April 7, 2022
Mayor Kimberly Craig
The City of Salinas
200 Lincoln Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901
Re: Your Response to Past Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Reports (2012, 2013, 2017, 2020)
Dear Mayor Craig:
The Grand Jury received your response to the above-titled report and finds that it does not comply with the requirements of Section 933.05 of the California Penal Code in the following respect:
Response to Recommendations: A response of “will be implemented” must include a date by which the matter will be implemented, and your response failed to include such a date.
Below is an excerpt of Penal Code Section 933.05 for your reference.
The Grand Jury requests that you resubmit your response in its entirety within thirty days of the date of this letter, following the directions contained in the original letter of transmittal.
We would also like you to be aware that it is our policy to indicate on the Grand Jury’s website those responses that are past due or non-compliant. This status will be changed once a response is received or amended.
Sincerely,
Tom Wiley, Foreperson
2021-2022 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury
cc: Salinas City Manager Steve Carrigan
Superior Court Judge Stephanie Hulsey
Subdivision (b) of §933.05 of the California Penal Code (excerpt, emphasis added)
b. For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions:
1. The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action.
2. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation.
3. The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report.
4. The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation, therefore.
City of Salinas Outstanding Implementation Updates for Past MCCGJ Reports:
(A)
Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (2012)
(R-5,6) Revisit Madison Lane Transfer site as an alternative to SSTS. Need to verify results.
(R-5,6) Create advisory committee to recommend closures of SSTS and utilizing facility in place already, Madison Lane Transfer Station. Need to verify advisory committee formed. Ten years later, it is still awaiting closure of SSTS!
(B)
Overview of the Salinas Police Department (2013)
Finding #4: The number of sworn officers in relation to the Salinas population is insufficient.
R-3: It should be a priority for the City of Salinas to increase the number of sworn officers. Had 187 officers in 2008, down to 139 officers in 2013.
Response to R-3: City agreed; no timeframe specified.
Further Action Required: Yes; Send inquiry to Salinas City Council requesting an update on progress in hiring additional sworn officers since 2014. (Google Search shows 177 sworn officers in 2022).
(C)
Animal Control in Monterey County (2017)
The City of Salinas agreed to the recommendations:
R-1 installs a sign on the Northeast side of Hitchcock Road an appropriate distance from the intersection with the shelter access road.
R-2 City and County staff develop a single statement of purpose.
R-4 Reduce the scope of currently assigned duties of Police Services Administrator.
R-5 Part of Pilot Project, staffing levels at both facilities be reviewed.
R-6 Allow staff from either City or County facilities to compete in promotional examinations for vacancies at either shelter.
R-7 City and County staff levels and procedures be reviewed.
R-8 Contact incorporated cities currently not under contract, determine animal shelter needs and if they can be met and if so, pursue contracts with each.
R-13 A copy of both five and eight month written reports be provided to the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury as of the date of the release of these reports.
R-14 Invite other incorporated cities to join in developing a JPA so that a separate legal entity could be established to provide animal control services to all jurisdictions within the County after receiving the MOA and Pilot Project results.
MCCGJ awaiting implementation status.
(D)
WHO’s in CHARGE—Stepping Up on Homelessness & Responses (2017) R1 Elected County and City officials should provide government leadership to address homelessness. Ultimately, implementation of this recommendation will require further analysis and depend on the CoC and Leadership Council for implementation.
R3 County and Cities enter a binding, enforceable agreement, such as MOA, to secure commitment to the plan and ensure responsibilities of each jurisdiction. Not implemented but would first require an update to the 10-year regional plan.
R5 There should be a clear distinction between governance of the COC-as an integral part of the broader strategic plan—and the leadership body charged with implementing a regional strategic plan to end homelessness. The City of Salinas responded with this recommendation, which requires further analysis.
R7 The newly created regional leadership body (CoC Leadership Council) should update and implement a regional strategics plan to end homelessness by defining its purpose, goals, and assessments to measure and track progress. The City of Salinas stated this recommendation has not yet been implemented. The City was willing to fund its consultant, UI, to collaborate with the CoC and update regional strategic plans…and working more carefully with CHSP on measuring and tracking progress.
R1, R3, R5, R7 No Implementation found.
(E)
Sexual Harassment Prevention (2020)
Recommendations –3
R21 - By June 30, 2021, the city of Salinas should automate the six-month new supervisor training signal for AB 1825 training. The City’s HR Department should develop an automated HR noticing process that informs all newly hired or appointed supervisors of the six-month AG 1825 supervisor training requirement…The City responded the recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented within the timeframe provided or sooner
R22 - Will be implemented June 30,2022
R23 - The City’s senior management should adopt a stronger emphasis on promoting individual city supervisor employee responsibility to complete required training, including 1825 supervisor training, in a timely manner. Will be implemented September 30, 2020 The MCCGJ is awaiting verification of implementation of R21 and R23. R22 was to be completed by June of 2022.