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2003- 2004
KINGS COUNTY
GRAND JURY
FINAL REPORT 2003- 2004 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 2003- 2004 Kings County Grand Jury
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Kings Area Rural Transit Agency........................................................ 1
Treasurer/ Tax Collector/ Auditor/ Controller........................................ 2
County Library System Administration............................................... 4
Risk Management................................................................................ 6
Department of Child Support Services................................................ 8
Kings In- Home Supportive Services Public Authority........................ 10
Economic Development Corporation.................................................. 12
Government Center and Park Shop...................................................... 14
Kings County Shop Equipment and Repair Maintenance................... 16
Planning Agency.................................................................................. 18
Kings Mosquito Abatement District.................................................... 20
Water Districts Laguna Irrigation District........................................... 22
Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District........................................... 24
Motor Pool........................................................................................... 26
Kings Waste and Recycling Authority................................................ 27
Chemical Waste Management Inc....................................................... 30
County Safety Officer.......................................................................... 32
Job Training Office Kings County....................................................... 33
Summary.............................................................................................. 34
HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Community Challenge Grant Kings County Health Dept................... 35
Tobacco Control Program Kings County Health Dept........................ 36
Commission on Aging......................................................................... 38
Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Programs....................... 39
Avenal Elementary School.................................................................. 40
Avenal High School............................................................................. 41
Tamarack Elementary School.............................................................. 44
John C. Fremont School....................................................................... 46
Bret Harte School................................................................................. 48
Corcoran Community Day School....................................................... 49
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Mark Twain School.............................................................................. 50
Kit Carson Union School District........................................................ 51
Delta View Joint Union School District.............................................. 52
Lakeside Elementary School................................................................ 54
Office of Education Kings County...................................................... 56
Hanford West High School.................................................................. 58
Lemoore High School.......................................................................... 60
Lee Richmond School.......................................................................... 62
Central Kitchen Hanford Elementary School District......................... 63
Summary.............................................................................................. 65
LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Hanford Police..................................................................................... 66
Hanford Fire Department Station # 1.................................................... 69
Kings County Fire Department............................................................ 70
Armona Fire Station # 5 Kings County Fire Dept................................ 73
Burris Park Fire Station # 1 Kings County Fire Department................ 74
Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department................................................... 75
Lemoore Police Department................................................................ 76
Corcoran Sheriff Substation Kings County Sheriff’s Office............... 77
Kings County Narcotics Task Force.................................................... 78
Animal Control Kings County Sheriff’s Office................................... 81
Operations Division Kings County Sheriff’s Office............................ 83
Branch Jail Kings County Sheriff’s Office.......................................... 85
Branch Jail Kitchen Kings County Sheriff's Office............................. 87
Main Jail Kings County Sheriff’s Office............................................. 89
Communications Division Kings County Sheriff’s Office.................. 91
Corcoran Police Department................................................................ 93
Avenal Sheriff Sub- Station Kings County Sheriff.............................. 95
Kettleman City Sub- Station Kings County Sheriff.............................. 97
County Counsel.................................................................................... 99
Victim Witness Assistance Program Kings County Probation............ 101
Kings County Probation....................................................................... 103
Avenal State Prison.............................................................................. 105
California State Prison - Corcoran....................................................... 109
California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran 111
District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigations Division............... 113
Detentions Division Kings County Sheriff’s Office............................ 116
Summary.............................................................................................. 119
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Hidden Valley Park..................................................................................... 120
Citizen's Complaint Hidden Valley Park.................................................. 123
City of Avenal.............................................................................................. 125
Lemoore Parks and Recreation Department............................................ 127
Lemoore Golf Course................................................................................. 128
City Clerk City of Hanford......................................................................... 129
Public Works Department City of Hanford............................................. 131
City of Corcoran.......................................................................................... 133
Finance Department City of Hanford....................................................... 134
Earl F. Johnson Park................................................................................... 135
Community Services District Kettleman City......................................... 137
Stratford Public Utility District................................................................. 139
Lemoore Cemetery District Grangeville Cemetery................................ 140
Armona Community Services District...................................................... 141
Hanford Cemetery District......................................................................... 143
( SPUD) Stratford Public Utility District.................................................. 146
Hanford Municipal Airport........................................................................ 148
Community Development Department City of Hanford........................ 150
Old Courthouse Square City of Hanford.................................................. 152
Summary........................................................................................................ 155
Visitation Log
County Government............................................................................. 157
Health and Education........................................................................... 160
Law and Public Safety......................................................................... 163
Local Government................................................................................ 165
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Area Rural Transit
Agency
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2696
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Informational Interview
December 1, 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.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with KART Transportation Manager in the Grand Jury Chambers. The Committee was informed that all recommendations from the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report were in process of being complied with.
KART has 13 daily routes serving the city of Hanford, Lemoore, West Hills Community College, Lemoore Naval Air Station, College of the Sequoias, Cypress Medical Center in Visalia, Avenal, 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 Veterans Hospitals twice weekly.
Eighty percent of KART's funding comes from federal, state and local taxes, the remaining twenty percent from passenger fares.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Treasurer/ Tax Collector
Auditor/ Controller
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford, CA 93230
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Ad Hoc
County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
January 7, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Auditor/ Controller is elected for a four- year term. The Auditor/ Controller is the " watchdog" over the legality of expenditures and handling of receipts; prepares financial audits of county departments and special districts; tabulates county revenues and expenditures and assessed valuation for the Assessor's rolls; computes tax bills; and provides administrative oversight to the County General Services Function.
The Treasurer/ Tax Collector is elected for a four- year term. It is the responsibility of the Treasurer/ Tax Collector to collect taxes on all secured and unsecured properties, miscellaneous license collections and collection of transient occupancy taxes. Responsibilities of the Treasurer/ Tax Collector include cash management, safeguarding County funds, providing full accountability, maintaining an effective cash flow and investing idle funds.
FINDINGS:
The Grand Jury met in chambers with the County Administrative Officer, Treasurer/ Tax Collector and the Deputy Administrative Officer at the request of the County Administrative Officer.
The County Administrative Officer provided the reasons why the Administration has recommended to the Board of Supervisors that Kings County combine the Treasurer/ Tax Collector and Auditor/ Controller into one Department of Finance.
By law, the electorate must approve the consolidation of two departments into one Department of Finance. This will be brought to the electorate on the March 2004 primary election.
Currently Treasurer/ Tax Collector and Auditor/ Controller are elected positions. The initiative proposes to change these positions from elected to appointed by the
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Board of Supervisors. The State of California Constitution currently mandates only three positions are elected - Sheriff, District Attorney and Assessor.
The ballot initiative would combine the two departments and add cross training within the departments resulting in annual savings of $ 12,000, possibly as high as $ 25,000 in the first year.
There are three other counties in the state that have appointed Directors of Finance. Kings County would like to avoid making the same errors made in other counties, such as Orange County, whose risky investments and the liquidation of the county portfolios resulted in their filing of bankruptcy. State Legislation was passed in 1995 restricting county investments and shifting responsibility to the local Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for delegating investment authority annually.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Grand Jury supports the merger of Treasurer/ Tax Collector and Auditor/ Controller and encourages voters to carefully consider the initiative on the March 2, 2004 ballot.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury sees efficiency and savings to Kings County taxpayers in the proposed creation of a Department of Finance.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: County Library System Administration
401 N Douty St Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 0261
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour September 22, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The County Library System provides library service through its seven branches located in Avenal, Armona, Corcoran, Stratford, Lemoore, Hanford and Kettleman City. The County Library and the Armona Elementary School District share responsibility for operating the Armona Community Library at Parkview School.
The proposed budget for 2003- 2004 is $ 1,072,800, which is down $ 4,000 from 2002- 2003. A percentage of property taxes collected in Kings County is the only constant source of income. Other sources of income are one- time grants, Friends of the Library, fines, and fees.
The Library System has a web site at www. sjvls. lib. ca. us/ kings. The Library catalog is available on- line from a link on the Kings County Library’s home page.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the County Librarian who spoke about the system as a whole and the Branch in particular. There are nine full time employees at the Hanford Branch. A tour of the facility followed.
There is a separate section for children where Book Buddy volunteers worked with 700 summer readers, under 13 years old, and 150 teenagers in 2003.
The California Public Library Foundation decides the funding from the state to county libraries. Kings County received $ 70,000 for 2003, down from $ 270,000 in 2002.
At the present time the library receives 300 magazine subscriptions, 9 newspapers in English and 2 in Spanish. There are ten computers in the computer lab and seven in the open floor area, all available for public use. The Hanford Branch contains approximately 90,000 volumes in English and foreign languages. Many
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are in large print. The Librarian expressed a desire for more large print and non- fiction books, which would call for more space and added staff. All books checked in and out are done electronically. Borrowers with overdue books are sent two notices. Overdue accounts are turned over to Kings Credit Service for collection.
Available to the public is a quiet study area with separate computers for job searches and traffic school. Removing books from the quiet study area and putting them on the open floor shelves has caused a loss of space.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. When funds become available add extra floor space
2. When funds become available hire additional staff
3. When funds become available acquire new large print and non- fiction books
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Risk Management
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2379
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
August 11, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Risk Analyst is under the direct supervision of the County Administration. Duties include administratively directing management of all county insurance programs, including worker's compensation and general insurance liability. Other insurances carried by the county are: medical malpractice, crime/ bond, dental and vision, and health.
Staff consists of one full- time clerical assistant for the Risk Analyst.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Risk Analyst in the Grand Jury chambers. The analyst explained the duties, which consist mostly of worker's compensation and employee health benefits. Claims for these benefits go to the Risk Analyst. Final decisions are made by Kings County Administration. If retirements are recommended, the analyst tries to make the transitions as smooth as possible.
When a Claim for Damages is filed against the County, the claim is submitted to the Board of Supervisors. The Clerk of the Board distributes a copy of the claim to County Counsel and to Administration- Risk Manager. County Counsel calendars each claim to monitor times statutes.
During that period of time, it is the Risk Analyst's responsibility to determine who should handle a particular claim. Claims that pertain to road liability are generally coordinated through the Public Works Department. Risk Analyst checks with County Counsel for any claim they may be dealing with before making any outside referrals. A recommendation is then made by the Analyst to the Board of Supervisors to either reject or accept a claim. If a complaint is served on the Board the Analyst checks with County Counsel to see if the complaint should be handled in- house or not. Most complaints are then sent immediately to an outside attorney who handles the complaint through to resolution.
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The analyst visits the various county departments and conducts training sessions. Part of the duties of this position is to interview new hires and explain all the optional insurances available to them, such as: life, income protection, etc. Employees working 20 hours a week, or more, are eligible for all benefits.
At the present time the county is self- insured for claims up to $ 500,000. The broker for the County is in Fresno. The analyst explained the broker was the best person for the job.
The County Safety Officer works with the Risk Analyst and provides information regarding accidents, injuries or illnesses of employees.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Risk Analyst for the interview.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Department of Child Support Services
525 W Third St P O Box 1289
Hanford CA 93232
( 559) 584- 1425 ext 4163
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour October 27, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Department of Child Support Services promotes the well- being of children and the self- sufficiency of families by delivering effective child support services to help meet the financial, medical and emotional needs of children.
No one will be excluded from services or denied access to the child support program or otherwise subjected to treatment that is different than that provided to others because of age, color, disability, ethnic group identification, national origin,
race, religion or sex.
FINDINGS:
The Committee went on an informational tour to Child Support Services and met with the Director and the Assistant Director. The Committee was informed that the service has been at this location approximately one year. Originally the department was part of the District Attorney's Office. It became a stand- alone Department of Child Support Services on July 1, 2002. The Governor signed legislation in 1999
establishing a California Department of Child Support Services transferring local programs from district attorneys to county departments.
Services offered by the Child Support program include: establishing paternity ( fatherhood); locating parents; requesting child support orders from the court; requesting medical support orders from the court; enforcing child and spousal support orders; modifying child support orders and collecting and distributing child support.
Staffing consists of 73.5 positions which include process servers, lawyers, support specialists, etc. Funding comes from the State of California 34 percent and Federal funds 66 percent. With the current budget cuts, the service is facing a reduction in staff funding. 8
In 2002 there were between 10,000 and 11,000 active cases, with $ 13 million collected in child support. The service is not able to collect in all cases.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Director and Assistant Director for the tour and refreshments.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings In- Home Supportive Services
Public Authority 1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 3610
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview January 12, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings In- Home Supportive Services ( IHSS) was affiliated with the Kings County Human Services Department. The IHSS became a new department, per state mandate, which had not been visited by the Kings County Grand Jury.
FINDINGS:
The Executive Director of IHSS met with the Committee in the Grand Jury Chambers. The Director advised the Committee that the current Governor of the State of California has earmarked the agency for elimination as part of the California State budget reduction. The agency was mandated by legislation and had to be in place by January 1, 2003. The Welfare Department administers the IHSS with funds from the Federal Government ( 50 percent), State Government ( 30 percent), and County Government ( 20 percent). The current annual budget is $ 375,000.
The IHSS is guided by a state mandated and locally appointed advisory council, the majority of whom are current or past users of IHSS, and the Kings County Board of Supervisors who sit as the Board of Directors for this public agency.
Kings County has 1,200 recipients of IHSS. Providers, those employed to work for the recipients, have thorough background checks, past employer reference checks and orientation and training. A registry is maintained with names of those qualified and approved as providers. The recipient makes the final choice of whom they hire as a provider. The State of California makes payment to a provider, with each being paid for a twenty- hour week maximum. Recipients of IHSS are qualified by receiving Supplemental Security Income, having a low income, being elderly or disabled. The IHSS is for recipients who wish to live in their own homes but need help with daily activities. Providers help with bathing, cooking, appointments and medication.
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The general purpose of this agency is to improve the program for IHSS users and workers. Approximately 65 percent of IHSS are now performed by paid family members.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Executive Director of IHSS for his time and informative presentation.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Economic Development
Corporation
120 N Irwin St
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 585- 3576
1( 800) 533- 4039
www. kingsedc. org
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
December 1, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Economic Development Corporation ( Kings EDC) has the task to advertise and recruit new businesses to Kings County.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Kings EDC President- CEO, who is also the director of the Job Training Office. The corporation consists of 49 employees with a budget in excess of $ 4 million.
Some of the accomplishments for this corporation to be proud of are as follows:
1. The construction and opening of Leprino Foods, the world’s largest mozzarella cheese manufacturing facility, near Lemoore
2. The opening of AGUSA Inc., near Lemoore, a high quality tomato powder producing plant with world wide distribution
3. The cities of Avenal and Lemoore received over $ 5.7 million in federal economic development funding to develop additional industrial parks
4. The Cross Valley Rail Corridor Project completed the upgrade of the rail originating in the Fresno County community of Huron, continuing east through Lemoore and Hanford to Visalia. The 44- mile line now accommodates the new generation “ Super” rail cars, providing improved transportation capabilities
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5. The completion of a second GWF Energy peaker plant in Kings County
6. West Hills Community College in Lemoore completed the first phase of its construction
7. Rite Aid opened a new store in the City of Corcoran
8. The City of Hanford welcomed Home Depot, approved a new Target Center and is scheduled for one of California’s first Wal- Mart Super Centers
All of these additions have helped the employment situation in the county, but much more is needed to lower the 14.5 percent unemployment rate. Kings County has a current population of over 134,000 and is expected to grow to 200,000 by the year 2020.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury found the informational tour to be very enlightening and a source of good information. We thank the President- CEO for the time he devoted to us. He was more than willing to answer our questions. Keep up the good work.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Government Center
and Park Shop
1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2690
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour and Informational Interview
February 9, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Government Center moved to the present site in 1977- 1978. It consists of approximately 77 acres and 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.
This follow- up tour and informational interview was a result of the recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. The recommendations were:
1. The drainage grate on the 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 cross walk 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.
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8. " High Voltage" signs should be placed on transformers at the Probation Department and other Departments that have electric transformers.
The 2002- 2003 County Government Committee made an inspection on April 14, 2003 and found that recommendations numbers 1, 2, 3 and 7 were completed.
Recommendation numbers 4, 5, 6 and 8 still required action to be taken to insure compliance.
FINDINGS:
The Committee toured the areas of concern and found that recommendation numbers 5, 6 and 8 had been addressed. Due to budget restrictions and shortage of personnel recommendation number 4 cannot be accomplished. The safety hazards addressed in number 7 will be rectified upon completion of the new park's shop. The old park's shop will be demolished.
The Committee met with the Director, the Building Maintenance Superintendent and the Parks and Grounds Superintendent in the Public Works Conference Room. The Committee was informed that with anticipated budget cuts, staff reduction and loss of inmate help the grounds cannot be properly maintained.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Director, the Building Maintenance Superintendent and the Parks and Grounds Superintendent for the interview.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Shop
Equipment and Repair
Maintenance
11827 11th Ave Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 9207
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Tour
March 1, 2004
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. Maintenance for Fire Department vehicles and equipment is contracted to a local farm equipment maintenance company. There are seven employees in the 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.
This follow- up tour was in response to the Grand Jury 2002- 2003 Final Report recommendation to replace rain gutters on the south side of the building.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Fleet Service Manager and found the rain gutters have been replaced.
A tour of the facility revealed the shop well organized and maintained. All shop employees are Master Mechanics ( Automotive Service Excellence Certified).
The Committee found containers of recycled lubricant and antifreeze in an open area. These are subject to spills and ground contamination during inclement weather. Construction of an awning over this area would help prevent contaminates from draining to the surrounding area.
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RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The County Shop and the Fire Department should conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of the County Shop maintaining the vehicles and equipment for the Fire Department.
2. An awning should be constructed to protect the lubricant and antifreeze containers from drainage during inclement weather and to help protect the environment
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Fleet Service Manager for an informative tour of the shop.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Planning Agency
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 584- 8989
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
March 8, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
Whenever a new building is constructed, or an existing building is remodeled, expanded or improved, the builder must obtain building permits from local authorities. Inspections are conducted at each phase of the building process to ensure that the building is in compliance with state and local regulations. Building permit fees are calculated from the valuation of the new or improved structure provided by a fee schedule set up for each region of California by state code. This fee schedule is expressed in dollars per square foot. California State Law limits permit fees to an amount not to exceed " the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged.”
There are four standards of evaluation used by local Building Officials:
1. For building valuations, the Valuation Table of the Building Standards
2. For building code fees, the Valuation Building Code Tables
3. For plumbing code fees, the Uniform Building Code
4. For electrical fees, the National Electrical Code
These state and national standards are periodically updated. For example, California State Building Code Valuation Tables are issued on a three- year cycle.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Director of Planning and Building Inspection in the Engineering Building. The Kings County Planning Agency includes the following departments and divisions: Kings County Planning Department, Kings County Building Inspection Department and Kings County Code Enforcement Compliance Division. Staff allocations consist of 16 positions: one director, two administration support, three building inspectors, four planners, three
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transportation planners, two code compliance officers and one building- planning technician.
Additional duties of the Director include Local Agency Formation Committee Executive Officer and Kings County Associations of Governments Executive Secretary.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Director for his time.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Mosquito
Abatement District
10871 Bonnie View Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 584- 3326
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Interview
December 26, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Mosquito Abatement District ( KCMAD) currently covers 552 square miles, which includes a small portion of Tulare County. The KCMAD is governed by a seven member Board of Trustees, which has two openings at the present time. The District has eleven permanent and ten to fifteen seasonal employees, depending on the anticipated workload. The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury made five recommendations of which all were safety items.
FINDINGS:
The Grand Jury met with the District Manager and the Assistant Manager- Biologist in the Grand Jury Chambers. All of the recommendations made by the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury have been adhered to except protecting the mosquito larvicide GB- 111 tank sight gauge. The District Manager assured the Committee that all work would be completed no later than March 31, 2004.
There are numerous diseases that can be transmitted by the mosquito. Most of these diseases can be deadly. One of these that we have heard a lot about lately is West Nile Virus ( WNV). This virus was not detected in the United States until 1999. In 2002, WNV was detected in Southern California and is expected to reach the San Joaquin Valley by as early as the summer of 2004.
The Committee was informed by the Assistant Manager- Biologist that to decrease exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they may carry, avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing. Apply insect repellent containing ' DEET' according to the instructions on the label. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding. Contact your local mosquito control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
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RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the District Manager and the Assistant Manager- Biologist for an excellent presentation.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Water Districts
Laguna Irrigation Dist 5065 19 1/ 2 Ave Riverdale CA 93656
( 559) 923- 4239
Stratford Irrigation Dist P O Box 538 Stratford CA 93266 ( 559) 924- 1246
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
November 3, 2003
Informational Tours
November 10, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
There are 18 irrigation and water districts serving Kings County. Irrigation districts exist mainly to appropriate, acquire and distribute water to agricultural land. Other powers include electrical distribution and flood control.
For the purpose of this report the Committee chose to study the Laguna and Stratford Irrigation Districts.
The basic programs of these districts are:
1. Distributing the water
2. Protecting, conserving and stabilizing the ground water
3. Negotiating and contracting for supplement water
4. Maintaining facilities for surface water distribution for irrigation and ground water replenishment, known as " recharge"
5. Preserving the existing surface water rights held by mutual water companies through a program of water stock acquisition and retention
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FINDINGS:
Laguna Irrigation District
The Committee visited Laguna Irrigation District and discovered that the district had more of their acreage in Fresno County than in Kings County. This puts the Laguna Irrigation District under the Fresno County Grand Jury jurisdiction.
Stratford Irrigation District
The Committee met with the Secretary and Manager in the district offices.
Stratford Irrigation District was formed on June 22, l9l6 and currently consists of 9,727.96 acres. Annual assessments for the district are $ 15.00 per acre and are collected by the district.
The district receives its water from Pine Flat Dam through the Kings River, and through its ownership of 6,850 shares of stock in Lemoore Canal & Irrigation Company.
The district has a five- man Board of Directors that meets monthly. Assessments are determined at the September meeting. Stratford Irrigation District is part of the Lemoore Canal & Irrigation Company.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
1. The Grand Jury thanks the Laguna Irrigation District for their time and information
2. The Grand Jury thanks the Stratford Irrigation District staff for the
information provided in regards to the distribution of water in Kings
County
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District
1001 Chase Ave
Corcoran CA 93212
( 559) 992- 4127
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
September 29, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District was formed in 1926, serving agriculture for over 70 years. It covers an area of 190,000 acres, of which 2,600 acres are in Tulare County. It receives water from the Kings, Tule, Kaweah and Kern Rivers.
It is a customer of the State Water Project ( SWP) which provides water to areas of need throughout California. SWP, built and operated by the Department of Water Resources, is an important link in the long chain of water projects that began with the water projects of the Spanish missions. The largest state- built water development project in the United States, SWP's principal purpose is to store water and deliver it statewide. Other purposes are flood control, power generation and water quality improvement.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the General Manager of Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District in the Grand Jury Room. In 1963 the district started receiving water with 29 contractors for water rights from State aqueducts. This water district is the third largest contract in California and used for agriculture only.
While the state had signed contracts to deliver up to 4.2 million acre- feet of water, the facilities to provide and deliver this full amount during normal and drought periods have not been completed. Problems caused by drought- shriveled water supplies continue to be compounded by financial difficulties.
The district has a contract with the state to deliver 2.6 to 2.7 million acre feet of water a year. Any year the district receives less water, they are still obligated to pay five million dollars to the state.
The State has the authority to take local water supply from the Kings River. Future development for additional water storage at District Four and the Pine Flat Power
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Plants has been put on hold. Over 200,000 acre feet of water yearly flows to the ocean from the Kings River. Additional storage could provide up to 750,000 acre feet.
If landowners within the district want to purchase water from other owners they only have to inform the District. At the present time the cost for water is $ 63 per acre- foot. The Water District encourages farmers to turn off their pumps, to preserve the ground water level.
In the District, water is measured with flow meters at time of delivery.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
1. Be cautious of water usage
2. California's prosperity is closely linked to its investments in providing a safe reliable water supply
3. " Food grows where water flows"
25
AREA OF INQUIRY: Motor Pool
1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2704
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview
March 1, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Motor Pool is located within the Kings County Government Complex in Hanford, California. The motor pool is one of many branches of the Public Works Department for the County of Kings.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Fleet Service Attendant at the Motor Pool. This is a one- employee operation. All the vehicles that were not in use were parked in their assigned spaces and appeared to be neat and clean.
The motor pool fleet consists of fifty- six vehicles of which forty- three are sedans, nine are pickup trucks and the remaining four are seven passenger mini- vans. Thirty- nine of the fleet are powered by gasoline. Sixteen are powered by natural gas, and one hybrid Toyota is powered by electricity as well as gasoline. These vehicles are available to county employees upon request when the job requires travel. Fuel, with the exception of natural gas, is available at this location.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Fleet Service Attendant for the informative interview.
26
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Waste and Recycling Authority 7803 Hanford- Armona Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 583- 8829
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
December 29, 2003
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 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 orientation 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 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
27
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 percent of the profit made from selling the materials. KWRA has done a 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 $ 53,982 to schools throughout Kings County’s JPA area. Currently all eligible schools in Kings County are participating in the School Bin Recycling Program.
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. 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 degrees Fahrenheit 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.
Currently KWRA is at 48 percent diversion.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Strong emphasis should be made on using clear plastic bags for all recyclable materials
COMMENTS:
1. Kings County has nine closed landfills that must be continuously monitored
28
2. Recycling reduces landfill dumping
3. The MRF is capable of recovering more materials with more wide spread use of CLEAR ( see- through) plastic bags
4. The Grand Jury recognizes the progress being made through the use of recycling in Kings County.
29
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
May 12, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
Kettleman Hills Facility ( KHF) 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 20 years.
FINDINGS:
The Grand Jury met with the Director of Operations and the Executive Assistant of KHF and was given a presentation and tour of site operations.
The Director of Operations informed the Grand Jury that plans are under way to expand waste disposal activities for hazardous waste, designated waste and municipal solid waste at the Kettleman Hill Facility. This project involves continued disposal of hazardous and non- hazardous wastes at KHF through development of three waste disposal units. The first is Unit B- 17, 62 acres of
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municipal solid waste with a capacity of 18.4 million cubic yards. The second is Unit B- 20, 63 acres of hazardous waste with a capacity of 14.2 million cubic yards. The third is a vertical and lateral expansion of the existing hazardous waste disposal unit designated as Unit B- 18, increasing the current acreage of this unit by 11 acres and 4.85 million cubic yards. The Director of Operations expects this expansion to result in increased capacity lasting at least an additional 20 years.
On tour, the Grand Jury 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 involved with any chemical substance, including the truckers bringing waste to the facility, are required to wear 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 laws protecting 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.
When landfill projects are completed, the units are restored to their natural appearance. Covered with local plants and grasses, supporting wildlife such as the endangered kit foxes and blunt nosed leopard lizards, the landfill will blend into the surrounding environment.
KFH 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 appreciates the outstanding presentation given in a manner that a layman could understand. Our thanks also go to our patient and pleasant driver, who was quick to point out the many public service projects undertaken by KFH and its employees in Kettleman City.
31
AREA OF INQUIRY: County Safety Officer
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2518
tsmith@ co. kings. ca. us
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
July 28, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The County Safety Officer had no recent communication with the County Grand
Jury. Therefore, the Committee had no information concerning this position.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the County Safety Officer in the Grand Jury Room. The County Safety Officer stated that he answers directly to the Board of Supervisors. He is responsible for providing the training to fulfill the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA). This training gives County employees the ability to recognize hazards they may encounter. Each County department has a safety coordinator who works with the Safety Officer to insure training for all employees of that department and provide status information for the County.
Ongoing safety training and safety awareness programs are provided to insure the safety of all County employees. The most prevalent types of accidents in 2001 were slip, trip, fall and repetitive motion injuries.
The highest rates of OSHA recordable incidents in 2002 were in the five departments where the type of work would most likely lead to more accidents: Fire, Sheriff, Human Services, Probation and Public Works.
The Safety Officer is not listed on the County Website.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Information concerning the Safety Officer should be included on the County Website
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Safety Officer for his informational presentation and his apparent dedication to promoting the safety of County employees
32
AREA OF INQUIRY: Job Training Office
Kings County
124 N Irwin St
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 585- 3532
www. kingsworkforce. org
REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
December 1, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Job Training Office ( JTO) maintains a list of jobs and potential employers. Qualified applicants are matched with available jobs. Training is provided as needed.
FINDINGS:
Training may be provided to individuals at no charge to the trainee. JTO will pay for the cost of training up to $ 7,000 in certain cases. Occupational training ranging from three months to two years is available to eligible youth, adults and displaced workers to prepare them for today’s job market. Scholarships are provided for tuition, books and tools. Those attending vocational training are provided childcare and transportation assistance.
Immediate response to business closures includes employee orientation covering one- stop services, financial management, job search and resume', workshops and connection with representatives from vocational training institutions. A 50 percent wage reimbursement is offered to employers to offset the cost of hiring and training new employees. Qualified young people between the age of 14 and 21 are sponsored for vocational training and are offered paid work experience in areas of their career interest. Work experience, job shadowing, on- the- job training and classroom training are available for long- term recipients of public assistance.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
Many thanks to the Job Training Office Director for his willingness to work with the Grand Jury.
33
SUMMARY
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
The County Government Committee of the 2003- 2004 Grand Jury consists of eight diversified members.
The County Government Committee met weekly: investigating, preparing and writing reports of many of the departments and agencies in the County of Kings to form the County Government portion of the Final Report. This consumed many hours and travel miles throughout Kings County.
The 2003- 2004 Grand Jury visitation log indicates an Engineering Department in Public Works. The 2003- 2004 Committee was informed there is no Engineering Department. All structural and architectural plans are sent to engineering firms in Fresno. Therefore, the Engineering designation was removed from the visitation log.
An Ad Hoc Committee prepared a report early concerning combining the Treasurer/ Tax Collector and the Auditor/ Controller into one Department of Finance. This was brought to the electorate on the March 2004 primary ballot. The voters of Kings County passed the initiative.
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.
Frank Peichoto, Chairman
Alex Maslowski, Assistant Chairman
Ethel Baker
Al Cotner
Norma McGuire
Tom Ross
Quinton Ross
Eldora Trigueiro
34
AREA OF INQUIRY: Community Challenge Grant
Kings County Health Dept
330 Campus Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2606
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
and Interview
August 19, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Community Challenge Grant ( CCG) was started three years ago in Avenal as the Teen Smart Retention Program. As of May 2003 it has been moved to Corcoran and renamed Community Challenge Grant. This program promotes community development and outreach programs.
FINDINGS:
The Committee made an unscheduled visit to CCG. CCG has a budget of $ 118,704 per year. They have two full time employees who are licensed Health Educators. Their main goal is teen pregnancy prevention. The program focuses on sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.
We were told about their after school program at the Corcoran YMCA and that approximately 50 students participate in the program. The after school program also helps set career goals through field trips to various locations. Since the creation of CCG the number of teen pregnancies has dropped.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Notify affected county departments of the CCG the name change and any mission changes.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury commends the CCG for educating the county’s youth on pregnancy prevention and helping to reduce the number of teen pregnancies in this county.
35
AREA OF INQUIRY: Tobacco Control Program
Kings County Health Dept
330 Campus Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2606
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
and Interview
August 19, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Tobacco Control Program ( TCP) is located in the Health Department building on Campus Drive. This program promotes the prevention of tobacco use through education.
FINDINGS:
The TCP has a budget of $ 150,000 per year. These funds are generated through taxes and master settlement monies. There are two full time and one part time employees in this department. The two full time employees are licensed Health Educators.
Proposition 10 regulates smoking laws in the state of California. The State requires counties to look to the future to assess the need for tobacco free environments.
The Committee made an unscheduled visit to TCP and met with both Health Educators in the TCP office. The Committee was informed that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths in this state. The Health Educators work with tobacco related issues for both adults and youth. They are trying to create a norm change, making sure people know that tobacco use can be detrimental to their health.
TCP has created an adult support coalition of 10 to 15 community volunteers. TCP designs Tobacco Free Zone signs for entry ways and distributes them to businesses throughout the county upon request. They also provide education materials to all government agencies and businesses in Kings County and create media messages, posters, signs and newspaper advertisements to inform the public of the dangers of tobacco use. In addition, they are available to give presentations in the county. TCP staffed an informational booth at the 2003 Kings County Fair. The
36
Committee was informed that TCP will be working to establish a Smoke Free Fair for 2004.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
1. The Grand Jury encourages the TCP to continue working for the support of other community agencies to help enforce the “ No Smoking in Public Places” laws
2. The Grand Jury thanks the staff for a very informational interview. The staff was both enthusiastic and knowledgeable in providing Kings County citizens with information to create a tobacco free environment
37
AREA OF INQUIRY: 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
February 10, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
This tour was in response to the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. Their recommendations were:
1. Replace back door
2. Finish painting the interior
3. Replace carpet at Mary Brock Hall
4. Kings County Commission on Aging ( KCCOA) should utilize all of Mary Brock Hall
FINDINGS:
The Committee toured the facility and found the back door was replaced, interior painted and carpet replaced.
The remainder of Mary Brock Hall is occupied by Child Protective Services; therefore, it cannot be used by KCCOA.
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program has approximately 500 volunteers in Kings County. Five students from College of the Sequoias and California State University, Fresno currently volunteer with KCCOA. The students are working toward their Master's Degree.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
38
AREA OF INQUIRY: Mental Health and Alcohol
and Other Drug Programs Administration
Kings County
Administrative Office
1400 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2382
msherman@ co. kings. ca. us
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
July 29, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Kings County Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Programs Administration ( AOD) has not been visited by the Grand Jury since 2001. This Committee requested a briefing from Kings County Mental Health Services that would provide us with an overall comprehension of the programs and services available to people needing assistance in the areas of mental health, alcohol or drug abuse.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Mental Health Director in the Grand Jury chambers to receive this overview July 29, 2003. The director informed us the total budget for Mental Health Services for fiscal year 2003- 2004 is $ 8,657,832. Of this, the total budget for AOD Prevention Services is $ 1,627,460.
Mental Health provides a broad spectrum of services to the county residence. The responsibility of the Mental Health Director is to ensure that individuals in need of outpatient mental health services or inpatient psychiatric treatment have access to those services. Primary Prevention Services provides activities and services aimed at preventing drug and alcohol abuse to schools, youth groups, and other community associations.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
39
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
February 17, 2004
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 the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report recommendation:
The leak in the hall roof near the Speech Therapy room needs to be repaired.
FINDINGS:
The Committee went to the Avenal Elementary School and found that the leak in the hall roof near the Speech Therapy room had been repaired.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
40
AREA OF INQUIRY: Avenal High School
601 E Mariposa St
Avenal CA 93204
( 559) 386- 5253
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Follow up
February 17, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
Avenal High School is one of eight schools in the Reef- Sunset Unified School District. Avenal High School was built in 1937. Twice in the last twenty- five years it has undergone a major restoration. This included remodeling and conversion of a bus barn into agriculture classrooms and a laboratory. A new gymnasium was funded in 2001.
A School Resource Officer ( Kings County Deputy Sheriff) and a Kings County Probation Officer are on campus.
The school serves free breakfast and lunch to all students. The free meals are a federally funded program. Approximately 80 percent of the students eat these meals.
The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury found that there was not enough seating for the students during the meal period. They 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.
Avenal High School officials told Committee members that Avenal voters had passed a bond in 2000 funding a new gymnasium.
The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Committee toured the school on October 8, 2002 and made the following recommendations:
1. The immediate purchase or construction of additional seating for the students during their breakfast and lunch periods.
41
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 litter 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 property and enhance the appearance of the school.
4. The hot water needs to be restored to the sink in the gymnasium locker room and this area cleaned up.
FINDINGS:
The Committee made a follow up tour on February 17, 2004. The Committee found no new additional seating for students during breakfast or lunch has been purchased or constructed. There is no maximum occupancy sign in the cafeteria. Kitchen staff serves approximately 390 to 410 students in no more than 17 minutes with 80 seats in the cafeteria. Prior Grand Juries have made recommendations for purchase or construction of additional seating for students during breakfast and lunch periods. The response from the school district that a facility plan is being developed is not a sufficient explanation. Immediate action should be taken by the Kings County Fire Marshal to see that fire and safety codes are being adhered to. Central air registers were full of litter including insulation, which could be a hazard to students eating nearby.
The Committee saw a trash compactor used by the cafeteria. It is in a non- secured area.
The grounds were clean and had plenty of garbage cans for litter.
The Committee was given a tour of the locker room and saw an example of the new locker that will be installed in three phases. The hot water has been restored to the sink in the gymnasium. One sink in the boy's locker room is not working. Two of the air blowers were out of order. The water fountain in the boys' locker room was not working.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The immediate purchase or construction of additional seating for the students during their breakfast and lunch periods seating in the cafeteria
42
2. The Kings County Fire Marshal inspect the cafeteria for all Health and Safety Code violations
3. Clean the central air registers in the cafeteria
4. Construct a fence around the trash compactor
5. Repair the sink, the air blowers and the water fountain in the boys' locker room.
COMMENTS: None
43
AREA OF INQUIRY: Tamarack Elementary School
1000 Union Ave
Avenal CA 93204
( 559) 386- 4051
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
February 17, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
Tamarack Elementary School is a new kindergarten through fifth grade school, which opened at the start of the 2001- 2002 school year. Tamarack is one of three elementary schools in the Reef Sunset School District.
The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury recommendations were as follows:
1. Complete the 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
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Principal, who gave the Committee a tour of the campus. We found that the problems have been resolved.
+
1. The Library has added books to its collection, all processed by the Dewey Decimal System. The Computer Lab is complete with 23 computers and one printer.
2. A fence has been constructed between the buildings where a gap and ground elevation drop exists. Metal strips have been ordered to cover the spaces between classrooms. They will be installed when received.
3. The bottom of the slide has been securely anchored to the ground.
44
4. Sodding the ground is an ongoing process. Open ground was seeded in December 2003. The area to be used for outdoor sports has been leveled and will be ready for activities in the spring.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
45
AREA OF INQUIRY: John C. Fremont School 1900 Bell Ave
Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 5102
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
October 21, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
John C. Fremont School is one of six schools in the Corcoran Unified School District. The school was constructed in 1951.
Because of the large number of children enrolled in lower grades the school district uses its facilities in a unique way. Students in the lower grades are assigned to one facility that houses only one or two grade levels.
FINDINGS:
The Committee made an unscheduled visit to John C. Fremont School. The school has an enrollment of 482 students in the second and third grades. The school has 27 classrooms and 29 teachers.
The school has one special education class. There are also three English immersion classes. Each classroom has three computers with internet access. There are 20 students in a class on average.
The school is very involved in teaching parents how to be teachers at home. Teachers meet with parents once a week or when a teacher thinks the student needs extra help.
The school is also on the USDA Free and Reduced- Price breakfast/ lunch program, which serves 100 percent of the student body. All students may eat breakfast and lunch free. All meals are prepared on site.
The Committee toured the campus; it appeared to be clean. The staff was very informative and seemed to enjoy their jobs.
The Committee observed that there are no crosswalks or school zone signs and the curbs around the school are not painted red for no parking.
46
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Explore ways to communicate with the City of Corcoran to get school zone signs, crosswalks and curbs painted to insure student safety while coming to and going from school.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury knows this is a problem for the City of Corcoran, but the safety of the students should be the concern of everyone.
47
AREA OF INQUIRY: Bret Harte School 1300 Letts Ave Corcoran CA 93212
( 559) 992- 2188
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour October 21, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Bret Harte School was established in 1953. It is one of six schools in the Corcoran Unified School District. Students are drawn from the school age population of Corcoran and the surrounding area. Because of the large number of children enrolling in the lower grades, the school district uses its facilities in a unique way. Students in lower grades are assigned to one facility that houses only one or two grade levels.
FINDINGS:
The Committee made an unannounced visit and met with the school's secretary. We were informed that the school is for preschool and first graders.
The school currently has 520 students, of which fifty percent do not speak English as a first language. There is a migrant program on campus. All students may eat breakfast and lunch free.
A new fence installed in October is beneficial in keeping students from running into the busy street.
Also on this campus is the Healthy Start Program, a state funded program which serves the whole Corcoran Unified School District. The Committee met with the coordinator. We were informed it serves kindergarten through fifth grades. Some of the program's goals are to promote healthy families, to provide medical referrals, and to coordinate with school nurses to assist special education.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
48
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 Tour
October 2, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Corcoran Community Day School is administered by the Corcoran Unified School District. The school instructs both high school and elementary students that have been expelled from regular schools.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the principal and was shown the improvements made in response to the recommendations made by the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. While it was recommended that a separate cafeteria be built, the present site will not accommodate one. It was also recommended that school facilities be established to keep food hot or cold. The school now has a hot cart to keep foods hot and a refrigerator to keep foods cold.
A recommendation was made that the school be assigned a part- time counselor. We were informed that while a counselor is present one day per week, the school is trying to attain grant money for a part time counselor to come more often.
The Principal told us it would be very beneficial to have facilities to teach vocational classes. This is one of the things they hope to attain in the future.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Continue to seek funding for a part time counselor
2. Seek funding for facilities to accommodate vocational classes
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury commends the improvements that have been made and encourages continued efforts for future improvements.
49
AREA OF INQUIRY: Mark Twain School
1500 Oregon Ave Corcoran CA 93212
( 559) 992- 4178
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
October 2, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Mark Twain School is in the Corcoran Unified School District. Usually, fourth and fifth grades are taught here. This year third grade is also being taught to help handle an overflow from John C. Freemont School.
FINDINGS:
This tour was in response to recommendations made in the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. It was recommended that the sinks in the boy's restroom in the H- wing be repaired. Also, the paper towel dispensers in all bathrooms should be sufficiently supplied.
The Committee found that the sinks in the boy's restroom in the H- wing were in proper working order. The paper towel dispensers were sufficiently supplied in the restrooms.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the school for its quick response to the recommendations
of the prior year Grand Jury Final Report.
50
AREA OF INQUIRY: Kit Carson Union
School District
9895 7th Ave
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 2843
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Citizen Complaint
Informational Tour
November 4, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Kit Carson Union School was built in 1952 for kindergarten through eighth grades. Kit Carson and Mid Valley Alternative Charter schools are included in the Kit Carson School District and share a campus.
This visitation was the result of a citizen complaint to the 2003- 2004 Grand Jury. The complaint stated that the Mid Valley Charter School area had been remodeled with monies designated for the charter school. Then the Kit Carson School District relocated the charter school to an area that does not have handicap access.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Superintendent- Principal on an unannounced visit. We were informed that the monies used to remodel the Mid Valley Charter School were received through a state grant for reconstruction purposes for the school district.
While speaking to Mid Valley staff the Committee learned that the building they now occupy is larger than the one they previously occupied. The Committee saw no handicap ramps or handrails for stairs. The Superintendent- Principal stated that these items were under construction.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Bring Mid Valley Charter School into compliance with state regulations for handicap accessibility.
COMMENTS: None
51
AREA OF INQUIRY: Delta View Joint Union
School District
1201 East Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3122
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
September 23, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Delta View Joint Union School District was established in 1912. The district has only one school ( Delta View Elementary). Construction of the buildings at the current site was begun in 1950. Delta View Elementary consists of five permanent classrooms and one portable classroom that serves as the library. The school is a kindergarten through eighth grade school and has a student body of 93 with an ethnic composition of 60 percent Hispanic and 40 percent Caucasian.
The school staff includes the Superintendent/ Principal, five teachers, four bi- lingual instructional aides, a volunteer librarian, a bus driver/ maintenance man/ grounds keeper and one full time administrative assistant/ secretary. Each teacher is required to teach a consecutive grade combination class ( i. e. first and second, third and fourth, etc.). Delta View also has the support services of a speech therapist, a resource teacher, a school nurse and a school psychologist furnished by the Kings County Office of Education. All the teachers have state teaching credentials. Delta View has been a Charter School since 1998.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Superintendent/ Principal in the multi- purpose room for a question and answer period. The Committee learned that each classroom has a minimum of five computers and all are connected to the Internet. Each classroom also has a television and a VCR. The library has approximately 5,000 books available and a computer lab, which has six on- line computers. The library is on the Accelerated Reading Program, whereby the books are color coded as to reading difficulty so the children can check out books written for their current reading ability. The library is on a computer check out procedure. Each child has a number assigned to him. The librarian brings up the student's number on the computer and scans the bar code in the book when a student checks out a book. The student's number and the bar code in the book are scanned again when the book is returned. Not only is this a great way to keep track of the books, it is also a great reference to determine the difficulty level at which a child is reading. In past
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years the school has won a $ 5,000 Governor's Reading Award. This year they won the award, but no money was received.
In the computer lab each child is issued a password they must enter whenever they log in and out of the computer. The Superintendent/ Principal informed the Committee that it was a great way to monitor each child's activity. Students are participating in a Renaissance Learning Program. Teachers have expressed the need for more books and quizzes to support the program.
The Committee was informed that the annual district's budget is approximately $ 684,000. Delta View Joint Union School District extends into Tulare County and approximately one third of the student body comes from Tulare County. The term " Joint Union" refers to the fact that the District has attendance from two counties.
The Committee learned that 75 percent of the children are bussed to school each day. Accidents have occurred on Highway 198 that runs in front of the school. A recent fatality occurred a student attempted to cross the highway.
Approximately 75 percent of the children are receiving free/ reduced breakfast and lunch programs. All meals are transported in from Kit Carson School Cafeteria.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
As soon as funds become available, acquire the Renaissance Learning Program books and quizzes.
COMMENTS:
Grand Jury was very impressed with the overall operation of the district and pleased with the students and teachers welcome.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Lakeside Elementary School
9100 Jersey Ave
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 2868
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tours and Informational Interview
January 27, 2004
February 3, 2004
March 2, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
Lakeside Elementary School was built in 1953 and reconstructed during the period of 1989- 1991. The school enrollment is two hundred thirty six and fourth through eighth grades are taught.
The 2002- 2003 Final Report made recommendations based on the 2001- 2002 Final Report, which recommended the removal of old drinking fountains and capping the remaining plumbing.
FINDINGS:
This year's Committee made a follow- up tour of the school and found that the drinking fountains were in general disrepair and in unsanitary condition. Two of the drinking fountains did not work and all of the fountains we saw were unclean.
On February 3, 2004, the Committee met in chambers with the Interim Superintendent and the Assistant Principal of the Lakeside School District..
The condition of the fountains was discussed along with the fact this problem has been present since 2001 and has not been resolved by the school. One issue is that of cost. The school district could not afford to replace the fountains, only to repair them.
During the interview it was suggested that the malfunctioning fountains should be out of use until they are repaired. The Superintendent agreed that this was a good idea, and would be done.
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The Superintendent said the deferred maintenance money, which is provided by the State and matched by the district, can be used to repair the fountains. We were assured that the problem would be fixed in a timely manner.
The Committee made a subsequent visit to the school to reassess the drinking fountains. We found that the fountains had been cleaned and repaired, and were all in working order.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury is relieved that after two years these repairs have finally been completed1.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Office of Education
Kings County
1144 West Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 1441
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
January 20, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Office of Education ( KCOE) is responsible for distributing federal, state and local funds to the 14 school districts in the county. Other responsibilities of KCOE include assisting teachers in obtaining and renewing their credentials and providing school districts with an updated monthly substitute list with approximately 340 active substitutes. KCOE provides workshops for substitutes and new teachers. The KCOE Superintendent of Schools is an elected official.
KCOE was founded in 1893 with the election of the first Superintendent, 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.
FINDINGS:
The KCOE Administrative Assistant briefed the Committee on current programs in the county. We were informed that there are about 2,000 teachers working in Kings County schools. Most of the funds to operate our schools ( 70 percent to 80 percent) come from the state. Of the remainder, 7 percent comes from federal sources, 11 percent comes from property taxes and other local sources and 2 percent from the state lottery.
The county provides limited psychological and health services for districts that have fewer than 900 students. On seven school campuses the system offers 28 special education classes for students with various physical, mental and emotional handicaps. Services are provided for some of the students until age 22. At that age, those needing further services are referred to Kings Rehabilitation Center.
All county schools are online. Computer availability and technological training are increasing at a steady, rapid rate. KCOE has launched the Digital California
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Project ( DCP), a wireless network which when completed, will include access to the internet, support of educational resources and emergency services 100 times faster than internet services currently provided to county schools. Even the school busses will be connected through this service by the end of the year.
When DCP is completed, there will be 23 sites in Kings County. Kings County is the first in the nation to have a network of this magnitude. Eventually, this system will connect all K- 12 schools to the existing high- speed educational network of the University of California, California State University, and Community Colleges of California.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Hanford West High School
1150 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 583- 0157
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Informational Interview
December 9, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
This follow- up and interview was in response to the recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. Recommendations of the Final Report were:
1. The Hanford City Council and the Kings County Board of Supervisors must resolve the crosswalk issue between each agency
2. Install crosswalks and signs on Campus Drive at the following locations: North Drive, Forum Drive and South Drive
3. Hanford Union High School Board of Trustees make the school bus loading and unloading zone a top priority and have it completed by the 2003- 2004 school year
4. Hanford West High School send out flyers to parents and inform students of the procedures for the loading and unloading of the students
In their response the Hanford Joint Union High School District stated that the off street drive for loading and unloading buses has been completed. A flyer to parents informed them of the procedure for loading and unloading students. Recommendations 1 and 2 were not addressed in the response from the School District.
Past Grand Juries made attempts to have crosswalks painted on Campus Drive near the schools. Contact with the City of Hanford, Hanford City Council, Kings County Board of Supervisors and the School District did not result in the problem being taken care of.
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FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Hanford City Public Works Director and the Senior Traffic Engineer in the Grand Jury Chambers.
The Committee was informed that an analysis would be done on Campus Drive to determine if crosswalks are warranted. Included in the analysis will be a study of the number of cars, speed driven, number of pedestrians, the facility to be served and research of past accidents. After the analysis is completed the reports will be sent to the Parking and Traffic Commission for a final decision. The Commission's final recommendation is then turned over to the Public Works Director for implementation.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
1. Final Reports of prior Grand Juries were not directed to Public Works Director for action
2. This Grand Jury looks forward to the analysis and results of the traffic survey on Campus Drive
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore High School
101 E Bush St
Lemoore CA 93245
( 559) 924- 6600
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
March 3, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
A student who attended Lemoore Union High School suddenly and tragically died. The cause of death was uncertain but bacterial meningitis was suspected. The Public Health Department responded as if it were the cause of death as a precautionary measure and to ensure containment if an actual virus was detected.
In this country meningococcal disease uncommonly causes secondary cases. Most cases of disease occur in young people, but even in the school setting secondary cases are not common. The persons at most risk are the close, intimate associates of the source case such as household contacts or close personal friends. Even these close contacts are at low risk of developing disease. With the cooperation of the family and school, the Health Department must identify these close contacts so that they can receive preventive treatment. The risk to other students and members of the school community is very remote. As an added precaution the members of the school community would be advised to seek immediate medical attention should they develop an illness associated with a fever of 101 degrees or more for the ensuing week.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Principal and was given a complete briefing of the known elements surrounding the events that transpired prior to the student becoming ill. We were told the student had been on a FFA field trip and had returned on Sunday along with other students and teachers. The Principal was notified of the student's illness approximately two days later and he immediately contacted the other students who participated in the field trip. He then attempted to contact the Kings County Health Department to no avail. He attempted calling the local emergency numbers but discovered the emergency service is not staffed during non- business hours and there was no forwarding information, nor was there any way to leave a voice message.
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The Principal informed us he was able to make contact after 8: 00 am and once notified the Health Department went into full action. He told us he was very pleased with their handling of the situation and the only problem he experienced was making the initial contact.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
1. The Grand Jury thanks the Lemoore High School Principal for his diligence in handling such a tragic loss and commends him for remaining calm and providing comfort to the students of his school at a critical time.
2. The Principal was unaware that if he had dialed 911, county dispatch would have contacted the Health Department.
3. The Grand Jury contacted the Health Department and informed them of the problem with the after hours- emergency contact phone number. As a result the Health Department immediately corrected the problem.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Lee Richmond School
939 Katie Hammond Ln Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 585- 2298
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
September 30, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Lee Richmond School is one of 10 schools in the Hanford Elementary School District. It consists of Kindergarten through Sixth grade. This follow- up tour was a result of recommendations made in the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report.
The recommendations were as follows:
1. Repair water meter box and surrounding area
2. Remove all non- skid material under drinking fountains to bare concrete
FINDINGS:
The Committee visited the site and found that the water meter box and surrounding area had been repaired to alleviate any hazard for entrants.
We also observed that the non- skid material has been removed.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Central Kitchen
Hanford Elementary School District
924 Katie Hammond Lane
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 585- 2232
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
March 2, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Hanford Elementary School District Central Kitchen prepares and delivers breakfast and lunch to eight Hanford elementary schools and two junior high schools in the district, also Shelley Baird School, Western Christian School, Kings County Cyesis Program and the Kings County Community Day School. They also make after school snacks for the Recreation Enrichment Academics Devoted to Youth ( READY) Program.
The Food Service staff consists of the program manager, one supervisor, two full- time cooks, one half- time cook, three part- time utility workers, two bookkeepers and two custodians. Two trucks go out to deliver food to the sites.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Food Service Program Manager, who told us that the central kitchen prepares 1,500 breakfasts daily, as well as 3,700 lunches and 800 snacks for the READY program. Food cooked at the central kitchen is put into hot food carts, which maintain warm foods at 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safety. The facility is inspected by the Kings County Health Department to ensure compliance with federal health standards.
Each school site that receives food from the central kitchen has two food service workers and one clerk to unload the food carts, serve the food and receive payment for meals. Students pay for meals with electronic tickets. Each student keeps his or her number from kindergarten through eighth grade.
When asked what the program needs, the Program Manager replied that the freezer currently in use is not large enough. Plans are underway to install a larger walk- in freezer. The old freezer will be converted to a walk- in refrigerator.
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RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: The Central Kitchen staff does an excellent job.
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SUMMARY
HEALTH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The 2003- 2004 Health and Education Committee was comprised of nine members.
The Committee made 19 visitations and in- chambers interviews, which resulted in 19 reports being written. One of the visitations was a result of a Citizen's Complaint.
One of our reports addressed concerns aroused by the death of a Lemoore High School student. Initially, our investigation focused on the school's effectiveness in dealing with a potential health emergency. We found that the principal had handled the situation admirably in spite of a breakdown in communications with the Health Department. The Health Department emergency service was not staffed during non- business hours and there was no forwarding information or way to leave a voice message. The Grand Jury contacted the Health Department and informed them of the problem. As a result, the Health Department corrected the problem.
Each member of the Health and Education Committee brought with them their own areas of expertise. Each benefited substantially in learning about the variety of health and education programs available to the residents of Kings County.
We are proud of our time and effort spent in learning about the Kings County health and education facilities. We appreciate the warmth and cordiality we received on our visits.
Wesley Harvick, Chairman
Ethel Baker, Assistant Chairman
Vincent Banales
Janet Bloyd
Richard Martinez
Norma McGuire
Frank Peichoto
Carol Scott
Eldora Trigueiro
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Hanford Police
Department
425 N Irwin St
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 585- 2540
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
Informational Interview
October 9, 2003
January 29, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Hanford Police Department ( HPD) is dedicated to ensure the safety and security of all the people in the City of Hanford, by providing responsive and professional police service. HPD is responsible for the detection and suppression of crime and for community education in crime prevention. The HPD is organized into program areas including: Operations, Support Services, Records and Communication, Traffic Enforcement, School Resource Officer, Narcotic Task Force, Gang Task Force and Problem Oriented Policing Team. HPD recently had a change of command.
FINDINGS: ( Informational Tour)
The Committee met with the Watch Commander and was given a complete tour of the police station's facilities. The Watch Commander provided the Committee with a tour of HPD areas by departments and their functions. HPD presently has 49 sworn officer full- time positions. Currently there are two positions frozen due to budget cuts.
Four record clerks and volunteers enter police reports into the computer system. However, due to the volume of calls and written reports, this department has a backlog of three months.
Dispatch Control Mobile Path Terminal ( MPT) has 10 full- time dispatchers. There are two dispatchers and one supervisor assigned to each shift 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Dispatch receives 200- 300 calls per day, over and above 911 calls.
The Watch Commander oversees operations by radio and computer. This allows the Watch Commander to monitor all activities of the patrol division. The booking area consists of two holding cells, a small interview room and the Indentix
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fingerprinting system. The Indentix fingerprinting system is utilized for fingerprinting of various community volunteers and mandated positions requiring fingerprinting by the State of California.
Investigations Division actively investigates open cases. The work area is small with minimal privacy. Investigators do have access to a private interview room for the purpose of interviewing a witness or suspect. Overall, the area is neatly organized and well maintained.
Personnel are provided areas such as a break room, female day room, male locker room, weight room and a briefing room. Staff is given a number of optional ways to continue training. The briefing room is utilized as a training room.
The parking compound is very small and overcrowded. Areas of concern include inadequate parking for police and private vehicles. The Committee toured the parking compound and was informed that the City of Hanford owns a number of adjoining buildings. Long term plans and goals are to expand and enclose the parking compound. This would provide a secured area for vehicles. It is the department's plan to relocate some of their offices to a building located east of the HPD.
The need for expansion is extreme. The current HPD building and parking facilities were built in 1979 and have long since run out of space.
RECOMMENDATIONS: ( Informational Tour)
1. Fill officer vacancies as soon as practical
2. Acquire additional office space to accommodate the growth of the HPD
The Committee met with the new Chief of Police. He has 30 years of law enforcement experience. He shared a number of his goals and visions for the City of Hanford and its citizens. His first priority is to obtain a new sign for the City of Hanford Police Department. His explanation was the community should know where their Police Department is located. While building on the philosophy " build relationships with people and businesses in our community", he strongly believes this is a people business. You need to know your community in order for a department to work well. He also would like a flagpole in front of HPD. The Chief of Police plans to ask veteran's organizations for donations. A plaque would be installed to commemorate the gift. He wants his department and officers to build a rapport with the citizens of Hanford.
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The Police Chief expressed short- term goals and long- term goals he would like to see achieved with his department and personnel. One of his long- term goals is a study for constructing a new police department building. He would also like to incorporate a police and fire administration building in the future.
His short- term goal is to initiate cost savings. He is presently looking to relocate the Investigations Division into the city owned building located east of the HPD. It would be named Hanford Police Department Annex. This would provide adequate workspace, approximately 300 square feet per officer. This building will meet a number of the department's required needs.
He proposes to close the alley, install electric gates and obtain adjoining parking lots. The resurfacing and expanding of the parking lot is expected to cost $ 125,000. This project is expected to take three to five years for completion.
The Police Chief is in the process of developing a paint scheme for police vehicles with a motto in keeping with the City's historical values. His motto is " We're in the people business".
The Police Chief intends to implement area teams consisting of four officers. They will be assigned for at least four months to a specific area of the city. This type of program is often known as Community Oriented Policing and Problems ( COPP) program. By identifying problematic areas, the officers can take pride in their jobs and will know their community. These changes will result in better rapport within the community. The Police Chief emphasized his philosophy of " Stepping back into the future".
RECOMMENDATIONS: ( Informational Interview)
Continue the development of the COPP program.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Hanford Police Chief for taking the time to meet with the Committee. It was very informative, as well as encouraging, to hear about the plans and the commitment of service the HPD has for the future.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Hanford Fire Department Station # 1
350 W Grangeville Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 585- 2545
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
November 20, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Hanford Fire Station # 1 is one of two fire stations located in the City of Hanford. The station houses one fire truck, one fire engine, and a squad truck. Firefighters are trained Emergency Medical Technicians ( EMT). In addition to fire calls, they also respond to vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, hazardous material spills and medical emergencies including crime related medical emergencies.
The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report recommended the Hanford Fire Department place instructional articles in local and regional newspapers to advise citizens of the inception of the Opticom system. The intent is to make the public aware of changes in traffic control for emergency vehicles.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Fire Chief and was given a tour of the station and a demonstration of a truck with a specialized extending ladder. The ladder can rotate and is equipped with a water nozzle at the top, which dispenses copious amounts of water from an elevated position.
The Committee was informed Opticom, a state of the art on- board computer system that allows city emergency fire and medical vehicles to control traffic signals to clear intersections has been installed and is currently operational. A local television station has aired a report about the Opticom system. Additionally, the Hanford Sentinel has published articles about the Opticom system.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury commends the Hanford Fire Department for its commitment to service and safety.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Fire Department
280 N Campus Dr
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 2882
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview and Follow- up
March 11, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Fire Department's ( KCFD) purpose is to promote and sustain a superior quality of life in Kings County through the provision of emergency related services. Administration is responsible for general administration, reporting and records maintenance, Office of Emergency Services ( OES), training, fire prevention and arson investigation through the Fire Marshall and support for all functions of the Operations Division.
OES is a part of the fire fund and administered by the Fire Chief. The Administrative Assistant- OES Coordinator’s responsibilities include serving as the leading agency for the Kings County Operational Area, developing emergency plans and resources, conducting training sessions and providing the coordinator of emergency disaster operations and activities for the county, cities and special districts.
The KCFD has continually expanded the Fire and Life Safety Programs over the past few years, with emphasis on Kindergarten though Fourth grades and senior citizens. Public education is one of the most cost effective tools in reducing the number of calls for service. Funding is of a paramount concern for public education to be able to reduce losses and future costs for fire services.
The Operations Division is composed of 11 fire stations staffed by a combination of 46 paid firefighters and 77 active volunteers. The functions performed by this division are fire suppression, rescue operations, fire prevention- public education activities, fire inspections, emergency medical response at the Basic Life Support ( BLS) level with all career personnel certified at the Emergency Medical Technician- I Defibrillator ( EMT ID) level, Hazardous Materials ( HAZMAT) emergency response with all career personnel and volunteers trained to the First Responder Operational level, fire origin and cause and in- service training for all volunteers.
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The follow- up recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury’s Final Report were:
1. Lift hiring freeze and fill the four vacant positions
2. Review and increase pay schedules for firefighters to be comparable and equitable with neighboring counties
3. Install electrical power and water service at the training grounds
4. Evaluate and refurbish the 1978 pumper at the Stratford Fire Station when funds become available.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Kings County Fire Chief and the Training Officer in the Grand Jury Chambers to discuss the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury’s Final Report recommendations and the responses are as follows:
1. The hiring freeze has not been officially lifted, however, exceptions have been made and the four vacant positions have been filled. Due to transfers and promotions other positions have been vacated and every effort is being made to fill those as well.
2. The Kings County Fire Department has made arrangements to increase staff pay by four percent and discussions with the Fire Fighters Union are on going.
3. Plans are underway to extend water and power service to the training area.
4. The Committee was informed efforts to refurbish the 1978 pumper would be pursued once funds are available.
In addition to discussing last year's recommendations, the Committee was informed of the intensive training required of volunteer firemen. All volunteer firemen must be trained in the following state and federally mandated courses before they are allowed to respond to an emergency incident:
1. Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR) 6- hours
2. First Aid 6- hours
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3. Breathing Apparatus Fit- Testing 1- hour
4. Hazardous Materials- First Responder 8- hours
5. Confined Space Awareness 4- hours
Each volunteer must also complete levels of expertise designated into three categories; Volunteer Certification Level I, II, and III.
The Committee was informed a new volunteer committee has been formed to ensure mandated training to all of Kings County satellite stations.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury commends the Fire Chief and staff for their diligence and dedication towards providing professional fire suppression services.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Armona Fire Station # 5
Kings County Fire Dept
11235 14th Ave
Armona CA 93202
( 559) 584- 5206
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Visit
November 20, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this visit was to follow- up on the recommendations from the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report as follows:
1. Repair the water leak in the front shower
2. Work with the Hanford Fire Department to install an Opticom unit on Engine # 5
3. Repair or replace the sign on Hood Avenue east of 14th Avenue
4. Install a sign with address identifying the fire station on 14th Avenue
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Fire Captain of the Armona Fire Station # 5 on November 20, 2003. Two of the recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report were addressed. The leaking shower has been repaired, and the sign on Hood Avenue has been replaced. The remaining recommendations have not been completed due to lack of budgetary funds. This Committee joins last year's Committee with the recommendation to install an Opticom unit on Engine # 5 and complete a sign for public view on 14th Avenue.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. When the budget permits, install the Opticom unit on Engine # 5
2. Construct a sign identifying the fire station on 14th Avenue
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Captain for his time and information.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Burris Park Fire Station # 1
Kings County Fire Department
6575 Clinton Ave
Kingsburg CA 93631
( 559) 582- 2733
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
September 18, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The 2002- 2003 Law and Public Safety Committee toured the Burris Park Fire Station # 1 on April 24, 2003 and recommended that the Kings Fire Department purchase a set of “ Jaws of Life” for Station # 1.
FINDINGS:
The 2003- 2004 Law and Public Safety Committee toured the Burris Park Fire Station # 1 on September 18, 2003, and found that the recommendations from the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury had not been met due to budget limitations.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Purchase a set of “ Jaws of Life” for Fire Station # 1.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury understands the budgetary crisis our government is experiencing. However, given the strategic location of this fire station and the area of response it covers, we believe Kings County Board of Supervisors should make the “ Jaws of Life” a priority for Fire Station # 1.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore Volunteer
Fire Department
210 Fox St
Lemoore CA 93245
( 559) 924- 6797
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
February 26, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1921 with 15 volunteer firemen. It has been operated totally by volunteers ever since. There are currently 35 volunteer firemen with a total of 4 rotating crews. The majority of calls are medical emergencies with approximately 25 percent of the calls for fires.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Fire Chief and the Secretary and discussed the recommendation of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report, which was to purchase a new pumper to replace the out of service and out- dated trucks. We were informed that a Federal Emergency Management Association ( FEMA) grant was applied for in 2003, but was not received. Therefore, the department was not able to purchase a new pumper.
While talking with the Secretary, we learned that a part- time assistant secretary position had recently been vacated and due to budget cuts will not be filled. As a result of this, the Secretary now has to take on all of the tasks that were formerly performed by the assistant as well as all of her own responsibilities.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Purchase a new pumper to replace the out- dated truck as soon as the budget allows
2. Fill the vacant assistant secretary position as soon as funds are available
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Chief and Secretary for a very informative tour.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore Police Department
210 Fox St Lemoore CA 93245 ( 559) 924- 9574
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour
December 18, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Lemoore Police Department moved into its new facility in 2000. The men and women of the department are dedicated to preserving the peace of Lemoore and the protection of its 21,000 citizens through proactive problem solving and community partnerships. The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury made a recommendation that the City of Lemoore should review the salary of the sworn personnel and make it competitive with the surrounding agencies.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Police Chief and the City Manager and discussed last year's recommendation. Due to budget problems and a hiring freeze, the department is unable to comply with the recommendation at this time.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
When the budget is in better shape, re- evaluate and make the necessary changes to the salaries of the department.
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Police Chief and the City Manager for their time and information.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Corcoran Sheriff Substation
Kings County
Sheriff’s Office
1001 Chittenden Ave
Corcoran CA 93212
( 559) 992- 4141
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
November 6, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Corcoran Substation is staffed by members of the Kings County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies at this substation provide law enforcement services for the unincorporated area surrounding Corcoran.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Corcoran Substation sergeant and was told the substation is currently staffed with one sergeant and four deputies. There are two vacant deputy positions. Currently recruits are being trained to staff those positions. Deputies work twelve- hour shifts with little overtime. The substation is staffed twenty- four hours a day, seven days a week.
Most of the calls the deputies respond to are within the unincorporated areas of Corcoran with an average response time of 12- 13 minutes.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Narcotics
Task Force
PO Box 53
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 2805
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
October 16, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Narcotic Task Force ( KCNTF) initially started in 1978 under a federal grant program. Following the termination of the federal grant, KCNTF continued to operate by a formal agreement between the Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore Police departments, Kings County Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. In May of 1985, the California Highway Patrol ( Hanford Office) joined KCNTF. In 1987, the Kings County Probation Department went to a full contributorship with the assignment of a Deputy Probation Officer. Additionally, KCNTF combines staffing and/ or resources from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Services and the NAS Lemoore Security Department. In October 1990, through a federal grant, a canine unit and handler were assigned to KCNTF on a full- time basis.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the supervisor of KCNTF in chambers and discussed the mission, goals and objectives of this specialized unit. We were informed a Special Agent Supervisor from the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Fresno Regional Office, supervises KCNTF. The KCNTF staff is comprised of one investigator from the Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore Police departments, California Highway Patrol, Kings County Sheriff’s Department and the Kings County Probation Department. Additionally, the Kings County Sheriff’s Department provides a secretary. When at full staffing the KCNTF would total six investigators. However, the Committee was informed the Lemoore Police Department has not been able to provide an investigator due to an internal agency issues. These assignments are considered temporary and the average term is two years. Once the term is completed the individual returns to their original assignment with their respective agency.
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The KCNTF operates under the direction of a Board of Directors, which is responsible for setting investigative priorities, policy decisions and the general operating procedures of the unit. The Board of Directors is comprised of the Chief Administrator from each of the participating agencies, as well as the District Attorney of Kings County and the Special Agent in Charge from the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Fresno Regional Office. The Board of Directors meets on a regular basis to evaluate KCNTF activities and to develop and approve programs, policies and procedures.
KCNTF averages about 250- 300 arrests per year. It works closely with the Kings County Gang Task Force and relies on support from the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting ( CAMP) for additional staff and/ or aerial support, as needed. Investigators are used for undercover operations but there are times KCNTF relies on outside sources, contingent on the nature of the operation.
The Committee was informed the number one problem facing KCNTF is the production of Methamphetamine. KCNTF estimate approximately 72 percent of its arrests are Methamphetamine related crimes. Approximately 52 percent of the assets from the arrests are returned to the KCNTF fund. The remainder of the assets is divided amongst other contributing governmental agencies. The assets not only consist of cash but include seized vehicles as well. The vehicles are sold at auction in Modesto, California and the appropriate proceeds are returned to Kings County.
KCNTF utilizes office space in a downtown location and the Committee was informed the facility is in poor condition and in desperate need of a complete renovation and/ or replacement. Members of the Grand agree with the assessment of the KCNTF supervisor regarding the condition of the building.
The regular work hours of the staff assigned to the KCNTF are from 9: 00 AM to 5: 00 PM, Monday- Friday. However, these work hours and workdays fluctuate and the assignments usually dictate the actual hours worked. This results in a varied work schedule and the staff is expected to be flexible concerning their assignments. Every investigator completes a two- week Basic Investigator School training course, which includes a Courtroom Testimony component. All investigators are considered subject matter experts in the area of narcotics and are utilized by the District Attorney’s Office, as needed.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Obtain an investigator/ agent from the Lemoore Police Department as soon as practical.
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2. Arrange an understanding with the participating agencies to modify the current two- year term for an investigator/ agent to a minimum of four to five years. ( 1999- 2000 Grand Jury Final Report states, " Arrange a three- year rotation of investigators with participating agencies")
3. Procure a new facility for the KCNTF to conduct their operation
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the KCNTF Supervisor for his time and applauds the efforts of this task force for the perilous job they do and for their assiduous efforts at securing a safe community for the residents of Kings County.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Animal Control Kings
County Sheriff’s Office
10909 Bonnie View Ln
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 584- 9214
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
August 7, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
Animal Control is a division of the Kings County Sheriff’s Department and serves as a location that accepts stray animals. They are responsible for licensing and registering canines.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Field Supervisor who provided us with a tour of the facility. We were informed Animal Control consists of three Animal Control Officers and one Supervisor. Additionally, they have one support staff member, one clerical position, one receptionist, occasional volunteers and two trustees from the Kings County Jail. The staff is on call 24 hours and as a result, they have take- home vehicles. The Field Supervisor informed us Animal Control averages approximately 60- 80 hours of overtime per month and would like to reduce this overtime by establishing another officer position and acquiring an additional vehicle.
The Committee was informed Animal Control receives approximately 5,000 calls for service annually, of which about 15 percent are reports of vicious animals. Vicious animals are quarantined in a separate enclosed facility. The Committee was informed Animal Control has a capacity to accommodate 120 canines and 40 cats. The Committee was informed the cages where the cats are kept are about 20- 30 years old and noted they appeared to be worn- out and obsolete.
The Committee was informed calls received involving non- domestic animals are primarily handled by the California Department of Fish and Game. We were informed stray animals are kept for four days, however there are times when exceptions are made. There are three non- profit organizations that assist in placing stray animals, Find- a- Friend, S. P. C. A. and P. R. O. U. D. The Field Supervisor told us they have not purchased food, for the animals, in about five years, because the Hanford Wal- Mart Store has donated all the food they need. Despite all the efforts
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of both Animal Control and the non- profit organizations, there remains a need to euthanize approximately 350 cats and dogs per month.
The Committee was informed Animal Control does not have user access to the Kings County Government computer network.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. When funds are available create a minimum of one additional staff member to assist with the reduction and/ or elimination of overtime
2. Replace old, worn out cat cages
3. Establish a link from the Kings County computer network to the Animal
4. Control computer system when money is available
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the staff of Animal Control for an informative tour. It is apparent these staff members share a genuine concern for the care and well being of the unfortunate animals they are required to handle on a daily basis.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Operations Division
Kings County Sheriff’s Office
1444 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2886
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview
February 12, 2004
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Sheriff's Department is responsible for approximately twenty- two departments.
The Operations Division is commanded by an Assistant Sheriff. Reporting to him are the three commanders for Headquarters Patrol, Support Services, and the Sub- stations. Within the Operations Division are the functions of Patrol, Investigations, Evidence, Crime Prevention and D. A. R. E. Also within Operations Division’s purview are the specialty tasks of Dive/ Water Rescue, Special Weapons and Tactics, Agricultural Crimes and the K- 9 force.
Kings County is a rural, primarily agricultural, mid- state county with a population of approximately 112,000 and encompasses 1,396 square miles. Kings County’s primary cities include Avenal, Corcoran, Lemoore and Hanford. Naval Air Station Lemoore is also located within Kings County as well as Corcoran State Prison, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, and Avenal State Prison. Small non- incorporated communities include Armona, Stratford and Kettleman City. Nearly 27 miles of California’s Interstate Highway 5 runs through the western portion of the County.
FINDINGS:
The Committee met with the Assistant Sheriff and the Commander of Operations in the Grand Jury Chambers. We were informed the Operations Commander is responsible for the Patrol Units, Detectives, Coroner’s Office, Rural Crime Division, Court Bailiffs, Gang Task Force, Narcotics Task Force and the Sub- stations. Retired deputies can serve as bailiffs and are often called upon to serve as savings to the County.
Each patrol has a minimum of one sergeant, one senior deputy and four deputies assigned. Most patrols work 12- hour shifts with the exception of Avenal who work 10- hour shifts. The deputies are assigned take home vehicles, however, the
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bailiffs are not. Since the inception of the take- home vehicle program, the County has benefited by experiencing fewer maintenance problems and overall cost effectiveness.
The Detectives Unit is supervised by a Commander and has a total of 10 permanent staff assigned. Some of the positions are funded through various grants and have specific areas of responsibility. The County, like the State of California, is experiencing financial difficulties, and we were informed we may lose some of our grant funds. If this were to happen it may effect staffing.
The Committee was informed the local Indian Rancheria averages approximately 1,600 calls for service per year. The Commander is in the process of assigning regular patrol units to this area to serve a two- year tenure. The incentive is for the officers to get acquainted with the local community and earn their trust and in doing so lower the overall crime rates. We were told the County receives $ 900,000.00 annually paid directly to them to help offset the cost of providing police, fire and road maintenance services to the Rancheria. Additionally, there is a separate fund set up through the State. All gaming tribes are required to pay into this fund. The funds are later dispersed throughout the Counties.
The Assistant Sheriff informed us the Sheriff’s Office considers Worker’s Compensation to be a serious concern. The insurance rates are very high and continuously on the increase. Everyone is at a loss and there appears to be no resolution in sight.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS: None
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Branch Jail
Kings County
Sheriff’s Office
690 East Dr
Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 4102
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour
September 11, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office Branch Jail was built in 1984 with the aid of a Federal Grant. It was originally a minimum- security facility. After an increase in the need for maximum- security accommodations, a new addition was built to house the most violent offenders. This addition opened in 1999 and was designed to meet the future needs of juvenile offenders. It is planned that when a new jail is built, the Branch Jail will become the Kings County Juvenile Center.
FINDINGS:
The Branch Jail is staffed with 23 Sheriff's personnel and 14 civilians. The Committee learned that the Branch Jail has a present population of 143. The Branch Jail is designed to house 155 inmates, and the present administration has placed a capacity of 150 inmates that may be incarcerated.
The Branch Jail is made up of 8 dorms, a multi- purpose room, kitchen- cafeteria, laundry, administrative offices and a monitoring control room.
One of the dorms, the violent offender unit, has a capacity of 22 inmates. Another dorm houses a total of 32 females. The remaining 6 dorms are for the less violent male offenders.
The violent offender unit is presently on lock down status and has been for approximately 2 years. Inmates are confined to their cells for 23 out of every 24 hours. They receive an hour of day room privileges or an hour of outside yard area daily.
The inmates receive 3 hot meals a day. The meals are delivered to the cells through a food port in the cell door.
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The former cafeteria is currently used for contact visitations. Visitations are from 8: 45 a. m. to 3: 15 p. m. Saturday or Sunday. Admittance is limited to one adult and three children or two adults and two children.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury found a very well maintained Branch Jail. Keep up the good work.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Branch Jail Kitchen
Kings County
Sheriff's Office
690 East Dr
Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 4102
REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety
PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational
Interview
October 20, 2003
INTRODUCTION:
The Branch Jail kitchen is located within the Kings County Branch Jail. There has been no recent tour of the kitchen; therefore, the Committee had no information concerning the jail kitchen.
FINDINGS:
The County of Kings employs four cooks and one Senior Cook. The Senior Cook has worked in the kitchen of the Branch Jail since 1984. The staff works three shifts per day beginning at 3: 00 A. M. and ending at 6: 00 P. M. In addition to the paid staff, the Senior Cook supervises 16 minimum- security inmates who assist with cooking and clean up in each of the two kitchen facilities. All of the food is cooked at the Branch Jail kitchen and then transported to the Main Jail kitchen for serving.
The jail inmates receive three hot meals a day. Title 15, implemented by the Board of Corrections, dictates that dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables must be included in the daily menu. The menu rotates every 28 days. Kings County has the lowest food cost in the state: $. 77 per meal per inmate. The state average is $ 1.25.
The Senior Cook is responsible for competitive bidding on food, placing the food orders, accounting, budgeting and projecting. According to the Senior Cook, the majority of the problems in the kitchen are as a direct result of the inconsistent inmate help. Inmates revolve in and out frequently. He also stated that sometimes, there is a lack of adequate staffing and not enough eligible inmates to assist in the kitchen. The Senior Cook estimates that it takes three inmates to do the job of one full time staff person.
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The Senior Cook cited a second problem for the kitchen: the lack of freezer storage. Additional freezer storage would allow the Senior Cook to continue to purchase and store the most cost- effective food for the inmates.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Provide for additional staff when the budget allows
2. Provide the kitchen with an adequate freezer
COMMENTS:
The Grand Jury thanks the Senior Cook for his informational presentation and his dedication to cutting costs where possible.
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AREA OF INQUIRY: Main Jail
Kings County
Sheriff’s Office
1444 W Lacey Blvd
Hanford CA 93230
( 559) 5
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Description
| 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 | 2003- 2004 KINGS COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 2003- 2004 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 2003- 2004 Kings County Grand Jury COUNTY GOVERNMENT Kings Area Rural Transit Agency........................................................ 1 Treasurer/ Tax Collector/ Auditor/ Controller........................................ 2 County Library System Administration............................................... 4 Risk Management................................................................................ 6 Department of Child Support Services................................................ 8 Kings In- Home Supportive Services Public Authority........................ 10 Economic Development Corporation.................................................. 12 Government Center and Park Shop...................................................... 14 Kings County Shop Equipment and Repair Maintenance................... 16 Planning Agency.................................................................................. 18 Kings Mosquito Abatement District.................................................... 20 Water Districts Laguna Irrigation District........................................... 22 Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District........................................... 24 Motor Pool........................................................................................... 26 Kings Waste and Recycling Authority................................................ 27 Chemical Waste Management Inc....................................................... 30 County Safety Officer.......................................................................... 32 Job Training Office Kings County....................................................... 33 Summary.............................................................................................. 34 HEALTH AND EDUCATION Community Challenge Grant Kings County Health Dept................... 35 Tobacco Control Program Kings County Health Dept........................ 36 Commission on Aging......................................................................... 38 Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Programs....................... 39 Avenal Elementary School.................................................................. 40 Avenal High School............................................................................. 41 Tamarack Elementary School.............................................................. 44 John C. Fremont School....................................................................... 46 Bret Harte School................................................................................. 48 Corcoran Community Day School....................................................... 49 i Mark Twain School.............................................................................. 50 Kit Carson Union School District........................................................ 51 Delta View Joint Union School District.............................................. 52 Lakeside Elementary School................................................................ 54 Office of Education Kings County...................................................... 56 Hanford West High School.................................................................. 58 Lemoore High School.......................................................................... 60 Lee Richmond School.......................................................................... 62 Central Kitchen Hanford Elementary School District......................... 63 Summary.............................................................................................. 65 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY Hanford Police..................................................................................... 66 Hanford Fire Department Station # 1.................................................... 69 Kings County Fire Department............................................................ 70 Armona Fire Station # 5 Kings County Fire Dept................................ 73 Burris Park Fire Station # 1 Kings County Fire Department................ 74 Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department................................................... 75 Lemoore Police Department................................................................ 76 Corcoran Sheriff Substation Kings County Sheriff’s Office............... 77 Kings County Narcotics Task Force.................................................... 78 Animal Control Kings County Sheriff’s Office................................... 81 Operations Division Kings County Sheriff’s Office............................ 83 Branch Jail Kings County Sheriff’s Office.......................................... 85 Branch Jail Kitchen Kings County Sheriff's Office............................. 87 Main Jail Kings County Sheriff’s Office............................................. 89 Communications Division Kings County Sheriff’s Office.................. 91 Corcoran Police Department................................................................ 93 Avenal Sheriff Sub- Station Kings County Sheriff.............................. 95 Kettleman City Sub- Station Kings County Sheriff.............................. 97 County Counsel.................................................................................... 99 Victim Witness Assistance Program Kings County Probation............ 101 Kings County Probation....................................................................... 103 Avenal State Prison.............................................................................. 105 California State Prison - Corcoran....................................................... 109 California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran 111 District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigations Division............... 113 Detentions Division Kings County Sheriff’s Office............................ 116 Summary.............................................................................................. 119 ii LOCAL GOVERNMENT Hidden Valley Park..................................................................................... 120 Citizen's Complaint Hidden Valley Park.................................................. 123 City of Avenal.............................................................................................. 125 Lemoore Parks and Recreation Department............................................ 127 Lemoore Golf Course................................................................................. 128 City Clerk City of Hanford......................................................................... 129 Public Works Department City of Hanford............................................. 131 City of Corcoran.......................................................................................... 133 Finance Department City of Hanford....................................................... 134 Earl F. Johnson Park................................................................................... 135 Community Services District Kettleman City......................................... 137 Stratford Public Utility District................................................................. 139 Lemoore Cemetery District Grangeville Cemetery................................ 140 Armona Community Services District...................................................... 141 Hanford Cemetery District......................................................................... 143 ( SPUD) Stratford Public Utility District.................................................. 146 Hanford Municipal Airport........................................................................ 148 Community Development Department City of Hanford........................ 150 Old Courthouse Square City of Hanford.................................................. 152 Summary........................................................................................................ 155 Visitation Log County Government............................................................................. 157 Health and Education........................................................................... 160 Law and Public Safety......................................................................... 163 Local Government................................................................................ 165 iii AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Area Rural Transit Agency 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2696 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Informational Interview December 1, 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. FINDINGS: The Committee met with KART Transportation Manager in the Grand Jury Chambers. The Committee was informed that all recommendations from the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report were in process of being complied with. KART has 13 daily routes serving the city of Hanford, Lemoore, West Hills Community College, Lemoore Naval Air Station, College of the Sequoias, Cypress Medical Center in Visalia, Avenal, 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 Veterans Hospitals twice weekly. Eighty percent of KART's funding comes from federal, state and local taxes, the remaining twenty percent from passenger fares. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 1 AREA OF INQUIRY: Treasurer/ Tax Collector Auditor/ Controller 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford, CA 93230 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Ad Hoc County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview January 7, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Auditor/ Controller is elected for a four- year term. The Auditor/ Controller is the " watchdog" over the legality of expenditures and handling of receipts; prepares financial audits of county departments and special districts; tabulates county revenues and expenditures and assessed valuation for the Assessor's rolls; computes tax bills; and provides administrative oversight to the County General Services Function. The Treasurer/ Tax Collector is elected for a four- year term. It is the responsibility of the Treasurer/ Tax Collector to collect taxes on all secured and unsecured properties, miscellaneous license collections and collection of transient occupancy taxes. Responsibilities of the Treasurer/ Tax Collector include cash management, safeguarding County funds, providing full accountability, maintaining an effective cash flow and investing idle funds. FINDINGS: The Grand Jury met in chambers with the County Administrative Officer, Treasurer/ Tax Collector and the Deputy Administrative Officer at the request of the County Administrative Officer. The County Administrative Officer provided the reasons why the Administration has recommended to the Board of Supervisors that Kings County combine the Treasurer/ Tax Collector and Auditor/ Controller into one Department of Finance. By law, the electorate must approve the consolidation of two departments into one Department of Finance. This will be brought to the electorate on the March 2004 primary election. Currently Treasurer/ Tax Collector and Auditor/ Controller are elected positions. The initiative proposes to change these positions from elected to appointed by the 2 Board of Supervisors. The State of California Constitution currently mandates only three positions are elected - Sheriff, District Attorney and Assessor. The ballot initiative would combine the two departments and add cross training within the departments resulting in annual savings of $ 12,000, possibly as high as $ 25,000 in the first year. There are three other counties in the state that have appointed Directors of Finance. Kings County would like to avoid making the same errors made in other counties, such as Orange County, whose risky investments and the liquidation of the county portfolios resulted in their filing of bankruptcy. State Legislation was passed in 1995 restricting county investments and shifting responsibility to the local Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for delegating investment authority annually. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Grand Jury supports the merger of Treasurer/ Tax Collector and Auditor/ Controller and encourages voters to carefully consider the initiative on the March 2, 2004 ballot. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury sees efficiency and savings to Kings County taxpayers in the proposed creation of a Department of Finance. 3 AREA OF INQUIRY: County Library System Administration 401 N Douty St Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 0261 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour September 22, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The County Library System provides library service through its seven branches located in Avenal, Armona, Corcoran, Stratford, Lemoore, Hanford and Kettleman City. The County Library and the Armona Elementary School District share responsibility for operating the Armona Community Library at Parkview School. The proposed budget for 2003- 2004 is $ 1,072,800, which is down $ 4,000 from 2002- 2003. A percentage of property taxes collected in Kings County is the only constant source of income. Other sources of income are one- time grants, Friends of the Library, fines, and fees. The Library System has a web site at www. sjvls. lib. ca. us/ kings. The Library catalog is available on- line from a link on the Kings County Library’s home page. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the County Librarian who spoke about the system as a whole and the Branch in particular. There are nine full time employees at the Hanford Branch. A tour of the facility followed. There is a separate section for children where Book Buddy volunteers worked with 700 summer readers, under 13 years old, and 150 teenagers in 2003. The California Public Library Foundation decides the funding from the state to county libraries. Kings County received $ 70,000 for 2003, down from $ 270,000 in 2002. At the present time the library receives 300 magazine subscriptions, 9 newspapers in English and 2 in Spanish. There are ten computers in the computer lab and seven in the open floor area, all available for public use. The Hanford Branch contains approximately 90,000 volumes in English and foreign languages. Many 4 are in large print. The Librarian expressed a desire for more large print and non- fiction books, which would call for more space and added staff. All books checked in and out are done electronically. Borrowers with overdue books are sent two notices. Overdue accounts are turned over to Kings Credit Service for collection. Available to the public is a quiet study area with separate computers for job searches and traffic school. Removing books from the quiet study area and putting them on the open floor shelves has caused a loss of space. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. When funds become available add extra floor space 2. When funds become available hire additional staff 3. When funds become available acquire new large print and non- fiction books COMMENTS: None 5 AREA OF INQUIRY: Risk Management 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2379 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview August 11, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Risk Analyst is under the direct supervision of the County Administration. Duties include administratively directing management of all county insurance programs, including worker's compensation and general insurance liability. Other insurances carried by the county are: medical malpractice, crime/ bond, dental and vision, and health. Staff consists of one full- time clerical assistant for the Risk Analyst. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Risk Analyst in the Grand Jury chambers. The analyst explained the duties, which consist mostly of worker's compensation and employee health benefits. Claims for these benefits go to the Risk Analyst. Final decisions are made by Kings County Administration. If retirements are recommended, the analyst tries to make the transitions as smooth as possible. When a Claim for Damages is filed against the County, the claim is submitted to the Board of Supervisors. The Clerk of the Board distributes a copy of the claim to County Counsel and to Administration- Risk Manager. County Counsel calendars each claim to monitor times statutes. During that period of time, it is the Risk Analyst's responsibility to determine who should handle a particular claim. Claims that pertain to road liability are generally coordinated through the Public Works Department. Risk Analyst checks with County Counsel for any claim they may be dealing with before making any outside referrals. A recommendation is then made by the Analyst to the Board of Supervisors to either reject or accept a claim. If a complaint is served on the Board the Analyst checks with County Counsel to see if the complaint should be handled in- house or not. Most complaints are then sent immediately to an outside attorney who handles the complaint through to resolution. 6 The analyst visits the various county departments and conducts training sessions. Part of the duties of this position is to interview new hires and explain all the optional insurances available to them, such as: life, income protection, etc. Employees working 20 hours a week, or more, are eligible for all benefits. At the present time the county is self- insured for claims up to $ 500,000. The broker for the County is in Fresno. The analyst explained the broker was the best person for the job. The County Safety Officer works with the Risk Analyst and provides information regarding accidents, injuries or illnesses of employees. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Risk Analyst for the interview. 7 AREA OF INQUIRY: Department of Child Support Services 525 W Third St P O Box 1289 Hanford CA 93232 ( 559) 584- 1425 ext 4163 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour October 27, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Department of Child Support Services promotes the well- being of children and the self- sufficiency of families by delivering effective child support services to help meet the financial, medical and emotional needs of children. No one will be excluded from services or denied access to the child support program or otherwise subjected to treatment that is different than that provided to others because of age, color, disability, ethnic group identification, national origin, race, religion or sex. FINDINGS: The Committee went on an informational tour to Child Support Services and met with the Director and the Assistant Director. The Committee was informed that the service has been at this location approximately one year. Originally the department was part of the District Attorney's Office. It became a stand- alone Department of Child Support Services on July 1, 2002. The Governor signed legislation in 1999 establishing a California Department of Child Support Services transferring local programs from district attorneys to county departments. Services offered by the Child Support program include: establishing paternity ( fatherhood); locating parents; requesting child support orders from the court; requesting medical support orders from the court; enforcing child and spousal support orders; modifying child support orders and collecting and distributing child support. Staffing consists of 73.5 positions which include process servers, lawyers, support specialists, etc. Funding comes from the State of California 34 percent and Federal funds 66 percent. With the current budget cuts, the service is facing a reduction in staff funding. 8 In 2002 there were between 10,000 and 11,000 active cases, with $ 13 million collected in child support. The service is not able to collect in all cases. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Director and Assistant Director for the tour and refreshments. 9 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings In- Home Supportive Services Public Authority 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 3610 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview January 12, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Kings In- Home Supportive Services ( IHSS) was affiliated with the Kings County Human Services Department. The IHSS became a new department, per state mandate, which had not been visited by the Kings County Grand Jury. FINDINGS: The Executive Director of IHSS met with the Committee in the Grand Jury Chambers. The Director advised the Committee that the current Governor of the State of California has earmarked the agency for elimination as part of the California State budget reduction. The agency was mandated by legislation and had to be in place by January 1, 2003. The Welfare Department administers the IHSS with funds from the Federal Government ( 50 percent), State Government ( 30 percent), and County Government ( 20 percent). The current annual budget is $ 375,000. The IHSS is guided by a state mandated and locally appointed advisory council, the majority of whom are current or past users of IHSS, and the Kings County Board of Supervisors who sit as the Board of Directors for this public agency. Kings County has 1,200 recipients of IHSS. Providers, those employed to work for the recipients, have thorough background checks, past employer reference checks and orientation and training. A registry is maintained with names of those qualified and approved as providers. The recipient makes the final choice of whom they hire as a provider. The State of California makes payment to a provider, with each being paid for a twenty- hour week maximum. Recipients of IHSS are qualified by receiving Supplemental Security Income, having a low income, being elderly or disabled. The IHSS is for recipients who wish to live in their own homes but need help with daily activities. Providers help with bathing, cooking, appointments and medication. 10 The general purpose of this agency is to improve the program for IHSS users and workers. Approximately 65 percent of IHSS are now performed by paid family members. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Executive Director of IHSS for his time and informative presentation. 11 AREA OF INQUIRY: Economic Development Corporation 120 N Irwin St Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 585- 3576 1( 800) 533- 4039 www. kingsedc. org REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour December 1, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Economic Development Corporation ( Kings EDC) has the task to advertise and recruit new businesses to Kings County. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Kings EDC President- CEO, who is also the director of the Job Training Office. The corporation consists of 49 employees with a budget in excess of $ 4 million. Some of the accomplishments for this corporation to be proud of are as follows: 1. The construction and opening of Leprino Foods, the world’s largest mozzarella cheese manufacturing facility, near Lemoore 2. The opening of AGUSA Inc., near Lemoore, a high quality tomato powder producing plant with world wide distribution 3. The cities of Avenal and Lemoore received over $ 5.7 million in federal economic development funding to develop additional industrial parks 4. The Cross Valley Rail Corridor Project completed the upgrade of the rail originating in the Fresno County community of Huron, continuing east through Lemoore and Hanford to Visalia. The 44- mile line now accommodates the new generation “ Super” rail cars, providing improved transportation capabilities 12 5. The completion of a second GWF Energy peaker plant in Kings County 6. West Hills Community College in Lemoore completed the first phase of its construction 7. Rite Aid opened a new store in the City of Corcoran 8. The City of Hanford welcomed Home Depot, approved a new Target Center and is scheduled for one of California’s first Wal- Mart Super Centers All of these additions have helped the employment situation in the county, but much more is needed to lower the 14.5 percent unemployment rate. Kings County has a current population of over 134,000 and is expected to grow to 200,000 by the year 2020. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury found the informational tour to be very enlightening and a source of good information. We thank the President- CEO for the time he devoted to us. He was more than willing to answer our questions. Keep up the good work. 13 AREA OF INQUIRY: Government Center and Park Shop 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2690 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour and Informational Interview February 9, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Government Center moved to the present site in 1977- 1978. It consists of approximately 77 acres and 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. This follow- up tour and informational interview was a result of the recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. The recommendations were: 1. The drainage grate on the 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 cross walk 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. 14 8. " High Voltage" signs should be placed on transformers at the Probation Department and other Departments that have electric transformers. The 2002- 2003 County Government Committee made an inspection on April 14, 2003 and found that recommendations numbers 1, 2, 3 and 7 were completed. Recommendation numbers 4, 5, 6 and 8 still required action to be taken to insure compliance. FINDINGS: The Committee toured the areas of concern and found that recommendation numbers 5, 6 and 8 had been addressed. Due to budget restrictions and shortage of personnel recommendation number 4 cannot be accomplished. The safety hazards addressed in number 7 will be rectified upon completion of the new park's shop. The old park's shop will be demolished. The Committee met with the Director, the Building Maintenance Superintendent and the Parks and Grounds Superintendent in the Public Works Conference Room. The Committee was informed that with anticipated budget cuts, staff reduction and loss of inmate help the grounds cannot be properly maintained. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Director, the Building Maintenance Superintendent and the Parks and Grounds Superintendent for the interview. 15 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Shop Equipment and Repair Maintenance 11827 11th Ave Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 9207 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Tour March 1, 2004 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. Maintenance for Fire Department vehicles and equipment is contracted to a local farm equipment maintenance company. There are seven employees in the 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. This follow- up tour was in response to the Grand Jury 2002- 2003 Final Report recommendation to replace rain gutters on the south side of the building. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Fleet Service Manager and found the rain gutters have been replaced. A tour of the facility revealed the shop well organized and maintained. All shop employees are Master Mechanics ( Automotive Service Excellence Certified). The Committee found containers of recycled lubricant and antifreeze in an open area. These are subject to spills and ground contamination during inclement weather. Construction of an awning over this area would help prevent contaminates from draining to the surrounding area. 16 RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The County Shop and the Fire Department should conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of the County Shop maintaining the vehicles and equipment for the Fire Department. 2. An awning should be constructed to protect the lubricant and antifreeze containers from drainage during inclement weather and to help protect the environment COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Fleet Service Manager for an informative tour of the shop. 17 AREA OF INQUIRY: Planning Agency 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 8989 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview March 8, 2004 INTRODUCTION: Whenever a new building is constructed, or an existing building is remodeled, expanded or improved, the builder must obtain building permits from local authorities. Inspections are conducted at each phase of the building process to ensure that the building is in compliance with state and local regulations. Building permit fees are calculated from the valuation of the new or improved structure provided by a fee schedule set up for each region of California by state code. This fee schedule is expressed in dollars per square foot. California State Law limits permit fees to an amount not to exceed " the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged.” There are four standards of evaluation used by local Building Officials: 1. For building valuations, the Valuation Table of the Building Standards 2. For building code fees, the Valuation Building Code Tables 3. For plumbing code fees, the Uniform Building Code 4. For electrical fees, the National Electrical Code These state and national standards are periodically updated. For example, California State Building Code Valuation Tables are issued on a three- year cycle. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Director of Planning and Building Inspection in the Engineering Building. The Kings County Planning Agency includes the following departments and divisions: Kings County Planning Department, Kings County Building Inspection Department and Kings County Code Enforcement Compliance Division. Staff allocations consist of 16 positions: one director, two administration support, three building inspectors, four planners, three 18 transportation planners, two code compliance officers and one building- planning technician. Additional duties of the Director include Local Agency Formation Committee Executive Officer and Kings County Associations of Governments Executive Secretary. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Director for his time. 19 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Mosquito Abatement District 10871 Bonnie View Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 3326 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Interview December 26, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Mosquito Abatement District ( KCMAD) currently covers 552 square miles, which includes a small portion of Tulare County. The KCMAD is governed by a seven member Board of Trustees, which has two openings at the present time. The District has eleven permanent and ten to fifteen seasonal employees, depending on the anticipated workload. The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury made five recommendations of which all were safety items. FINDINGS: The Grand Jury met with the District Manager and the Assistant Manager- Biologist in the Grand Jury Chambers. All of the recommendations made by the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury have been adhered to except protecting the mosquito larvicide GB- 111 tank sight gauge. The District Manager assured the Committee that all work would be completed no later than March 31, 2004. There are numerous diseases that can be transmitted by the mosquito. Most of these diseases can be deadly. One of these that we have heard a lot about lately is West Nile Virus ( WNV). This virus was not detected in the United States until 1999. In 2002, WNV was detected in Southern California and is expected to reach the San Joaquin Valley by as early as the summer of 2004. The Committee was informed by the Assistant Manager- Biologist that to decrease exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they may carry, avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing. Apply insect repellent containing ' DEET' according to the instructions on the label. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding. Contact your local mosquito control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work. 20 RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the District Manager and the Assistant Manager- Biologist for an excellent presentation. 21 AREA OF INQUIRY: Water Districts Laguna Irrigation Dist 5065 19 1/ 2 Ave Riverdale CA 93656 ( 559) 923- 4239 Stratford Irrigation Dist P O Box 538 Stratford CA 93266 ( 559) 924- 1246 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview November 3, 2003 Informational Tours November 10, 2003 INTRODUCTION: There are 18 irrigation and water districts serving Kings County. Irrigation districts exist mainly to appropriate, acquire and distribute water to agricultural land. Other powers include electrical distribution and flood control. For the purpose of this report the Committee chose to study the Laguna and Stratford Irrigation Districts. The basic programs of these districts are: 1. Distributing the water 2. Protecting, conserving and stabilizing the ground water 3. Negotiating and contracting for supplement water 4. Maintaining facilities for surface water distribution for irrigation and ground water replenishment, known as " recharge" 5. Preserving the existing surface water rights held by mutual water companies through a program of water stock acquisition and retention 22 FINDINGS: Laguna Irrigation District The Committee visited Laguna Irrigation District and discovered that the district had more of their acreage in Fresno County than in Kings County. This puts the Laguna Irrigation District under the Fresno County Grand Jury jurisdiction. Stratford Irrigation District The Committee met with the Secretary and Manager in the district offices. Stratford Irrigation District was formed on June 22, l9l6 and currently consists of 9,727.96 acres. Annual assessments for the district are $ 15.00 per acre and are collected by the district. The district receives its water from Pine Flat Dam through the Kings River, and through its ownership of 6,850 shares of stock in Lemoore Canal & Irrigation Company. The district has a five- man Board of Directors that meets monthly. Assessments are determined at the September meeting. Stratford Irrigation District is part of the Lemoore Canal & Irrigation Company. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: 1. The Grand Jury thanks the Laguna Irrigation District for their time and information 2. The Grand Jury thanks the Stratford Irrigation District staff for the information provided in regards to the distribution of water in Kings County 23 AREA OF INQUIRY: Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District 1001 Chase Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 4127 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview September 29, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District was formed in 1926, serving agriculture for over 70 years. It covers an area of 190,000 acres, of which 2,600 acres are in Tulare County. It receives water from the Kings, Tule, Kaweah and Kern Rivers. It is a customer of the State Water Project ( SWP) which provides water to areas of need throughout California. SWP, built and operated by the Department of Water Resources, is an important link in the long chain of water projects that began with the water projects of the Spanish missions. The largest state- built water development project in the United States, SWP's principal purpose is to store water and deliver it statewide. Other purposes are flood control, power generation and water quality improvement. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the General Manager of Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District in the Grand Jury Room. In 1963 the district started receiving water with 29 contractors for water rights from State aqueducts. This water district is the third largest contract in California and used for agriculture only. While the state had signed contracts to deliver up to 4.2 million acre- feet of water, the facilities to provide and deliver this full amount during normal and drought periods have not been completed. Problems caused by drought- shriveled water supplies continue to be compounded by financial difficulties. The district has a contract with the state to deliver 2.6 to 2.7 million acre feet of water a year. Any year the district receives less water, they are still obligated to pay five million dollars to the state. The State has the authority to take local water supply from the Kings River. Future development for additional water storage at District Four and the Pine Flat Power 24 Plants has been put on hold. Over 200,000 acre feet of water yearly flows to the ocean from the Kings River. Additional storage could provide up to 750,000 acre feet. If landowners within the district want to purchase water from other owners they only have to inform the District. At the present time the cost for water is $ 63 per acre- foot. The Water District encourages farmers to turn off their pumps, to preserve the ground water level. In the District, water is measured with flow meters at time of delivery. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: 1. Be cautious of water usage 2. California's prosperity is closely linked to its investments in providing a safe reliable water supply 3. " Food grows where water flows" 25 AREA OF INQUIRY: Motor Pool 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2704 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview March 1, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Motor Pool is located within the Kings County Government Complex in Hanford, California. The motor pool is one of many branches of the Public Works Department for the County of Kings. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Fleet Service Attendant at the Motor Pool. This is a one- employee operation. All the vehicles that were not in use were parked in their assigned spaces and appeared to be neat and clean. The motor pool fleet consists of fifty- six vehicles of which forty- three are sedans, nine are pickup trucks and the remaining four are seven passenger mini- vans. Thirty- nine of the fleet are powered by gasoline. Sixteen are powered by natural gas, and one hybrid Toyota is powered by electricity as well as gasoline. These vehicles are available to county employees upon request when the job requires travel. Fuel, with the exception of natural gas, is available at this location. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Fleet Service Attendant for the informative interview. 26 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings Waste and Recycling Authority 7803 Hanford- Armona Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 583- 8829 REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour December 29, 2003 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 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 orientation 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 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 27 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 percent of the profit made from selling the materials. KWRA has done a 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 $ 53,982 to schools throughout Kings County’s JPA area. Currently all eligible schools in Kings County are participating in the School Bin Recycling Program. 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. 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 degrees Fahrenheit 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. Currently KWRA is at 48 percent diversion. RECOMMENDATIONS: Strong emphasis should be made on using clear plastic bags for all recyclable materials COMMENTS: 1. Kings County has nine closed landfills that must be continuously monitored 28 2. Recycling reduces landfill dumping 3. The MRF is capable of recovering more materials with more wide spread use of CLEAR ( see- through) plastic bags 4. The Grand Jury recognizes the progress being made through the use of recycling in Kings County. 29 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 May 12, 2004 INTRODUCTION: Kettleman Hills Facility ( KHF) 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 20 years. FINDINGS: The Grand Jury met with the Director of Operations and the Executive Assistant of KHF and was given a presentation and tour of site operations. The Director of Operations informed the Grand Jury that plans are under way to expand waste disposal activities for hazardous waste, designated waste and municipal solid waste at the Kettleman Hill Facility. This project involves continued disposal of hazardous and non- hazardous wastes at KHF through development of three waste disposal units. The first is Unit B- 17, 62 acres of 30 municipal solid waste with a capacity of 18.4 million cubic yards. The second is Unit B- 20, 63 acres of hazardous waste with a capacity of 14.2 million cubic yards. The third is a vertical and lateral expansion of the existing hazardous waste disposal unit designated as Unit B- 18, increasing the current acreage of this unit by 11 acres and 4.85 million cubic yards. The Director of Operations expects this expansion to result in increased capacity lasting at least an additional 20 years. On tour, the Grand Jury 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 involved with any chemical substance, including the truckers bringing waste to the facility, are required to wear 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 laws protecting 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. When landfill projects are completed, the units are restored to their natural appearance. Covered with local plants and grasses, supporting wildlife such as the endangered kit foxes and blunt nosed leopard lizards, the landfill will blend into the surrounding environment. KFH 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 appreciates the outstanding presentation given in a manner that a layman could understand. Our thanks also go to our patient and pleasant driver, who was quick to point out the many public service projects undertaken by KFH and its employees in Kettleman City. 31 AREA OF INQUIRY: County Safety Officer 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2518 tsmith@ co. kings. ca. us REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview July 28, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The County Safety Officer had no recent communication with the County Grand Jury. Therefore, the Committee had no information concerning this position. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the County Safety Officer in the Grand Jury Room. The County Safety Officer stated that he answers directly to the Board of Supervisors. He is responsible for providing the training to fulfill the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA). This training gives County employees the ability to recognize hazards they may encounter. Each County department has a safety coordinator who works with the Safety Officer to insure training for all employees of that department and provide status information for the County. Ongoing safety training and safety awareness programs are provided to insure the safety of all County employees. The most prevalent types of accidents in 2001 were slip, trip, fall and repetitive motion injuries. The highest rates of OSHA recordable incidents in 2002 were in the five departments where the type of work would most likely lead to more accidents: Fire, Sheriff, Human Services, Probation and Public Works. The Safety Officer is not listed on the County Website. RECOMMENDATIONS: Information concerning the Safety Officer should be included on the County Website COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Safety Officer for his informational presentation and his apparent dedication to promoting the safety of County employees 32 AREA OF INQUIRY: Job Training Office Kings County 124 N Irwin St Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 585- 3532 www. kingsworkforce. org REPORTING COMMITTEE: County Government PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour December 1, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Job Training Office ( JTO) maintains a list of jobs and potential employers. Qualified applicants are matched with available jobs. Training is provided as needed. FINDINGS: Training may be provided to individuals at no charge to the trainee. JTO will pay for the cost of training up to $ 7,000 in certain cases. Occupational training ranging from three months to two years is available to eligible youth, adults and displaced workers to prepare them for today’s job market. Scholarships are provided for tuition, books and tools. Those attending vocational training are provided childcare and transportation assistance. Immediate response to business closures includes employee orientation covering one- stop services, financial management, job search and resume', workshops and connection with representatives from vocational training institutions. A 50 percent wage reimbursement is offered to employers to offset the cost of hiring and training new employees. Qualified young people between the age of 14 and 21 are sponsored for vocational training and are offered paid work experience in areas of their career interest. Work experience, job shadowing, on- the- job training and classroom training are available for long- term recipients of public assistance. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: Many thanks to the Job Training Office Director for his willingness to work with the Grand Jury. 33 SUMMARY COUNTY GOVERNMENT The County Government Committee of the 2003- 2004 Grand Jury consists of eight diversified members. The County Government Committee met weekly: investigating, preparing and writing reports of many of the departments and agencies in the County of Kings to form the County Government portion of the Final Report. This consumed many hours and travel miles throughout Kings County. The 2003- 2004 Grand Jury visitation log indicates an Engineering Department in Public Works. The 2003- 2004 Committee was informed there is no Engineering Department. All structural and architectural plans are sent to engineering firms in Fresno. Therefore, the Engineering designation was removed from the visitation log. An Ad Hoc Committee prepared a report early concerning combining the Treasurer/ Tax Collector and the Auditor/ Controller into one Department of Finance. This was brought to the electorate on the March 2004 primary ballot. The voters of Kings County passed the initiative. 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. Frank Peichoto, Chairman Alex Maslowski, Assistant Chairman Ethel Baker Al Cotner Norma McGuire Tom Ross Quinton Ross Eldora Trigueiro 34 AREA OF INQUIRY: Community Challenge Grant Kings County Health Dept 330 Campus Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2606 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview August 19, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Community Challenge Grant ( CCG) was started three years ago in Avenal as the Teen Smart Retention Program. As of May 2003 it has been moved to Corcoran and renamed Community Challenge Grant. This program promotes community development and outreach programs. FINDINGS: The Committee made an unscheduled visit to CCG. CCG has a budget of $ 118,704 per year. They have two full time employees who are licensed Health Educators. Their main goal is teen pregnancy prevention. The program focuses on sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. We were told about their after school program at the Corcoran YMCA and that approximately 50 students participate in the program. The after school program also helps set career goals through field trips to various locations. Since the creation of CCG the number of teen pregnancies has dropped. RECOMMENDATIONS: Notify affected county departments of the CCG the name change and any mission changes. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury commends the CCG for educating the county’s youth on pregnancy prevention and helping to reduce the number of teen pregnancies in this county. 35 AREA OF INQUIRY: Tobacco Control Program Kings County Health Dept 330 Campus Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2606 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Interview August 19, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Tobacco Control Program ( TCP) is located in the Health Department building on Campus Drive. This program promotes the prevention of tobacco use through education. FINDINGS: The TCP has a budget of $ 150,000 per year. These funds are generated through taxes and master settlement monies. There are two full time and one part time employees in this department. The two full time employees are licensed Health Educators. Proposition 10 regulates smoking laws in the state of California. The State requires counties to look to the future to assess the need for tobacco free environments. The Committee made an unscheduled visit to TCP and met with both Health Educators in the TCP office. The Committee was informed that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths in this state. The Health Educators work with tobacco related issues for both adults and youth. They are trying to create a norm change, making sure people know that tobacco use can be detrimental to their health. TCP has created an adult support coalition of 10 to 15 community volunteers. TCP designs Tobacco Free Zone signs for entry ways and distributes them to businesses throughout the county upon request. They also provide education materials to all government agencies and businesses in Kings County and create media messages, posters, signs and newspaper advertisements to inform the public of the dangers of tobacco use. In addition, they are available to give presentations in the county. TCP staffed an informational booth at the 2003 Kings County Fair. The 36 Committee was informed that TCP will be working to establish a Smoke Free Fair for 2004. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: 1. The Grand Jury encourages the TCP to continue working for the support of other community agencies to help enforce the “ No Smoking in Public Places” laws 2. The Grand Jury thanks the staff for a very informational interview. The staff was both enthusiastic and knowledgeable in providing Kings County citizens with information to create a tobacco free environment 37 AREA OF INQUIRY: 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 February 10, 2004 INTRODUCTION: This tour was in response to the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. Their recommendations were: 1. Replace back door 2. Finish painting the interior 3. Replace carpet at Mary Brock Hall 4. Kings County Commission on Aging ( KCCOA) should utilize all of Mary Brock Hall FINDINGS: The Committee toured the facility and found the back door was replaced, interior painted and carpet replaced. The remainder of Mary Brock Hall is occupied by Child Protective Services; therefore, it cannot be used by KCCOA. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program has approximately 500 volunteers in Kings County. Five students from College of the Sequoias and California State University, Fresno currently volunteer with KCCOA. The students are working toward their Master's Degree. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 38 AREA OF INQUIRY: Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Programs Administration Kings County Administrative Office 1400 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2382 msherman@ co. kings. ca. us REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview July 29, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Kings County Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Programs Administration ( AOD) has not been visited by the Grand Jury since 2001. This Committee requested a briefing from Kings County Mental Health Services that would provide us with an overall comprehension of the programs and services available to people needing assistance in the areas of mental health, alcohol or drug abuse. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Mental Health Director in the Grand Jury chambers to receive this overview July 29, 2003. The director informed us the total budget for Mental Health Services for fiscal year 2003- 2004 is $ 8,657,832. Of this, the total budget for AOD Prevention Services is $ 1,627,460. Mental Health provides a broad spectrum of services to the county residence. The responsibility of the Mental Health Director is to ensure that individuals in need of outpatient mental health services or inpatient psychiatric treatment have access to those services. Primary Prevention Services provides activities and services aimed at preventing drug and alcohol abuse to schools, youth groups, and other community associations. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 39 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 February 17, 2004 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 the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report recommendation: The leak in the hall roof near the Speech Therapy room needs to be repaired. FINDINGS: The Committee went to the Avenal Elementary School and found that the leak in the hall roof near the Speech Therapy room had been repaired. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 40 AREA OF INQUIRY: Avenal High School 601 E Mariposa St Avenal CA 93204 ( 559) 386- 5253 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour and Follow up February 17, 2004 INTRODUCTION: Avenal High School is one of eight schools in the Reef- Sunset Unified School District. Avenal High School was built in 1937. Twice in the last twenty- five years it has undergone a major restoration. This included remodeling and conversion of a bus barn into agriculture classrooms and a laboratory. A new gymnasium was funded in 2001. A School Resource Officer ( Kings County Deputy Sheriff) and a Kings County Probation Officer are on campus. The school serves free breakfast and lunch to all students. The free meals are a federally funded program. Approximately 80 percent of the students eat these meals. The 2001- 2002 Grand Jury found that there was not enough seating for the students during the meal period. They 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. Avenal High School officials told Committee members that Avenal voters had passed a bond in 2000 funding a new gymnasium. The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Committee toured the school on October 8, 2002 and made the following recommendations: 1. The immediate purchase or construction of additional seating for the students during their breakfast and lunch periods. 41 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 litter 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 property and enhance the appearance of the school. 4. The hot water needs to be restored to the sink in the gymnasium locker room and this area cleaned up. FINDINGS: The Committee made a follow up tour on February 17, 2004. The Committee found no new additional seating for students during breakfast or lunch has been purchased or constructed. There is no maximum occupancy sign in the cafeteria. Kitchen staff serves approximately 390 to 410 students in no more than 17 minutes with 80 seats in the cafeteria. Prior Grand Juries have made recommendations for purchase or construction of additional seating for students during breakfast and lunch periods. The response from the school district that a facility plan is being developed is not a sufficient explanation. Immediate action should be taken by the Kings County Fire Marshal to see that fire and safety codes are being adhered to. Central air registers were full of litter including insulation, which could be a hazard to students eating nearby. The Committee saw a trash compactor used by the cafeteria. It is in a non- secured area. The grounds were clean and had plenty of garbage cans for litter. The Committee was given a tour of the locker room and saw an example of the new locker that will be installed in three phases. The hot water has been restored to the sink in the gymnasium. One sink in the boy's locker room is not working. Two of the air blowers were out of order. The water fountain in the boys' locker room was not working. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The immediate purchase or construction of additional seating for the students during their breakfast and lunch periods seating in the cafeteria 42 2. The Kings County Fire Marshal inspect the cafeteria for all Health and Safety Code violations 3. Clean the central air registers in the cafeteria 4. Construct a fence around the trash compactor 5. Repair the sink, the air blowers and the water fountain in the boys' locker room. COMMENTS: None 43 AREA OF INQUIRY: Tamarack Elementary School 1000 Union Ave Avenal CA 93204 ( 559) 386- 4051 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour February 17, 2004 INTRODUCTION: Tamarack Elementary School is a new kindergarten through fifth grade school, which opened at the start of the 2001- 2002 school year. Tamarack is one of three elementary schools in the Reef Sunset School District. The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury recommendations were as follows: 1. Complete the 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 FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Principal, who gave the Committee a tour of the campus. We found that the problems have been resolved. + 1. The Library has added books to its collection, all processed by the Dewey Decimal System. The Computer Lab is complete with 23 computers and one printer. 2. A fence has been constructed between the buildings where a gap and ground elevation drop exists. Metal strips have been ordered to cover the spaces between classrooms. They will be installed when received. 3. The bottom of the slide has been securely anchored to the ground. 44 4. Sodding the ground is an ongoing process. Open ground was seeded in December 2003. The area to be used for outdoor sports has been leveled and will be ready for activities in the spring. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 45 AREA OF INQUIRY: John C. Fremont School 1900 Bell Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 5102 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour October 21, 2003 INTRODUCTION: John C. Fremont School is one of six schools in the Corcoran Unified School District. The school was constructed in 1951. Because of the large number of children enrolled in lower grades the school district uses its facilities in a unique way. Students in the lower grades are assigned to one facility that houses only one or two grade levels. FINDINGS: The Committee made an unscheduled visit to John C. Fremont School. The school has an enrollment of 482 students in the second and third grades. The school has 27 classrooms and 29 teachers. The school has one special education class. There are also three English immersion classes. Each classroom has three computers with internet access. There are 20 students in a class on average. The school is very involved in teaching parents how to be teachers at home. Teachers meet with parents once a week or when a teacher thinks the student needs extra help. The school is also on the USDA Free and Reduced- Price breakfast/ lunch program, which serves 100 percent of the student body. All students may eat breakfast and lunch free. All meals are prepared on site. The Committee toured the campus; it appeared to be clean. The staff was very informative and seemed to enjoy their jobs. The Committee observed that there are no crosswalks or school zone signs and the curbs around the school are not painted red for no parking. 46 RECOMMENDATIONS: Explore ways to communicate with the City of Corcoran to get school zone signs, crosswalks and curbs painted to insure student safety while coming to and going from school. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury knows this is a problem for the City of Corcoran, but the safety of the students should be the concern of everyone. 47 AREA OF INQUIRY: Bret Harte School 1300 Letts Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 2188 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour October 21, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Bret Harte School was established in 1953. It is one of six schools in the Corcoran Unified School District. Students are drawn from the school age population of Corcoran and the surrounding area. Because of the large number of children enrolling in the lower grades, the school district uses its facilities in a unique way. Students in lower grades are assigned to one facility that houses only one or two grade levels. FINDINGS: The Committee made an unannounced visit and met with the school's secretary. We were informed that the school is for preschool and first graders. The school currently has 520 students, of which fifty percent do not speak English as a first language. There is a migrant program on campus. All students may eat breakfast and lunch free. A new fence installed in October is beneficial in keeping students from running into the busy street. Also on this campus is the Healthy Start Program, a state funded program which serves the whole Corcoran Unified School District. The Committee met with the coordinator. We were informed it serves kindergarten through fifth grades. Some of the program's goals are to promote healthy families, to provide medical referrals, and to coordinate with school nurses to assist special education. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 48 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 Tour October 2, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Corcoran Community Day School is administered by the Corcoran Unified School District. The school instructs both high school and elementary students that have been expelled from regular schools. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the principal and was shown the improvements made in response to the recommendations made by the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. While it was recommended that a separate cafeteria be built, the present site will not accommodate one. It was also recommended that school facilities be established to keep food hot or cold. The school now has a hot cart to keep foods hot and a refrigerator to keep foods cold. A recommendation was made that the school be assigned a part- time counselor. We were informed that while a counselor is present one day per week, the school is trying to attain grant money for a part time counselor to come more often. The Principal told us it would be very beneficial to have facilities to teach vocational classes. This is one of the things they hope to attain in the future. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Continue to seek funding for a part time counselor 2. Seek funding for facilities to accommodate vocational classes COMMENTS: The Grand Jury commends the improvements that have been made and encourages continued efforts for future improvements. 49 AREA OF INQUIRY: Mark Twain School 1500 Oregon Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 4178 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour October 2, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Mark Twain School is in the Corcoran Unified School District. Usually, fourth and fifth grades are taught here. This year third grade is also being taught to help handle an overflow from John C. Freemont School. FINDINGS: This tour was in response to recommendations made in the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. It was recommended that the sinks in the boy's restroom in the H- wing be repaired. Also, the paper towel dispensers in all bathrooms should be sufficiently supplied. The Committee found that the sinks in the boy's restroom in the H- wing were in proper working order. The paper towel dispensers were sufficiently supplied in the restrooms. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the school for its quick response to the recommendations of the prior year Grand Jury Final Report. 50 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kit Carson Union School District 9895 7th Ave Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 2843 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Citizen Complaint Informational Tour November 4, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Kit Carson Union School was built in 1952 for kindergarten through eighth grades. Kit Carson and Mid Valley Alternative Charter schools are included in the Kit Carson School District and share a campus. This visitation was the result of a citizen complaint to the 2003- 2004 Grand Jury. The complaint stated that the Mid Valley Charter School area had been remodeled with monies designated for the charter school. Then the Kit Carson School District relocated the charter school to an area that does not have handicap access. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Superintendent- Principal on an unannounced visit. We were informed that the monies used to remodel the Mid Valley Charter School were received through a state grant for reconstruction purposes for the school district. While speaking to Mid Valley staff the Committee learned that the building they now occupy is larger than the one they previously occupied. The Committee saw no handicap ramps or handrails for stairs. The Superintendent- Principal stated that these items were under construction. RECOMMENDATIONS: Bring Mid Valley Charter School into compliance with state regulations for handicap accessibility. COMMENTS: None 51 AREA OF INQUIRY: Delta View Joint Union School District 1201 East Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3122 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour September 23, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Delta View Joint Union School District was established in 1912. The district has only one school ( Delta View Elementary). Construction of the buildings at the current site was begun in 1950. Delta View Elementary consists of five permanent classrooms and one portable classroom that serves as the library. The school is a kindergarten through eighth grade school and has a student body of 93 with an ethnic composition of 60 percent Hispanic and 40 percent Caucasian. The school staff includes the Superintendent/ Principal, five teachers, four bi- lingual instructional aides, a volunteer librarian, a bus driver/ maintenance man/ grounds keeper and one full time administrative assistant/ secretary. Each teacher is required to teach a consecutive grade combination class ( i. e. first and second, third and fourth, etc.). Delta View also has the support services of a speech therapist, a resource teacher, a school nurse and a school psychologist furnished by the Kings County Office of Education. All the teachers have state teaching credentials. Delta View has been a Charter School since 1998. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Superintendent/ Principal in the multi- purpose room for a question and answer period. The Committee learned that each classroom has a minimum of five computers and all are connected to the Internet. Each classroom also has a television and a VCR. The library has approximately 5,000 books available and a computer lab, which has six on- line computers. The library is on the Accelerated Reading Program, whereby the books are color coded as to reading difficulty so the children can check out books written for their current reading ability. The library is on a computer check out procedure. Each child has a number assigned to him. The librarian brings up the student's number on the computer and scans the bar code in the book when a student checks out a book. The student's number and the bar code in the book are scanned again when the book is returned. Not only is this a great way to keep track of the books, it is also a great reference to determine the difficulty level at which a child is reading. In past 52 years the school has won a $ 5,000 Governor's Reading Award. This year they won the award, but no money was received. In the computer lab each child is issued a password they must enter whenever they log in and out of the computer. The Superintendent/ Principal informed the Committee that it was a great way to monitor each child's activity. Students are participating in a Renaissance Learning Program. Teachers have expressed the need for more books and quizzes to support the program. The Committee was informed that the annual district's budget is approximately $ 684,000. Delta View Joint Union School District extends into Tulare County and approximately one third of the student body comes from Tulare County. The term " Joint Union" refers to the fact that the District has attendance from two counties. The Committee learned that 75 percent of the children are bussed to school each day. Accidents have occurred on Highway 198 that runs in front of the school. A recent fatality occurred a student attempted to cross the highway. Approximately 75 percent of the children are receiving free/ reduced breakfast and lunch programs. All meals are transported in from Kit Carson School Cafeteria. RECOMMENDATIONS: As soon as funds become available, acquire the Renaissance Learning Program books and quizzes. COMMENTS: Grand Jury was very impressed with the overall operation of the district and pleased with the students and teachers welcome. 53 AREA OF INQUIRY: Lakeside Elementary School 9100 Jersey Ave Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 2868 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tours and Informational Interview January 27, 2004 February 3, 2004 March 2, 2004 INTRODUCTION: Lakeside Elementary School was built in 1953 and reconstructed during the period of 1989- 1991. The school enrollment is two hundred thirty six and fourth through eighth grades are taught. The 2002- 2003 Final Report made recommendations based on the 2001- 2002 Final Report, which recommended the removal of old drinking fountains and capping the remaining plumbing. FINDINGS: This year's Committee made a follow- up tour of the school and found that the drinking fountains were in general disrepair and in unsanitary condition. Two of the drinking fountains did not work and all of the fountains we saw were unclean. On February 3, 2004, the Committee met in chambers with the Interim Superintendent and the Assistant Principal of the Lakeside School District.. The condition of the fountains was discussed along with the fact this problem has been present since 2001 and has not been resolved by the school. One issue is that of cost. The school district could not afford to replace the fountains, only to repair them. During the interview it was suggested that the malfunctioning fountains should be out of use until they are repaired. The Superintendent agreed that this was a good idea, and would be done. 54 The Superintendent said the deferred maintenance money, which is provided by the State and matched by the district, can be used to repair the fountains. We were assured that the problem would be fixed in a timely manner. The Committee made a subsequent visit to the school to reassess the drinking fountains. We found that the fountains had been cleaned and repaired, and were all in working order. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury is relieved that after two years these repairs have finally been completed1. 55 AREA OF INQUIRY: Office of Education Kings County 1144 West Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 1441 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour January 20, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Office of Education ( KCOE) is responsible for distributing federal, state and local funds to the 14 school districts in the county. Other responsibilities of KCOE include assisting teachers in obtaining and renewing their credentials and providing school districts with an updated monthly substitute list with approximately 340 active substitutes. KCOE provides workshops for substitutes and new teachers. The KCOE Superintendent of Schools is an elected official. KCOE was founded in 1893 with the election of the first Superintendent, 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. FINDINGS: The KCOE Administrative Assistant briefed the Committee on current programs in the county. We were informed that there are about 2,000 teachers working in Kings County schools. Most of the funds to operate our schools ( 70 percent to 80 percent) come from the state. Of the remainder, 7 percent comes from federal sources, 11 percent comes from property taxes and other local sources and 2 percent from the state lottery. The county provides limited psychological and health services for districts that have fewer than 900 students. On seven school campuses the system offers 28 special education classes for students with various physical, mental and emotional handicaps. Services are provided for some of the students until age 22. At that age, those needing further services are referred to Kings Rehabilitation Center. All county schools are online. Computer availability and technological training are increasing at a steady, rapid rate. KCOE has launched the Digital California 56 Project ( DCP), a wireless network which when completed, will include access to the internet, support of educational resources and emergency services 100 times faster than internet services currently provided to county schools. Even the school busses will be connected through this service by the end of the year. When DCP is completed, there will be 23 sites in Kings County. Kings County is the first in the nation to have a network of this magnitude. Eventually, this system will connect all K- 12 schools to the existing high- speed educational network of the University of California, California State University, and Community Colleges of California. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 57 AREA OF INQUIRY: Hanford West High School 1150 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 583- 0157 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up and Informational Interview December 9, 2003 INTRODUCTION: This follow- up and interview was in response to the recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. Recommendations of the Final Report were: 1. The Hanford City Council and the Kings County Board of Supervisors must resolve the crosswalk issue between each agency 2. Install crosswalks and signs on Campus Drive at the following locations: North Drive, Forum Drive and South Drive 3. Hanford Union High School Board of Trustees make the school bus loading and unloading zone a top priority and have it completed by the 2003- 2004 school year 4. Hanford West High School send out flyers to parents and inform students of the procedures for the loading and unloading of the students In their response the Hanford Joint Union High School District stated that the off street drive for loading and unloading buses has been completed. A flyer to parents informed them of the procedure for loading and unloading students. Recommendations 1 and 2 were not addressed in the response from the School District. Past Grand Juries made attempts to have crosswalks painted on Campus Drive near the schools. Contact with the City of Hanford, Hanford City Council, Kings County Board of Supervisors and the School District did not result in the problem being taken care of. 58 FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Hanford City Public Works Director and the Senior Traffic Engineer in the Grand Jury Chambers. The Committee was informed that an analysis would be done on Campus Drive to determine if crosswalks are warranted. Included in the analysis will be a study of the number of cars, speed driven, number of pedestrians, the facility to be served and research of past accidents. After the analysis is completed the reports will be sent to the Parking and Traffic Commission for a final decision. The Commission's final recommendation is then turned over to the Public Works Director for implementation. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: 1. Final Reports of prior Grand Juries were not directed to Public Works Director for action 2. This Grand Jury looks forward to the analysis and results of the traffic survey on Campus Drive 59 AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore High School 101 E Bush St Lemoore CA 93245 ( 559) 924- 6600 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour March 3, 2004 INTRODUCTION: A student who attended Lemoore Union High School suddenly and tragically died. The cause of death was uncertain but bacterial meningitis was suspected. The Public Health Department responded as if it were the cause of death as a precautionary measure and to ensure containment if an actual virus was detected. In this country meningococcal disease uncommonly causes secondary cases. Most cases of disease occur in young people, but even in the school setting secondary cases are not common. The persons at most risk are the close, intimate associates of the source case such as household contacts or close personal friends. Even these close contacts are at low risk of developing disease. With the cooperation of the family and school, the Health Department must identify these close contacts so that they can receive preventive treatment. The risk to other students and members of the school community is very remote. As an added precaution the members of the school community would be advised to seek immediate medical attention should they develop an illness associated with a fever of 101 degrees or more for the ensuing week. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Principal and was given a complete briefing of the known elements surrounding the events that transpired prior to the student becoming ill. We were told the student had been on a FFA field trip and had returned on Sunday along with other students and teachers. The Principal was notified of the student's illness approximately two days later and he immediately contacted the other students who participated in the field trip. He then attempted to contact the Kings County Health Department to no avail. He attempted calling the local emergency numbers but discovered the emergency service is not staffed during non- business hours and there was no forwarding information, nor was there any way to leave a voice message. 60 The Principal informed us he was able to make contact after 8: 00 am and once notified the Health Department went into full action. He told us he was very pleased with their handling of the situation and the only problem he experienced was making the initial contact. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: 1. The Grand Jury thanks the Lemoore High School Principal for his diligence in handling such a tragic loss and commends him for remaining calm and providing comfort to the students of his school at a critical time. 2. The Principal was unaware that if he had dialed 911, county dispatch would have contacted the Health Department. 3. The Grand Jury contacted the Health Department and informed them of the problem with the after hours- emergency contact phone number. As a result the Health Department immediately corrected the problem. 61 AREA OF INQUIRY: Lee Richmond School 939 Katie Hammond Ln Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 585- 2298 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour September 30, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Lee Richmond School is one of 10 schools in the Hanford Elementary School District. It consists of Kindergarten through Sixth grade. This follow- up tour was a result of recommendations made in the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report. The recommendations were as follows: 1. Repair water meter box and surrounding area 2. Remove all non- skid material under drinking fountains to bare concrete FINDINGS: The Committee visited the site and found that the water meter box and surrounding area had been repaired to alleviate any hazard for entrants. We also observed that the non- skid material has been removed. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 62 AREA OF INQUIRY: Central Kitchen Hanford Elementary School District 924 Katie Hammond Lane Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 585- 2232 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Health and Education PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour March 2, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Hanford Elementary School District Central Kitchen prepares and delivers breakfast and lunch to eight Hanford elementary schools and two junior high schools in the district, also Shelley Baird School, Western Christian School, Kings County Cyesis Program and the Kings County Community Day School. They also make after school snacks for the Recreation Enrichment Academics Devoted to Youth ( READY) Program. The Food Service staff consists of the program manager, one supervisor, two full- time cooks, one half- time cook, three part- time utility workers, two bookkeepers and two custodians. Two trucks go out to deliver food to the sites. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Food Service Program Manager, who told us that the central kitchen prepares 1,500 breakfasts daily, as well as 3,700 lunches and 800 snacks for the READY program. Food cooked at the central kitchen is put into hot food carts, which maintain warm foods at 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safety. The facility is inspected by the Kings County Health Department to ensure compliance with federal health standards. Each school site that receives food from the central kitchen has two food service workers and one clerk to unload the food carts, serve the food and receive payment for meals. Students pay for meals with electronic tickets. Each student keeps his or her number from kindergarten through eighth grade. When asked what the program needs, the Program Manager replied that the freezer currently in use is not large enough. Plans are underway to install a larger walk- in freezer. The old freezer will be converted to a walk- in refrigerator. 63 RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Central Kitchen staff does an excellent job. 64 SUMMARY HEALTH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE The 2003- 2004 Health and Education Committee was comprised of nine members. The Committee made 19 visitations and in- chambers interviews, which resulted in 19 reports being written. One of the visitations was a result of a Citizen's Complaint. One of our reports addressed concerns aroused by the death of a Lemoore High School student. Initially, our investigation focused on the school's effectiveness in dealing with a potential health emergency. We found that the principal had handled the situation admirably in spite of a breakdown in communications with the Health Department. The Health Department emergency service was not staffed during non- business hours and there was no forwarding information or way to leave a voice message. The Grand Jury contacted the Health Department and informed them of the problem. As a result, the Health Department corrected the problem. Each member of the Health and Education Committee brought with them their own areas of expertise. Each benefited substantially in learning about the variety of health and education programs available to the residents of Kings County. We are proud of our time and effort spent in learning about the Kings County health and education facilities. We appreciate the warmth and cordiality we received on our visits. Wesley Harvick, Chairman Ethel Baker, Assistant Chairman Vincent Banales Janet Bloyd Richard Martinez Norma McGuire Frank Peichoto Carol Scott Eldora Trigueiro 65 66 AREA OF INQUIRY: Hanford Police Department 425 N Irwin St Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 585- 2540 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour Informational Interview October 9, 2003 January 29, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Hanford Police Department ( HPD) is dedicated to ensure the safety and security of all the people in the City of Hanford, by providing responsive and professional police service. HPD is responsible for the detection and suppression of crime and for community education in crime prevention. The HPD is organized into program areas including: Operations, Support Services, Records and Communication, Traffic Enforcement, School Resource Officer, Narcotic Task Force, Gang Task Force and Problem Oriented Policing Team. HPD recently had a change of command. FINDINGS: ( Informational Tour) The Committee met with the Watch Commander and was given a complete tour of the police station's facilities. The Watch Commander provided the Committee with a tour of HPD areas by departments and their functions. HPD presently has 49 sworn officer full- time positions. Currently there are two positions frozen due to budget cuts. Four record clerks and volunteers enter police reports into the computer system. However, due to the volume of calls and written reports, this department has a backlog of three months. Dispatch Control Mobile Path Terminal ( MPT) has 10 full- time dispatchers. There are two dispatchers and one supervisor assigned to each shift 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Dispatch receives 200- 300 calls per day, over and above 911 calls. The Watch Commander oversees operations by radio and computer. This allows the Watch Commander to monitor all activities of the patrol division. The booking area consists of two holding cells, a small interview room and the Indentix 67 fingerprinting system. The Indentix fingerprinting system is utilized for fingerprinting of various community volunteers and mandated positions requiring fingerprinting by the State of California. Investigations Division actively investigates open cases. The work area is small with minimal privacy. Investigators do have access to a private interview room for the purpose of interviewing a witness or suspect. Overall, the area is neatly organized and well maintained. Personnel are provided areas such as a break room, female day room, male locker room, weight room and a briefing room. Staff is given a number of optional ways to continue training. The briefing room is utilized as a training room. The parking compound is very small and overcrowded. Areas of concern include inadequate parking for police and private vehicles. The Committee toured the parking compound and was informed that the City of Hanford owns a number of adjoining buildings. Long term plans and goals are to expand and enclose the parking compound. This would provide a secured area for vehicles. It is the department's plan to relocate some of their offices to a building located east of the HPD. The need for expansion is extreme. The current HPD building and parking facilities were built in 1979 and have long since run out of space. RECOMMENDATIONS: ( Informational Tour) 1. Fill officer vacancies as soon as practical 2. Acquire additional office space to accommodate the growth of the HPD The Committee met with the new Chief of Police. He has 30 years of law enforcement experience. He shared a number of his goals and visions for the City of Hanford and its citizens. His first priority is to obtain a new sign for the City of Hanford Police Department. His explanation was the community should know where their Police Department is located. While building on the philosophy " build relationships with people and businesses in our community", he strongly believes this is a people business. You need to know your community in order for a department to work well. He also would like a flagpole in front of HPD. The Chief of Police plans to ask veteran's organizations for donations. A plaque would be installed to commemorate the gift. He wants his department and officers to build a rapport with the citizens of Hanford. 68 The Police Chief expressed short- term goals and long- term goals he would like to see achieved with his department and personnel. One of his long- term goals is a study for constructing a new police department building. He would also like to incorporate a police and fire administration building in the future. His short- term goal is to initiate cost savings. He is presently looking to relocate the Investigations Division into the city owned building located east of the HPD. It would be named Hanford Police Department Annex. This would provide adequate workspace, approximately 300 square feet per officer. This building will meet a number of the department's required needs. He proposes to close the alley, install electric gates and obtain adjoining parking lots. The resurfacing and expanding of the parking lot is expected to cost $ 125,000. This project is expected to take three to five years for completion. The Police Chief is in the process of developing a paint scheme for police vehicles with a motto in keeping with the City's historical values. His motto is " We're in the people business". The Police Chief intends to implement area teams consisting of four officers. They will be assigned for at least four months to a specific area of the city. This type of program is often known as Community Oriented Policing and Problems ( COPP) program. By identifying problematic areas, the officers can take pride in their jobs and will know their community. These changes will result in better rapport within the community. The Police Chief emphasized his philosophy of " Stepping back into the future". RECOMMENDATIONS: ( Informational Interview) Continue the development of the COPP program. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Hanford Police Chief for taking the time to meet with the Committee. It was very informative, as well as encouraging, to hear about the plans and the commitment of service the HPD has for the future. 69 AREA OF INQUIRY: Hanford Fire Department Station # 1 350 W Grangeville Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 585- 2545 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour November 20, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Hanford Fire Station # 1 is one of two fire stations located in the City of Hanford. The station houses one fire truck, one fire engine, and a squad truck. Firefighters are trained Emergency Medical Technicians ( EMT). In addition to fire calls, they also respond to vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, hazardous material spills and medical emergencies including crime related medical emergencies. The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report recommended the Hanford Fire Department place instructional articles in local and regional newspapers to advise citizens of the inception of the Opticom system. The intent is to make the public aware of changes in traffic control for emergency vehicles. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Fire Chief and was given a tour of the station and a demonstration of a truck with a specialized extending ladder. The ladder can rotate and is equipped with a water nozzle at the top, which dispenses copious amounts of water from an elevated position. The Committee was informed Opticom, a state of the art on- board computer system that allows city emergency fire and medical vehicles to control traffic signals to clear intersections has been installed and is currently operational. A local television station has aired a report about the Opticom system. Additionally, the Hanford Sentinel has published articles about the Opticom system. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury commends the Hanford Fire Department for its commitment to service and safety. 70 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Fire Department 280 N Campus Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 2882 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview and Follow- up March 11, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Fire Department's ( KCFD) purpose is to promote and sustain a superior quality of life in Kings County through the provision of emergency related services. Administration is responsible for general administration, reporting and records maintenance, Office of Emergency Services ( OES), training, fire prevention and arson investigation through the Fire Marshall and support for all functions of the Operations Division. OES is a part of the fire fund and administered by the Fire Chief. The Administrative Assistant- OES Coordinator’s responsibilities include serving as the leading agency for the Kings County Operational Area, developing emergency plans and resources, conducting training sessions and providing the coordinator of emergency disaster operations and activities for the county, cities and special districts. The KCFD has continually expanded the Fire and Life Safety Programs over the past few years, with emphasis on Kindergarten though Fourth grades and senior citizens. Public education is one of the most cost effective tools in reducing the number of calls for service. Funding is of a paramount concern for public education to be able to reduce losses and future costs for fire services. The Operations Division is composed of 11 fire stations staffed by a combination of 46 paid firefighters and 77 active volunteers. The functions performed by this division are fire suppression, rescue operations, fire prevention- public education activities, fire inspections, emergency medical response at the Basic Life Support ( BLS) level with all career personnel certified at the Emergency Medical Technician- I Defibrillator ( EMT ID) level, Hazardous Materials ( HAZMAT) emergency response with all career personnel and volunteers trained to the First Responder Operational level, fire origin and cause and in- service training for all volunteers. 71 The follow- up recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury’s Final Report were: 1. Lift hiring freeze and fill the four vacant positions 2. Review and increase pay schedules for firefighters to be comparable and equitable with neighboring counties 3. Install electrical power and water service at the training grounds 4. Evaluate and refurbish the 1978 pumper at the Stratford Fire Station when funds become available. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Kings County Fire Chief and the Training Officer in the Grand Jury Chambers to discuss the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury’s Final Report recommendations and the responses are as follows: 1. The hiring freeze has not been officially lifted, however, exceptions have been made and the four vacant positions have been filled. Due to transfers and promotions other positions have been vacated and every effort is being made to fill those as well. 2. The Kings County Fire Department has made arrangements to increase staff pay by four percent and discussions with the Fire Fighters Union are on going. 3. Plans are underway to extend water and power service to the training area. 4. The Committee was informed efforts to refurbish the 1978 pumper would be pursued once funds are available. In addition to discussing last year's recommendations, the Committee was informed of the intensive training required of volunteer firemen. All volunteer firemen must be trained in the following state and federally mandated courses before they are allowed to respond to an emergency incident: 1. Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR) 6- hours 2. First Aid 6- hours 72 3. Breathing Apparatus Fit- Testing 1- hour 4. Hazardous Materials- First Responder 8- hours 5. Confined Space Awareness 4- hours Each volunteer must also complete levels of expertise designated into three categories; Volunteer Certification Level I, II, and III. The Committee was informed a new volunteer committee has been formed to ensure mandated training to all of Kings County satellite stations. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury commends the Fire Chief and staff for their diligence and dedication towards providing professional fire suppression services. 73 AREA OF INQUIRY: Armona Fire Station # 5 Kings County Fire Dept 11235 14th Ave Armona CA 93202 ( 559) 584- 5206 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Visit November 20, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this visit was to follow- up on the recommendations from the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report as follows: 1. Repair the water leak in the front shower 2. Work with the Hanford Fire Department to install an Opticom unit on Engine # 5 3. Repair or replace the sign on Hood Avenue east of 14th Avenue 4. Install a sign with address identifying the fire station on 14th Avenue FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Fire Captain of the Armona Fire Station # 5 on November 20, 2003. Two of the recommendations of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report were addressed. The leaking shower has been repaired, and the sign on Hood Avenue has been replaced. The remaining recommendations have not been completed due to lack of budgetary funds. This Committee joins last year's Committee with the recommendation to install an Opticom unit on Engine # 5 and complete a sign for public view on 14th Avenue. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. When the budget permits, install the Opticom unit on Engine # 5 2. Construct a sign identifying the fire station on 14th Avenue COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Captain for his time and information. 74 AREA OF INQUIRY: Burris Park Fire Station # 1 Kings County Fire Department 6575 Clinton Ave Kingsburg CA 93631 ( 559) 582- 2733 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour September 18, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The 2002- 2003 Law and Public Safety Committee toured the Burris Park Fire Station # 1 on April 24, 2003 and recommended that the Kings Fire Department purchase a set of “ Jaws of Life” for Station # 1. FINDINGS: The 2003- 2004 Law and Public Safety Committee toured the Burris Park Fire Station # 1 on September 18, 2003, and found that the recommendations from the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury had not been met due to budget limitations. RECOMMENDATIONS: Purchase a set of “ Jaws of Life” for Fire Station # 1. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury understands the budgetary crisis our government is experiencing. However, given the strategic location of this fire station and the area of response it covers, we believe Kings County Board of Supervisors should make the “ Jaws of Life” a priority for Fire Station # 1. 75 AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department 210 Fox St Lemoore CA 93245 ( 559) 924- 6797 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour February 26, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1921 with 15 volunteer firemen. It has been operated totally by volunteers ever since. There are currently 35 volunteer firemen with a total of 4 rotating crews. The majority of calls are medical emergencies with approximately 25 percent of the calls for fires. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Fire Chief and the Secretary and discussed the recommendation of the 2002- 2003 Grand Jury Final Report, which was to purchase a new pumper to replace the out of service and out- dated trucks. We were informed that a Federal Emergency Management Association ( FEMA) grant was applied for in 2003, but was not received. Therefore, the department was not able to purchase a new pumper. While talking with the Secretary, we learned that a part- time assistant secretary position had recently been vacated and due to budget cuts will not be filled. As a result of this, the Secretary now has to take on all of the tasks that were formerly performed by the assistant as well as all of her own responsibilities. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Purchase a new pumper to replace the out- dated truck as soon as the budget allows 2. Fill the vacant assistant secretary position as soon as funds are available COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Chief and Secretary for a very informative tour. 76 AREA OF INQUIRY: Lemoore Police Department 210 Fox St Lemoore CA 93245 ( 559) 924- 9574 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Follow- up Tour December 18, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Lemoore Police Department moved into its new facility in 2000. The men and women of the department are dedicated to preserving the peace of Lemoore and the protection of its 21,000 citizens through proactive problem solving and community partnerships. The 2002- 2003 Grand Jury made a recommendation that the City of Lemoore should review the salary of the sworn personnel and make it competitive with the surrounding agencies. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Police Chief and the City Manager and discussed last year's recommendation. Due to budget problems and a hiring freeze, the department is unable to comply with the recommendation at this time. RECOMMENDATIONS: When the budget is in better shape, re- evaluate and make the necessary changes to the salaries of the department. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Police Chief and the City Manager for their time and information. 77 AREA OF INQUIRY: Corcoran Sheriff Substation Kings County Sheriff’s Office 1001 Chittenden Ave Corcoran CA 93212 ( 559) 992- 4141 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour November 6, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Corcoran Substation is staffed by members of the Kings County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies at this substation provide law enforcement services for the unincorporated area surrounding Corcoran. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Corcoran Substation sergeant and was told the substation is currently staffed with one sergeant and four deputies. There are two vacant deputy positions. Currently recruits are being trained to staff those positions. Deputies work twelve- hour shifts with little overtime. The substation is staffed twenty- four hours a day, seven days a week. Most of the calls the deputies respond to are within the unincorporated areas of Corcoran with an average response time of 12- 13 minutes. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 78 AREA OF INQUIRY: Kings County Narcotics Task Force PO Box 53 Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 2805 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview October 16, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Narcotic Task Force ( KCNTF) initially started in 1978 under a federal grant program. Following the termination of the federal grant, KCNTF continued to operate by a formal agreement between the Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore Police departments, Kings County Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. In May of 1985, the California Highway Patrol ( Hanford Office) joined KCNTF. In 1987, the Kings County Probation Department went to a full contributorship with the assignment of a Deputy Probation Officer. Additionally, KCNTF combines staffing and/ or resources from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Services and the NAS Lemoore Security Department. In October 1990, through a federal grant, a canine unit and handler were assigned to KCNTF on a full- time basis. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the supervisor of KCNTF in chambers and discussed the mission, goals and objectives of this specialized unit. We were informed a Special Agent Supervisor from the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Fresno Regional Office, supervises KCNTF. The KCNTF staff is comprised of one investigator from the Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore Police departments, California Highway Patrol, Kings County Sheriff’s Department and the Kings County Probation Department. Additionally, the Kings County Sheriff’s Department provides a secretary. When at full staffing the KCNTF would total six investigators. However, the Committee was informed the Lemoore Police Department has not been able to provide an investigator due to an internal agency issues. These assignments are considered temporary and the average term is two years. Once the term is completed the individual returns to their original assignment with their respective agency. 79 The KCNTF operates under the direction of a Board of Directors, which is responsible for setting investigative priorities, policy decisions and the general operating procedures of the unit. The Board of Directors is comprised of the Chief Administrator from each of the participating agencies, as well as the District Attorney of Kings County and the Special Agent in Charge from the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Fresno Regional Office. The Board of Directors meets on a regular basis to evaluate KCNTF activities and to develop and approve programs, policies and procedures. KCNTF averages about 250- 300 arrests per year. It works closely with the Kings County Gang Task Force and relies on support from the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting ( CAMP) for additional staff and/ or aerial support, as needed. Investigators are used for undercover operations but there are times KCNTF relies on outside sources, contingent on the nature of the operation. The Committee was informed the number one problem facing KCNTF is the production of Methamphetamine. KCNTF estimate approximately 72 percent of its arrests are Methamphetamine related crimes. Approximately 52 percent of the assets from the arrests are returned to the KCNTF fund. The remainder of the assets is divided amongst other contributing governmental agencies. The assets not only consist of cash but include seized vehicles as well. The vehicles are sold at auction in Modesto, California and the appropriate proceeds are returned to Kings County. KCNTF utilizes office space in a downtown location and the Committee was informed the facility is in poor condition and in desperate need of a complete renovation and/ or replacement. Members of the Grand agree with the assessment of the KCNTF supervisor regarding the condition of the building. The regular work hours of the staff assigned to the KCNTF are from 9: 00 AM to 5: 00 PM, Monday- Friday. However, these work hours and workdays fluctuate and the assignments usually dictate the actual hours worked. This results in a varied work schedule and the staff is expected to be flexible concerning their assignments. Every investigator completes a two- week Basic Investigator School training course, which includes a Courtroom Testimony component. All investigators are considered subject matter experts in the area of narcotics and are utilized by the District Attorney’s Office, as needed. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Obtain an investigator/ agent from the Lemoore Police Department as soon as practical. 80 2. Arrange an understanding with the participating agencies to modify the current two- year term for an investigator/ agent to a minimum of four to five years. ( 1999- 2000 Grand Jury Final Report states, " Arrange a three- year rotation of investigators with participating agencies") 3. Procure a new facility for the KCNTF to conduct their operation COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the KCNTF Supervisor for his time and applauds the efforts of this task force for the perilous job they do and for their assiduous efforts at securing a safe community for the residents of Kings County. 81 AREA OF INQUIRY: Animal Control Kings County Sheriff’s Office 10909 Bonnie View Ln Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 584- 9214 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour August 7, 2003 INTRODUCTION: Animal Control is a division of the Kings County Sheriff’s Department and serves as a location that accepts stray animals. They are responsible for licensing and registering canines. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Field Supervisor who provided us with a tour of the facility. We were informed Animal Control consists of three Animal Control Officers and one Supervisor. Additionally, they have one support staff member, one clerical position, one receptionist, occasional volunteers and two trustees from the Kings County Jail. The staff is on call 24 hours and as a result, they have take- home vehicles. The Field Supervisor informed us Animal Control averages approximately 60- 80 hours of overtime per month and would like to reduce this overtime by establishing another officer position and acquiring an additional vehicle. The Committee was informed Animal Control receives approximately 5,000 calls for service annually, of which about 15 percent are reports of vicious animals. Vicious animals are quarantined in a separate enclosed facility. The Committee was informed Animal Control has a capacity to accommodate 120 canines and 40 cats. The Committee was informed the cages where the cats are kept are about 20- 30 years old and noted they appeared to be worn- out and obsolete. The Committee was informed calls received involving non- domestic animals are primarily handled by the California Department of Fish and Game. We were informed stray animals are kept for four days, however there are times when exceptions are made. There are three non- profit organizations that assist in placing stray animals, Find- a- Friend, S. P. C. A. and P. R. O. U. D. The Field Supervisor told us they have not purchased food, for the animals, in about five years, because the Hanford Wal- Mart Store has donated all the food they need. Despite all the efforts 82 of both Animal Control and the non- profit organizations, there remains a need to euthanize approximately 350 cats and dogs per month. The Committee was informed Animal Control does not have user access to the Kings County Government computer network. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. When funds are available create a minimum of one additional staff member to assist with the reduction and/ or elimination of overtime 2. Replace old, worn out cat cages 3. Establish a link from the Kings County computer network to the Animal 4. Control computer system when money is available COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the staff of Animal Control for an informative tour. It is apparent these staff members share a genuine concern for the care and well being of the unfortunate animals they are required to handle on a daily basis. 83 AREA OF INQUIRY: Operations Division Kings County Sheriff’s Office 1444 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 2886 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview February 12, 2004 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Sheriff's Department is responsible for approximately twenty- two departments. The Operations Division is commanded by an Assistant Sheriff. Reporting to him are the three commanders for Headquarters Patrol, Support Services, and the Sub- stations. Within the Operations Division are the functions of Patrol, Investigations, Evidence, Crime Prevention and D. A. R. E. Also within Operations Division’s purview are the specialty tasks of Dive/ Water Rescue, Special Weapons and Tactics, Agricultural Crimes and the K- 9 force. Kings County is a rural, primarily agricultural, mid- state county with a population of approximately 112,000 and encompasses 1,396 square miles. Kings County’s primary cities include Avenal, Corcoran, Lemoore and Hanford. Naval Air Station Lemoore is also located within Kings County as well as Corcoran State Prison, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, and Avenal State Prison. Small non- incorporated communities include Armona, Stratford and Kettleman City. Nearly 27 miles of California’s Interstate Highway 5 runs through the western portion of the County. FINDINGS: The Committee met with the Assistant Sheriff and the Commander of Operations in the Grand Jury Chambers. We were informed the Operations Commander is responsible for the Patrol Units, Detectives, Coroner’s Office, Rural Crime Division, Court Bailiffs, Gang Task Force, Narcotics Task Force and the Sub- stations. Retired deputies can serve as bailiffs and are often called upon to serve as savings to the County. Each patrol has a minimum of one sergeant, one senior deputy and four deputies assigned. Most patrols work 12- hour shifts with the exception of Avenal who work 10- hour shifts. The deputies are assigned take home vehicles, however, the 84 bailiffs are not. Since the inception of the take- home vehicle program, the County has benefited by experiencing fewer maintenance problems and overall cost effectiveness. The Detectives Unit is supervised by a Commander and has a total of 10 permanent staff assigned. Some of the positions are funded through various grants and have specific areas of responsibility. The County, like the State of California, is experiencing financial difficulties, and we were informed we may lose some of our grant funds. If this were to happen it may effect staffing. The Committee was informed the local Indian Rancheria averages approximately 1,600 calls for service per year. The Commander is in the process of assigning regular patrol units to this area to serve a two- year tenure. The incentive is for the officers to get acquainted with the local community and earn their trust and in doing so lower the overall crime rates. We were told the County receives $ 900,000.00 annually paid directly to them to help offset the cost of providing police, fire and road maintenance services to the Rancheria. Additionally, there is a separate fund set up through the State. All gaming tribes are required to pay into this fund. The funds are later dispersed throughout the Counties. The Assistant Sheriff informed us the Sheriff’s Office considers Worker’s Compensation to be a serious concern. The insurance rates are very high and continuously on the increase. Everyone is at a loss and there appears to be no resolution in sight. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: None 85 AREA OF INQUIRY: Branch Jail Kings County Sheriff’s Office 690 East Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 4102 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Tour September 11, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Kings County Sheriff’s Office Branch Jail was built in 1984 with the aid of a Federal Grant. It was originally a minimum- security facility. After an increase in the need for maximum- security accommodations, a new addition was built to house the most violent offenders. This addition opened in 1999 and was designed to meet the future needs of juvenile offenders. It is planned that when a new jail is built, the Branch Jail will become the Kings County Juvenile Center. FINDINGS: The Branch Jail is staffed with 23 Sheriff's personnel and 14 civilians. The Committee learned that the Branch Jail has a present population of 143. The Branch Jail is designed to house 155 inmates, and the present administration has placed a capacity of 150 inmates that may be incarcerated. The Branch Jail is made up of 8 dorms, a multi- purpose room, kitchen- cafeteria, laundry, administrative offices and a monitoring control room. One of the dorms, the violent offender unit, has a capacity of 22 inmates. Another dorm houses a total of 32 females. The remaining 6 dorms are for the less violent male offenders. The violent offender unit is presently on lock down status and has been for approximately 2 years. Inmates are confined to their cells for 23 out of every 24 hours. They receive an hour of day room privileges or an hour of outside yard area daily. The inmates receive 3 hot meals a day. The meals are delivered to the cells through a food port in the cell door. 86 The former cafeteria is currently used for contact visitations. Visitations are from 8: 45 a. m. to 3: 15 p. m. Saturday or Sunday. Admittance is limited to one adult and three children or two adults and two children. RECOMMENDATIONS: None COMMENTS: The Grand Jury found a very well maintained Branch Jail. Keep up the good work. 87 AREA OF INQUIRY: Branch Jail Kitchen Kings County Sheriff's Office 690 East Dr Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 582- 3211 ext 4102 REPORTING COMMITTEE: Law and Public Safety PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: Informational Interview October 20, 2003 INTRODUCTION: The Branch Jail kitchen is located within the Kings County Branch Jail. There has been no recent tour of the kitchen; therefore, the Committee had no information concerning the jail kitchen. FINDINGS: The County of Kings employs four cooks and one Senior Cook. The Senior Cook has worked in the kitchen of the Branch Jail since 1984. The staff works three shifts per day beginning at 3: 00 A. M. and ending at 6: 00 P. M. In addition to the paid staff, the Senior Cook supervises 16 minimum- security inmates who assist with cooking and clean up in each of the two kitchen facilities. All of the food is cooked at the Branch Jail kitchen and then transported to the Main Jail kitchen for serving. The jail inmates receive three hot meals a day. Title 15, implemented by the Board of Corrections, dictates that dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables must be included in the daily menu. The menu rotates every 28 days. Kings County has the lowest food cost in the state: $. 77 per meal per inmate. The state average is $ 1.25. The Senior Cook is responsible for competitive bidding on food, placing the food orders, accounting, budgeting and projecting. According to the Senior Cook, the majority of the problems in the kitchen are as a direct result of the inconsistent inmate help. Inmates revolve in and out frequently. He also stated that sometimes, there is a lack of adequate staffing and not enough eligible inmates to assist in the kitchen. The Senior Cook estimates that it takes three inmates to do the job of one full time staff person. 88 The Senior Cook cited a second problem for the kitchen: the lack of freezer storage. Additional freezer storage would allow the Senior Cook to continue to purchase and store the most cost- effective food for the inmates. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Provide for additional staff when the budget allows 2. Provide the kitchen with an adequate freezer COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the Senior Cook for his informational presentation and his dedication to cutting costs where possible. 89 AREA OF INQUIRY: Main Jail Kings County Sheriff’s Office 1444 W Lacey Blvd Hanford CA 93230 ( 559) 5 |
| PDI.Date | 2004 |
| PDI.Date.Issued | 2004 |
| PDI.Title | Final Report. 2003-2004. |
| OCLC number | 144566439 |
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