June 30, 2000

Honorable Frank L. Ochoa
Presiding Judge
Santa Barbara County Superior Court
Santa Barbara, California

Dear Judge Ochoa,

In compliance with California Penal Code, Section 933, the 1999-2000 Grand Jury of Santa Barbara County submits this Final Report. The report includes responses to the 1998-1999 Grand Jury Report as well as eleven current studies.

The Jury, made up of nineteen County residents, took their responsibility very seriously. They approached their mandate with an unbiased attitude and a desire to be thorough, constructive, and realistic. The Jury considered and responded to over 250 letters from concerned citizens. Some of the correspondence resulted in a full investigation. The importance of citizen input cannot be stressed enough. This Jury interviewed over 200 witnesses in its pursuit of the facts. 

This publication is produced with an attitude of optimism. After spending the last year immersed in County government, this Jury would like to comm