Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Community Corrections

Report #207, September 2011
Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Community Corrections

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Speaks Out on Corrections Realignment, Information Technology

The Little Hoover Commission has completed work on two ongoing projects. The Commission on Tuesday sent two letters to Governor Brown and the Legislature, one on the realignment of some state corrections operations to local governments, and another on the progress of the recently created California Technology Agency.

In its letter to the Governor and the Legislature on corrections, the Commission provides an update on its two decades of work on public safety issues. On October 1, 2011, California enters a new era of criminal justice policy as supervision for the majority of low-level felony offenders begins an historic shift from state to local control. This Commission and others have recommended expanding community corrections and alternative sanctions for low-level offenders for decades. In its letter, the Commission expresses concerns regarding adequate and reliable funding, state oversight and program integration at the local level.

In its letter on the progress of the California Technology Agency and major statewide information technology initiatives, the Commission recommends policy-makers protect and leverage California’s investment in technology projects by reinforcing support for the newly established agency. The Commission recommends that as the agency moves forward, it strengthen its communication with policy-makers, expand its pool of project managers, streamline the procurement and project life-cycle process and give managers more tools to use data to improve decision-making.

The letters to the Governor and the Legislature and documents from public hearings held as part of these two reviews, including agendas and written testimony submitted by witnesses, are available on the Commission’s Web site at www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission is reviewed the state's corrections programs as part of its ongoing commitment to oversight. The Governor proposed a reorganization of corrections programs in 2005, creating the Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. The Commission reviewed that proposal and recommended moving forward with it. As part of that support, the Commission committed to monitoring the progress of the reorganization. Five years later, the Commission assessed the work toward the goals established in the reorganization plan and the department's strategic plan, and will evaluate whether additional organizational changes could improve outcomes. 

The Commission also continued its effort to guide policy-makers in improving public safety in California by assessing what will be required for a successful transition from state to local supervision for certain offenders.  Many of the Commission’s previous recommendations to shift supervision of youth, low-level offenders and parolees from state to community-based supervision are being actively discussed in the 2011-12 legislative session. As part of its corrections oversight study, the Commission reviewed the steps necessary that will lead to a successful transition in a broad sense as well as the tools and strategies required to improve offender re-entry from incarceration to the community. 

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor and the Legislature to continue their efforts to refine California’s criminal justice policies.

Facing budget constraints and pressure from federal courts, California’s leaders embarked on a broad realignment of responsibilities for low-level offenders to the county level to reduce the number of offenders sent to state prison.

The Commission supported the realignment, but expressed concerns that the state’s plan lacked sufficient funding, planning and oversight to ensure a safe and successful transition.

Print Agenda
  • April 27
    2011
    Corrections Oversight
    2:30 p.m., Suite 200, 9825 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 13, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the Corrections Oversight Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a subcommittee meeting to get an update on California parole reform progress. The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Suite 200 at 9825 Goethe Road in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

  • March 24
    2011
    Corrections Oversight
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
    Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Improving Public Safety: Successful Offender Transitions

    1. Bonnie Dumanis, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony, Attachment)
       

    Views from the Bench

    1. Richard Vlavianos, Superior Court Judge, San Joaquin County (Written Testimony)


    Promising Practices in Successful Reentry

    1. Michael Hennessey, Sheriff, City and County of San Francisco (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Probation: Overview of Proposed Changes and Best Practices

    1. Linda Penner, Chief Probation Officer, Fresno County (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 10, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, March 24, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs.

    Many ideas for shifting supervision of youth, low-level offenders and parolees from state to community-based supervision are being actively discussed in the 2011-12 legislative session. These ideas include several of the Commission’s previous recommendations. The Commission has re-joined this important discussion and has scheduled this hearing to better understand what steps will be necessary for successful transition of supervision responsibilities in a broad sense, as well as the tools and strategies required to improve offender re-entry from incarceration to the community.

    The Commission will hear from the San Diego County district attorney, a judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court, the sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco, and Fresno County’s chief probation officer.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Also, the Commission will meet for dinner on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Spartaro’s Restaurant at 1415 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 17, 2011.

  • November 18
    2010
    Corrections Oversight
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
    Thursday, November 18, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Correctional System Reform -- Progress and Additional Opportunities

    1. Matthew Cate, Secretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
       

    Strategies for Successful Correctional Reform

    1. Jeanne Woodford, former Secretary and Undersecretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
       

    Correctional Structure Reform and Options for Expanding Community Corrections

    1. Wendy Still, Chief Probation Officer, City and County of San Francisco, and former Chief Financial Officer and Associate Director of Female Offender Programs & Services, California Departmet of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
       

    Perspectives from Labor: Custody Staff

    1. Mike Jimenez, President, California Correctional Peace Officers Association
       

    Perspectives from Labor: Rehabilitation and Healthcare Staff

    1. John Kern, Chair, Bargaining Unit 3 (Professional Educators and Librarians), SEIU Local 1000 
       
    2. Nancy Lyerla, Chair, Bargaining Unit 17 (Registered Nurses), SEIU Local 1000 (Written Testimony)


    The Commission will break for its business meeting from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.


    ​​​​​​​California Prison Healthcare

    1. J. Clark Kelso, Receiver, California Prison Healthcare Services (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 4, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, November 18, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs. The November 18 hearing stems from that commitment and will provide an opportunity to update the Commission on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

    The Commission will hear from the secretary of the department; a former secretary and undersecretary of the department; the chief probation officer for the city and county of San Francisco, who also is former corrections department chief financial officer and associate director of female offender programs and services; the president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association; representatives of Service Employees International Union Local 1000; and the court-appointed receiver for California Prison Healthcare Services.

    The hearing will include a one-hour break for the Commission’s business meeting, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., then will reconvene.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 11, 2010.

April 27
2011
Corrections Oversight
2:30 p.m., Suite 200, 9825 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the Corrections Oversight Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a subcommittee meeting to get an update on California parole reform progress. The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Suite 200 at 9825 Goethe Road in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

March 24
2011
Corrections Oversight
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Improving Public Safety: Successful Offender Transitions

  1. Bonnie Dumanis, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony, Attachment)
     

Views from the Bench

  1. Richard Vlavianos, Superior Court Judge, San Joaquin County (Written Testimony)


Promising Practices in Successful Reentry

  1. Michael Hennessey, Sheriff, City and County of San Francisco (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Probation: Overview of Proposed Changes and Best Practices

  1. Linda Penner, Chief Probation Officer, Fresno County (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, March 24, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs.

Many ideas for shifting supervision of youth, low-level offenders and parolees from state to community-based supervision are being actively discussed in the 2011-12 legislative session. These ideas include several of the Commission’s previous recommendations. The Commission has re-joined this important discussion and has scheduled this hearing to better understand what steps will be necessary for successful transition of supervision responsibilities in a broad sense, as well as the tools and strategies required to improve offender re-entry from incarceration to the community.

The Commission will hear from the San Diego County district attorney, a judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court, the sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco, and Fresno County’s chief probation officer.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Also, the Commission will meet for dinner on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Spartaro’s Restaurant at 1415 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 17, 2011.

November 18
2010
Corrections Oversight
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
Thursday, November 18, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Correctional System Reform -- Progress and Additional Opportunities

  1. Matthew Cate, Secretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
     

Strategies for Successful Correctional Reform

  1. Jeanne Woodford, former Secretary and Undersecretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
     

Correctional Structure Reform and Options for Expanding Community Corrections

  1. Wendy Still, Chief Probation Officer, City and County of San Francisco, and former Chief Financial Officer and Associate Director of Female Offender Programs & Services, California Departmet of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
     

Perspectives from Labor: Custody Staff

  1. Mike Jimenez, President, California Correctional Peace Officers Association
     

Perspectives from Labor: Rehabilitation and Healthcare Staff

  1. John Kern, Chair, Bargaining Unit 3 (Professional Educators and Librarians), SEIU Local 1000 
     
  2. Nancy Lyerla, Chair, Bargaining Unit 17 (Registered Nurses), SEIU Local 1000 (Written Testimony)


The Commission will break for its business meeting from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.


​​​​​​​California Prison Healthcare

  1. J. Clark Kelso, Receiver, California Prison Healthcare Services (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, November 18, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs. The November 18 hearing stems from that commitment and will provide an opportunity to update the Commission on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The Commission will hear from the secretary of the department; a former secretary and undersecretary of the department; the chief probation officer for the city and county of San Francisco, who also is former corrections department chief financial officer and associate director of female offender programs and services; the president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association; representatives of Service Employees International Union Local 1000; and the court-appointed receiver for California Prison Healthcare Services.

The hearing will include a one-hour break for the Commission’s business meeting, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., then will reconvene.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Print Agenda
  • April 27
    2011
    Corrections Oversight
    2:30 p.m., Suite 200, 9825 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 13, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the Corrections Oversight Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a subcommittee meeting to get an update on California parole reform progress. The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Suite 200 at 9825 Goethe Road in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

  • March 24
    2011
    Corrections Oversight
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
    Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Improving Public Safety: Successful Offender Transitions

    1. Bonnie Dumanis, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony, Attachment)
       

    Views from the Bench

    1. Richard Vlavianos, Superior Court Judge, San Joaquin County (Written Testimony)


    Promising Practices in Successful Reentry

    1. Michael Hennessey, Sheriff, City and County of San Francisco (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Probation: Overview of Proposed Changes and Best Practices

    1. Linda Penner, Chief Probation Officer, Fresno County (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 10, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, March 24, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs.

    Many ideas for shifting supervision of youth, low-level offenders and parolees from state to community-based supervision are being actively discussed in the 2011-12 legislative session. These ideas include several of the Commission’s previous recommendations. The Commission has re-joined this important discussion and has scheduled this hearing to better understand what steps will be necessary for successful transition of supervision responsibilities in a broad sense, as well as the tools and strategies required to improve offender re-entry from incarceration to the community.

    The Commission will hear from the San Diego County district attorney, a judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court, the sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco, and Fresno County’s chief probation officer.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Also, the Commission will meet for dinner on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Spartaro’s Restaurant at 1415 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 17, 2011.

  • November 18
    2010
    Corrections Oversight
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
    Thursday, November 18, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Correctional System Reform -- Progress and Additional Opportunities

    1. Matthew Cate, Secretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
       

    Strategies for Successful Correctional Reform

    1. Jeanne Woodford, former Secretary and Undersecretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
       

    Correctional Structure Reform and Options for Expanding Community Corrections

    1. Wendy Still, Chief Probation Officer, City and County of San Francisco, and former Chief Financial Officer and Associate Director of Female Offender Programs & Services, California Departmet of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
       

    Perspectives from Labor: Custody Staff

    1. Mike Jimenez, President, California Correctional Peace Officers Association
       

    Perspectives from Labor: Rehabilitation and Healthcare Staff

    1. John Kern, Chair, Bargaining Unit 3 (Professional Educators and Librarians), SEIU Local 1000 
       
    2. Nancy Lyerla, Chair, Bargaining Unit 17 (Registered Nurses), SEIU Local 1000 (Written Testimony)


    The Commission will break for its business meeting from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.


    ​​​​​​​California Prison Healthcare

    1. J. Clark Kelso, Receiver, California Prison Healthcare Services (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 4, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, November 18, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs. The November 18 hearing stems from that commitment and will provide an opportunity to update the Commission on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

    The Commission will hear from the secretary of the department; a former secretary and undersecretary of the department; the chief probation officer for the city and county of San Francisco, who also is former corrections department chief financial officer and associate director of female offender programs and services; the president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association; representatives of Service Employees International Union Local 1000; and the court-appointed receiver for California Prison Healthcare Services.

    The hearing will include a one-hour break for the Commission’s business meeting, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., then will reconvene.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 11, 2010.

April 27
2011
Corrections Oversight
2:30 p.m., Suite 200, 9825 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the Corrections Oversight Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a subcommittee meeting to get an update on California parole reform progress. The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Suite 200 at 9825 Goethe Road in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

March 24
2011
Corrections Oversight
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Improving Public Safety: Successful Offender Transitions

  1. Bonnie Dumanis, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony, Attachment)
     

Views from the Bench

  1. Richard Vlavianos, Superior Court Judge, San Joaquin County (Written Testimony)


Promising Practices in Successful Reentry

  1. Michael Hennessey, Sheriff, City and County of San Francisco (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Probation: Overview of Proposed Changes and Best Practices

  1. Linda Penner, Chief Probation Officer, Fresno County (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, March 24, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs.

Many ideas for shifting supervision of youth, low-level offenders and parolees from state to community-based supervision are being actively discussed in the 2011-12 legislative session. These ideas include several of the Commission’s previous recommendations. The Commission has re-joined this important discussion and has scheduled this hearing to better understand what steps will be necessary for successful transition of supervision responsibilities in a broad sense, as well as the tools and strategies required to improve offender re-entry from incarceration to the community.

The Commission will hear from the San Diego County district attorney, a judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court, the sheriff of the City and County of San Francisco, and Fresno County’s chief probation officer.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Also, the Commission will meet for dinner on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Spartaro’s Restaurant at 1415 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 17, 2011.

November 18
2010
Corrections Oversight
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Corrections Oversight
Thursday, November 18, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Correctional System Reform -- Progress and Additional Opportunities

  1. Matthew Cate, Secretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
     

Strategies for Successful Correctional Reform

  1. Jeanne Woodford, former Secretary and Undersecretary, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
     

Correctional Structure Reform and Options for Expanding Community Corrections

  1. Wendy Still, Chief Probation Officer, City and County of San Francisco, and former Chief Financial Officer and Associate Director of Female Offender Programs & Services, California Departmet of Corrections & Rehabilitation (Written Testimony)
     

Perspectives from Labor: Custody Staff

  1. Mike Jimenez, President, California Correctional Peace Officers Association
     

Perspectives from Labor: Rehabilitation and Healthcare Staff

  1. John Kern, Chair, Bargaining Unit 3 (Professional Educators and Librarians), SEIU Local 1000 
     
  2. Nancy Lyerla, Chair, Bargaining Unit 17 (Registered Nurses), SEIU Local 1000 (Written Testimony)


The Commission will break for its business meeting from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.


​​​​​​​California Prison Healthcare

  1. J. Clark Kelso, Receiver, California Prison Healthcare Services (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, November 18, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California’s corrections system. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This study is a follow-up from a 2005 Little Hoover Commission report, Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor’s Reorganization Plan Reforming California’s Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. That year, the Commission reviewed Governor Schwarzenegger’s reorganization plan on corrections programs and recommended the Legislature allow the proposal to go into effect. As part of that recommendation, the Commission committed itself to monitoring the progress of California’s corrections programs. The November 18 hearing stems from that commitment and will provide an opportunity to update the Commission on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The Commission will hear from the secretary of the department; a former secretary and undersecretary of the department; the chief probation officer for the city and county of San Francisco, who also is former corrections department chief financial officer and associate director of female offender programs and services; the president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association; representatives of Service Employees International Union Local 1000; and the court-appointed receiver for California Prison Healthcare Services.

The hearing will include a one-hour break for the Commission’s business meeting, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., then will reconvene.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Executive Director Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, November 11, 2010.