title
Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of February 2026 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month in Solano County (Supervisor James)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of February 2026 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION
The Civil Grand Jury has a long history, going back to early England, where citizens served as a check on local leaders and helped protect the rights of individuals. In the American colonies, the first civil grand jury was formed in 1635 in Massachusetts, and by the late 1600s, these juries were common across the colonies.
In California, the Civil Grand Jury is part of the judicial system, set up by the California Constitution and state law. Each county, including Solano, has its own civil grand jury, which is convened by the Superior Court every year. These juries are made up of citizens who volunteer to serve, review how local government is operating and make sure public agencies are acting legally, efficiently, and responsibly.
The Solano County Civil Grand Jury has 19 volunteer members, each serving a one-year term (with a limit of two consecutive terms). During the year, the jury investigates local government departments, agencies, and officials, looking for opportunities for improvement. At the end of their term, the jury publishes reports with findings and recommendations; these reports are publicly available and often help guide better local government practices.
Civil Grand Juries are different from criminal grand juries. While civil juries focus on government oversight and accountability, criminal grand juries may be called on to evaluate the validity of felony charges brought by the District Attorney.
Each year, the California Civil Grand Jury Association promotes Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month to help people learn about the jury’s role and encourage new applicants. In Solano County, this usually happens between February and April, when the Court seeks citizens interested in serving for the next year.
For more information on the Solano County Civil Grand Jury, including past reports, responsibilities, and how to apply, visit the Solano County Superior Court website: <https://solano.courts.ca.gov/divisions/grand-jury>.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the County Administrator’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution but that is not recommended as this is an opportunity to recognize residents who volunteer for the Solano County Civil Grand Jury.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Civil Grand Jury, in coordination with the Superior Court of California, provided background and history on Civil Grand Jury’s in the United States, in California and in Solano County.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION