Commentary

When I received my civil grand jury summons last year, I almost dismissed it out of hand. I didn’t think I would be able to devote the necessary time, being a father of five children and a full-time nonprofit executive.

However, after accepting the voluntary assignment as one of the 19 members for Yuba County, I discovered that it was time well spent. California’s civil grand juries are among the most powerful tools citizens have to hold local government accountable, and they’re nothing like what you see on television.

Most people think of juries as 12 people deciding guilt or innocence in a trial. Civil grand juries are different. They exist in all 58 counties as watchdog panels.

The civil grand jury serves for an entire year, conducting investigations initiated by jurors or triggered by citizen complaints. Their job is to examine how taxpayer money is spent, whether agencies run efficiently, and whether they serve the public interest.

Sometimes the issues are routine or minor. Other investigations may raise serious questions about the internal processes of a government entity. Even small county civil grand juries can have consequential impacts if they are willing to dig in and ask questions officials don’t want to answer.

Once selected, grand jurors form committees focused on county operations, schools, public safety, and more. They also have subpoena power, meaning they can compel documents and witness testimony. Their interviews and visits are discreet and confidential; the only public product is their final report with recommendations for improvement.

Over the years, grand juries across California have uncovered budget irregularities that cost counties millions, identified safety violations that put inmates and staff at risk, streamlined bureaucratic processes, and exposed conflicts of interest that violated the public trust. Their final reports are delivered to specified agencies, which must respond and decide whether to adopt the recommendations or stick with the status quo.

Serving on a grand jury requires a dedicated time commitment, typically two to three hours per week for meetings, research or interviews. The California Penal Code outlines the qualifications of a juror: U.S. citizen, at least 18, county resident for one year, and able to read and write English. Current elected officials and felons are not eligible. A citizen can serve on a civil grand jury multiple times, but must take a break after two consecutive years of service. Jurors file ethics disclosures and recuse themselves when conflicts arise.

The independence of a civil grand jury is remarkable, operating separately from all other branches of government, with its own budget and staff. No one can tell the jurors what to investigate or what to conclude. This autonomy, combined with investigative powers, makes grand jury service one of the most direct ways citizens can impact local government.

Even more impressive are the relationships and respect that grow among jurors. The people I met and worked with proved to be serious about their duty to root out waste and ensure that those we elect or appoint to public service keep their commitments to the county’s citizens. They were sincere in their approach and gave generously of their time, often at personal sacrifice, to make their community better. All this is done with a small stipend and mileage reimbursement that barely covers transportation costs.

One doesn’t need to serve on a grand jury to make a difference. Every California county accepts complaints and suggestions from residents. These citizen complaints often lead to the most impactful reports because residents see problems officials might miss. Most counties have online complaint forms, and submissions can be anonymous. The key is focusing on systemic issues rather than personal grievances. Questions about how public money is spent, whether agencies follow proper procedures, or concerns about transparency and accountability are exactly what grand juries investigate.

For those considering service, contact your county’s jury commissioner during recruitment periods, usually starting in May or June. Many counties hold information sessions where potential jurors can learn more.

Though I spend much of my professional time focused on government and bureaucracy, my time on the civil grand jury gave me a deeper insight into how local government works and how much impact engaged citizens can have. It showed me that California’s republic isn’t just about voting—it’s about staying engaged year-round.

Your community needs citizens who care enough to look under the hood of local government and demand accountability. The question isn’t whether you have time to serve; it’s whether you can afford not to be involved.