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 1997-1998 Grand Jury of Santa Barbara County submits this Final Report, a compilation of all reports completed during our term.

As ordinary citizens we took our "watchdog" function seriously and carefully studied the issues and complaints submitted to us. A number of them warranted further discussion and investigation. There were others we did not have time to pursue. And some issues were resolved in the course of investigation. The following reports represent hundreds of hours of research, field work, interviews and deliberation.

We looked at Employee Training in the County and Vocational Training. We examined the Role of the Board of Supervisors and Joint Power Agreements. Reports included Affordable Housing and High School Ethnic Studies. If you wished to develop housing in the county we reported on Public and Private Partnership in Planning and Redevelopment. We investigated Housing for the Mentally Ill and Wildlife Management. We released in depth reports on County Retirement System 1998 and The Public Defenders Department. Also, we completed the mandated reports on Detention Facilities and Audit of County Records, and completely reviewed the Follow Up Responses from last year's Grand Jury report.

As you know, Grand Jury final reports can be voluminous. In the past, some reports received limited public exposure, and the public has remained largely unaware of the grand jury^Òs watchdog function. This situation is, in reality, not only a waste of grand jury time and effort, but also the assets of the county. This year we undertook an ambitious project to more widely disseminate grand jury reports.

On June 28, 1998, the Grand Jury published a first time special supplement in three county newspapers, titled Grand Jury Reports for 1997-98. This supplement highlights several complete reports and summarizes the remaining ones. These newspapers reach over 80,000 subscribers. Based on this circulation, the supplement reached about 25% of county residents. In addition, we printed our standard hardcover report which the Grand Jury has produced for years.

When our term started in July, we lacked an adequate computer system. Working with the Superior Court data services division, we completely overhauled and installed a new system for networking our computers. In addition, we added scanning equipment which permits graphics to be included in our reports.

Our presence on World Wide Web continues. In April of this year we switched internet service providers, and we can now be contacted at www.sbcgj@sbcgj.org Our interim reports and also our follow up reports are available on the Web.

The January, 1997, passage of Penal Code section 933.05 now governs how public agencies must respond to grand jury findings and recommendations. Respondents must say in writing whether they agree or disagree with grand jury findings, how and when they plan to implement recommendations, and provide an explanation if they disagree.

With the publication of the Final Report, the 1997-1998 Grand Jury term is completed. We express thanks to those across the county who helped in our efforts. In particular, we acknowledge your thoughtful oversight, and that provided by former Presiding Judge William L. Gordon (July-December 1997). We also recognize and thank Gary M. Blair, Superior Court Jury Commissioner, and Coleen Francisco, Assistant Jury Commissioner for the County of Santa Barbara.

In closing, I would like to say that it has been an outstanding year for the 1997-1998 Grand Jury. This Final Report is the result of cooperation and dedication from each and every Grand Jury member. I would like to offer my personal commendation to those jurors who have worked so hard and have given that extra effort to produce this document. My respect and appreciation is extended to them for a job well done.

Respectfully submitted,

 1997-98 SANTA BARBARA COUNTY GRAND JURY

__________________________________
Timothy P. Putz, Foreman