system needs a better way to track the progress with these families and to track these children. 41 SUMMARY COUNTY GOVERNMENT The County Government Committee dedicates this year’s work to Patricia Davis, Chairperson, at the beginning of the year, but was taken from us unexpectedly. She was a dedicated person to the citizens of Kings County. She was very community minded and participated in many community programs and projects. The County Government Committee of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury consists of 12 diversified members. These members brought to this committee a dedication, personal expertise and interests, worked together and contributed to the formation of the Final Reports contained herein. The County Government Committee visited and met with the Kings County Assessor/ Clerk/ Recorder, Public Works Director, Building Maintenance Superintendent, Parks Superintendent, Mosquito Abatement District Manager, Human Services Agency Administration Program Managers, Office Systems Analyst, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Chief Probation Officer, Executive Secretary of Kettleman Hills Facility, Kings County Water District General Manager, Kings County Transit Coordinator, Agriculture Commissioner- Sealer, Kings Waste and Recycling Authority Executive Director, Public Guardian/ Veterans Service Officer, Victim Witness Program Supervising Probation Officer, Sheriff's Department Records Supervisor, Fleet Service Manager and their staffs during this year. The cooperation of all County Departments and their willingness to spend time with the Committee and to share their knowledge assisted us in carrying out our duties as Grand Jurors. The Committee thanks all the County Department Heads and their staffs for their cooperation and willingness to answer all questions on our tours or during our interviews. The Committee witnessed that many of the County employees that we interviewed and observed during working hours are dedicated to their careers and Kings County. Patricia Davis, Chairperson ( Deceased) Larry Orth, Chairperson Dallas Uffman, Assistant Chairperson Ken Beinhorn Fred Lawall Herb Biddle Russell Nail William D. Bowen Shawn Poirer Marvin Costa Tom Ross Patricia Crouch 42 43 AREA OF INQUIRY: Corcoran Nutrition Center 800 Dairy Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 4419 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up October 22, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Nutrition Program is available in Kings County through the Kings/ Tulare Area Agency on Aging ( K/ TAAA) for all senior citizens regardless of their income. K/ TAAA contracts with both Kings and Tulare Counties to provide specified services within the communities. The Corcoran Nutrition Center is one of the service centers of K/ TAAA. The Corcoran Nutrition Center is located in a building owned by the Corcoran YMCA and named the Kate Boswell Senior Center. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9: 00 a. m. to 1: 00 p. m. Donations of $ 2.00 are requested of those participating in the meals. Food for the center is prepared at the Lemoore Senior Center. It is transported to Corcoran in containers to insure temperature and quality control. Between the time the food arrives and it is served it is checked twice to be sure the temperature has been maintained. The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury toured the facility and found the following discrepancies: 1. The gates from the inner courtyard to outside the facility were locked. 2. There were exposed wires and a broken conduit outside near the front entrance. 3. Shades, drapes or tinting were needed on the large picture windows on the South side. FINDINGS: 1. The gates of the courtyard are now opened after the building is entered. 2. The wires and conduit have been repaired. 3. Shades have been installed on the windows to alleviate the glare from the sun. 44 RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury complements the Nutrition Center for correcting the deficiencies noted last year. 45 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Commission on Aging Mary Brock Hall 1197 South Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2924 REPORTING COMMITTEE Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Informational Tour January 7, 2003 INTRODUCTION: This tour was in response to the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. Their Recommendations were: 1. Repair and paint the interior of the building. 2. Take care when watering the patios to keep the furniture dry and yard safe for walking to prevent accidents. Their report also mentioned the need for more space to accommodate the guests and a better volunteer network. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Executive Director of the Kings County Commission on Aging ( KCCOA) at Mary Brock Hall. When entering the building, we noticed that the back door was in need of repair or replacement. The Executive Director assured us that it was going to be replaced in a couple of days. The interior has been repaired and repainted except for two of the rooms. What really caught our attention was the condition of the carpets. Throughout the building, the carpet is worn through, dirty and stained. We were told they are hopeful of having a fundraiser to replace the carpets as soon as possible. There were pamphlets on health, taxes and other county services available to senior citizens. There is a need for more room to do interviews with guests and their families. The hallways and offices are overwhelmed with the amount of office furniture and material that is required to assist the seniors of the benefits for which they are entitled. The Committee was informed that the volunteer network was working fine and it is unknown why last year’s Grand Jury said it needed improvement. 46 The Adult Day Support Center had the carpet replaced last year, thanks to the help of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury. KCCOA received an area grant to install a new glass patio next to the center with temperature control. Inside the patio makes it feel like you are outside on a spring day. This helps the staff monitor the guests from wandering off. The patio was installed where the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury had observed that the existing patio areas were unsafe when wet. The Committee was informed that the south half of Mary Brock Hall is not currently being used. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Replace back door. 2. Finish painting the interior. 3. Replace carpet at Mary Brock Hall. 4. KCCOA should utilize all of Mary Brock Hall. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury was impressed with the Executive Director and the staff for their knowledge, friendliness and care given to the guests and their families. 47 AREA OF INQUIRY: Meals on Wheels 1197 South Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ( Ext 4848 or 4835) REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour August 20, 2002 INTRODUCTION: Meals on Wheels is a program funded through the Kings/ Tulare Area Agency on Aging ( K/ T AAA). Meals are delivered to eligible seniors ( age 60 and over) weekly which provide two- thirds of daily nutrition requirements for a five day period. Frozen meals are provided to homebound convalescing seniors who may be unable to participate at the meal centers funded by K/ T AAA and located in various locations around both Kings and Tulare Counties. FINDINGS: The Committee talked with both the Nutrition Coordinator and the Meals on Wheels Coordinator. The Nutrition Coordinator informed the members that the meals are prepared and frozen in Orange County and stored at the Lemoore Senior Center. The program for the K/ T AAA is operated from the Mary Brock Hall Office, which is under the management of the parent office in Visalia. The meals provided include both a breakfast and a lunch/ dinner and are delivered to the client's homes once a week. All homes are required to have freezer space and a microwave. If the person does not have the microwave the program will assist in the acquisition of one for the client. There is a donation requested of $ 10.50 per week, but like the Senior Center meals the actual amount donated is according to need of the client. Participants are asked to pay what they can afford. The Committee received a menu of the meals provided and they were described as similar to TV dinners. The servings are approximately 1800 calories per day. The Coordinator informed the Committee that the law provides meals five days a week. At present there is a surplus of meals available, the meals are being provided seven days a week. This is due to the “ use by expiration date” on the meals. There aren't any provisions for extra meals. 48 RECOMMENDATIONS: None. COMMENTS: None. 49 AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore Nutrition Center 789 S Lemoore Ave Lemoore CA 93245 ( 559) 924- 7791 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview March 18, 2003 March 25, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Lemoore Nutrition Center is a service of the Kings/ Tulare Area Agency on Aging ( K/ TAAA). Funding for K/ TAAA comes from federal ( 50 percent), state ( 35 percent) and county ( 15 percent). Services provided by K/ TAAA are administered to citizens of both counties on an as needed basis rather than by area or population. The agency is governed by a five- member board of directors ( three from Tulare County and two from Kings County) who are appointed each year by members of the Boards of Supervisors of the two counties. FINDINGS: The Committee made an unannounced visit to the Lemoore Senior Citizens and Nutrition Center. The center is divided into three sections: a dining area, an exercise ( game) area and a kitchen. The kitchen prepares an average of 450 meals daily for delivery throughout Kings and Tulare Counties. Service is provided to 19 cities from Avenal on the west to Springville and Three Rivers on the east. There are five drivers and four vehicles that start delivery at 8: 45 A. M. All hot foods leave the center at 165° F to 207° F and are kept hot in insulated containers. Cold foods are placed in insulated and iced containers. The Nutrition Center is staffed with a supervisor cook and three assistants. Additional workers may come from persons sentenced to community service, usually one or two daily, also senior volunteers. Servers at the center are usually three staff and five to six volunteers. The menus are changed weekly and not necessarily repeated. The Nutrition Program has approximately 50 home deliveries of both breakfast and lunch with additional meals on Friday for Saturday and Sunday. The Supervisor informed us there is one nutritionist that travels to all the Senior Centers. 50 She took us on a tour of the kitchen and the food storage areas. The kitchen equipment was all stainless steel and exceptionally clean. There is a walk- in refrigerator/ freezer in the kitchen. A commercial size refrigerator for bulk fruit, milk, etc. and a commercial size freezer for frozen meals, meat, etc. is located in an adjacent building. Any one can purchase a meal at any of the centers at $ 3.80 for persons under 60 and $ 2.00 for persons 60 and older. The only requirement is to sign up one day prior. The cost of the meal to K/ TAAA is approximately $ 7.00. At the present time K/ TAAA is negotiating to lease a kitchen facility not presently in use in Tulare County and closing the Lemoore kitchen. The lease for the Lemoore kitchen expires in September 2004 and the refrigeration equipment is currently being leased on a day- by- day basis. Some of the kitchen equipment will be moved to the new facility. Further steps are being proposed to reduce costs by 15 percent and keeping the centers open four days a week and staggering days open. RECOMMENDATIONS: Kings County Supervisors should oppose the proposed move of this kitchen as the Lemoore kitchen is already in place and established. The new location will require added costs to Kings County and increased distance for meal delivery in Kings County. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury was impressed with the cleanliness and organization of the Lemoore Nutrition Center. 51 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Health Department Women Infant and Children ( WIC) Program 595 Clyde Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 4695 www. countyofkings. com REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Interviews and Informational Tours August 13, 2002 August 20, 2002 August 22, 2002 September 3, 2002 September 10, 2002 September 17, 2002 September 24, 2002 October 8, 2002 January 28, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Health Department- WIC Program The ensuing information was developed over an approximate six- month period. It consists of several physical tours to the WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program Clinics throughout Kings County and face- to- face interviews with the WIC Program Administrators. The WIC Program is for low- income pregnant, breastfeeding, post- partum women and children under age five who are at a nutritional risk. The goal of the WIC Program is to decrease the risk of poor birth outcomes and to improve the health of participants during critical times of growth and development. To meet this goal, WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, medical care referrals and specific supplemental foods, which are high in protein and/ or iron. The specific foods provided to participants include peanut butter, beans, milk, cheese, eggs, iron- fortified cereal, infant formula and juices. A major focus of WIC is the promotion of breastfeeding. Pregnant women receive information on the benefits of breastfeeding and once the babies are born, the WIC staff provides encouragement and support to the mothers. This has an additional positive impact on the health of WIC participants since breastfed babies tend to 52 have fewer medical problems such as colds, ear infections and diarrhea. In Kings County, approximately six percent of the infants enrolled in WIC are exclusively breastfed. WIC is unique among federally administered programs in that it provides specific supplemental food and nutrition education to a specific targeted population as a short- term intervention and adjunct to ongoing health care. The supplemental foods provided by the WIC Program are designed to meet the participant's dietary needs for specific nutrients during brief but crucial periods of physiological development. It is “ short- term” in that on average, WIC participants receive services for approximately two years. Numerous scientific studies show that pregnant women who participate in the WIC Program seek earlier care and consume a healthier diet. The improved nutrition and education provided to enrolled women results in more full- term pregnancies, less low birth weight babies and fewer fetal and infant deaths. WIC receives federal funding from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. California contracts with 82 local, county and private non- profit agencies to deliver WIC services at the local level. In the past few years, Congress has “ level funded” the program and has provided no funding for program expansion. To maintain the level of services, the WIC program has entered into over $ 200 million in innovative rebate contracts with juice, infant formula and infant cereal manufacturers. This allows California WIC to serve about 400,000 additional women and children at no additional cost to the taxpayer. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Kings County Director of Protocol Services and was informed of the various programs throughout the county to promote better health. We were informed of the health clinics located in Hanford, Kettleman City, Avenal, Corcoran and Lemoore. The Hanford clinic is staffed full time; however, the remaining clinics are open on a rotating basis. The schedule is published monthly in local newspapers and is posted at the various sites. The primary mission of the clinics is to provide services for the WIC Program. The Committee was informed of the need to establish a satellite clinic to serve the population located at the Lemoore Naval Air Station. We were informed of the Healthy Families Program, a state and federally funded program for children. The Director of Protocol Services also informed the Committee of the concerns regarding the Senior Citizen Programs and the lack of funding for in- home services, for Diabetic Programs and the need for programs addressing Teen Pregnancies in Kings County. 53 We toured various clinics and observed the process while participants of the WIC program were being served by the Health Department Staff. Initial observations led us to believe the program was under staffed and the facility is inadequately furnished to complete its mission. By questioning staff the Committee was informed the program had several vacancies. These included the Program Coordinator, Program Supervisor and several other positions. The program is lacking training that should be provided to staff and participants. The lack of training is a direct result of the vacant positions. Training is sacrificed in order to provide the more crucial elements of the WIC Program. Later visits to the clinics by the Committee found that most of the vacant positions had been filled, with the exception of the Coordinator position. We were informed that the Coordinator salary was less than the Registered Dietician salary therefore it is difficult to fill. We were informed that funds had been allocated for the purchase of new laptop computers, but they have not been placed into the program. The Committee examined the vehicles used to transport staff and equipment to and from the satellite clinics and found the vehicles to be unsafe and in need of repair. Subsequent to the above referenced areas of concern the Committee met with the Director for the Department of Public Health and was informed our concerns were either misrepresentations by staff, who were not completely knowledgeable of the intricacies of the WIC Program or had already been resolved. The Director assured the Committee that all of our findings had been appropriately addressed and corrected if warranted. The Director provided the Committee with a two page, ( unsigned and undated), document entitled “ Questions Regarding Women, Infants, and Children ( WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program”. It itemizes six responses as follows: 1. Strengthening the management and professionalism of WIC 2. Computerization of WIC 3. Site education materials 4. Nutritional education 5. WIC vans 6. WIC re- certifications Based on our meeting with the Director and the information provided, the Committee sought to confirm the deficiencies that had been brought into compliance with WIC Program standards. The Committee met with staff during a follow- up tour of the Lemoore WIC Clinic and discovered that some of the original areas of concern had been rectified. However, the Committee noted key positions are still vacant; the computers on site are mended together by untrained staff; donated copy equipment lies inoperable due to apparent insignificance; and nutritional education is lacking for both staff and 54 participants. The Director has made improvements to positions by upgrading pay scales and/ or deleting/ adding positions to the program. The Committee found the condition of the vans first indicated as needing to be repaired are now in acceptable working order. Given the ensuing efforts by the Committee to ascertain the problematic areas of the WIC Program we have modified our original recommendations by italicizing those, which have been adequately resolved. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Assess the feasibility of establishing a satellite clinic for the Lemoore Naval Air Station. 2. Obtain and maintain full staffing level. 3. Initiate the education/ training phase for staff and provide appropriate training for the participants. 4. Conduct staff training in the use of computers, specifically in the areas of registering and monitoring the participants. 5. Review and adjust the salary of the Program Coordinator position. 6. Conduct a financial audit to ensure federal funds are received and spent on the WIC Program. 7. Repair the vehicles used for transportation to and from the satellite clinics as needed. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury was impressed with the staff’s enthusiasm and interaction with the participants of the WIC Program. Even with the shortage of staff there was a sincere dedication to providing the best possible service. The Grand Jury maintains a reservation regarding the allocation of WIC funds and would like to be reassured that the funds are being channeled directly to the WIC Program and it’s participants. The Grand Jury would like to impress upon the administrators of the WIC Program to consider authorizing two staff members to attend a seminar designed for personnel tasked with the responsibility of providing training. Those selected would in turn train the remainder of the staff upon their return. 55 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Public Health Hanford Clinic 330 Campus Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2605 Corcoran Clinic 1002 Dairy Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 2601 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview March 4, 2003 April 8, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Department of Public Health provides a broad spectrum of preventative health services. The mission of the department is to help the residents of Kings County achieve the highest level of health and wellness by: 1. Emphasizing and promoting positive health behaviors 2. Encouraging individual responsibility in the health process, including modification of life- style factors that cause disease and disability 3. Working with the community to prevent, solve or mitigate environmental health problems 4. Increasing awareness and client utilization of preventative services, community resources and primary health services Services are available to anyone regardless of color, race, creed or ability to pay. Some services are targeted to specific age groups and to individuals with special medical needs. Fees vary depending on the funding source. There is a small fee for most services; however, no one is refused a needed service because of an inability to pay. 56 FINDINGS: HANFORD CLINIC The Committee met with the Health Office Supervisor at the Hanford Clinic. The Health Clinics are staffed with a total of 95 employees of which 50 percent are bilingual. Some positions are required to be bilingual. These employees provide services for: 1. Children Services- Immunization and lead- poisoning screenings 2. Family Planning Birth Control 3. Diabetes 4. Women, Infant and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program ( WIC) 5. Preventive Health Care for the Aging 6. Communicable Disease Services- Confidential HIV Testing, HIV Infection/ AIDS Case Management Services, Communicable Disease Control Services, Tuberculosis ( TB) related work and Immigration Clearances, TB Clearances and TB Control Clinics The Hanford Clinic is the only County Clinic staffed five days per week. Clinics in Avenal, Corcoran, Kettleman City and Lemoore are operated on a revolving schedule, posted and published each month. The Hanford Clinic has five examination rooms and two interview rooms. The clinic does primarily disease control, TB control, immunization, WIC and public health nurses. A motor home, medically equipped, travels to all the county clinics primarily for children immunization, outreach program and information for Expanded Clinic Access Program ( ECAP). The Hanford Health Clinic was very clean and well illuminated. The waiting room was very comfortable with ready access to the appointment desk. CORCORAN CLINIC: The Committee made an unscheduled visit to the Corcoran Health Clinic on a day scheduled for nursing personnel to be in attendance. The waiting room was nearly full with mothers and children. There were toys for the small children and comfortable chairs for all patients. We met with the nurse practitioner in charge and were given a tour of the facility. There are two examination rooms, three interview rooms, two small offices and an 57 all- purpose room. Though all exits are clearly marked, there is no fire evacuation plan posted. The Corcoran Clinic is staffed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Family Planning and Reproductive Health. These programs include annual exams for women ( PAP), Prevention Program ( provide some prescriptions, antibiotics, birth control and condoms) and some male patients for sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment is mostly by appointment but the staff will see walk- ins. The ECAP mobile unit visits Corcoran one day per week. Staff for the clinic consists of two nurse practitioners, one licensed vocational nurse ( LVN), one Public Health Nurse ( PHN), two medical assistants and one receptionist. All of the staff travel from Hanford in a county vehicle. The clinic treats or examines an average of twenty patients per day. Fee for service is billed to the state, therefore the county incurs no cost. RECOMMENDATIONS: Develop a fire evacuation plan for the Corcoran Health Clinic and post as needed. COMMENTS: None 58 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Office of Education 1144 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 1441 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview April 29, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Office of Education ( KCOE) is the responsible local agency required to perform such functions as the administrative support and coordination of the implementation of a written plan developed locally and approved by the State Department of Education. The KCOE was founded in 1893 with the election of the first Superintendent being C. A. McCourt. The first meeting of the Kings County Board of Education was held June 10, 1893 on the third floor of the Opera House on 7th and Irwin Streets. One of the first actions of the board was to develop a teacher certification test for Kings County teachers. In 1950 the State Education Code defined the KCOE’s primary function as improving education services and ensuring equity of opportunity for all students. Accordingly, the fifties saw expansion of KCOE services for students with disabilities and in alternative school programs. Today, there are 14 school districts in Kings County, each with an elected local governing board and its own superintendent. These 14 school boards oversee a total of 46 schools, which serve more than 25,500 students. Kings County employs approximately 1,350 teachers. The KCOE Superintendent is an elected official and is charged with overseeing the budget for each school district as well as promoting the most relevant educational programs for Kings County students. FINDINGS: The Committee interviewed the Superintendent of Schools for Kings County. The Committee asked questions during a slide presentation by the KCOE Superintendent. There are 58 counties in California of which 53 superintendents 59 are elected and 5 are appointed to serve for four years. The Kings County Superintendent does not have oversight of the separate school districts. In Kings County there are 14 school districts: two Unified School Districts, two High School Districts and ten Elementary School Districts, all with five board members that are elected to serve four- year terms. The KCOE is an agency providing an array of services to the 14 school districts through seven departments: 1. Curriculum provides curriculum in- services to districts, assists with state and federal projects and compliance issues. 2. Alternative Programs educates students in the Juvenile Hall and Boot Camp as well as Community Schools ( a school designed to serve students who have been expelled from school districts in the county). 3. Business Services provides payroll services and technical business services to school districts. 4. Human Services monitors teacher credentials in the county in addition to coordinating fingerprinting clearances for teachers and classified staff. They encourage new and prospective teachers to obtain aid with the Commission on Teacher Credential requirements. 5. Information Systems provides internet and technology services to school districts and the community. The department employs computer technicians to assist school districts with network and computer needs. 6. Regional Occupation Program provides business and teacher classes to high schools and works with school districts on career education. 7. Special Education provides nursing, speech and psychological services to most districts. Shelly Baird School works with students who are handicapped, either physically, mentally or emotionally, to the point that they cannot be educated in a regular school setting. The KCOE employs more than 300 staff members. The staff continues to grow as more programs and services are added. KCOE has obtained land near Hanford- Armona Road and 10 ½ Avenue for a new community school. They hope to break ground by summer 2003. They are in the planning stages for a Charter Trade High School that will create trade opportunities for at- risk youth. The public has probably noticed the 160- foot tower being built at the Kings County Government Center. This will be the KCOE Hub to the Digital California 60 Project ( DCP). The next step is the construction of self- standing monopoles at each school within Kings County. When completed this wireless network will provide a variety of technology services to the students and staff, which include access to the internet, support of educational resources and business services. The DCP project is funded by the State of California as a step in connecting all K- 12 schools to the existing high- speed educational network of the University of California, California State Universities and Community Colleges of California. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 61 AREA OF INQUIRY: Armona Elementary School 14th Ave and Pimo St Armona CA 93202 ( 559) 583- 3020 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up December 3, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this visit is a follow- up of the recommendations from the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. The recommendations were: 1. Install wheelchair ramps to all rooms that require them. 2. Remove balance beam and PVC pipe in kindergarten playground. 3. The large cement pipe should be repaired, replaced or covered with safety cover. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Principal in the school office and discussed last year's Grand Jury Recommendations. The classrooms in need of wheelchair ramps were two portable classrooms. The school removed one and the other one is not being used. After discussing the other two recommendations with the Principal, the Committee agreed, that they were not safety hazards. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 62 AREA OF INQUIRY: Parkview Middle School 11075 C St Armona CA 93202 ( 559) 583- 5020 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour December 3, 2002 INTRODUCTION: Parkview Middle School was built in 1965 and has an enrollment of 480 students from fifth through eighth grades. The purpose of this visit was to follow- up on Recommendations from the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the school’s Principal and was given a tour of the campus and discussed the Recommendations noted in the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. The Committee noted the faucets and leaking drinking fountains have been repaired and was assured ongoing maintenance will be provided. The Intervention Room has been rearranged to eliminate the hazard of falling equipment in the event of an earthquake. The Principal said they are using every available space. However, they are experiencing overcrowding problems due to the student population being 40 percent above capacity. The Committee discovered a junction box approximately two to three inches below ground level, resulting in a pothole type situation. The Committee was concerned a person could easily twist an ankle or sustain a more serious injury if this matter is left unattended. RECOMMENDATIONS: The junction box located between the portable classrooms needs to be raised to ground level. 63 COMMENTS: None AREA OF INQUIRY: Avenal Elementary School 500 S First St Avenal CA 93204 ( 559) 386- 5173 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour October 9, 2002 INTRODUCTION: Avenal Elementary School was constructed in 1939- 1940 with major renovations completed in 1999. The school has an enrollment of 646 students, kindergarten through fifth grade. The purpose of this visit was to follow- up on Recommendations from the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Principal and the Head Custodian. The Recommendations of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report were discussed. 1. Repair and paint the awnings over the walkways. This recommendation is presently being completed. 2. Replace flags in Room 18. The replacement of flags has been accomplished. 3. Ensure all restrooms have soap in dispensers and sinks are in adequate repair. The Committee found this problem is corrected. 4. Locate and mount fire extinguisher in office. This recommendation has been accomplished. Student absence is being maintained at a low five percent. This is partially due to the students receiving a free bicycle drawing. The drawing is held three times a year for those with perfect attendance. There is a full time Nurse’s Clerk on site and the Registered Nurse is there once a week. Health screening is done for all first graders. Vision and hearing tests are given in kindergarten, second and fifth grades each year. The Committee observed a large ceiling patch due to a roof leak in the hall near the Speech Therapy room. RECOMMENDATIONS: 64 The leak in the hall roof near the Speech Therapy room needs to be repaired. COMMENTS: None AREA OF INQUIRY: Tamarack Elementary School 1000 Union Ave Avenal CA 93204 559) 386- 4051 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour October 8, 2002 INTRODUCTION: Tamarack Elementary School is a new kindergarten through fifth grade school, which opened at the start of this school year. Last year Tamarack was housed in separate buildings on the Avenal Elementary School Campus. Tamarack was built at its present location so that the students wouldn't have to walk across Skyline Boulevard. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the School Secretary, who conducted a tour of the Staff Lounge, Library Room/ Computer Lab, two Kindergarten classrooms and the play area. The Staff Lounge was equipped with the bare necessities, i. e. microwave, soda machine and refrigerator. Neither the Library nor the Computer Lab is complete. Books and computers are still in storage. The Committee toured two of the three kindergarten classrooms and found them well organized with students in attendance. There were 14 and 18 students in the two classrooms. The Committee, upon meeting the Principal, toured the rest of the campus and visited a third grade classroom. This classroom was very well kept and the students were observed to be attentive. The buildings are modular and have been permanently installed. The Committee noticed that during the placement of the buildings, an access gap was left between some of the structures and the ground between the buildings was approximately one foot below the sidewalk. Some had drinking fountains in front of the spaces while others did not. It is important that a safety retaining wall be installed at these gaps to keep students from falling into the space between the buildings. 65 The restrooms are located at the playground end of the wings and are all in new condition and handicap accessible. There is a room behind the restrooms that has access to all plumbing fixtures normally hidden in the walls. This is an excellent design feature in case of plumbing problems. There are two playground areas on campus, both have the rubberized playing surface. The kindergarten area has two boat structures for the children to utilize. Also noted in the kindergarten area was a drinking fountain that appeared to be too high for kindergarten children to be able to access easily. There are drinking fountains in the classrooms that are kindergarten accessible. The older student playground also had new equipment, however the slide was taped off because it had to be secured at the base by welding and it had not been done by this date. The Principal informed the Committee that they had a ceremony on September 11, 2002 where the students helped plant some trees. Parts of the campus have been sodded but there are still large barren areas. The school is slowly buying more sod to lay down. It was noted by the Principal that at least now they will know where to put some of the sidewalks by noting where the paths through the dirt are. The Committee toured the Cafeteria where meals, both breakfast and lunch, are served free of charge. The food is prepared at Avenal Elementary School. There is room for a stage to be installed at a later date in an alcove of the cafeteria. The room is also used for assemblies, however the present sound system is inadequate because the speaker can not be heard from the stage area. There are presently plans to upgrade the system. There is an After School Program staffed by Child Development students of West Hills College, who receive credit and pay, for their time and effort. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Complete Library and Computer Lab set up. 2. Install safety walls between the buildings where a gap exists. 3. Secure slide properly. 4. Finish sodding grounds. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury is pleased that the new school is open and suggests that the corrections be completed to make it an impressive campus. 66 AREA OF INQUIRY: Avenal High School 601 East Mariposa St Avenal CA 93204 ( 559) 386- 5253 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Follow Up Investigation October 8, 2002 INTRODUCTION: Avenal High School was built in 1937. Twice in the last twenty- five years it has undergone major restoration. This included remodeling and conversion of a bus barn into agriculture classrooms and a laboratory. A new gymnasium was funded last year but construction has not begun. On October 8, 2002 the enrollment totaled 560 students, an increase of 27 students from the previous year. Presently the school has a full complement of teachers. In addition there is a School Resource Officer ( Kings County Deputy Sheriff) and a Kings County Probation Officer on Campus. The Principal is new, beginning his tenure in July 2002. The Principal accorded the Committee an interview and a tour of the campus. FINDINGS: The school serves free breakfast and lunch to all students. The free meals are a federally funded program. Approximately eighty percent of the students eat these meals. Last year's Grand Jury Committee found that there was not enough seating for the students during the meal period. Students find a seat wherever they can including outside on the lawn. Last year's Committee recommended that additional seating be provided for the students. Reef - Sunset Unified School District responded to the recommendation by stating that additional seating would be provided for the students by the middle of the 2002 - 2003 school year. This has not been accomplished to date. 67 The 2001 - 2002 Grand Jury was also informed that the school would be adding a new gymnasium, classrooms and a ball field with a projected completion date in the fall of 2002. These additions have not started. While touring the campus the Committee noticed that both the School Resource Officer and the Probation Officer were on campus. According to the Principal their presence has greatly reduced crime at the school. Thefts occur occasionally, primarily during the physical education classes because there are not enough lockers for the students and the present lockers do not secure. During the tour the Committee observed that the campus was littered with soda bottles, candy and chip bags and miscellaneous litter. The gymnasium sink did not have running hot water. The shower area was dirty and only a few of the soap dispensers contained soap. There were no visible fire sprinklers. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The immediate purchase or construction of additional seating for the students during their breakfast and lunch periods 2. School management should discuss with maintenance personnel better ways of keeping the grounds clear of litter and the School Resource Officer set an example by enforcing littering laws. 3. It may be possible with the help of Avenal State Prison inmates that the school can construct lockers out of wood that secure properly and enhance the appearance of the school. This has been accomplished at Avenal Elementary School. 4. The hot water needs to be restored to the sink in the gymnasium locker room and this area cleaned up. COMMENTS: The Principal intends to focus on the issues of morals and values for the students. This is commendable and the Grand Jury hopes that he is successful. 68 AREA OF INQUIRY: Adelante Continuation High School General Petroleum St Kettleman City CA 93204 ( 559) 386- 9081 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour April 1, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Adelante Continuation High School is part of the Reef- Sunset School District and is located on the Kettleman City Elementary School campus. There are currently eight students, sixteen years and older, with one teacher. The school was started in 1992 and is affiliated with the Sunrise Continuation High School in Avenal and prepares students for graduation from either Continuation High School or Adult School. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Teacher and the Principal who showed us the one classroom with the attached computer lab. The classroom is large and will accommodate up to 15 students. There are six computers in the classroom. The students prefer to use the computer lab, which has 25 up- to- date computers that are also used by the Kettleman City Elementary and Adult Schools. The Adult School students utilize the Continuation School classroom and computer lab and are graduated along with the Continuation School students. The computer lab was once a storeroom for gardening equipment and other materials. In May 2002 the storeroom was cleaned and renovated to become the computer lab. The computers and printer were provided by grants from the Governors Performance, Title I and Limited English Proficiency Programs. The Continuation School students volunteered and repainted their classroom to blend with the renovated computer lab. The students have access to the Kettleman City Elementary School’s library, cafeteria and physical education facilities. All students receive free breakfasts and lunches. Beginning in February 2003, the students can receive extra credit for helping the custodian and provide after school library assistance. All students must be in class a minimum of three hours daily by law and are self- paced for instruction, as all students do not learn at the same rate. 69 Both the Teacher and the Principal agreed the classroom book allowance needs to be increased. There is a possibility, due to the decreased budget, that the Teacher will be shared with the Sunrise Continuation High School in Avenal, or possibly, the Adelante students will be bussed to Avenal. Previously, bussing Continuation School students to Avenal proved to be problematic. RECOMMENDATIONS: The book allowance should be increased for the Continuation School to be more in line with the other schools. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury was impressed with the school facilities and the respect shown to the Teacher. 70 AREA OF INQUIRY: Sunrise Continuation High School 205 N Park Ave Avenal CA 93204 ( 559) 386- 9083 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour April 1, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Sunrise Continuation High School is located in Avenal and the campus consists of two separate buildings adjacent to the Reef- Sunset School District Office. The objective of the Continuation School is alternative education. The learning environment is designed to meet the educational needs of students with a wide range of academic and social skills, learning styles, career interests and aptitudes. The curriculum is applied in two distinct areas: 1. General Education: which consists of emphasizing the development of basic academic and social skills. Instructional strategies include the use of interactive computers and other multi- media technology. The curriculum and daily schedules are designed to be flexible. 2. Work Experience: students may participate in the District’s Work Experience Program. The program is designed to develop students’ employability by combining their on- the- job experience with classroom instruction. Students learn how to get a job, keep a job, and leave a job. Also, they learn how to manage money and how to make decisions about their future career plans. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the school’s Principal/ Teacher and was given a tour of the campus. We were informed 36 students are currently enrolled in grades 9- 12 and the minimum age requirement is 16. The school consists of a portable room and a main building with two classrooms, restrooms, storage room and an office. The Committee toured a portable room, which, serves as the Library, Science Laboratory, Computer Laboratory and is used for indoor Physical Education. We noted the condition of the room to be cluttered, however given the multiple uses for the room it is understandable. The Committee also noted the portable room is missing a fire evacuation plan, which should be posted on all exits. 71 The Committee was informed Sunrise Continuation School students attend here by choice and not necessarily as a result of disciplinary action. The students have a variety of special needs that cannot be met by traditional high school standards. We were informed some students have children and the school assists in providing care for the children with the assistance of childcare programs through West Hills Community College. The school provides students with the opportunity to receive a High School Diploma by accruing 205 units. The amount of units required is substantially less due to the elimination of elective classes. The Principal assured us the courses instructed and required are equal to those of a traditional high school. The Committee was informed Sunrise Continuation High School continues to benefit from a very good relationship with the local state prisons. The Principal said the school receives bikes, re- furbished furniture and community crews’ assistance with clean- up details and in essence, “ Anything we ask for they’ve made an attempt to help”. It is apparent the state prisons have become a benefactor and good neighbor for Sunrise Continuation High School. The Principal informed us there are no serious disciplinary problems amongst the student body and they do not have a serious gang issue. He attributed their success in avoiding these problematic issues with the school’s policy to be pro- active. He informed us Sheriff’s personnel conduct routine tours of the school grounds and is available if needed. Although there are no serious problems, the Principal informed us there are cultural differences between the students from Mexico and the students born in the United States. He said occasionally there may be some tension between these students but not a significant concern. The Committee noted in previous tours by the Grand Jury there existed some concerns regarding storage issues. We were informed storage continues to be a growing problem due to the existing building having been found to contain mold. We were told the school is in the process of obtaining a container to satisfy their storage needs and once in place the storage situation should no longer be a concern. The Committee was informed two state grants have been received by the school to purchase books for the library. The students were escorted to Barnes & Noble where they were allowed to select their own books. In lieu of the recent grants, we were informed the school would like to pursue additional funding in order to expand the library facilities. The Committee met with the students in one of the classrooms and held an impromptu question and answer session. We found the students to be truly interested in the functions of the Grand Jury and noted their desire to have more 72 variety with their lunch options. Currently Sunrise Continuation High School is a closed campus and meals are provided by the Avenal High School. Students are afforded an opportunity to have their lunch in the neighboring park but other than that, their choices are very restricted. We were informed the closing of the campus was a result of previous problems with local vendors. While touring the main building the Committee noted the water fountain to be out of service. We were informed this was a temporary situation and the water fountain will be repaired. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Re- arrange the furnishings, equipment and enhance the overall appearance of the portable room 2. Develop and post fire evacuation plans at all exits 3. Continue to explore methods to satisfy the storage needs of the school 4. Actively pursue funding to expand the current library 5. Ensure the repair to the water fountain is completed in a timely fashion COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the students and staff of Sunrise Continuation High School for their candidness, kindness and sincerity during our visit. It was a pleasure. 73 AREA OF INQUIRY: Corcoran Community Day School 1128 Dairy Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 3951 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Informational Tour October 22, 2002 INTRODUCTION: The Corcoran Community Day School is administered by the Corcoran Unified School District. The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Final Report stated that there is a Principal/ Teacher and one Aide in one classroom. The classroom is for high school students and elementary students. All of the students have been expelled from regular schools. The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury toured the school in August 2001 at its previous location on Ottawa Avenue. There were five recommendations: 1. Play area for basketball court should be cemented, per prior Grand Jury Final Report of 2000- 2001. 2. More space is needed in the classroom to ease overcrowding. 3. Needs one more teacher in order to divide the class into upper and lower levels. 4. Textbooks that are up- to- date and in line with state standards are needed. 5. The front door needs a handicapped access. FINDINGS: All of the 2001- 2002 Grand Jury Recommendati |
| PDI.Date | 2003 |
| PDI.Date.Issued | 2003 |
| PDI.Title | Final Report. 2002-2003. |
| OCLC number | 144566439 |
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