MARIN COUNTY CHAPTER, CALIFORNIA GRAND JURORS ASSOCIATION

(Minutes of the Membership Meeting October November 1014, 2005)

Meeting Called to Order by President Haxton at 10:005 AM in Court Room N A and he expressed the chapter’s appreciation to the court for making space available on short notice to accommodate our need for alternative meeting space. He also expressed appreciation to Patti Baseheart in recognition of her perseverance in pursuing meeting space for the Chapter.

Attendees: -- Dennis Brown, Gene DyerNick Clark, Conrad Kloh, Carol Fitzgerald, Ted Freeman, Donald Graff, Owen Haxton, Joan Holmes, Bob Johnson, Albert Lozano, Betty Mattea, Catherine Keith LesterMcKown, Larry Haines, Sterling Harwell, Stuart Brown, Ronald Lucas, Barbara Smith, Jack Olive, Walter Monash, Lowell Smith, Irwin Taranto, and Sheldon Wolff.

Initial remarks: -- Owen pointed out that the comments to be given with the award presentation to the IJ are available. He expressed appreciation to Patti for arranging our meeting venue in Courtroom A, and he also thanked the Acting Court Administrator, Kim Turner, for her kind cooperation.

Agenda --– Stu asked about adding material from the fiscal revue committee to the agenda. Stu noted that according to our calendar we should appoint a Fiscal Review Committee at this meeting, to review the Chapter’s books for the year and report in February. The agenda was approved after correcting the date of the next Chapter meeting to November 14.

Minutes –After some discussion Tthe minutes of the September October 102 meeting were approved as submitted

Recommendations of the web site committee – Gene Dryer presented the material on the revised website designed by him, Irwin, and Dennis. (See Attachment I). Gene pointed out that the updated website now contains a Members Area, which contains special events, minutes, and schedule of meetings. There also is a new section entitled “Meet with Us/Join Us”. Gene proposed that the membership approve implementation of the new Website, which will retain its URL, that the committee be authorized to make modifications of the site from time to time, that the treasurer be authorized to pay the server setup fee, and that the treasurer be authorized to include a line item in the budget for annual server costs.

After some discussion including whether or not the website should emphasize that although the Marin has a civil grand jury, it can indict

, the proposal regarding the website was passed as presented by Gene for his committee.

Comments from chapter members -- None

President’s report and announcements -- Owen Haxton indicated he wanted to change the format of the agenda from President’s report, Treasurer’s Report, etc., to “Comments from Officers.”

He indicated that the attendees to the CGJA conference in Burbank will report about the conference to the membership, and that there will be a written report.that the presentation of the CGJA Award for excellence in reporting will be presented to the IJ at 11:30. Betty Mattea, who is the vice president of the CGJA, will make the presentation along with Marin County Supervisor Susan Adams.

There will be no meeting in December

Owen will inform us about the place of our November meeting as soon as the site has been determined.

Treasurer’sOfficer’s reports – Irwin reported that we had received interest in the amount of $3.91$5208.73. The website costs are much reduced and we are getting interest on our savings account.

Stu commended the secretary on the minutes of the October meeting.

Betty read her report on the CGJA meeting held in Burbank (Appendix I)

Owen’s report on the Burbank meeting had been sent out by email. It is in Appendix II.

He reported that Jerry Lewi, the president of the CGJA noted that had the various chapters submitted a chapter vote for the election of board members, it wouldn’t have affected the results of the election. He apologized for asking the chapters to vote, and indicated it wouldn’t happen again. Owen indicated that the dominant discussion at the CGJA meeting was about election procedures. The Board of Directors wanted to have a secret meeting, others objected. The BOD of the CGJA then met briefly in secret and decided to open the meeting. Three different groups did not vote in the election. Marin has 38 voting members (down from last year’s 45. Los Angeles has 30 members, down from 37. Fifteen counties have 0 members, i.e., no chapters. Lowell asked if there were any legislative activities on the horizon that might affect grand juries. The answer was, no.

Patti will work on getting a meeting room for our January meeting. Betty pointed out that sometimes each week one judge does not need a courtroom for a day. The decision about which room will be available wontis usually not be known until one week before ourthe meeting.

We have $5326.25. Of this $4003.37 is in a savings account where it can get some interest, and $1322.88 is in a checking account.

2005/2006 Foreperson’s report – Catherine McKownKeith Lester, the Pro Tem, representing , the forelady, made a comprehensive report, which is attached as appendix III. He also presented material from the editorial committee of the current grand jury regarding suggested formatting and minor changes to the training manual. These were given to Betty, the chair of our Orientation/Training/Education Committee, for consideration. The grand jury wanted the various government agencies to put the responses to the grand jury reports on the regular agenda, and not on the consent calendar, so that they would be assured that the agencies, including the board of supervisors, would actually read the material. The County Counsel has advised the grand jury that the Brown act indicates items must appear on the regular agenda. Walter pointed out, however, that they need an open vote to put something on the consent calendar. A vote can also take something off of the consent calendar.

Stu asked about responses, and was told that in one town, a newly hired clerk made the response for the city. (Attachment II).

Speaker: Joseph Spaeth, the county public defender was the main speaker. He was introduced by Connie Kloh, who pointed out that Spaeth came from Buffalo, New York and graduated from SUNY with a J.D. degree in 1969. He joined the office of the San Francisco Public Defender in 1973. He is a past president of California Public Defenders Association, and has a strong interest in Juvenile Hall and recidivism. He handed out four pages of detailed information on his office, including their performance plan and how they are approaching the county’s new “Managing for Results” program (Attachment III). He referred to the recommendations from an earlier grand jury, and pointed out that they now do have additional needed space (from the sheriff’s department) have a conference room, and have remodeled their front office. The social worker now has a private office that can be used for private talks with clients. Their information technology support is excellent, with virtually everybody having a computer on the desk, and many having laptops. This leads to less time being spent in the library, and provides more information.

There still is a need for more personnel, and not simply more secretaries. They were still deficient in not being present at all arraignments, which he would like his office to do. His office represents 85 to 95 percent of the indigents who come to court. Recidivism is about 70 percent, but 92% of juvenile first offenders don’t come back.

Speakers program: Supervisor Susan Adams will speak in November. She will be able to come at 11:15.Lowell pointed out that Don Hunter, from County Administrator Matt Hymel’s office, will come on January 9^th. Stu, Betty, Lowell, Mike Casey, and Catherine will prepare comments on past reports and theat will open the discussion. It was pointed out that Mike Casey, is heavily involved in business affairs in Texas, and will be reducing his commitment to the MCCGJA.

Richard Arrow, the county treasurer and controller, will be invited February 13^th. Keith suggested that Hunter be asked about the consent calendar issue.

Orientation and Training: Betty reported that the committee, with some additions will meet during the second week in November to make necessary changes in the training manual. Henry Lese has passed on to her all of the comments and suggestions he received since the last revision.

Owen suggested that the committee be given authority to make changes without coming back to the membership. After some discussion it was noted that this would be all right for minor changes and grammatical changes, but that substantive changes should come before the membership.

Irwin pointed out that the committee could electronically distribute the suggested material to the membership before the meeting, much as was done by the website committee. The motion passed.

Excellence in reporting and in government: Don Graff , Lowell Smith, Ted Freeman, and Bob Johnson will get together on these issues.thought that the current grand jury could help by looking at the responses to reports to identify groups or agencies doing good jobs.

Compliance: As noted above Mike Casey is backing off of his MCGJA interests. Stu was asked to contact him about his giving up the chairmanship of this committee.

Public Relations: Bob Abeling has agreed to carry this activity for the chapter, but not for the CGJA.

A motion was passed offering the chapter’s heartiest congratulations to Ted Freeman on his election to the San Anselmo city council.

Liaison: Owen indicated that he has not had much success in getting other chapter presidents to get together. They don’t want to travel to a luncheon, and don’t even seem to want to get together by email.

Handbook: Betty indicated that our Handbook of Policies and Procedures is superb. She hopes that the CGJA will emulate it.

Annual Project: Betty and Owen indicated that the annual project is supposed to be a joint project between the chapter and the CGJA. It is thought, therefore, that we should wait for the CGJA to initiate a project.

Irwin suggested that a project could entail the preparation of a brochure on what the chapter does, and what the CGJA does. Connie asked if this would include a description of what the grand jury does. Lowell pointed out that he and Bob Abeling on the public relations committee already have processed a modest brochure that does a lot of this. They have draft material. A recommendation was made that Irwin become a member of a CGJA committee dealing with this subject.

Member’s comments: Nick asked about the review of our finances. Stu indicated that a review will be carried out and the results will be presented in February. Last year the review was aided by Ann Marie Melanephy. She will be asked to help again in this one hour-long job. Henry Lese will also be approached about helping.Social: Don is the consultant on this issue. There are many possibilities, such as a luncheon, a picnic, a sit down dinner, etc., with or without a speaker. The membership was exhorted to send in comments and ideas early on, so that there will be adequate time to make arrangements.

Patti Baseheart thought that an appropriate time would be when the new grand jury comes in and could meet with the outgoing grand jury.

Adjourned at 11:47 15 AM so that the chapter could witness the presentation of the CGJA Excellence in Reporting Award to the IJ, and to hear remarks from Supervisor Susan Adams.

The next meeting will be November 14January 9, 2006.

After the official adjournment of the business meeting, Betty indicated that Val Garfield, a past member of two grand juries and a member of the current grand jury, on her own sent in a recommendation that the IJ be given the Award for Excellence in Reporting of grand jury matters, The CGJA agreed with her and made the award. Marin County Supervisor Susan Adams presented the award to Robert Sterling of the IJ.

In his acceptance remarks he emphasized that the IJ considers the civil grand jury to be very important.

Speaker program: Owen introduced Supervisor Susan Adams, this month’s speaker.

She indicated that her background in health care matters affected her choice of committee assignments and activities. She recounted her very numerous activities ranging from healthcare reform and other healthcare matters in the county, to numerous environmental concerns, especially those regarding energy conservation and use.

She indicated that being on the board of Supervisors means making more than a fulltime commitment. She spends many days from 8 in the morning until midnight working and attending meetings.

During an extensive question and answer period she pointed out that for one seemingly intractable problem, the relations between the Marin Healthcare District Board and Sutter Health regarding the Marin General Hospital, the board of supervisors would help in anyway they could if asked. They, however, are loath to get involved in matters involving another elected body.

The room had to be vacated at noon.

Sheldon Wolff

Secretary

Appendix I

REPORT FROM
BETTY J. MATTEA
OF THE 2005 CGJA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
TO THE MARIN CHAPTER OF CGJA

By now, you have all read Owen's report of the Annual Conference. It is complete to the minutest detail and there is little sense in my writing the same information to you. I will, instead, give you a brief run down on my responsibilities as the CGJA Vice President for the year, plus my committee work, which will be a little different from Owen's report.

As you know, there is little for any vice president to do but pray for the continuing health of the president. I did a lot of that! As an officer of CGJA, there was also little special for me to do. I had to complete bank signature cards, but was never called upon to sign any checks. I was part of the CGJA Executive Committee but since they didn't meet all year, there was nothing for me to do in that regard. The president attended all meetings, so I did not have to substitute for him (my prayers were answered).

However, I was appointed chair of the Nominating Committee by the president which, I think, had nothing to do with my being vice president. Now that committee was extremely busy for a short period of time. The work was plagued by a series of errors, some mine, some not mine. However, we managed to struggle through and the election process was accepted and a new slate of directors was accepted. Each year, the members vote for half of the 24 directors: 4 from each of the 3 areas. Owen listed the winners in his report so I know you are aware that Owen won. He was the biggest vote getter in the Central Region and I thank you, one and all! He is already waking up the board with fresh ideas on membership issues as he has been appointed Chair of the CGJA Membership Committee. His appointment has to be ratified by the board at our November meeting, but I am sure it will go through with no problem.

Since I will soon be relinquishing my vice presidential appointment, I am volunteering for the Finance Committee and the Training Committee. I do not yet know to which of the two I will be appointed. Perhaps both, perhaps only one. Either committee will undoubtedly keep me slightly more busy than the vice presidency did.

Betty J. Mattea November 8, 2005

Appendix II

Memo dated: November 1, 2005

Subject: 24^th Annual Conference of CGJA

To: Those current and former Grand Jurors associated with the Marin Chapter

Arrived at the Burbank Hilton, Wednesday late afternoon. That evening met with other members who had arrived early. Conversations were enlightening. Seems there are issues of such relatively strong feelings that the issues take on an inappropriate level of importance. The talk, however, was all about the election and the Bylaws.

Although the BOD has been working on the Bylaws for more than a year, it seems that there will be a period of rest during which the Bylaws will not be on an agenda nor under review.

However the election was another matter. As some of you are aware, the Association Policies and Procedures provide provisions where the Chapters may take an internal vote resulting in a chapter vote for each candidate. The four candidates receiving the four larger vote totals in each region would then receive one vote representing the chapter’s collective judgement. Well, last year and this year those ballots came late requiring the chapters to jump through unnecessary hoops to comply with the Association’s elective policies and procedures. After last years election the chapters were requested to consider the value of a chapter vote and to advise the Association of the chapter’s judgement. The Marin Active members voted to remove the chapter vote from the Policies and Procedures of the Association, as did the majority of the other chapters. The Policies and Procedures were not revised and this year at a very late date the issue of the chapter vote was again raised. The ten chapters were offered the opportunity to register a vote: six waived their vote, one voted, two did not respond and one objected to the process. After considering this matter for over an hour, the BOD directed the Teller Committee to count the ballots and if three votes would not change the results of the election, to report the results. However, if three or fewer votes could change the election of one or more candidates, to not report the results and those three chapters who had not acted to vote as a chapter would be given until November 20^th to register their chapter vote.

Fortunately three or less votes would not have changed who was elected and the election was certified on October 28^th as follows:

North Region – Ray Hoffman, Diane Masini, Bill Burnett, Jack Simpson

Central Region – Owen Haxton, Serena Bardell, Judith Lazenby, Paul Libeu

South Region – Jack Zepp, Barbara Dabul, Jeanne Forbes, Robert Geiss

In addition President Jerry Lewi appointed Ira Grooms, Finance Committee Chair subject to ratification by the CGJA BOD at it’s next meeting.

This year, Jerry Lewi asked each chapter to limit their presentation to the one best thing that the chapter did over the past year as opposed to droning on and on. (I added the last phrase)

Some of the issues raised:

Increase meeting interest – Quarterly luncheon meetings – speakers related to G J reports

Membership -- Recruit past jurors to the association – bond with the local paper – Implementation of a Report Review Committee to write to paper on issues raised by G J reports

Applications for G J service – Have practice sessions for those who will be speakers to local organizations – publicize the purpose of the G J – Effected a change to method used to select citizens for service on the G J

Supplemental training to G J – Make available to the current G J speakers on various subjects when the G J makes such a request – Offer to the county assistance in conduct of G J orientation, training and education – Make certain that the county is aware of the CGJA program

One organization, although not a chapter, has over 200 dues paying members -- offers their services to a variety of county agencies on a contract or agreement basis -- they prepared a proposal to the county and justified raising the per diem rate for jurors to $50.00 per day --

That was the working part of the conference. The rest is fairly typical of a conference with guest speakers.

The Honorable David Wesley, Supervising Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court with Grand Jury responsibilities spoke and surprisingly emphasized the court’s role and responsibilities over the grand jury function. Process for selection of jurors, release of reports for publication and the overarching and final responsibility for the accomplishment of the grand jury function. The county provides legal counsel as necessary and provides for the grand jury budget.

Police Chief Frank Wills of West Covina spoke to ‘Culture & Diversity’ in a local police force. The culture within a local police force is the product of leadership, is nurtured out of the need to be able to depend on your fellow officer and responds to the standards of conduct and performance set by leadership. The matter of ethnicity within the force is becoming much less of an issue as time passes as it is in other facets of society. The chief indicated that ‘Diversity’ today is more a question of education, background, language and experience rather than race.

Thomas A. Mesereau Jr. Esq., attorney for ‘Michael Jackson’ spoke on "Celebrity Criminal Defense". It was a welcome subject and came with a viewpoint that you do not hear on the talk shows. A most entertaining speaker who held my attention.

Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman of the Los Angeles County Fire Department spoke to "Aspects of Disaster Planning". This came with color slides of the Topanga(sp) fire. Chief Freeman spoke to the individual training, inter-agency exercises and the many inter-agency support agreements that are required for effective disaster planning. Of timely interest was his discussion of the planning for and the organizational structure among various departments that enables ‘First Responder’ teams to be activated and moved on site. The response to the hurricane disaster by the area fire departments retained everyone’s attention. Their response teams were on their way within hours of the need being recognized.

Well, that about covers it.

The significant lesson learned, for me at least, was interaction with a group of people who also believe that the Grand Jury function is important enough to warrant the investment of our time and energy to support the state Association in the furtherance of Association goals and objectives.

Owen V. Haxton,
President, Marin Chapter,
California Grand Jurors' Association
172 Marin Valley Drive
Novato, CA 94949
415 883 3275

Appendix III

Report to MCGJA on November 8, 2005

Status:

Catherine McKown, our Foreperson is in China until November 16th', and Keith Lester, Foreperson pro tern is presiding until then.

We lost an additional juror, Jean Konte, for personal reasons. Her replacement is Nannette Kuchman, and she is already on the job and sorting out her selection of committee assignments. Nannette is trained as a nurse and has been warmly received by the GJ. We now have six remaining alternates.

Tours

We toured the county jail and inquired into two issues of interest to the GJ. The facility itself is most impressive, and has the largest capacity kitchen in Marin County. Our official badges have now arrived after a couple of months to process them by the Sheriff's Department.

Responses to the 2004-2005 GJ Reports

We have received a second response to the Bloated Retirement Plans from Fairfax , which is still unsatisfactory and will be followed up by the present Foreperson yet again. All Marin Health Board members have now responded to the MGH report

Training

Five GJ members have expressed interest in Cathy Selmi^'s Information Services training on word-processing Level III with Microsoft Word, which will facilitate our report writing. The CGJA's training on report writing November 15t^h received some interest from our GJ members, but the two hour + drive from Marin for the start at 8:45 a.m. is a deterrent, so none will be attending that training..

Miscellaneous

Jurors are continuing to attend public meetings and report back to plenary sessions.

Supervisor Susan Adams made a presentation to the plenary and was candid with her answers to our questions.

Supervisor McGlashan rescheduled his presentation to the plenary until December.

County Administrator has been invited to attend one of our plenary sessions.

Juror Mary Gomes and Patti Baseheart attended the CGJA conference in Burbank and Mary reported on her experience to plenary.
Attachment I

I

New MGJA Web Site Presentation to Members - Oct 10, 2005

As suggested we have:

1. Re-constituted the Web Site committee

Members are Gene Dyer (Chair), Irwin Taranto and Dennis Brown

2. Conducted a survey of the members for suggestions relative to our web site content.

3. Found a way to improve its appearance – while retaining simplicity of maintenance.

4. Prepared and sent out for your review a proposed major revision. This revision:

a. Looks more professional – Thanks mostly to Irwin

b. Contains all of the functions of the current site, some by links to other sites

c. Adds a Members Area containing:

1) Schedule of Meetings

2) Minutes

3) Special Events

d. Adds a section titled "Meet With Us/Join Us"

5. Located a better server, which will cost about $40 per year after a $50 setup fee.

Note: This still requires the use of a credit card, but only once per year.

Note: The web site address would still be www.mgja.org

6. Received a number of minor corrections/comments, most of which have been incorporated into the master copy (not yet on-line)

The committee recommends approval of the updated web site and related financing and proposes the following motion for consideration by the membership:

"That the Association membership:

1. Approve implementation of the new web site,

2. Authorize the committee to make minor modifications from time to time (such as the addition of Meeting Schedules and Minutes, changes to the Officers listing, etc.),

3. Authorize the treasurer to pay the $50 server set up fee, and

4. Authorize the treasurer to include in the Chapter's budget a line item reflecting annual server costs.

Attachment II

Report to MCGJA on October 10, 2005

Status:

Things are progressing well … we have just approved our first “Request for Investigation.” Also we have discussed the “Investigative Committee Report Preparation Procedures” that have been developed by the Quality Assurance Committee (a.k.a. “Editorial”) from the investigative committee’s point of view. Probably will pass this at our next meeting.

Keith Lester, Pro Tem, will be attending the MCGJA November meeting (when I’m in China).

We lost one additional juror, Dino Luchessi, for personal reasons. His replacement is George Elliott, a professional musician (played with the “Big Bands”) and businessman. He will be a great addition to the jury. There are seven remaining alternates.

Tours:

Juvenile Hall was very interesting; we spoke, at length, to the new head of probation. The Jury is looking forward to a tour of the County Jail tomorrow.

Responses to GJ Reports:

Have received 3 overdue responses for the “Bloated Retirement Plans” report from Fairfax, Ross, and Larkspur. One of these responses does not cover the requested findings and recommendations, so we have asked for additional information. Also we received a response for the “Disharmony in Mental Health Services” report from the Marin Mental Health District Board. Still have not heard from the Marin Health Board on the MGH report or from two of its individual board members.

Training:

As I mentioned, my focus has been to bring the team “up to speed” as quickly as possible. Bob Shelnutt, former juror from 2004-05, gave an excellent demonstration of “Interview Skills.” Afterward, lots of discussion ensued.

The Jury has attended this past month 2, three-hour sessions with Cathy Selmi, from Information Services, at Bel Marin Keys on word-processing with Microsoft Word™. These new skills will really help when the Jury becomes involved in report writing as well as the editing process.

Miscellaneous:

Jurors are continuing to attend public meetings and are reporting back to the plenary.

Juror Mary Gomes and Patti Baseheart, Aide to the Grand Jury, will be attending the California Grand Jury Association Conference in Burbank at the end of the month.

Catherine D. McKown, Foreperson – 2005-06 Marin County Civil Grand Jury

Attachment III

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER

JOSEPH L. SPAETH HALL OF JUSTICE

PUBLIC DEFENDER 3501 CivicCenterDrive

JOSE VARELA Room 139

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER San Rafael, CA 94903

DAVID I. BROWN (415) 499 6321

CHIEF DEPUTY (415) 499 6898 FAX

DEBRA LEYVA

CHIEF DEPUTY www.co.marin.ca.us/pd

on the 1^st Floor of the Civic Center Hall of Justice, Room 139

HIGHLIGHTS

Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 12 noon; 1:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Mon. thru Fri.

Web Page Address: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PD/main/index.cfm

Mission: The Office of the Marin County Public Defender strives to provide effective and innovative legal services by protecting the constitutional rights of our clients while treating them with respect and encouraging them to lead productive and positive lives.

Staff: 28 Attorneys, 6 bilingual in Spanish 4 Investigators, 1 bilingual

2 Legal Assistants (1.5 FTE), 1 bilingual 1 Social Worker

12 Support Staff, 4 bilingual

Clients: 20% charged with felonies, 75% with misdemeanors, 5% juveniles & other. 65% of adults between ages of 21-39; over 80% are males, higher for felonies.

Budget: Budgeted expenditures of $6,000,934 for FY2005-2006 [94% for salaries]; budgeted revenues total $1,622,298.

Misdemeanor clients who can afford it are charged $200 for representation.

Courts: Attorneys regularly appear in 5 vertical felony panel courtrooms, one

misdemeanor calendar department and 2 juvenile/probate courtrooms.

Attorneys make almost 35,000 court appearances in a year on about 7700

cases; cost to county is about $125 per appearance and $570 per case.

Future: Greater challenges to overcome legislative mandated punishment, e.g. 3-Strikes Law and Sexually Violent Predator Law.

Greater need for technology, e.g. imaging to reduce reliance on paper, case management and workflow software to improve efficiency [GIDEON], enhanced in-court presentation capability.

Greater use of alternative methods to reduce crime, e.g. community restorative justice concepts, Prop 36 treatment and problem-solving courts such as drug courts and mental health court, and increased focus on juvenile law issues.

e:\organizn.2005-2006 fact sheet.doc 10-3-05

Attachment II (pg 2)

OFFICE OF THE MARIN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER
MISSION STATEMENT

The Office of the Marin County Public Defender strives to provide
effective and innovative legal services by protecting the constitutional
rights of our clients while treating them with respect and encouraging
them to lead productive and positive lives.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

To seek performance excellence through knowledge, hard work and commitment to purpose that results in the finest legal representation for all our clients.

To provide counsel that helps lead our clients to a more promising future by advocating for the most therapeutic and restorative outcomes possible.

To adhere to the highest ethical and personal standards in all endeavors, respecting clients, colleagues and other persons that we come into contact with in the course of our work.

To promote Marin County's Strategic Plan goals and objectives in performing our assigned tasks, particularly by maintaining effective communication mechanisms among staff, seeking a beneficial work/life balance and promoting greater concern for the well-being of ourselves and others with whom we work.

Attachment III (Pg 3)

Public Defender
Department Performance Plan Summary

Mission Statement

The Office of the Marin County Public Defender provides effective and innovative legal services for its clients by protecting their constitutional rights, treating them with respect and encouraging them to lead productive and positive lives.

Department Overview

The Public Defender heads the County law office providing legal representation for indigent persons charged with felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, and family support crimes, as well as for indigent people against whom County Counsel seeks mental or disability commitments, probate code conservatorship actions, and dependency declarations. The Office is committed to ensuring representation that meets the constitutional, statutory, and decisional requirements of law that guarantee every indigent person effective assistance of counsel before the courts.

Department Goals, Objectives and Initiatives

I. Promote legal excellence through training, hard work and commitment to purpose.

A. Increase productivity and case management capability with technology improvements.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Complete development and training on GIDEON Case Management

System

B. Establish a "Restoration of Rights Initiative".

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Clients and former clients will be informed of the program

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Necessary court documents will be prepared, filed and presented in court

C. Introduce and implement "Maximizing Performance" to staff for performance evaluation.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Work with HR to initiate program

II. Advocate for therapeutic and restorative outcomes to help clients achieve a more promising future.

A. Recommend enhancements to the Marin criminal justice system that will address the underlying problems often associated with criminal activity.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Assist in efforts to secure funding to maintain current therapeutic justice programs (i.e. Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts, Mental Health Court)

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Promote planning for the development of county/community collaborative programs that will utilize restorative principles for persons age 18 to 25

B. Advocate for a continuum of care to treat offenders' underlying conditions that will help achieve a safer, healthier community in Marin County and provide alternatives to incarceration.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Develop a client guide with social work interns that provides an "Overview and Introduction to County and Community Programs" available to assist clients in addressing potential underlying issues (e.g. welfare, housing assistance, mental health programs)

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Create a reference library of available resources and information pertaining to health and well-being issues typically associated with crime for clients and their families

1

Attachment II (pg 4)

Public Defender
Department Performance Plan Summary

Ill. Adhere to the highest ethical and personal standards in representing clients and working with colleagues.

A. Increase customer service awareness, sensitivity and skills.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Hold in-house training sessions on all aspects of client contact and representation

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Routinely conduct client surveys to establish service baseline

IV. Promote effective communication, beneficial work/life balance, and diversity appreciation.

A. Improve the physical and emotional well-being of our staff and make the office an outstanding place to work.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Enhance our Work/Life Balance Committee

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Hold a minimum of 3 information sessions in the fiscal year, and hopefully more

B. Provide services to all indigent clients in a timely manner regardless of a clients native language.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Identify ways to increase the availability of translators for activities outside of the courtroom

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Convene a department sub-committee to develop and implement department procedures and materials that will assist in serving the multi-cultural and multi-lingual clientele of the office

C. Maintain satisfactory work spaces to promote better client service and increased employee morale.

FY 2005-06 Initiative: Complete remaining department remodel and transition to new spaces

Key Challenges/Outstanding Issues

Staffing and resource limitations in the Public Defender's office; however, every effort will be made to evaluate and procure potential funding sources and identify opportunities for potential resource reallocation.

Finding an appropriate consultant for the restorative justice planning project.

The introduction of the Gideon Case Management System may create a reduction in

productivity as employees adjust to the new system and will require extensive training in its

operation.

Workload and limited resources will create a challenge in ensuring that staff is able to meet with clients who speak limited English in a timely manner.

Finding time and adequate resources for the training initiatives.