The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association

The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association

The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association

The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association The Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association

 

WELCOME

  • The Napa County Chapter (NCC) of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association (CGJA) of California is composed of former and current Grand Jurors in Napa County. The Chapter was established in 2001 as a 501(c)(3), nonprofit public benefit corporation, to promote awareness of and participation in the Grand Jury system in Napa County, and to support the activities and programs of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association of California.  All current and former grand jurors in Napa County are eligible for membership.  The Civil Grand Jurors' Association is a statewide organization composed of current and former grand jurors. It is dedicated to promoting the understanding of the unique practices of civil grand juries in California and to educate the public and prospective grand jurors about the beneficial oversight function of this system.


Benefits of belonging to the Napa County Chapter include:         

  • Continuing your unique service to Napa County
  •  Join the chapter in working with the court to recruit and educate grand jury applicants
  • Monitoring and follow-up on responses to Grand Jury reports
  • Participating in regional meetings to share lessons learned
  • Voting privileges at the chapter meeting
  • Continue the special friendships you made during your service

 

We are dedicated to promoting Grand Jury awareness, education and outreach. Three memberships levels are available 

One year membership is $40

Two year membership is $80

Ten year membership is $150  

See next section titled Downloads for a membership application.  Print this form and bring to a Chapter meeting, or mail in with your check to: 

NAPA CHAPTER CGJA, P.O. Box 2496, Yountville, CA 94559.

Meetings are conducted on the second Monday of each month at 4pm

 


Officers of our Chapter for 2024-2025:

Kort van Bronkhorst, President 

Ron Ryan, Vice President and Treasurer 



In Memoriam: John Morris

Esteemed Napa County Grand Juror, and Member of the Board of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA

The Rev. John K. Morris passed peacefully with his family surrounding him on January 3, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born and raised in Denver, CO, he attended the University of Colorado School of Engineering for a year before being appointed to the Naval Academy, graduating in 1961. Seven days after his graduation, he married the love of his life Patricia (Bybee), whom he had known since he was 5 and she was 4. He then began a 20-year Navy Career, assigned to various bases across the U.S., as an officer on missile and patrol submarines. With a young family that he found he missed, he decided to leave submarines and became an engineering officer. John continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he received his Masters in ocean engineering and naval architecture. After being posted to Mare Island Naval shipyard, the family moved to Napa in 1978. John retired from the Navy in 1981, and then embarked on his career as a consulting engineer, which included time with Earl & Wright and FEMA. John had a deep faith in God, and in 1992 he was ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. While he continued his career in engineering he pursued his theological calling, serving at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Napa, and also volunteering at Napa Valley Hospice as a spiritual care provider. This was truly the passion of his life. He was further called, and at the age of 72, he finished his theological studies and was ordained a priest. He continued as a volunteer priest at St. Mary's. Further community service included his participation on the Napa County Grand Jury for three years. After 54 years of marriage, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, in 2015. John is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, Corinne Morris-Sherwin (Buck), Janet Morris-Modrich (Mike), Carol Pierce (Rod) and Paul Morris. In addition, he is survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. John was a much beloved man, husband, father and grandfather, who will be sorely missed for his compassion and calm and loving spirit. A Celebration of Life for John will be held on February 22nd at 1pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1917 3rd St., Napa, CA 94559. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in his honor, or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Downloads

memb form NCC-CGJA (1) (pdf)Download
Napa CGJA bylaws 2014 (pdf)Download

The Napa Chapter and the CGJA

The Mission Statement of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA

The Mission Statement of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA

The Mission Statement of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA


Promote and maintain the importance of the Civil Grand Jury function as it relates to the citizens of Napa County. This mission contains three distinct but inter-related objectives:

1. Assist the Superior Court in recruiting qualified candidates for each annual sitting Grand Jury

2. Provide ongoing support and counsel to the members of the sitting Grand Jury

3. Liaise with the State CGJA Organization and its other member chapters to exchange best practices and key learnings

How we support the CGJA

The Mission Statement of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA

The Mission Statement of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA

  • Many of our Napa County Chapter members also hold membership in the CGJA, and many have served as chairs of committees to provide grand jury support at the State level.  Among CGJA's most important activities are: ·        Train most every grand juror in California ·        Maintain a “Help-Desk” for sitting jurors ·        Prepare and publish guidebooks on grand jury practices and law ·        Present Grand Jury news on its website cgja.org ·        Sponsor Excellence in Reporting Awards to honor the best reports from around the state ·        Monitor and respond to any legislation regarding the grand jury system.  For more information about the CGJA activities and to join the CGJA go to www.cgja.org.

Find out more

The Grand Jury’s Historical Roots

  • The Grand Jury system has been used in England since the twelfth century.  Grand juries were brought to America in 1635 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony empaneled the first one in the new land. The Grand Jury system has been embedded in the California Constitution since the beginning of statehood in 1850.  The first Napa County Grand Jury convened in the 1850's.  The Napa County Grand Jury operates under the constitutional mandate which calls for a Grand Jury in every county.   The term of service is one year and begins on July 1.  Upon being sworn in, jurors are provided orientation and training regarding grand jury responsibilities and on investigating and report writing techniques.  The Grand Jury organizes itself and investigates various departments and functions of local governments as it chooses.  Subjects investigated can be initiated by the Grand Jury or suggested by letters from citizens, complaints of alleged mistreatment by officials, suspicion of misconduct, or government inefficiencies.  Such complaints, and ALL transactions of the jury, are kept confidential.  A report usually follows with recommendations which must be addressed by the recipients.  The advice of the County Counsel, the District Attorney, and the Presiding Judge is available to the Grand Jury.

Video

Watch a brief message from Gavin Newsom

What is the Napa County Grand Jury and what does it do?

  •   The Grand Jury is a historic institution and serves an important role in our society. It is sometimes referred to as the "watchdog" of the community. It functions as an arm of the judicial branch of government and operates under the authority of the Napa Superior Court. The Court is responsible for appointing 19 Napa County citizens to the grand jury each year. The term of office is July 1 to June 30.   The Grand Jury investigates and reports on the operations, accounts, and records of local government officers and agencies. It is a fascinating opportunity for citizens to learn about the workings of the institutions and people who govern our local affairs. Grand jurors also have the power to investigate citizen complaints about local government. By performing this important service, the experience rewards grand jurors with a satisfaction they have made their community a better place to live and have enhanced the freedoms we enjoy in this country.  

What are your obligations as a Grand Juror?

  • A grand juror serves for one year beginning on July 1.  There is a significant time commitment that varies from year to year.  The Grand Jury itself decides how often to meet and how much work to do,  You will also decide for yourself when to meet and accomplish the work of the Grand Jury. No set schedule is forced on you.  If you are unable to continue serving for the entire year, an alternate will be appointed to replace you.  The law requires each Grand Jury to inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within the county and to investigate and report on the operations, accounts, and records of the officers, department, or functions of the county on a selective basis.  The Grand Jury also has the authority to review the operations of many other local government agencies, such as cities and special districts.  The Grand Jury decides which agencies to review each year.  Grand Jury meetings are confidential and cannot be discussed publicly.  The Fair Political Practices Commission requires that all grand jurors file a Statement of Economic Interests Form 700.  Napa County provides training for all grand jurors by utilizing the training services provided by the California Grand Jurors' Association.  Support is also given to the Grand Jury throughout the year by the Court, the County Counsel, the District Attorney, and the Napa Chapter.

How to apply to serve on the Grand Jury

  •   State law requires the formation of a grand jury every year. Grand jury service is an important civic responsibility for all citizens of this state. It is also a rewarding experience for those who serve. Grand jurors must meet the following legal qualifications: 
  •         At least 18 years old ·        Citizen of the United States ·        Resident of Napa County for one year prior to next July ·        In possession of natural faculties, of ordinary intelligence, of sound judgment, and of fair character ·        Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language ·        Not currently serving as a trial juror ·        Not discharged as a grand juror within one year prior to next July ·        Never convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime ·        Not currently serving as an elected public officer
  •  If you would like to be considered for the next Grand Jury, please contact the Court Administrative Assistant at the address below. The Jury Commissioner will retain your application for consideration on the next Napa County Grand Jury, which recruitment begins the first of March. General questions or comments about the Grand Jury process can be directed to:
    Court Administrative Assistant
    Superior Court of California, County of Napa
    825 Brown Street
    Napa, CA 94559
    (707) 299-1110

Previous Investigations

Each year the Napa County Grand Jury investigates County and City agencies to provide an independent opinion of the effectiveness of these agencies.  The Grand Jury also investigates complaints on local governance by citizens.  The Grand Jury issues reports on the investigations and makes recommendations to the relevant agency.  These reports with their recommendations can be found in the county libraries or on line at: http://www.napa.courts.ca.gov/general-info/grand-jury.  The agencies are required by law to respond formally to the Grand Jury recommendations.     Investigations in recent years that have generated public interest and comment include: 


City of Napa Red Light Camera Enforcement (2010-2011 report)          Napa Valley Transient Occupancy Tax: How Much Is Being Lost? (2008-2009 report)          Management of Groundwater and Recycled Water: Is Napa County in Good Hands? (2014-2015 report)          Are Napa County Wineries Following the Rules? (2014-2015 report)          Gang Activity in Napa County (2015-2016 report)          Is Napa County Financially Healthy (2015-2016 report)          Napa River Reclamation District (2015-2016 report)          Napa County Jail and Department of Corrections (2015-2016 report)          Farmworker Housing: A Case Study in the Failure of Government Stewardship (2007-2008 report) won the CGJA Excellence in Reporting award.   The Napa Register won the Excellence in Reporting Award by Media for comprehensive stories and editorials supporting the activities of the Grand Jury

Find out more

Previous Grand Juries

2007-2008

Bill Trautman Foreperson

2008-2009

Bill Trautman Foreperson

2009-2010

John Morris Foreperson

Previous Grand Juries

2010-2011

Judith Bernat Foreperson

2011-2012

coming soon

2012-2013

coming soon

Previous Grand Juries

2013-2014 and 2014-2015 Coming Soon???

2015-2016

Top Row: Victor Connell, Charles Eckstrom, Lonnie Payne, Thomas Gans, Russell McNutt; 2nd Row: Thomas McBroom, Kirk Candland, Ronald Ryan, Richard Chesi; 3rd Row: Paul Roberts, Judge Elisa Ortiz, Lynn Stevenson, Kerri Dorman;  Bottom Row: Marion Ladbrook, Joyce Wallace, Kathy Glass, Michael Hrad.  Not Pictured: David Bailey, Henry Bunsow, and Margaret Niland.

2016-2017

Top Row: Ronald Ryan, Robert meanza, Thomas Gans, Richard Faenzi, George Mackey; Middle Row: Joel Lewis, Roddy Hayman, John Morris, Margaret Niland, Howard Felter; Bottom Row: Charles Koch, Marion Ladbrook, Leslie Myers Not Pictured: Diana Doyle, Brian Jacobs, Maxine Lachman, Kathleen Morgan

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