The Napa County Chapter of the California Grand Jurors' Association

• 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.

•   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.  

• 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.

•   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 Connie Brennan at the address below. The Jury Commissioner will retain your questionnaire 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: Connie Brennan, CCLS
  Court Administrative Assistant
  Superior Court of California, County of Napa
  825 Brown Street
  Napa, CA 94559
  (707) 299-1110
  connie.brennan@napa.courts.ca.gov  

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