2023-2024 San Joaquin Civil Grand Jury Releases Final Consolidated Report and Selection of The 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury

Stockton, CA — Today, June 28, 2024, the 2023-2024 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury released its final consolidated report. The final consolidated report contains investigative reports, findings and recommendations developed in the 2023-2024 term. Civil grand jurors examine and investigate local      governmental activities within San Joaquin County. The responsibilities of the civil grand jury encompass the examination of all aspects of county government, including school and special assessment districts, to ensure that the county is being governed lawfully, efficiently and that public monies are being handled appropriately. The grand jury may conduct investigations of public agencies and the administration and affairs of any city within the county.

Hon. George J. Abdallah, Jr., Supervising Judge of the San Joaquin County Grand Juries commented on the 2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury’s work, saying, “As the Grand Jury Advisor and Supervisor, it has been my privilege to review the work of the 2023-2024 Grand Jury. The efforts, commitment, collective wisdom and experience of these dedicated individuals will continue to better the civic life of all San Joaquin County residents. To each member of the 2023- 2024 San Joaquin County Grand Jury, for your many accomplishments, the Superior Court extends its congratulations and gratitude ”

Today, also marks the day the members of the 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury will be selected and sworn in. The selection and swearing in will take place in Department 3D at 3:00 p.m. The Civil Grand Jury is comprised of 19 citizens who are impaneled annually for a one-year term. The 2024-2025 term begins July 1, 2024.

The public is encouraged to read the final consolidated report by visiting the Grand Jury’s website.

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2023-2024 SAN JOAQUIN CIVIL GRAND JURY RELEASES REPORT ON THE TRACY CITY COUNCIL

Stockton, CA —  Today, the 2023-2024 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury)  released its report investigating  the Tracy City Council. The City of Tracy has been plagued with a city council that cannot form a civil, cohesive governing body willing to set aside differences and personal agendas for the benefit of City residents. The 2018-2019  Civil Grand Jury issued a report entitled “Restore the Public Trust”. That investigation highlighted the inability of the Tracy City Council to work together cohesively, manifested by unprofessional behavior towards each other during public meetings. In addition, a         consistent 3/2 voting block existed leading to the termination or forced resignation of a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Police Chief. The unexplained departures of the City’s administrative leaders created an unstable working environment at City Hall.  The most significant recommendation in that report was for the Council to establish a Code of Conduct to guide them on how to work together more effectively and respectfully.

The Grand Jury reviewed various City of Tracy and Council records and interviewed several officials, employees, City of Tracy citizens, residential and commercial developers, and a San Joaquin County employee.

The Grand Jury found there is continued disfunction among the elected officials of the Tracy City Council and made recommendations within the areas of the City Council, the City Attorney, and City Council hired staff.  Some of the Grand Jury’s recommendations include, but are not limited to:

  • By October 1, 2024, members of the City Council need in-depth and continuous training on the understanding and the effective utilization of the City of Tracy Code of Conduct, City of Tracy Council Meeting Protocols and Rules of Procedures, and Rosenberg’s Rules. Members of the City Council and the City Attorney should refer to the League of California Cities: Counsel and Council: A Guide to Building a Productive City
  • By October 1, 2024, an outside legal firm should be engaged to help expedite the current work backlog in the City Attorney’s office.

The public is encouraged to read the complete report by visiting the Grand Jury’s website.

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2023-2024 San Joaquin Civil Grand Jury Releases Report on the Stockton City Council

Stockton, CA —  Today, the 2023-2024 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury)  released its report investigating the Stockton City Council.  In response to complaints received, the Grand Jury investigated potential new Brown Act violations by members of the Stockton City Council. Similar complaints about previous Brown Act violations by the City Council were also received during the 2022-2023 Grand Jury term; however, as these earlier complaints were submitted late in that term, they were forwarded to the current Grand Jury for evaluation and potential action. Additionally, the Grand Jury received complaints about the creation of a fearful work environment within Stockton City Government caused by individuals associated with 209 Times, LLC, a social media platform (SMP), who reportedly used emails and public comments to continuously intimidate city staff and elected officials.

In the course of the investigation, the Grand Jury conducted interviews with current and former Stockton City Councilpersons, City employees, consultants to the City of Stockton, an attorney with The Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC) and citizens. The Grand Jury reviewed a variety of materials such as newspapers (The Record, The Los Angeles Times, Tracy Press, The Sacramento Bee), press releases, Stockton City Council meeting minutes, and documents like the City of Stockton Charter and Code of Conduct, as well as ethics codes and policies from San Francisco, Alameda, and Lodi. It also encompassed San Joaquin County Superior Court case records. Online resources reviewed included websites and posts from the FPPC, California League of Cities, San Francisco Ethics Commission, 209 Times and its SMP, NPR articles, Stocktonia.org, and the FPPC. Additionally, previous grand jury reports (notably 2013-2014 Case 1113), Stockton City Council and the Brown Act publications, FPPC candidate filings, and Stockton City Council training  records were examined.

The Grand Jury found and concluded the efficient and ethical governance of the City of Stockton is under threat from both external and internal forces. Externally, individuals using a SMP have persistently attempted to undermine the local democratic process, by influencing election results. Internally, certain Stockton City Council members who support the SMP’s efforts are contributing to the erosion of camaraderie, trust, respect, and ethical governance. Continued violations of the Brown Act by these council members further compromise good governance for Stockton’s citizens. While the Grand Jury staunchly supports Freedom of Speech as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the misuse of this right by individuals spreading misinformation and creating a  fearful work environment for city staff and officials is unacceptable and must be stopped. The Grand Jury’s recommendations, include, but are not limited to:

  • The City Council should cease supporting individuals associated with the SMP to prevent interference with effective governance. By March 31, 2025, the City Council should implement rules for managing unlawful threats, referring them to the District Attorney, and adopt an ordinance to enhance election transparency, similar to San Francisco’s regulations.
  • By March 31, 2025, the City should strengthen its Closed Session policies to prevent the disclosure of confidential information by banning electronic devices and requiring attendees to sign a secrecy pledge. Additionally, the City should create an ordinance for handling Brown Act violations, including an impartial review process and sanctions such as public censure and committee removal.
  • By March 31, 2025, the City should engage an impartial third-party investigator to examine the City’s Ethics Hotline procedure, aiming to restore confidence among employees and the public in the system.

The public is encouraged to read the complete report by visiting the Grand Jury’s website.

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