In the 2011 Challenge Awards, CSAC honored a wide variety of innovative and create programs — from the development of a landfill tarp that saves the county money and landfill space to an education program that helps ex-offenders prepare to re-enter the workforce.

California Counties Innovation Award Recipients

The following program was honored for their innovation and creativity. The judging panel selected these programs among Challenge Award recipients as the most innovative.                                             

Riverside County — Landfill Tarp Re-Design and Sequence Analysis

Contact:
Andy Cortez
Engineering Project Manager
Riverside County
14310 Frederick Street
Moreno Valley, CA  92553
Phone:       951/486-3200
Email:         acortez@co.riverside.ca.us

The Riverside County Waste Management Department minimizes costs for landfill cover by researching, designing and implementing the most long-lasting and cost-effective cover systems available. To determine the maximum efficiency of large tarps, the county mapped tarp sequence deployment strategies specific for each landfill based on the landfill configuration. The use of large tarps was then compared to earthen cover placement, and potential savings were calculated for both size and number of tarps. Based on its data, the department created its own landfill-specific tarps, including appropriate fabric strength and reinforcement to increase their life. Savings are estimated to be $1.5 million annually by using eight large tarps rather one large tarp in conjunction with earth material. Research also showed that during a year-long test using just one large tarp, the fabric tore repeatedly in certain areas. Over the permitted life of two landfills, the county anticipates savings of nearly $47 million.

San Diego County – In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Reform

Contact:
Ellen Schmeding
Assistant Deputy Director
San Diego County
5560 Overland Ave, #310
San Diego, CA  92123
Phone:       858/505-6329
Email:         ellen.schmeding@sdcounty.ca.gov

Escalating IHSS costs and concerns about program integrity triggered the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to call for reform; these reform efforts have resulted in significant cost savings. The county initiated a complete review of the IHSS program. Work undertaken included contracting with a third-party organization to complete a data analysis, creating a staff work group and involving community and internal stakeholders. A series of recommendations were present to the Board of Supervisors and adopted. These included creation of a county plan for a new program integrity initiative; initiation of individual provider enrollment, including criminal background checks; and pursuit of an integrated system of long-term care that would create wrap-around services to blend funding for health and social services, reduce gaps in care and remove barriers for clients served by both Medicaid and Medicare. As a result of these and other measures, program cost growth for IHSS has shrunk from an average of 8-10 percent annually to .2 percent. Annual budget expenditures were $24 million less than projected. 

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

 

Challenge Award Recipients

Population: Under 50,000

Calaveras County – Can You Hear Me Now?

Contact:
Rita Downs, M.ED. MPA
Behavioral Health Director
Calaveras County Behavioral Health Services
891 Mountain Ranch Road
San Andreas, CA 95246
Phone:  209/754-6525
Email: rdowns@co.calaveras.ca.us

Because they are low/no-income or homeless, persons with serious mental illness often have no access to telephone service. To address isolation and disconnectedness of Calaveras County residents with serious mental illness, Behavioral Health created an innovative way to use mobile phones to support recovery and reduce psychiatric hospitalizations. Mobile phones are programmed with phone numbers of the consumer’s “personal services coordinator” as well as other key contacts. Along with easy access to staff support, consumers are also able to stay in touch with friends and family members, which supports their mental health. These phones have also enabled consumers to maintain better contact with primary care providers. While the provision of mobile phones is just one service Behavioral Health provides its consumers, the department feels strongly that the ability to stay connected is a primary link to the other services provides, while reducing hospitalizations. The department has seen an increase in consumer participation in mental health programs, improve interpersonal relationships and higher sense of community. 

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Population: 50,001 – 200,000

Nevada County – My Neighborhood GIS Web Application

Contact:
Steve Monaghan
Chief Information Officer
950 Maidu Ave,
Nevada City, CA  95959
Phone:       530/265-1238
Email:         steve.monaghan@co.nevada.ca.us

Nevada County’s My Neighborhood GIS web application gives citizens and employees access to geographically based data using a user-friendly map interface. The new GIS application puts state-of-the-art geospatial tools in the hands of the public, and save county staff time by empowering others to answer many of their own property-related questions. The application was developed entirely in-house by a GIS staff analyst. A user can navigate around the map and overlay various aerial photos, district boundaries, and points of interests such as schools and polling places. One can search by address or parcel number to quickly zoom to a parcel and launch a report with associated property values, zoning, building permits and more. County employees have the additional ability to upload addresses and place them on maps to answer questions, such as, “Where do the users of this library live?” The public Web site address is http://gis.nevcounty.net/MyNeighborhood/ .

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Population: 200,001 – 700,000

Monterey County — Kick Start Ex-Offender Re-Entry Employment Program

Contact:
Alma McHoney
Management Analyst III
Monterey County
730 La Guardia Street
Salinas, CA  93905
Phone:       831/796-3316
Email:         mchoneya@co.monterey.ca.us

Most ex-offenders are ill-prepared for employment and virtually unable to re-acclimate themselves back in the work world. Many lack the understanding of how to obtain and retain employment or how their persona can affect employer perceptions. KickStart is a program that offers ex-offenders assistance in improving social skills, attitude, and skills necessary to seek, acquire and retain employment.  The positive impacts to the community resulting from a productive, tax-paying employee versus a return to incarceration is immeasurable Ex-offenders receive instruction in everything from grooming and appearance to developing a positive mental attitude and establishing goals. Assistance is also given on completing job applications and searching for employment. KickStart also focuses on employer thinking, what they want to know, how to avoid pitfalls and how to prepare for difficult questions. Participants attend workshops and also receive resource packets.

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Santa Cruz County — Warrant Reduction Advocacy Project (WRAP)

Contact:
Scott MacDonald
Chief Probation Officer
Santa Cruz County
P.O. Box 1812
Santa Cruz, CA  95061-1812
Phone:       831/454-3207
Email:         scott.macdonald@co.santa-cruz.ca.us

The Warrant Reduction Advocacy Project (WRAP) reconnects probationers with probation officers and the courts through community-based partnerships that avoid needless, costly bench warrants and arrests. The program is a partnership with a local visiting and assistance program for inmates and their families. Based on referrals from probation officers, contact is made with the offender, learning the reason for their behavior and facilitating a reconnection with probation and the courts. Staff is often in a better position to assist these individuals, having established a positive relationship with them during incarceration. WRAP specialists also assist the individual with peer and support groups and after-care case management. WRAP allows probation officers to better allocate time and resources toward supervision of high-risk offenders, while averting needless bench warrants and frees law enforcement for critically needed patrol and investigation duties. In addition, probationers report feeling greater hope, optimism and motivation after contact with WRAP. 

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Solano County — Partnership Teaches Foster Youth That Money Matters

Contact:
Linda Orrante
H&SS Deputy Director, Child Welfare Services
Solano County
275 Beck Avenue
Fairfield, CA  94533
Phone:       707/784-8331
Email:         lsorrante@solanocounty.com

Unfortunately, foster youth have little understanding of personal finances and lack a family support structure to help them. Without a sound foundation in money management, many foster youth fail to complete post-high school education, find or maintain adequate housing, maintain good credit or make positive financial decisions. “Money Matters” is a pioneering financially literacy initiative started in 2010 to provide Solano County foster youth (ages 16-17) with tools for self-sufficiency. The program includes 16 hours of classroom instruction, special savings accounts and financial mentors. Since the programs inception, there has been a 100 percent increased understanding of personal finance, savings accounts have been opened, no fund have been withdrawn from a risk pool, and youth have been pair with mentors. Strong, ongoing relationships have been developed with community partners. Several other counties have requested the implementation document for the program with plans of starting their own.

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Population: 700,001 and Above

Los Angeles County — In-Home Supportive Services Anti-Fraud Program

Contact:
Michelle Callahan
Asst Director, Bureau of Special Operations
Los Angeles County
12860 Crossroads Parkway South
City of Industry, CA  91746
Phone:       562/908-8644
Email:         michellecallahan@dpss.lacounty.gov

The In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Anti-Fraud Plan is a collaborative, multi-strategic initiative designed to augment prevention, detection, referral and investigation of fraud through an integrated approach to program integrity efforts.  The plan was developed by the Department of Public Social Services in partnership with the District Attorney and State Investigative Section.Recognized by the state as a model in innovation and best practices, the plan includes: 1) a front-end verification review process, 2) a public assistance crime enforcement team, and 3) rigorous and enhanced quality assurance reviews incorporating specific IHSS error prone profiles. Since the plan’s implementation, more than 1,000 fraud referrals have been completed, and nearly 100 individuals have been convicted, involving nearly $2 million in fraudulently obtained funds. The project has also successfully operated under budget. It has also helped to strengthen relationships between agencies. 

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Riverside County — Desert Strength Academy

Contact:
Maria Barajas
Division Director, Special Services Division
Riverside County
9999 County Farm Road
Riverside, CA  92503
Phone:       951/358-4315
Email:         mbarajas@rcprob.us
Riverside County Probation Department’s Desert Strength Academy helps at-risk middle school youth and parents improve self-esteem, make better choices and connect with positive community influences. The departments Youth Accountability Team members designed a “boot camp’ style Academy that incorporated structure, daily physical challenges, teambuilding, fun and education. Goals for the camp include instilling positive identity, positive values, planning and decision making, resistance skills and peaceful conflict resolution. Feedback from camp participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants reported feeling empowered to make better choices and seek more positive peer groups. Statistical data shows that the academy is having profound impacts on the youth. An intangible benefit of the academy is the unprecedented collaboration between youth-serving agencies in the Coachella Valley. Based on the academy’s success, the Probation Department is planning on expanding it to other regions of the county.

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Riverside County — KIOSK Reporting Program

Contact:
Joe Atalla
Information Officer II
Riverside County
P.O. Box 833
Riverside, CA  92502
Phone:       951/955-0700
Email:         jatalla@rcprob.us

In an effort to maintain updated and accurate information on offenders deemed to be low risk, the Riverside County Probation Department developed the Automated Kiosk Reporting Program. The program allows these offenders to report via kiosk rather than in person. The kiosk gathers information from the client to include current address, phone number, whether or not they have had law enforcement contact, and employment information. Additionally, it allows for probation officers to give the client individualized messages. While the kiosk was initially designed to serve clients on banked caseloads, probation officers who supervise conventional caseloads are finding it a useful tool they can use to help manage their caseloads more effectively and efficiently. Since the program’s inception more than 1,200 clients have been set up for kiosk reporting, and more than 90 percent are reporting on time and as directed. Overall, the program has proven to be an extremely successful offender monitoring tool for the Probation Department.

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

Sacramento County — Violation of Probation In Lieu Night Court

Contact: Lynn Wynn
Principal Administrative Analyst/Sacramento County Criminal Justice Cabinet
Sacramento County
799 G Street, Room 217
Sacramento, CA  95813
Phone:       916/874-9844
Email:         wynnl@saccounty.net

The Violation of Probation In Lieu (VOP) Court is an efficient, cost-effective and just way of relieving congested court calendars and reducing main jail overcrowding while holding felony probationers accountable for their criminal conduct. The process puts an emphasis on early resolution of certain court cases. The VOP Court redirects 15 percent of misdemeanor and felony cases filings that meet certain criteria, such as drug-related offenses, property crimes and other non-violent offenses. The program saves money by reducing the number of court appearances by an offender, thereby reducing the number of resources required and number of jail bed days occupied. The court establishes meaningful punishment for probation violators while rewarding those who do not re-offend. Of the 4,400 VOP cases filed in the past two years, 75 percent were resolved within one or two court appearances; the average jail stay while the case progressed through the system was decreased from 45 days to 13 days or less. 

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

San Diego County — Camp Connect San Diego

Contact:
Margo Fudge
San Diego County, Executive Assistant
8965 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA  92123
Phone:       858/616-5810
Email:         margo.fudge@sdcounty.ca.gov

Camp Connect San Diego brings together siblings who have been separated by their placement in the foster care system.  The relationship between siblings is crucial, and many children feel additional grief and loss when separated from brothers and sisters after removal from their parents’ home. These children need their siblings to maintain some sense of identity and survive the emotional trauma. The program offers youths numerous opportunities to connect with their siblings, including a four-day camp and sever day activities.  Each event, with a minimum of five per year, hosts approximately 65-80 children ages 6-18. The focus is on bonding activities, such as making memory books, swimming, rock climbing and horseback riding. San Diego County Child Welfare Services provides program oversight, volunteer recruitment and background clearances, staff orientation/training, outcomes measurement development, administration and reporting. Volunteers consist of social workers, mentors, attorneys and other community advocates.  

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

San Diego County — Free Foreclosure Prevention HOME Clinics

Contact:
Susan Moore
Principal Librarian
San Diego County
5560 Overland Avenue, #110
San Diego, CA  92123
Phone:       858/694-2448
Email:         susan.moore@sdcounty.ca.gov

Foreclosure Prevention HOME Clinics provide free action-based counseling and education at county libraries to people facing bankruptcy and foreclosure. The San Diego County Library partnered with a local nonprofit to offer these clinics that rotate to different libraries throughout the county. Clinics offer one-on-one meetings with a volunteer attorney or credit and/or mortgage counselor. Attendees receive up to two hours of free counseling. The clinics also offer educational sessions on credit management, mortgage loans, bankruptcy and consumer protection. The partnership has offered more than 30 clinics in the past three years, providing more than $2 million worth of free advice. More than 2,500 individuals have attended the clinics. It has brought vetted experts and the trusted name of the library together to guide homeowners through tough times. This program is already being replicated in other counties, and it has been recognized nationally for its innovation and effectiveness. 

To read the complete Executive Summary, click here.

 

Merit Award Recipients

Population: Under 50,000

No Award Given

Population: 50,001 – 200,000

Humboldt County — Transition Age Youth Collaboration

Contact:
Philip R. Crandall
Director, Department of Health & Human Services
Humboldt County
507 F Street,
Eureka, CA  95501
Phone:       707/441-5400
Email:         pcrandal@co.humboldt.ca.us

The Humboldt County Transition Age Youth Collaboration empowers youth to redesign their systems of care in Humboldt County and throughout the state. Youth help to transform services they depend on that may have failed them in the past.  The collaborative partnership gives youth a seat at the table in discussing and recommending program changes for transition age youth. In its first two years, the group authored policy recommendations to improve mental health services at the county’s psychiatric health facility, Children’s Center and crisis line.The program essentially pays for itself; as youth are served earlier and at lower levels of service, the need for intensive services decreases. In independent evaluations conducted annually, youth report having experienced healing by having a voice and being responded to within a county government system. Youth see themselves as the leaders they have become and feel their input is valued as they see their recommendations implemented. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Napa County — Child Support Services Caseload Restructure

Contact:
Janet Nottley
Director of Child Support Services
Napa County
929 Parkway Mall, Suite # 247
Napa, CA  94559
Phone:       707/253-4250
Email:         janet.nottley@countyofnapa.org

With increased workload caused by the recession, caseworks were feeling overwhelmed, morale was low and federal performance goals were not being met. Due to these factors, the traditional way of handling cases — where every case progressed through a set of enforcement measures including contempt of court — was not appropriate in many instances. As a result, the Napa County Department of Child Support Services restructured its business process to manage caseloads by type and complexity rather than simply alphabetically as is the common practice throughout the state. Using factors such as history of payments, current employment, unemployment insurance payments, disability, incarceration and contact with agency, cases are assigned to a specific team. Workers are matched to teams by their interest, personality, and skills and training in resources specific to their caseload. The results of the restructuring have been impressive. Collections have increased, and federal performance measures have improved. Morale and employee satisfaction have also improved, services have been expanded, and customer compliments have increased.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Napa County — Juvenile Probation Evening Reporting Center

Contact:
Mary Butler
Chief Probation Officer
Napa County
1125 Third Street, Second Floor
Napa, CA  94559
Phone:       707/259-8115
Email:         mary.butler@countyofnapa.org

The Napa County Probation Department Evening Reporting Center is an evidence-based alternative sanction program serving youth ages 14 to 17 during high-risk, after-school hours. Participating youth receive 30 hours of evidence-based cognitive behavioral curriculum in addition to pro-social activities, especially on Friday evenings. Opening the Evening Reporting Center filled a gap that existed. The hours of 3-7 p.m. were identified as times that youth needed pro-social activities and skill building to help them change their behavior. The county partners with a local nonprofit to provide substance abuse treatment services. The Evening Reporting Center was opened in March 2009, and more than 75 percent of the youth who entered the program have successfully graduated and gained the skills and knowledge to become productive members of society. Additionally, the county has been able to reduce out-of-county placements, saving approximately $60,000 annually.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Population: 200,001 – 700,000

Butte County — The Live Spot: Oroville’s Youth Center

Contact:
Danelle Campbell
Behavioral Health Prevention Unit Program Manager
Butte County
109 Parmac Road, Suite 2a
Chico, CA  95926
Phone:       530/891-2891
Email:         dcampbell@buttecounty.net

The Live Spot is a comprehensive youth program for sixth through 12th graders designed to build the skills and capacity of young people, provide opportunities for meaningful youth engagement and foster mental and emotional health and well being. The Live Spot offers youth-led, youth-developed programming, workshops, vocational/job opportunities, mentoring, support services and events. Live Spot programs have demonstrated over time that it helps decrease violence and fosters increased academic achievement. Youth feedback on the positive impacts of Live Spot have been impressive. For example, nearly three-quarters of youth reported that their involvement in Live Spot has helped them decide to do things other than use alcohol, tobacco or drugs, more than 90 percent feel they have better control over their lives; and 92 percent report they have learned that they can do things they didn’t think they could do before. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here. 

Butte County — Wasted: The Truth of Underage Drinking

Contact:
Danelle Campbell
Behavioral Health Prevention Unit Program Manager
Butte County
109 Parmac Road, Suite 2a
Chico, CA  95926
Phone:       530/891-2891
Email:         dcampbell@buttecounty.net

“Wasted — The Truth of Underage Drinking in Butte County” is a documentary that uncovers the realities of youth access to and use of alcohol, as well as community approaches to solve alcohol problems and create healthier communities. The video not only identifies current issues, but also provides successful environmental approaches to address underage drinking and resources/tools for parents, teachers, coalitions and youth-serving organizations. In 2009, “Wasted” received the prestigious Telly Award that honors the very best local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. More than 750 copies of the documentary have been distributed; it has been viewed by more than 10,000 parents, community members decision makers and youth in Butte County. The documentary is also now being used as a successful prevention tool in communities across the nation to stimulate dialogue and launch initiatives.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Merced County — Foster Partner Orientation: Experience the Reality

Contact:
Laura De Cocker, MSW
Deputy Director, Child Welfare
Merced County
P.O. Box 112
Merced, CA  95341
Phone:       209/385-3000
Email:         ldecocker@hsa.co.merced.ca.us

Merced County’s experiential orientation for potential foster parents emphasizes the reality of foster family life and encourages interested parties to examine their commitment before applying. In March 2010, the county opened a new center for potential foster parent orientation. The center was designed and equipped to create an experience, not just an orientation. It included a “welcoming room,” a “reality room,” and an “expectations room.” At each stage of the hour-long program, participants are asked to score their readiness to be foster parents. At the break, participants are encouraged to make a decision whether to stay and learn about licensing requirements. Since the program was started, a higher percentage of parents were approved, showing that parents are in a better position to make an informed decision before applying. In addition, the facility serves as an orientation to child welfare for various groups interested in providing services for children. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Luis Obispo County — Taxes on the Web (TOW)

Contact:
Frank Freitas, CPA
Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator
San Luis Obispo County
P.O. Box 1149
San Luis Obispo, CA  93406-1149
Phone:       805/781-5843
Email:         ffreitas@co.slo.ca.us
Tax on the Web was created to provide property tax information, payment capabilities, electronic billing and email reminders to customers on a 24/7 basis. This made San Luis Obispo County the first and only county in California to provide an electronic billing system in 2009, and one of the first counties to provide all property tax information online. The goal was to provide this information in an easy-to-understand format, and give customers the tools needed to help them manage their property taxes, including tracking multiple properties.  Customers are also given the option of “going green” by receiving their tax bills electronically.

The program was developed without a budget or using outside consultants. Its implementation allowed the department to reduce its budget to such a degree that no further cuts were needed when it came time to prepare the county’s 2011-12 budget. The goal is to have 32 percent of property tax customers using electronic billing within the next five years. This would save the county approximately $50,000 in supplies and postage. In addition, significant staff time would be saved.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Santa Barbara County — Consumer and Family Member Peer Support Training

Contact:
Ann Detrick, PhD
Director, Santa Barbara County Dept of Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services (ADMHS)
Santa Barbara County
300 N. San Antonio Road
Santa Barbara, CA  93110Phone:       805/681-5223
Email:         adetrick@co.santa-barbara.ca.us

The Consumer and Family Member Peer Support Training Program was established to serve Santa Barbara County residents who experience a psychiatric disability or mental health condition, or are a family member of someone with this experience. The program trained individuals interested in entering or returning to the workforce, including within the mental health system as a peer consumer or in a family member support capacity. To help reach all members of the county’s culturally diverse demographics, half of the program interns are bilingual/bicultural. The training curriculum included wellness and recovery, self care, stigma in the workplace, workplace safety, mobile crisis response, legal rights, trauma, money and budget, medications, housing, advocacy organizations, and other topics. The 2010 program was highly successful and was going to be repeated. It identified a wealth of untapped talent and has already enabled some individuals to obtain employment. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here. 

Santa Barbara County – Road Maintenance Annual Plan (RdMAP)

Contact:
Scott D. McGolpin
Public Workers Director
Santa Barbara County
123 East Anapamu
Santa Barbara, CA  93101
Phone:       805/568-3010
Email:         mcgolpin@cosbpw.net

The Road Maintenance Annual Plan is the work plan for the Transportation Division’s corrective and preventive road maintenance activities for the fiscal year. Created in the early 1990s, the plan has served as an education tool for the public to understand “Pavement Preservation.†With pavement preservation, the county focuses the very limited road maintenance dollars on cost-effective treatments that allows them to then be maintained for pennies on the dollar. In developing the plan, the Transportation Division allows constituents to file specific requests for work; this provides the public with a voice in the planning process. Public meetings are also held to provide additional input. Once all information is gathered, a draft plan is produced and presented to the Board of Supervisors. Complaints have decreased since the development of the plan process due to the education it provides. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Population: 700,001 – Above

Contra Costa County — Snap & Go: QReative Mobile Library ServiceContact:

Cathy Sanford
Deputy County Librarian Support Services
Contra Costa County
1750 Oak Park Boulevard
Pleasant Hill, CA  94523
Phone:       925/646-6423
Email:         csanford@ccclib.org

Snap & Go is a mobile patron support system utilizing QR (Quick Response) codes to delivery library materials and service to customers with mobile phones. This system offers downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, virtual museum passes, and interactive reference service to satisfy the reading and information needs of county residents at times when their community library is closed or when they cannot make it to the library. Marketing and educational campaigns provide instant access to library service remotely through QR codes on board local buses and on the platform of rapid area transit trains. Passengers with smart phones can scan QR codes via on-board posters providing instant access to the library’s collection of ebooks. In a five-month period in 2011, this new fleet of “digital bookmobiles” helped to supply the more than 1,500 ebooks that were wirelessly downloaded directly to library cardholders’ mobile devices. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Los Angeles County — “Be Well” Senior Programs Community Partnership

Contact:
Brenda Sapp-Pradia
Program Manager
Los Angeles County
3333 Wilshire Blvd. #400
Los Angeles, CA  90010
Phone:       213/738-4749
Email:         bsapp-pradia@css.lacounty.gov

“Be Well” Senior Programs Community Partnership is a collaborative program that helps moderate to high-risk seniors with chronic medical/health conditions adopt healthier lifestyles. The county, in partnership with the local health community and local city, created a program that includes nutritional counseling, low-impact exercise and weight management. The goals of the program are to improve health self-management, reduce hospitalizations, maintain independence and improve the quality of life for participants. In fiscal year 2009-10, nearly 500 seniors participated in the program, which is currently being administered at 10 senior and community sites. Pre- and post-test results show that participants have lowered their blood pressure, improve blood sugar readings, have a reduce nutritional scorecard, increased mobility, reduced use of walkers/canes and decreased the number of falls and injuries. Overall, there has been a significant improvement in physical and emotional health, reducing the need for emergency room visits and hospital and outpatient services. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Los Angeles County — EPitchess

Contact:
Judy Gerhardt
Lieutenant
Los Angeles County
4900 South Eastern Ave. #220
Los Angeles, CA  90040
Phone:       323/890-5006
Email:         jagerhar@lasd.org

A collaboration between county judicial partners, epitchess uses technology to convert a burdensome and costly manual system into a streamlined, efficient, eco-friendly electronic process. A “pitchess motion” is commonly filed in criminal cases when defense counsel seeks information contained within a police officer’s personnel file. These motions have been historically served by hand. The solution was epitchess, an electronic process for serving these motions. In this process, the motion is sent instantaneously to a dedicated sheriff’s department account. This eliminates the need for staff to scan paper motions before forwarding to county counsel and contract counsel. During the nine-month pilot project, nearly 150 pitchess motions were served electronically, eliminating 3,000 driving miles, redirecting 100 investigator hours and saving 11,000 sheets of paper. The service is now available from all 14 public defender offices throughout the county. In addition to increased efficiency and productivity, the county reduces its carbon footprint by eliminating associated tailpipe emissions.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Los Angeles County — The Growing Experience Urban Farm

Contact:
Jimmy Ng
Project Manager
Los Angeles County
2 Coral Circle
Montery Park, CA  91755
Phone:       323/890-7135
Email:         jimmy.ng@lacdc.org

The Growing Experience provides residents in a blighted area of Long Beach with green space for recreation, community events, nutritious produce and job-training opportunities. A 7-acre vacant lot was reclaimed and transformed into its current use as an urban farm, consisting of 4.5 acres of sustainable crop production, and a 2.5-acre community garden for low-income residents to grow their own food.  The program also offers hands-on, after-school and summer training for young adults in their first paid job experiences, in partnership with classes from the UC Cooperative Extension. The farm has become a regional resource for eco-friendly, sustainable practices. Sixty residents, with more on a waiting list, have individual raised plots to grow their own food. There are also seasonal events for community residents, including an Earth Day celebration, fall harvest festival, farm dinners, volunteer work days and school tours. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Los Angeles County — Implementing the LA Women’s Health Summit Recommendations

Contact:
Ellen Eidem, M.S.
Director, Office of Women’s Health
Los Angeles County
3400 Aerojet Ave., 3rd Floor
El Monte, CA  91731
Phone:       626/569-3850
Email:         eeidem@ph.lacounty.gov
Implementing summit recommendations to address health disparities impacting women of color and other underserved populations has led to increased county/community collaborations and improved services. To address disparities, a women’s health policy summit was convened in 2007 and attended more than 400 community and county stakeholders. Forty-eight priority recommendations were developed. Working groups in specific issue areas were created with a focus of identifying gaps in existing policy and service delivery, build collaborations that work on solutions and leverage resources. Significant outcomes have been achieved in all areas; in numerous instances, experts working in the same arena have been brought together for the first time for ongoing collaborations. Duplication of effort has been minimized and productivity in general has multiplied as collaborations now have a life of their own with their own budgets, grant funding and work plans. These collaborations have resulted in improved services to the community and ultimately, a reduction in health disparities.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Los Angeles County — The Parks After Dark/After Hours Program

Mika Yamamoto
Special Assistant
Los Angeles County
433 S. Vermont Ave., 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90020
Phone:       213/738-2965
Email:         myamamoto@parks.lacounty.gov

Parks After Dark offers after-hours recreational, educational, cultural and family-oriented, low-cost/free programs and activities to offset at-risk behavior, including gang activity, during the summer months. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life for residents and create a greater sense of community, while providing a valuable alternative for youth. It was designed as part of the county’s Gang Violence Reduction Initiative to keep parks open after hours, enhance a social/neighborhood resource and create a stronger sense of community through the Parks and Recreation Department. More than 30,000 residents took advantage of programs and events in the span of only two months. Many people wanted the program to continue throughout the year. Park staff and community members reported the program had a significant impact on the communities and a reduction of criminal activity.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Los Angeles County — Victim Impact Program (VIP)

Contact:
Lynn Vodden
Administrative Deputy
Los Angeles County
201 North Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA  90012
Phone:       213/202-7616
Email:         lvodden@da.lacounty.gov

The Victim Impact Program is comprised of specially trained prosecutors who vertically prosecute cases involving the most vulnerable crime victims while ensuring they get essential support services.  Prior to the creation of this program, these cases generally went through the hands of various deputy district attorneys from the filing stage through case disposition. Now, the assigned prosecutor is highly trained and skilled in developing and supporting a system of service delivery that is response to the victim’s needs. All prosecutors assigned to the unit receive enhanced, on-going training designed to cover updated legal issues, potential defenses and advanced trial tactics. Through the Victim Impact Program, victims are supported through the effective leveraging of existing resources in areas of law enforcement, county social services, community and non-profit support, and other expert services. The program also obtains justice through vertical prosecution of cases involving domestic violence, sex crimes, stalking, elder abuse, hate crimes and child abuse. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Orange County — Focus on “Serving First” Improves Customer Satisfaction

Contact:
Jess Carbajal
Director, OC Public Works
Orange County
300 N. Flower
Santa Ana, CA  92703
Phone:       714/667-3217
Email:         jess.carabjal@ocpw.ocgov.com

The newly created Customer Care and Permit Services unit improved the permit process for customers of Orange County Planning, a division of Public Works.  In an attempt to improve customer service, a new unit was created. This unit then implemented a number of measures, including instituting customer surveys, developing online permitting and reorganizing plan submittal and document storage. A telephone tracking system was also developed to track service response time and route inquiries to the correct individual or department. Employee cross-training also improved customer service by enabling employees to better respond to the daily fluctuations in demand for services by performing multiple job functions. Customer satisfaction with services received now regularly exceeds 95 percent. Employees are now empowered to provide efficient, effective service.  Cooperative working relationships have been developed, customer service improved, costs reduced, and jobs preserved. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Orange County — Surge OC

Contact:
Dorothy Hendrickson
Health Disaster Management Divison
Orange County
405 W. 5th Street
Santa Ana, CA  92701
Phone:        714/560-6156
Email:         dhendrickson@ochca.com

Surge OC aligns disparate federal public health preparedness and response grant requirements with hands-on, community-based planning at the city level to supercharge disaster planning in Orange County. The county’s Health Care Agency reached out to the county’s 34 city emergency planners and first-responder organizations to develop and clarify a response and resource request process for health facility partners which would fit into the Operational Area’s Standardized Emergency Management System.  This led to an active regional collaboration of informed, trained and connected health care partners. Surge OC has changed how the local health care community views preparedness. Health care facilities within a city have met and — in many cases for the first time — have planned together with their city emergency manager. They now understand what will and will not happen in an emergency, how they can request help and how they can be part of the response system. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Riverside County — Make the Smart Choice Public Education Campaign

Contact:
Steve Van Stockum
Director
Riverside County
4065 County Circle Drive
Riverside, CA  92503Phone:       951/358-5172
Email:         svanstoc@rivcocha.org
“Make the Smart Choice” is a campaign with the long-term vision of reducing enforcement costs through educating citizens of the dangers of purchasing food from illegally operating food vendors. The public education campaign used a number of different media, including a traveling information booth and presentations at community meetings. These presentations highlight photos of dangerous conditions taken by field inspectors, and speakers explain the real impacts and symptoms of food-born illnesses. Information brochures and promotional items are also distributed. A school program has also been instituted. The “Make the Smart Choice” message can be found throughout Riverside County.  After hearing a presentations, residents say they are more inclined not to purchase food from unpermitted vendors. Other jurisdictions are looking at duplicating the campaign, and the county has been asked to make presentations in other regions of the country. The Department of Environmental Health used two federal grants to implement this program.  

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

Riverside County — Parent Support & Training Program

Contact:
Lorie Lacey-Payne
Supervisor, Department of Mental Health
Riverside County
9707 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA  92503
Phone:       951/358-6858
Email:         lapayne@rcmhd.org

The Parent Support & Training Program (PSTP) has been designed for parents by parents of children with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges. This program provides resources and support to parents who feel isolated while caring for their children. PSTP Parent Partners have navigated through the mental health system and are now able to assist parents and caregivers new to the system. The support and resources given to parents and caregivers also extends as a bridge from the Parent Partner to the mental health specialist. The program has reached thousands of parents through free trainings and support groups countywide, and has provided resources that are relevant to parents’ issues. Parent feedback confirms that they have been able to apply the information immediately and effectively with positive results. The parents have been communicating and working with professionals with increased confidence and have also been able to work more effectively with their children. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Bernardino County — Community Liaison Outreach Program

Contact:
Brad Mitzelfelt
Vice-Chairman/First Supervisoral District
San Bernardino County
385 North Arrowhead Ave., First Floor
San Bernardino, CA  92415-0110
Phone:        909/387-4830
Email:         dzook@sbcounty.gov

Five part-time community liaison positions were created in the county’s First District to enhance service delivery and address the challenge of doing more with less. The district is the largest county supervisorial district in the contiguous U.S. Budget cuts eliminated two of five field representative positions, hampering effective personal face-to-face meetings with constituents. The answer was the creation of part-time community liaison positions whose primary focus is to perform outreach functions and gives residents a way to voice their concerns. Community liaisons work no more than 25 hours a month; they spend that time attending functions and community meetings, communicating with constituents, and assisting in the resolution of current issues. This allows the field representatives to concentrate on recurring project duties, more complex issues and less on community outreach. As a result, the communities have a sense that they are better represented and their voice is being heard by their county supervisor. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Bernardino County — Creating Healthier Communities: A Multi-Sectorial Collaborative

Contact:
Evelyn Trevino
Public Health Program Coordinator
San Bernardino County
340 N. Mountain View Avenue
San Bernardino, CA  92415-0010
Phone:       909/387-4369
Email:         etrevino@dph.sbcounty.gov

Healthy Communities is a countywide, strategic initiative to improve the health and well-being of all county residents by creating healthy environments and promoting healthy choices in daily lives. It serves as a central resource for multi-sectorial partners’ efforts to create healthy places to live, work, learn and play. Local within the Department of Public Health, Healthy Communities has a staff and budget dedicated to creating healthier environments in communities throughout the county. The program serves as a central resource, providing services such as partner referrals, technical assistance, research on best and promising practices, announcements of funding opportunities, and local health and demographic data. The program’s greatest success to date has been to build political will in the county toward improving the health of residents. To date, two-thirds of incorporated jurisdictions have established a partnership with Healthy Communities and embarked on their own initiatives. Strong partnerships have been forged with education, health care, local university, businesses and community-based organizations.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Diego County — Engaging Non-Custodial Parents Video Series

Contact:
Jeff Grissom
Director, Child Support Services
San Diego County
P.O. Box 122031
San Diego, CA  92101
Phone:       619/578-6851
Email:         jeff.grissom@sdcounty.ca.gov

Studies have shown that early non-custodial parental involvement can enhance collection of court-ordered financial and medical support for children. To assist in this, county’s Department of Child Support Services produced a series of videos designed to explain the child support process to non-custodial parents and provide information specific to their needs. Information is presented in layman’s terms through a series of two-to-three-minute video segments. These videos not only present the departments approach to working with non-custodial parents, but also educate them on how to ensure that tan accurate court order was established. Put putting the videos on the departments’ Website, a wider range of customers can be reached.  Customers have responded positively to the videos and have become more familiar with the process. This allows staff to focus on issues related to the specific case rather than explaining the general process. The videos can be viewed at www.sandiegochildsupport.org.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Diego County — Improving Regional GIS Data Exchange

Contact:
Ross P. Martin
GIS Program Manager
San Diego County
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite B
San Diego, CA  92123
Phone:       858/334-3829
Email:         ross.martin@sdcounty.ca.gov

This county-sponsored project has improved Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data exchanges between local governments and regional governmental agencies, while lowering costs and increasing reliability. Previously, the county and regional local governments connected to a single server, which resulted in potential vulnerabilities. The development of new “computer script” provides a back-up process that automatically keeps copies of data and allows GIS data to move to and from a centralized hub. The project has generated nearly $35,000 in savings annually. But perhaps more importantly, it has increased reliability. The return on investment was achieved with six months. The program can be easily adopted by other governmental entities and is available at not cost. Since the program was implemented, there has not been a single outage. Good decisions are based upon good information; the custom script ensure San Diego County always has the best available data. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Diego County — Integrated Fire Suppression/Stormwater Compliance System

Contact:
Ken Frederiksen
Facility Support Manager
San Diego County
5560 Overland Avenue, #410
San Diego, CA  92123Phone:       858/514-4980
Email:         ken.frederiksen@sdcounty.ca.gov

The Integrated Fire Suppression/Stormwater Compliance Program was developed to appropriately test fire suppression systems while complying with State of California stormwater regulations. In collaboration with area industry, county staff determined it was possible to satisfy requirements of both compliance programs with the use of a unique, locally manufactured devise and improve maintenance procedures. The concept behind the program relies on the diffuser/filter to disperse the energy from the fire pump discharge, as well as filter and purify the water discharge to meet compliance requirements. The use of the diffuser/filter with the modified maintenance procedures is completely compatible with the existing stormwater program requirements has eliminated the extensive use of BMPs, and has provided a safer procedure and physical environment during testing. The combined advantages of enhanced safety ecological stewardship, efficiency and cost avoidance resulted in a solution to a challenge faced by the county. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Diego County — Responsible Pet Ownership (RePO) Program

Contact:
Harold Holmes
Lieutenant
San Diego County
5480 Gaines Street
San Diego, CA  92110
Phone:       619/767-2673
Email:         harold.holmes@sdcounty.ca.gov

This program works like a “traffic school” for individuals cited for minor animal violations, providing resources, rehabilitation and cost savings while reducing recidivism and court time. The Responsible Pet Ownership (RePO) Program is a three-hour multimedia class held once a month. Department of Animal Services staff covers such pet ownership and associated law. A fee is collected from each participant, who receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course. RePO reduces the financial burden of prosecuting minor animal-related offenses and increases the number of cases resolved. The program promotes a cooperative relationship with animal owners, while saving time for the courts, prosecutors and public defenders. The class helps turn otherwise negative enforcement actions into opportunities for education, understanding and cooperation. To date, there has been no re-offenders and participant feedback has been positive.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.

San Diego County — Senior Expo: Protect Yourself and Your Wallet

Contact:
Ellen Schmeding
Assistant Deputy Director
San Diego County
5560 Overland Avenue, #310
San Diego, CA  92123Phone:       858/505-6329
Email:         ellen.schmeding@sdcounty.ca.gov

“Senior Expo: Protect Yourself and Your Wallet” events help prevent crimes against older adults by empowering and educating seniors with physical and financial self-defense techniques. Hosted at libraries, the 2.5-hour workshops are broken into two segments: the first focuses on protection from a physical attack and spotlights ways to avoid trouble; speakers than address a variety of financial abuse topics, including identity theft, personal banking, legal documents, real estate, contractor fraud and charitable donations. The program has educated more than 1,100 seniors at 24 events. Another estimated 3,500 seniors have received copies of an educational booklet that covers all the materials presented at the events. An additional 60,000 booklets are being distributed, including 10,000 in Spanish. A DVD has also been produced and distributed to libraries, senior centers and other sites. Seniors who have attended the expos have rated them very highly. 

To read the Executive Summary, click here.