What We Do
We provide the general public with information and educational materials and activities on the California Civil Grand Jury system that will help increase public awareness of the valuable role the civil grand jury plays in our democratic system of government.
We provide comprehensive training on all subjects relative to empaneled civil grand juries available to all 58 counties within California including civil grand jury training as well as specific workshops on key topics relevant to civil grand jury service.
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Civil Grand Jury Resources
Here you can find sample documents, templates, examples of well-written reports, links to local government resources,
and FAQs.
Our Annual Conference
Every year in the fall, CGJA holds an Annual Conference and Membership Meeting to provide an opportunity for members and civil grand jurors to meet and discuss experiences and hear from speakers and panels on relevant topics of interest.
Chapter Resources
Includes chapter resource documents, suggested activities for chapters, guidance for forming a chapter along with templates.
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Join CGJA as an active member, volunteer for CGJA, become a civil grand juror, join a chapter, or support us through a tax deductible donation.
Grand Jurors' Journal
This bimonthly journal is a major source of information about the civil grand jury system and recent updates on CGJA activities of interest to our members.
CGJA and California's Civil Grand Jury System
Learn about CGJA and details about California’s unique system of civil grand juries.
Our Awards
Annual awards recognizing civil grand jury reporting and media coverage along with the Angelo Rolando Service Award.
We can help you become
an effective civil grand juror
CGJA conducts training seminars for civil grand jurors and alternates on their various civil functions. These seminars include twelve full hours of presentations and over 300 pages of training materials. Experienced and highly qualified trainers who have served as civil grand jurors or grand jury legal advisors present these programs locally, throughout the state as “onsite” seminars or via Zoom if Covid-19 restrictions exist.
We also conduct Foreperson and Pro Tem Workshops, Legal Advisors’ Workshops, and Report Writing Workshops.
Stay Updated with Civil Grand Jury News
Oakland's approach to illegal dumping 'abysmal,' Alamdeda County Civil Grand jury says
www.ktvu.com/news/oaklands-approach-illegal-dumping-abysmal-civil-grand-jury-says
Updated June 17, 2026 7:23 AM PDT Published June 16, 2026 8:24 PM PDT
Oaklands illegal-dumping enforcement abysmal, civil grand jury says
The city of Oakland is falling far short in its effort to crack down on illegal dumping, according to a new report by the Alameda County civil grand jury.
The Brief
• Oakland's handling of illegal dumping "inadequate and abysmal," Alameda County civil grand jury says in report
• City not doing enough to tell citizens about free bulky waste pickup, panel says
• Oakland has 90 days to respond to report's recommendations
OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland is failing in its efforts to tackle illegal dumping, according to the Alameda County civil grand jury. "The problem has grown over the last 10, 11 years," said Rick Smith, who served as the panel's foreperson over the past year.
Amount of trash in city has multiplied over past decade
By the numbers:
"There was about 3.2 million pounds of trash being collected back in 2015, that number is now 20 million pounds," Smith said.
The civil grand jury issued a report this week blasting Oakland's response to the longstanding problem. It says Oakland spent about $25 million on cleanup efforts but that the city's illegal dumping enforcement has been "inadequate and abysmal."
Panel lists recommendations for city
What they're saying:
The panel says the city needs to write more citations and remove restrictions that bar Oakland police from sharing license plate reader data to go after illegal dumpers. The grand jury also said the city needs to designate a point person to handle all illegal-dumping issues.
"The purpose of the report was to identify places within city government where we thought maybe there was the left hand not working well with the right hand," said Casey Bates, an Alameda County assistant district attorney who serves as advisor to the civil grand jury.
KTVU saw these piles of trash Tuesday near 21st Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in the city's San Antonio neighborhood.
Nearby, there were three large bins for recycling and green waste, but a much smaller one for regular trash.
Just last week, the city announced it's getting $9 million from San Francisco foundation Crankstart to help tackle illegal dumping. Some of the money will be used for a pilot program to boost the size of trash bins for free. The grand jury says many residents are choosing smaller trash bins to save money. "As you might surmise, is that larger trash bins would - could be part of the solution," Smith said.
Mayor responds
Local perspective:
In a statement Tuesday, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said in part, "I will continue fighting for cleaner neighborhoods, stronger accountability, and a city government built to deliver for Oakland."
One resident, who wanted to be identified only as "J" while working in a front yard, hopes the city delivers on its promise soon. "Every time I have to see it, it's like, well it's been there for years now, so no one else wants to deal with it," J said.
Henry Lee is a KTVU reporter. E-mail Henry at Henry.Lee@fox.com and follow him on X @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan
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Crime reporter at KTVU Fox 2. SF Chronicle & Daily Californian alum. Author of "Presumed Dead: A True Life Murder Mystery. Featured on Netflix’s “American Nightmare.”0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Humboldt Civil Grand Jury reports years of avoided rate hikes leave Humboldt water systems at risk.
www.times-standard.com/2026/06/29/flowing-forward-civil-grand-jury-reports-years-of-avoided-rate-...
Flowing Forward: Civil Grand Jury reports years of avoided rate hikes leave Humboldt water systems at risk.
Times Standard
By MARANDA VARGAS | mvargas@times-standard.com
PUBLISHED: June 29, 2026 at 1:20 PM PDT
(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Humboldt County’s Civil Grand Jury says communities should expect water and sewer bills to keep rising, not because agencies are mismanaging funds, but because decades of deferred maintenance and shrinking federal support have left systems strained and increasingly vulnerable.
The Grand Jury interviewed people with firsthand knowledge of local water and was…
(Note: this article lies behind a ‘pay-wall,’ and requires a subscription to the providing media service to access)
www.times-standard.com
Humboldt County’s Civil Grand Jury says communities should expect water and sewer bills to keep rising, not because agencies are mismanaging funds, but because decades of deferred maintenance and sh...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.sccrtc.org/rtc-statement-on-grand-jury-report-on-santa-cruzbranch-rail-line/
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) appreciates the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury’s review of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line and thanks the members of the Grand Jury for the significant time and effort they invested in examining this complex issue.
“The report reflects the complexity of planning and delivering transportation infrastructure in one of our area’s most geographically constrained transportation corridors,” said RTC Chair Eduardo Montesino. “We appreciate the thoughtful review and the constructive recommendations offered, and we look forward to building on them as we continue improving how this agency serves our region.”
Many of the report’s observations affirm the direction the RTC has already been heading. In recent years, the agency has evolved from primarily a planning organization into one that both plans and delivers major transportation projects. Through a recent organizational restructuring, the RTC established a dedicated Capital Projects Department, expanded its project delivery staff, and added a Real Property team to strengthen management of the rail corridor and other transportation assets. These investments are helping the agency deliver projects more efficiently, ground decisions in sound engineering analysis, and take a more proactive approach to managing and maintaining its infrastructure.
“This report recognizes how much the RTC has evolved in recent years,” said RTC Executive Director Sarah Christensen. “We’ve made significant investments in strengthening our project delivery and property management expertise. These improvements have strengthened our ability to ground decisions in sound technical analysis, deliver complex projects, and responsibly manage our assets. We see the Grand Jury’s recommendations as a constructive roadmap, and we’re committed to continuing to build on the progress we’ve already made.”
Sound transportation planning helps agencies evaluate options carefully before significant public investments are made. As our understanding of the rail corridor has deepened through more detailed technical analysis, the Commission has been able to ground its decisions in increasingly reliable information, and that commitment to data-driven decision-making will continue to guide future transportation investments across the region.
“One of the most important outcomes of the recently completed Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Project Concept Report was that it gave the community and the Commission far more advanced analysis of rail and trail improvements,” said Montesino. “That information allows us to make better-informed decisions about the future of the corridor. Passenger rail remains a long-term vision, and we’ve always recognized it as a long-term endeavor. As opportunities arise, we will continue pursuing funding to advance the project, so that future decisions rest on sound engineering and fiscal realities.”
The Commission is committed to carefully reviewing the Grand Jury’s report and thoughtfully considering its findings and recommendations. We plan to respond within 90 days in accordance with state law. We see this report as valuable input that will help guide our continued progress in how we plan, deliver, and manage transportation projects and assets for Santa Cruz County.
Looking ahead, the RTC remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and sound asset management, and to making transportation decisions grounded in the best available data, delivering practical, feasible solutions that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life for our region.
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krcrtv.com/news/local/tehama-county-grand-jury-report-accuses-sheriff-dave-kain-of-intimidation-r...
Tehama County grand jury report accuses Sheriff Dave Kain of intimidation, retaliation
KRCR TV/Channel 7, by Adam Robinson, June 25, 2026
A photo of Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain speaking at the press conference on May 13, 2025. (KRCR)
TEHAMA COUNTY, Calif. — A Tehama County civil grand jury concluded in a report released this week that Sheriff Dave Kain intimidated county employees, retaliated against critics, fostered a toxic workplace and undermined county government, saying "the dysfunction has damaged employee morale, increased turnover, deterred recruitment and impaired county government operations."
The 59-page report summarizes several investigations into the Tehama County Sheriff's Office and county government. According to the grand jury report, jurors interviewed 39 people, conducted about 60 interviews and reviewed emails, official reports, personnel records and other documents before reaching their conclusions. The report represents the grand jury's findings and recommendations and is not a criminal case or a court ruling.
According to the report, the grand jury found Kain's statements often conflicted with official documents and witness testimony. Jurors said those inconsistencies, along with what they described as selective memory and denial of documented events, undermined the sheriff's credibility.
The report also says the grand jury found Kain "has purposefully intimidated, harassed, bullied, or retaliated against multiple elected or appointed County employees." Jurors concluded those actions contributed to a toxic workplace, damaged employee morale, increased staff turnover and made it more difficult for county departments to work together.
One section of the report focuses on a long-running dispute between the sheriff and county administrators. According to the grand jury, the conflict began in 2022 after the Sheriff's Office announced it would suspend daytime patrols because of staffing shortages. The report says "the conflict between the Sheriff and county administration continues to plague Tehama County government."
The grand jury also criticized the Sheriff's Office's investigation into county officials after a March 2025 report of a suspected impaired driver involving a former county supervisor. According to the report, Red Bluff police and the Tehama County District Attorney determined the report was made out of legitimate concern and rejected claims that it was false. The grand jury said the Sheriff's Office nevertheless opened and continued its own investigation, even after the former supervisor resigned and waived legal claims against the county. Jurors concluded the investigation appeared retaliatory and unnecessarily used county resources.
The report also examined nepotism within county government. According to the grand jury, the Sheriff's Office employed 26 people who were related to one another, including two members of Kain's immediate family. The report says the Sheriff's Office followed its own nepotism policy instead of the countywide personnel rule that prohibits department heads from employing family members in their own departments. The grand jury recommended that all county departments follow the same county policy.
Jurors also found communication between county leaders frequently broke down because important discussions happened outside formal channels or were delayed. The report recommends mandatory mediation between Kain and the county's chief administrator, new communication rules, conflict-resolution training and updates to county personnel policies.
Under California law, the Tehama County Sheriff's Office and the Tehama County Board of Supervisors are required to formally respond to many of the report's findings and recommendations within 60 to 90 days.
Tehama County grand jury report accuses Sheriff Dave Kain of intimidation, retaliation
krcrtv.com
A Tehama County civil grand jury concluded in a report released this week that Sheriff Dave Kain intimidated county employees, retaliated against critics, foste1 CommentsComment on Facebook
(Note: this article lies behind a ‘pay-wall’, and requires a subscription to the providing media service in order to access in full)
localnewsmatters.org/2026/06/29/santa-cruz-grand-jury-behavioral-health-reforms/
Grand jury urges Santa Cruz County behavioral health reforms over fiscal strain
Local News Matters/Bay Area, by Nicole Tingson, Bay City News, June 29, 2026
Santa Cruz County’s Behavioral Health Department requires more than $18 million annually from the county’s General Fund reserves, according to a new Civil Grand Jury report.
The report said county officials lack key financial, operational, and performance data needed to assess the effectiveness and value of behavioral health programs.
Grand jury urges Santa Cruz County behavioral health reforms over fiscal strain - Local News Matters
localnewsmatters.org
Santa Cruz County’s Behavioral Health Department requires more than $18 million annually from the county’s General Fund reserves, according to a new Civil A Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury repo...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.actionnewsnow.com/news/tehama-county-grand-jury-releases-2025-2026-grand-jury-report/article_...
Tehama County Grand Jury releases 2025/2026 Grand Jury Report
Channel 12 Action News Now, by Will Anderson, June 24, 2026
RED BLUFF, Calif. - On Wednesday, the 2025-2026 Tehama County Grand Jury released their final report, documenting what it described as a pattern of misconduct by the Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain that has created a toxic work environment and damaged county government operations.
According to the report, the Grand Jury during their investigation found consistent evidence of intimidation, bullying, retaliation and undermining of county administration by the Sheriff.
The investigation included interviews with 39 individuals and a review of extensive documentary evidence including official reports, emails and personnel records.
The report detailed a November 2002 California Department of Justice determination that the Sheriff, then a TAGMET Agent, "fabricated a basis for the stop" of a drug trafficking suspect.
The DOJ referred the matter to the Tehama County District Attorney with a Brady List referral and described the conduct as "irresponsible and unethical."
"The evidence establishes a clear and consistent pattern of conduct that undermines the Sheriff's credibility," the Grand Jury wrote in its findings. "These facts are corroborated across official reports, documentary evidence and consistent testimony from current and former law enforcement, current and former county administration and elected officials."
The Grand Jury found the Sheriff often attempts to use his position to intimidate county elected officials and staff members.
Multiple witnesses described having good relationships with the Sheriff until disagreeing with him, after which the Sheriff would terminate the relationship and avoid interaction.
"The Sheriff has purposefully intimidated, harassed, bullied or retaliated against multiple elected or appointed County employees," the report stated. The Grand Jury found the Sheriff has contributed to a toxic work environment through retaliation and intimidation against those who challenge him.
The investigation revealed several specific incidents.
In one case involving a suspected impaired driver report in March 2025, the Sheriff's Office continued investigating county employees for filing a "false" police report even after the Red Bluff Police Department and District Attorney determined the report was appropriate and the complainant resigned and waived all complaints.
"Continuing to investigate the District 3 Supervisor 'false' police report matter, even after her resignation waived all criminal and civil complaints, appears to be in retaliation toward County employees and officers," the Grand Jury found.
The report also documented an August 7, 2025, automobile collision involving an immediate family member of the Sheriff who was hired as a Deputy Sheriff.
The California Highway Patrol investigation showed high speed prior to impact and the Accident Review Board classified the collision as preventable, but the Sheriff claimed he "remained outside the investigation" and that vehicle data showed "rapid deceleration."
"These statements directly conflict with the official ARB and CHP findings and reflect a minimization of the documented facts and severity of the incident," the Grand Jury stated.
The Grand Jury found the Sheriff employed two of his immediate family members at the Sheriff's Office, which has 26 family members among its employees.
The report stated the Sheriff applies a Lexipol policy on nepotism rather than Tehama County Personnel Rule 1308, which explicitly prohibits department heads from employing family members in their department.
"The Sheriff has determined that the Lexipol Policy 1050 Nepotism and Conflict of Interest allows him to employ his own family members," the Grand Jury found. "This has resulted in the perception of nepotism, favoritism and conflict of interest existing in TC Sheriff's Office and has eroded a sense of fairness and trust."
The ongoing dispute between the Sheriff and Chief Administrator Gabriel Hydrick originated in November 2022 when the then-Sheriff issued a press release suspending daytime patrol services without prior discussion with the Board of Supervisors or County Administration.
The current Sheriff was Sheriff-elect at the time and involved in the decision.
"The conflicts between the Sheriff and county administration continue to plague Tehama County government," the Grand Jury stated. "The dysfunction has damaged employee morale, increased turnover, deterred recruitment and impaired county government operations."
The Grand Jury recommended the Board of Supervisors order structured, mandatory mediation between the Sheriff and Chief Administrator by November 2, 2026.
The 2024-2025 Grand Jury had previously recommended mediation with an October 1, 2025, deadline, but that recommendation remains unfulfilled.
"The delay in its implementation has exacerbated the chasm between the polarized factions and negatively affects the efficient operation of many facets of County government," the report stated.
The Grand Jury also recommended the Board of Supervisors mandate annual conflict-resolution and anti-retaliation training for both elected and appointed department heads.
The panel recommended creating an ombudsman or third-party process to respond to complaints filed between employees.
The report recommended all county departments apply Tehama County Personnel Rule 1308 as the countywide standard governing the employment and supervision of family members.
The Grand Jury recommended the Board of Supervisors update the rule to clarify that the definition of department head includes elected officials.
In addition, the Grand Jury found communication between county leadership is inconsistent and not reliably conducted through formal channels. The panel found a lack of trust negatively impacts communication and that communication failures contribute directly to escalation of conflict.
"Communication frequently occurs outside formal channels," the report stated. "Phone calls, side conversations and undocumented meetings are used in place of consistent, trackable communication."
The Grand Jury recommended the Board of Supervisors establish and enforce a formal communication protocol defining clear expectations for communication, including response timelines, escalation procedures and mandatory training.
In addition, the Tehama County Grand Jury completed its annual review of detention facilities across the county, inspecting 3 of the 4 facilities between October 2025 and May 2026.
According to the grand jury report, California law requires the panel to inquire annually into the condition and management of detention facilities in Tehama County. The 2025-2026 Grand Jury conducted inquiries but no full investigation into 3 of the 4 facilities in the county.
3 grand jury members toured Salt Creek Conservation Camp on Oct. 28, 2025. The camp is operated jointly by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Camp Commander, Assistant Commander and CAL FIRE Division Chief led the tour and provided information on inmate selection, housing, duties, vocational and rehabilitation programs and community service projects. The facility has a capacity for 120 inmates with a current population of 78.
On May 12, 2026, 3 grand jury members inspected the Tehama County Juvenile Detention Facility at 1790 Walnut Street in Red Bluff. The Juvenile Detention Facility Superintendent and Chief Probation Officer led the tour of the facility operated by the Tehama County Probation Department.
The facility has a capacity for 64 youths with a current population of 16. Grand jury members received information on the condition and management of the operation and had their questions answered.
4 grand jury members visited the Tehama County Jail at 502 Oak Street in Red Bluff on May 20, 2026. The Captain of the Custody Division led the tour of all areas of the jail facility operated by the Tehama County Sheriff's Office.
The captain explained inmate management procedures, staff recruitment, management and training and other management policies. Grand jury members also toured the new Reentry Facility, which was scheduled to be turned over to the Sheriff's Department for occupation on June 1, 2026.
The jail currently holds 171 inmates with a capacity of 193. With the new Reentry Facility added, the capacity will be more than 250.
The grand jury could not visit Ishi Conservation Camp at 30500 Plum Creek Road in Paynes Creek. The camp is operated jointly by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
At the time of the inquiry, the camp was undergoing a comprehensive audit by the California Board of State and Community Corrections and could not accommodate the site visit. The grand jury completed its required annual review of detention facilities across Tehama County.
The report also addressed the new Re-Entry Facility, which was scheduled to be turned over to the Sheriff's Department on June 1, 2026.
The Tehama County Grand Jury found the facility will be staffed by current jail staff and occupied by the current inmate population once operational.
According to the report, the Board of Supervisors plans to present a public safety sales tax initiative to voters in November 2026. The largest portion of the funds would be directed to the Sheriff's Department for staffing purposes.
The Grand Jury conducted site inspections of detention facilities in the county, including the Tehama County Jail, which currently holds 171 inmates with a capacity of 193. With the new Re-Entry Facility, the capacity will be more than 250.
The report was submitted to Honorable Judge Todd Bottke, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Tehama.
The Tehama County Grand Jury was led by Foreperson Joan Allen and included 19 members.
Responses to the Grand Jury findings and recommendations are required within 60 days for elected officials and within 90 days for governing bodies of public agencies.
The Tehama County Board of Supervisors and Tehama County Sheriff are required to respond to multiple findings and recommendations.
Tehama County Grand Jury releases 2025/2026 Grand Jury Report
www.actionnewsnow.com
On Wednesday, the Tehama County Grand Jury released their report for the 2025/2026 session.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
CGJA Journal
This bimonthly journal is a major source of information about the civil grand jury system and recent updates on CGJA activities of interest to our members.
The Gift of Your Time
is Priceless
CGJA is an all-volunteer membership organization. We succeed mainly because our members volunteer to serve on our committees and/or train civil grand jurors. Serving on committees almost never requires travel as we communicate via email and computer video. Our trainers do travel to venues throughout the state and we reimburse them for lodging, mileage, and a modest per diem for other expenses.
