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Grand Jury Hub

Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury

2025–2026: from findings to follow-through

Overview

Explore the jury’s recommendations, read matching agency responses, and join the discussion. Everything in this cycle is connected to its original source.

Recommendations & responses

Every recommendation made by the jury, with matching agency responses alongside it.

Recommendations & responses

Showing 26 of 26 recommendations

Jump to recommendation

Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp

1 recommendation

Recommendation R1

Upgrade the slower of the Eel River Fire Camp internet networks to current standards for upload and download internet speeds by July 1, 2027. (F6)

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · PDF page 23

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies

9 recommendations

Recommendation R1

The Humboldt County Sheriff direct Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services to encourage participation by law enforcement agencies in regular meetings by including standing law enforcement agency-relevant agenda items to gather input for the emergency plans by no later than December 31, 2026. (F1, F2, F3)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Sheriff
Agency plans to implement

Will add law-enforcement-relevant meeting items and outreach by December 31, 2026.

Read official response · PDF page 5

Recommendation R2

The city councils for Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell direct their Police Chiefs to designate representatives to attend the regular meetings and provide input to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services by no later than December 31, 2026. (F1, F2, F3)

1 response · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official response
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence
Agency plans to implement

Will designate a Police Department representative for OES meetings by December 31, 2026.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Recommendation R3

The city councils for Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell direct their Police Chiefs to ensure that a complete list of local disaster response needs, priorities, and protocols is included in their individual city disaster response documentation by no later than March 31, 2027. (F4)

1 response · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official response
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence
Agency plans to implement

Will review and, if needed, supplement disaster-response documentation by March 31, 2027.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Recommendation R4

The Humboldt County Sheriff request the addition of scenario-based Incident Command System Field Response Training as a separate line item within the FY 2027-2028 Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Training Budget. (F5, F6, F7)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Sheriff
Agency says further analysis needed

Requires cost and delivery analysis before a separate training budget line.

Read official response · PDF page 5

Recommendation R5

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors add scenario-based Incident Command System Field Response Training as a separate line item within the FY 2027-2028 Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Training Budget. (F5, F6, F7) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R5 with existing appropriations in the next fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate organization, including state or federal agencies. Additionally, the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors reassess funding priorities to give greater priority to all areas of emergency management and response within Humboldt County.

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Agency declines implementation

Will not implement a separate training budget line as requested.

Read official response · PDF page 4

Recommendation R6

The Humboldt County Sheriff add scenario-based Incident Command System Field Response Training for Sheriff’s Office staff to the regular training schedule by no later than July 1, 2028. (F5, F6, F7)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Sheriff
Agency plans to implement

Will incorporate ICS field-response training into the regular schedule by July 1, 2028.

Read official response · PDF page 6

Recommendation R7

The city councils for Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell, after consultation with their respective police chiefs, add scenario-based ICS Field Response Training as a separate line item within the FY 2027-2028 local police department budget. (F5, F6, F7)

1 response · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence
Agency plans to implement

Will add a separate scenario-based ICS training line during FY 2027–2028 budget preparation.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Recommendation R8

The city councils for Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell direct their Police Chiefs to add scenario-based ICS Field Response Training to their regular training schedule, by no later than July 1, 2028. (F5, F6, F7)

1 response · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence
Agency says implemented

States “Implemented,” without an implementation summary.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Recommendation R9

The city councils for Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell, after consultation with their respective police chiefs, add specialized disaster response equipment, maintenance, and training/certification as separate line items within the FY 2027-2028 local Police Department Budget. (F8) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that local City Councils fund the expenses listed in R7 and R9 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that City Councils, at their earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate organization, including state or federal agencies. Additionally, the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that local city councils reassess funding priorities to give greater priority to all areas of emergency management and response within their respective cities.

1 response · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence
Agency plans to implement

Will separately identify equipment, maintenance and operator training/certification appropriations.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems

3 recommendations

Recommendation R1

The Fortuna City Council commission a new water rate study to be completed and presented to City Council no later than April 15, 2029. (F3, F4, F5, F6)

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 25

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R2

The Fortuna City Council communicate to Fortuna customers that this yet to be commissioned water rate study (referenced in R1) will likely recommend increasing rates beginning in fiscal year 2029-2030 to provide funds to maintain and upgrade water and sewer systems. This is to be done by no later than January 31, 2029. (F2, F3, F4, F5, F6)

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 25

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R3

When the 2029 water study is complete, the Fortuna City Council redouble efforts to inform the public of results of the 2029 water rate study by sending multiple notices, extensive use of media outlets, and schedule/announce public meetings to prepare the community for the need for likely rate hikes. This is to start by no later than one month after the study completion. (F2, F3, F4, F5, F6)

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 25

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department

6 recommendations

Recommendation R1

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct the Planning and Building Department Director to evaluate and report whether positions could be consolidated or currently vacant positions could be eliminated, allowing the resulting budget savings to be used to increase compensation for positions that are difficult to recruit for and retain. This report is to be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors by January 1, 2027. (F1)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Agency declines implementation

Will not implement the proposed staffing-consolidation report.

Read official response · PDF page 4

Recommendation R2

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct the Planning and Building Department Director to reinstitute, maintain, and publicize the Department’s Customer Feedback System. This system should be re-implemented by December 31, 2026. (F2)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Agency declines implementation

Will not restore the prior departmental feedback system.

Read official response · PDF page 4

Recommendation R3

If the existing Customer Feedback System is not reinstituted, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors should direct the Planning and Building Department Director to implement a new complaint management system, and inform the public of its existence and how to access it. This system should be implemented by March 31, 2027. (F2)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 15

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Agency says implemented

Claims the alternative countywide survey and complaint-routing process already implement this recommendation.

Read official response · PDF page 5

Recommendation R4

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct the Planning and Building Department Director to create and implement a method to survey or poll customers prior to implementing departmental changes that significantly impact the community, by no later than March 31, 2027. (F3)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 15

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Agency declines implementation

Will not implement as written; describes future polling when needed and resources allow.

Read official response · PDF page 5

Recommendation R5

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct the Planning and Building Department Director to update the Department’s homepage to prominently display public hours, by no later than December 31, 2026. (F4)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 15

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Agency says implemented

Claims the homepage now displays public hours.

Read official response · PDF page 6

Recommendation R6

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct the Planning and Building Department Director to update the Department’s homepage to prominently inform the public it can schedule appointments to occur during non-public hours, by no later than December 31, 2026. (F5)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 15

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Agency says implemented

Claims the homepage now explains appointments during non-public hours.

Read official response · PDF page 6

The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt

7 recommendations

Recommendation R1

The Humboldt County Sheriff direct the Program Manager of the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services to further publicize that Humboldt County’s outdated siren system will not be replaced or expanded. This should be completed by the conclusion of Tsunami Week, 2027. (F3)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 33

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Sheriff
Agency plans to implement

Will further publicize the siren-system position by the recommended Tsunami Week 2027 period.

Read official response · PDF page 8

Recommendation R2

The Eureka City Council direct the City Manager and city staff to, as time and resources allow, apply for eligible grant funding for a “blue line” project to be engineered and installed in Eureka. Grant applications should be submitted during the next feasible grant cycle. (F4)

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 33

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R3

The Eureka City Council direct the City Manager and city staff to update the visitors map to include color-coded tsunami hazard and safe zones, in coordination with California Geological Survey maps color-coding. We recommend this be done the next time the maps are updated and reprinted. (F5)

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 34

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R4

The Eureka City Council direct the City Manager and city staff to update the kiosks to include maps with color-coded tsunami hazard and safe zones, in coordination with California Geological Survey maps color-coding. We recommend that this be done the next time the kiosks are renovated or updated. (F6)

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 34

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R5

The Humboldt County Sheriff direct the Program Manager of the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services to assess its current local wireless alert system for geolocation functionality and report to the Sheriff by September 30, 2026. (F7, F8)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 34

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Sheriff
Agency says further analysis needed

Requires analysis; explains registered-address Everbridge and geographic WEA capabilities.

Read official response · PDF page 8

Recommendation R6

If geolocation is available on the current alert system used by Humboldt County, the Humboldt County Sheriff direct the Program Manager of the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services to implement geolocation by Tsunami Week, 2027. (F7, F8)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View recommendation and responses

Recommendation R7

If the current local wireless alert system does not have the ability to send alerts based on geolocation, the Humboldt County Sheriff direct the Program Manager of the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services to compare the current system to other systems which provide geolocation capability, evaluate available funding, and submit a report on the outcome of that research to the Sheriff by December 31, 2026. (F7, F8)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 34

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Sheriff
Agency says implemented

Claims implementation because the Sheriff already uses WEA geolocation alerts.

Read official response · PDF page 9

Findings

The jury’s formal findings, with source citations and any recorded responses.

Findings & responses

Showing 35 of 35 findings

Jump to finding

Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp

6 findings

Finding F1

The Eel River Conservation Camp meets or exceeds goals for contributions to the community, leading to a healthy, trusting relationship between the camp and the community.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · PDF page 22

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

Basic job skills are learned and practiced, making Eel River Conservation Camp inmates more employable and thus benefitting themselves, their families and their communities.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · PDF page 23

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F3

Through training, education, and on-the-job work experience, inmate employment opportunities post-incarceration increase, helping the Eel River Conservation Camp recidivism rate decline.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · PDF page 23

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F4

The Humboldt community enjoys considerable cost savings by using inmate labor for projects such as weed abatement, prescribed burns, fuel reduction, rebuilding trails in state parks, landscape maintenance in public places and other special projects.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · PDF page 23

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F5

Temporary overcrowding conditions due to dormitory renovations occurring during the Grand Jury’s November, 2025, visit had been remediated by the December, 2025 visit, improving inmate living conditions and wellbeing.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · PDF page 23

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F6

Internet service that supports staff is unreliable and the transfer speed is substandard. This hampers staff’s ability to work efficiently and reliably. (R1)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · PDF page 23

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies

9 findings

Finding F1

Local law enforcement agencies can provide input into the Humboldt County Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Emergency Operations Plan, but many do not participate. Non-inclusion in the plans may hinder coordination with other first responders during a disaster. (R1, R2)

2 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Finding F2

Local law enforcement agency representatives typically do not attend regular Office of Emergency Services meetings due to time constraints or higher priority obligations. Irregular participation in these meetings limits their ability to share their experience and may also lead to reduced coordination with other first responders during a disaster. (R1, R2)

2 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Finding F3

Local government representatives (such as city managers) who do attend the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services meetings may not provide input from a law enforcement perspective. This lack of input can result in the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services not being fully aware of the priorities and requirements of local law enforcement agencies as it updates the Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Operations Plans. (R1, R2)

2 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Finding F4

The unique disaster response needs of local communities are known by experienced officers, but are not always articulated in local law enforcement agency disaster response documentation. As a result, new or less experienced officers may not have access to this information. (R3)

2 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Finding F5

Incident Command System training is a core component of California and national emergency response protocols, but is typically received by law enforcement officers only when they are at the police academy. This knowledge degrades without refresher training. (R4, R5, R6, R7, R8)

3 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
Humboldt County Sheriff

Disagrees that ICS instruction is limited to academy training.

Read official response · PDF page 3
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Partly agrees; ongoing ICS instruction and policy review occur.

Read official response · PDF page 2
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

Agrees.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Finding F6

Scenario-based Incident Command System training is not regularly conducted due to staffing constraints and budgetary limitations. As a result, local law enforcement officers may not be adequately trained in their disaster-response roles. (R4, R5, R6, R7, R8)

3 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
Humboldt County Sheriff

Agrees.

Read official response · PDF page 4
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Partly agrees; capacity limits coexist with recurring airport exercises and tsunami drills.

Read official response · PDF page 3
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

Agrees.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Finding F7

When held, scenario-based disaster response training typically focuses on agency coordination, mitigation, and planning, but often does not include the actual activities that need to be performed during a real event. As a result, law enforcement officers may not be adequately trained on the specific skills needed to respond to disasters in their communities. (R4, R5, R6, R7, R8)

3 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Jury report: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
Humboldt County Sheriff

Partly agrees; identifies practical field exercises as well as coordination training.

Read official response · PDF page 4
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Partly agrees; some exercises include practical response activities.

Read official response · PDF page 4
Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

Agrees.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Finding F8

Some specialized disaster response equipment is unavailable or not adequately maintained by local law enforcement agencies due to budgetary limitations. As a result, these agencies may be unable to respond effectively or efficiently to local disasters. (R9)

1 response · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Finding F9

Availability of specialized disaster response equipment is less of an issue for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. This allows them to respond to local disasters more effectively themselves and to serve as a potential source of equipment for local agencies.

2 responses · Humboldt County Sheriff · Ferndale City Council, with Police Chief concurrence

View finding and responses

Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems

7 findings

Finding F1

Both the Fortuna Public Works Department and the McKinleyville Community Services District are working diligently which will ensure water and wastewater services continue to be available for users.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 24

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

Despite considerable efforts of many water districts to communicate with users, people are often unaware of rate increases until a larger bill arrives. (R2, R3)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 24

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F3

Fortuna’s infrastructure is aging faster than it is being upgraded, therefore creating greater maintenance costs and deterioration of the system. (R1, R2, R3)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 24

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F4

Municipalities and districts which fail to provide adequate funding for water and wastewater systems may incur higher maintenance costs which negatively affects the amount of money available for upgrades. (R1, R2, R3)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 24

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F5

The City of Fortuna failed to complete a five-year plan during an 18-year period, contributing to insufficient system upgrades and a greater cost burden for maintenance. (R1, R2, R3)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 24

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F6

The City of Fortuna did not raise its rates for water and wastewater between 2011-2024 while operating costs steadily rose, resulting in the city having to delay needed infrastructure improvements. (R1, R2, R3)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 24

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F7

Due to FEMA not releasing money previously granted to the District, McKinleyville Community Services District will need to find money to replace funding expected from FEMA for several infrastructure improvement projects in progress.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · PDF page 24

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department

5 findings

Finding F1

Budgetary constraints on the County of Humboldt impact the ability for the County Planning and Building Department to successfully recruit and retain qualified staff. The resulting loss of experienced staff, turnover and longer vacancies make it difficult for the Department to adequately serve the public. (R1)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View finding and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Partly agrees; accepts budget pressures and emphasizes staff effort.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Finding F2

Records of complaints are not being retained as prescribed by the County Planning and Building Department’s Customer Feedback System. This results in reduced transparency, accountability, independent oversight, and missed operational improvements that could be possible by analyzing customer feedback for trends or patterns. (R2, R3)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View finding and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Disagrees; says the earlier feedback system was replaced and records are retained.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Finding F3

The County Planning and Building Department does not appear to have a procedure for surveying or polling its customers in advance of making impactful changes. This reduces the ability of the Department to use customer input to improve the Department’s performance and reputation. (R4)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View finding and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Partly agrees; no formal advance polling procedure, but describes other consultation and notice.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Finding F4

The County Planning and Building Department’s homepage does not prominently and clearly display its hours of operation. This reduces public access to services, extends processing times, and delays or impedes completion of projects. (R5)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View finding and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Partly agrees with the historical concern; claims current public hours are now on the homepage.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Finding F5

The County Planning and Building Department’s homepage does not state that appointment times are available during non-public hours. This reduces public access to services, extends processing times, and delays or impedes completion of projects. (R6)

1 response · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

View finding and responses

Jury report: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official response
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Partly agrees with the historical concern; claims non-public-hours appointments are now advertised.

Read official response · PDF page 3

The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt

8 findings

Finding F1

The City of Eureka exhibits foresight in assisting local businesses in the tsunami hazard zone to become tsunami prepared by sponsoring the Tsunami Preparedness Workshop for Businesses, improving safety and reducing risk.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 32

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

The Ink People, Eureka Main Street, Wiyot Tribe and the Eureka Cultural Arts District Leadership Council are collaborating on an educational tsunami art mural project to bring tsunami awareness to visitors and residents alike, increasing safety.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 32

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F3

Humboldt County tsunami sirens are costly, inadequately funded, and nearly all are non-functional, leaving large tsunami hazard zone areas without siren coverage. (R1)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View finding and responses

Finding F4

“Blue line” markings that indicate "Leaving Tsunami Zone" have proven effective and economical in drawing public awareness to where safety lies in the event of a tsunami, providing quick, instantly understandable emergency directions and reducing risks. (R2)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 33

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F5

Local printed tourist maps do not indicate tsunami hazard zone boundaries; this is a missed opportunity to educate visitors where the tsunami hazard zones are. (R3)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 33

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F6

Eureka Old Town kiosks do not include maps with color-coded tsunami hazard and safe zones; this is a missed opportunity to educate visitors where the tsunami hazard zones are. (R4)

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · PDF page 33

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F7

Alaska-based federally operated tsunami wireless alert systems have historically been targeted to overly broad areas of the west coast, resulting in local false alarms, confusion and needless panic. (R5, R6, R7)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View finding and responses

Finding F8

Current Humboldt Alert wireless messages are sent based on residential addresses rather than using geolocation technology to pinpoint the actual physical location of the person’s phone. This can result in people who do not live in a tsunami hazard zone missing an alert during an actual tsunami event. (R5, R6, R7)

1 response · Humboldt County Sheriff

View finding and responses

Questions

Editorial discussion prompts inspired by the reports. These are separate from the jury’s formal findings and recommendations.

Civic question

What would make regular law-enforcement input into emergency plans practical and useful?

F1–F3 and R1 connect participation, agenda relevance and information about local response needs. Sheriff and Ferndale replies distinguish existing coordination from future OES meeting measures.
Why this matters
Plans benefit from usable local experience while staffing time remains limited.

Supporting report

Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

How should field-response training costs and existing exercises inform future emergency budgets?

R4–R6 distinguish Sheriff cost analysis, Board appropriations and regular training schedules. The Board refuses a separate line as written; the Sheriff promises scheduling while describing further cost analysis.
Why this matters
Realistic practice competes with staffing coverage and other public funding needs.

Supporting report

Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

Which map, kiosk or blue-line measures would most clearly explain tsunami hazard zones to visitors?

R2–R4 propose conditional grant applications and updates to visitor maps and kiosks. These are recommendations, not completed installations or real-time safety directions.
Why this matters
Visitors may not know local hazard boundaries or the meaning of different warning tools.

Supporting report

The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

What should public explanations make clear about address registration, geolocation and the limits of different alert channels?

R5–R7 request assessment and conditional implementation or comparison. The Sheriff distinguishes subscriber-based Humboldt Alert from WEA and supplies partial explanations rather than proof every requested task is complete.
Why this matters
Clear system descriptions help residents understand capabilities without implying any channel reaches everyone.

Supporting report

The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

What should a future Fortuna water-rate study explain about renewal costs and service reliability?

R1 requests a study by April 15, 2029; F3–F6 connect aging assets, maintenance and rate-setting. Neither recommendation nor narrative adopts a future rate.
Why this matters
Transparent assumptions help households understand trade-offs before financial decisions are made.

Supporting report

Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

How should Fortuna communicate likely rate-study implications before and after study completion?

R2 proposes early notice by January 31, 2029; R3 proposes multiple notices and public meetings beginning within one month after study completion.
Why this matters
Users need accessible explanations before a larger bill arrives.

Supporting report

Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

What would make the planning complaint process easy to find and its records useful for service improvement?

R2–R3 propose restoring or replacing a feedback system. The Board declines restoration and claims a countywide survey and record process already provide the alternative; no independent system test is implied.
Why this matters
A visible, accountable feedback process can support trust and reveal recurring service issues.

Supporting report

Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

How should public hours and appointment options be displayed so customers can plan visits effectively?

R5–R6 request prominent homepage hours and non-public-hours appointment information. The Board claims these changes already exist; their service effects are not independently established.
Why this matters
Accessible information can reduce unnecessary trips and confusion.

Supporting report

Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department · Findings and Recommendations

Civic question

Which service standards would make the slower camp staff internet network reliable enough for daily work?

F6 and R1 identify unreliable staff connectivity and recommend an upgrade by July 1, 2027. No final response or completed upgrade is supplied.
Why this matters
Operational connectivity supports staff work without making unsupported claims about inmate rehabilitation.

Supporting report

Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp · Findings and Recommendations

Sources

Original reports and response documents provide the evidence behind this cycle’s findings, recommendations, and discussions.

Report overview: Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp

Official report

Fighting Fires, Changing Lives: Eel River Conservation Camp

The jury describes firefighting and community-service work, living conditions and vocational opportunities at Eel River Conservation Camp after visits in November and December 2025. Its six findings are largely positive, including reported remediation of temporary overcrowding. One recommendation requests an upgrade to the slower staff internet network by July 1, 2027. Interview accounts and the jury’s rehabilitation observations are not an independent causal study of recidivism. No final response to this report is supplied.
Report overviewOfficial PDF
Report overview: Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies

Response available

Emergency Preparedness: The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies

The jury examines how local law enforcement contributes to county emergency plans, documents community needs, trains for field response and budgets for specialized equipment. Nine findings and nine recommendations distinguish county, Sheriff and city responsibilities. Final supplied replies are from the Sheriff, Board of Supervisors and Ferndale City Council, with its Police Chief joining the City response. They describe existing practices, future actions, analysis and a Board funding refusal; these are agency positions, not independently verified implementation. Prior-cycle findings quoted in appendices are not additional current-cycle inventory.
Report overviewCounty response & auditOfficial PDF
Report overview: Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems

Official report

Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems

The jury compares funding, infrastructure renewal and customer communication at Fortuna and McKinleyville water and wastewater systems. Seven findings acknowledge staff efforts while raising concerns about aging assets, rate-setting and anticipated FEMA funding. Three recommendations ask Fortuna for a new water-rate study by April 15, 2029, advance communication by January 31, 2029 and outreach after study completion. Proposed future rates are not an adopted tariff. Historical appendices are context rather than new current-cycle findings. No final response is supplied.
Report overviewOfficial PDF
Report overview: Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department

Response available

Friend or Foe? Struggling with Reputation at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department

The jury examines public access, complaint records, staffing and perceptions of Humboldt County Planning and Building services. Five findings and six recommendations address recruitment, customer feedback, advance consultation and website information. The executed Board response disputes the complaint-system finding, partly agrees with others, rejects some recommendations and claims three already implemented. Its staffing and website accounts remain response positions; no independent live-service or personnel audit is implied.
Report overviewCounty response & auditOfficial PDF
Report overview: The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt

Response available

The Next Wave in Tsunami Warnings in Humboldt

The jury reviews tsunami education, hazard-zone communication, declining siren coverage and wireless-alert targeting. Eight findings and seven recommendations address public messaging, proposed blue-line markings, visitor maps, kiosks and evaluation of geolocation. The Sheriff’s signed response agrees with three findings and distinguishes address-registered Humboldt Alert from geographically targeted federal WEA. Its claimed implementation and analysis do not independently establish that every requested comparison, funding evaluation or report was completed. This retrospective report is not current evacuation guidance.
Report overviewCounty response & auditOfficial PDF

Response documents

Emergency preparedness responses — Sheriff, Board and Ferndale · Humboldt County Sheriff · 2026-07-27 · PDFBoard response to Friend or Foe · Humboldt County Board of Supervisors · 2026-09-01 · PDFSheriff response to tsunami warnings · Humboldt County Sheriff · 2026-07-27 · PDF