Santa Cruz County’s civil grand jury is seeking collaborative, open-minded applicants who are passionate about contributing to their community. Applications are open now for the 2025-26 grand jury, which will convene on July 1.
California’s civil grand jury system is a part of the state’s judicial system designed in the interest of governmental transparency. Each jury operates as an independent investigative body that researches and reports on an area of local government each year. At the end of its investigation, the jury provides an in-depth public analysis of its findings, in addition to its recommendations.
In the past few years, Santa Cruz County’s civil grand jury has investigated Child Protective Services, where CZU fire victims four years after the blaze, cyber threat preparedness, domestic violence prevention, and surveillance.
The county’s civil grand jury is comprised of 19 volunteer members and 11 alternates. Each member serves a one-year term and contributes approximately 20 hours of their time each week, although this can vary by investigation. Recent grand juries have found success meeting both in-person and remotely.
For more information, email press@santacruzcourt.org, visit Santa Cruz County’s civil grand jury website, or attend one of the following informational meetings at a nearby public library.
Upcoming information sessions
- April 1: 10 a.m., Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd., Capitola
- April 16: 10:30 a.m., Felton Branch Library, 6121 Gushee St., Felton
- April 16: 3:30 p.m., Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Valley Rd., Scotts Valley
- April 23: Watsonville Branch Library, 275 Main St., Suite 100, Watsonville
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