What is the Napa County Civil Grand Jury?
The Grand Jury serves as a civic watchdog, operating under the Napa County Superior Court. Each year, the Court appoints 19 local citizens to serve from July 1 to June 30.
Jurors investigate local government operations, finances, and public services. They also review complaints about local government from the public. The Grand Jury is a unique opportunity to gain insight into local government and contribute meaningfully to the community.
The Grand Jury independently selects topics to investigate, including citizen complaints, suspected misconduct, or inefficiencies in local government. After being sworn in, Jurors receive training on investigative procedures and report writing. All jury matters and complaints are confidential. Final reports include recommendations that agencies must respond to. The Grand Jury receives guidance from County Counsel, the District Attorney, and the Presiding Judge.
The Grand Jury system dates back to 12th-century England and was introduced to America in 1635 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It has been part of California’s Constitution since statehood in 1850. Napa County convened its first Grand Jury in the 1850s and continues to operate under the state mandate requiring a Grand Jury in every county.
Joining the Grand Jury
The Responsibilities of a Grand Juror Include:
Term: One year, starting July 1
Time Commitment: Varies; the jury determines its own schedule and workload
Legal Duties:
- Inspect county jails and detention centers
- Review operations and records of county departments and agencies
- Investigate selected local governments (cities, school districts, etc.)
Confidentiality: All meetings and investigations are confidential
Requirements: File a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)
Ready to Apply? To be considered for the next Grand Jury, submit an application by clicking here or the button below.
A Message From The Chapter President
Instead of Griping, Investigate!
I am constantly amused by the scores of posts on NextDoor or Facebook from Napa County residents who are incensed by one local issue or another. Often without knowing all the facts, writers malign the decisions made by our public and elected officials.
I would like to point out that there is a very powerful option for County residents who feel that poor decisions are being made: apply to serve on the Napa County Civil Grand Jury.
The Napa County Grand Jury is the only state-authorized body that has unfettered access to almost all city and county information, policies, budgets, and facts. A request for information, or an interview with an elected or appointed official, cannot go ungranted. No media outlet has this kind of access. The Grand Jury is the true watchdog of our local government.
Want to explore why we have “silly art installations instead of paved streets?” You can dive deep into those complex issues and learn why, and then recommend changes. Want to know why a program that provided services to mentally ill homeless people just closed? You can find out all the facts and suggest changes. Concerned about the tap water in St. Helena? Hey, good luck with that one, but the Grand Jury could find out all the details if they so chose.
The Grand Jury term which runs from July 1 through June 30. Yes, it’s a one-year commitment, and it will take anywhere from five to twenty hours per week of your time, depending on workload, which varies by month. It’s a chance to work closely in a group of 19 citizens without being guided by any local officials or the court. The Jury alone decides what to investigate and report on, and all work is done confidentially.
Reports from the current Grand Jury are just starting to come out now; one was just issued on the school bond measure that recently passed. You can find the report on the Napa Superior Court website, where (conveniently) you can also find an application to serve on next year’s Grand Jury.
So instead of complaining fruitlessly on NextDoor, how about taking matters into your own hands by joining the Grand Jury and truly making your voice heard?
Kort van Bronkhorst
About the Napa County Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors' Association
The Napa County Chapter of the California Grand Jurors’ Association (CGJA) is made up of current and former civil grand jurors in Napa County. Established in 2001 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3), our mission is to raise awareness about the Grand Jury system, encourage public participation, and support the work of the CGJA statewide.
Membership is open to all current and former Napa County grand jurors.
By joining, you can:
- Continue serving your community in a unique way
- Help recruit and educate future grand jurors
- Follow up on responses to Grand Jury reports
- Attend regional meetings and share insights
- Vote in chapter decisions
- Stay connected with fellow jurors
Membership levels:
- 1 year – $40
- 2 years – $80
- 10 years – $150
To join, download and print the membership application (see Downloads section), and bring it to a meeting or mail it with your check to:
Napa Chapter CGJA
P.O. Box 2496
Yountville, CA 94559
Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 4:00 PM.
Officers for 2024-2025:
- Kort van Bronkhorst, President
- Ron Ryan, Vice President and Treasurer
The Napa Chapter and the State CGJA
The Mission of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA
The Mission of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA
The Mission of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA
To uphold and promote the value of the Civil Grand Jury system in Napa County through:
- Assisting the court in recruiting qualified grand jurors
- Supporting and advising each year’s sitting Grand Jury
- Sharing best practices with the state CGJA and other chapters
Supporting the State CGJA
The Mission of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA
The Mission of the Napa Chapter of the CGJA
Many Napa Chapter members also contribute at the state level. The CGJA:
- Trains most grand jurors across California
- Operates a support Help Desk
- Publishes guides and handbooks
- Shares updates and news at cgja.org
- Honors outstanding grand jury reports with statewide awards
- Tracks legislation affecting the Grand Jury system
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit cgja.org.
Video
Watch a brief message from Governor Gavin Newsom on the importance of the Civil Grand Jury.
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 issues reports on the investigations and makes recommendations to the relevant agencies. The agencies are required by law to formally respond to the Grand Jury recommendations. These reports and the agency responses can be found on line.
Juror Testimonials
"I am fortunate to have served on two Grand Juries, one as foreperson. The Jury requires time and work, but it is a rare opportunity to work with your fellow citizens on important issues in the County. I came away with a better understanding and appreciation of how Napa County addresses its challenges of providing services." - Paul Roberts
"As a three term Juror, I can honestly say there is no better way to serve Napa County. Understanding how our Government operates is more important than ever. While it is a one year commitment, you will impact your community long into the future." - Tammy M. Smith
"During my time on the Grand Jury, I received a useful education on how our local government operates. I was pleasantly surprised to learn how hard our public employees work and solve sometimes very complex situations and problems." - Bob Meanza
"The Grand Jury gave me the opportunity to meet and work with some great people. I met dedicated citizens and County employees and appreciate the hard work they do. I made impactful recommendations to improve our government functions. I also learned how non-profits and advisory boards support the community. As a result, to further my civic engagement, I joined the Commission on Aging, a Board of Supervisors advisory board." - Dan Woodard
"I was surprised how intellectually challenging the investigations were. I was also surprised by the cooperative position taken by county officials and non-profit leaders who are looking for ways to improve. Finally, I was surprised at the friendships I made that have lasted beyond the grand jury and which have helped me discover pathways for deeper engagement in our community." - Jay Kouba
Previous Grand Juries
2007-2008
Bill Trautman Foreperson
2008-2009
Bill Trautman Foreperson
2009-2010
John Morris Foreperson
2010-2011
Judith Bernat Foreperson
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