Press Releases
June 7, 2024Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of its Report Building Better Together: Suggestions for Smoother Permitting Processes In response to public complaints, the 2023-2024 Ventura County Grand Jury researched the difficult and lengthy process to approve building projects in the cities of Oxnard and Ventura. The complexity of a project mirrors that of the approval process. A development project, like a multi-unit housing project, may take years, involving land use guidelines, laws, environmental regulations, public hearings and detailed plan assessments by multiple city departments. The process for… (more) |
May 30, 2024Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of its Report Linking First Responders: Ventura County Regional Radio System The ability of first responders to communicate on a common radio system is critical when coordinating a response to a major event. The lives of first responders and the people they serve may be at risk if first responders are unable to call for assistance. … (more) |
June 22, 2023Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Report Deaths in Ventura County Detention and Jail Facilities In the period 2016 to 2022, there were 25 deaths of persons detained in jails operated by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Causes of deaths included … (more) |
June 14, 2023Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Report Water Availability for Wildfires in Ventura County In the 2017 Thomas fire and the 2018 Woolsey fire, water shortages hampered firefighters’ ability to protect structures. Ventura County… (more) |
May 22, 2023Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Addressing District-Based Representation for the Ojai City Council The California Voting Rights Act of 2001 established the requirements for cities to adopt district-based representation in municipal elections. The Ojai City Council voted to implement district-based representation in December 2018, and has since conducted elections with members elected by district. …. (more) |
January 24, 2023Open House ~ Ventura County Grand Jury Ventura County, California – The Ventura County Grand Jury invites the public to its annual Open House on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Grand Jury Chambers located at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura…. (more) |
Press Release 2014-2022
September 13, 2022Learn About the Ventura County Grand Jury: Jurors Available for Speaking Events The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations, non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program…. (more) |
January 14, 2021Court Seeking Civil Grand Jury Applications Ventura Superior Court is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications through April 23, 2021, from qualified citizens interested in serving as civil grand jurors for the July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 session….. (more) |
June 25, 2020Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Detention Facilities in Ventura County Pursuant to authority granted in California Penal Code Section 919(b), the 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury inquired into the conditions and management of detention facilities in Ventura County. The Grand Jury inspected the following detention centers:…. (more) |
June 18, 2020Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Oversight of Charter Schools Authorized by Ventura County School Districts and the Ventura County Office of Education The 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury investigated five school districts and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) regarding policies, practices and procedures in providing oversight of charter schools. (more) |
June 18, 2020Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Charter School Implementation of State Mandated Sex Education – AB329 The 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury surveyed eleven charter schools authorized either by a school district located in Ventura County or by the Ventura County Office of Education, concerning policies and procedures for implementation of curriculum on sexual health. (more) |
June 10, 2020Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Cybersecurity Strategies for Cities in Ventura County The 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury investigated cybersecurity strategies of the Cities in Ventura County to assess each City’s preparedness to defend against data breaches and ransomware and identify opportunities to implement improvements. (more) |
June 4, 2020Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on Human Trafficking in Ventura County An investigation was initiated by the 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury to determine if the County has a coordinated policy to address the issue of human trafficking, including funding, staffing, training and services available for victims. (more) |
May 29, 2020Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Announces Release of Report on the Financial Relationship between Ventura County Medical Center and the Ventura County General Fund The 2019-2020 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury conducted an investigation concerning the basis for certain cash advances from the Ventura County General Fund (General Fund) to the Ventura County Medical Center (Medical Center), operating as an enterprise fund of Ventura County (County), and the current status of the outstanding balance of those advances. (more) |
November 5, 2019Grand Jury Invites Community Groups to Request Speakers Do you belong to a group that invites speakers to it’s meetings? The Ventura County Grand Jury conducts an ongoing speakers bureau and outreach program. Service organizations, community groups, non-profits and other groups are invited to request a presentation by current grand jurors. (more) |
October 23, 2019Got a Complaint about Local Government? Tell the Grand Jury! Did you know there is a body of volunteers in the county of Ventura dedicated to investigating public complaints about county agencies, city governments and special districts such as water, schools and harbors? The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is an investigatory panel of 19 citizens from all backgrounds that operates as a public watchdog over the city and county governments. (more) |
February 7, 2019Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Open House Ventura County residents have an opportunity to meet the 2018-2019 Ventura County Grand Jurors and tour the Grand Jury Chambers on March 13, 2019. The public may meet the Grand Jurors between 1 PM and 3 PM, review Grand Jury reports and ask questions about Grand Jury service. The Grand Jury is a civil investigative panel of 19 volunteers. This oversight group investigates issues and citizen complaints and makes recommendations to improve the operations of local government in a published final report. (more) |
February 5, 2019Ventura County Grand Jury Opens 2019-2020 Application Process Ventura County residents have an opportunity to provide a valuable community service while learning about local government by serving on the Ventura County Grand Jury. Applications are now available for the 2019-2020 Grand Jury at https://ventura.org/grand-jury. The Grand Jury is a panel of 19 volunteers who investigate issues and citizen complaints and make recommendations to improve the operation of local government. The jury’s work is presented in a published final report. (more) |
February 22, 2018
Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Open House March 15, 2018
On Thursday, March 15, 2018, the Grand Jury will host an open house for prospective jurors and interested members of the Ventura County community. Please join the current Grand Jury along with public officials from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Grand Jury Chambers at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA. (more)
February 22, 2018
Ventura County Grand Jury Announces 2018/2019 Applications
Ventura County residents have an opportunity to provide a valuable community service while learning about local government by serving on the Ventura County Grand Jury. Applications are now available for the 2018-2019 Grand Jury at: ventura.org/grand-jury. (more)
June 01, 2017Oxnard Red Light Cameras The 2016-2017 Ventura County Grand Jury received a complaint regarding the operation of the red light cameras (RLC) in the City of Oxnard. The Grand Jury opened an investigation to review the cost and operation of red light cameras at eight intersections in the City. Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows accidents are reduced at intersections with red light camera systems. The current RLC contract was signed in 2008 with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. As of December 31, 2016, the City had an accrued negative balance of over $800,000, which is to be “reconciled” upon termination of the contract. The Grand Jury concluded the contract is vague and does not make it clear if the City is required to pay any accrued balance at the end of the contract period. (more)
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May 29, 2017Detention Facilities and Law Enforcement The 2016-2017 Ventura County Grand Jury inquired into the condition and management of the detention facilities in Ventura County. The Grand Jury inspected the Main Jail, Todd Road Jail, the East Valley Jail, all 10 city holding facilities, and two juvenile facilities. The Grand Jury concluded the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office as well as city police departments are still short of achieving their common goal to provide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to all patrol-based officers, custody deputies, and dispatchers. The Grand Jury recommends the Sheriff increase the availability of 40-hour CIT training by increasing class size and/or adding additional classes. (more) |
May 25, 2017Ventura County Children and Family Services A stated goal of Ventura County Children & Family Services is to “partner with children and families to empower them to be active participants in their case planning”. The 2016-2017 Ventura County Grand Jury opened an investigation to determine if CFS has been successful in fostering the kind of communication that develops effective partnerships with the families they serve. Child welfare social work can be a very stressful and emotionally demanding job. The Grand Jury found that the Ventura County CFS staff are committed to providing the best possible case management services to families. (more) |
May 22, 2017Water Considerations for Cities The 2016-2017 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated whether Ventura County cities have adequately considered long-term water needs. The investigation examined existing urban water demand, future demand, and the potential sources of water. California recently endured a five year drought. While the statewide drought has eased, conditions in the County have not returned to normal. Several of the County reservoirs remain significantly below capacity and it is not clear to what degree the recent rainfall will recharge the ground water basins. At the same time, the occurrence and duration of the next drought is unpredictable, creating an uncertain future regarding the availability of water in the County. (more) |
April 10, 2017Ventura County Performance Auditing The 2016-2017 Ventura County Grand Jury conducted an investigation into the Internal Audit Division’s performance in the combined Auditor-Controller environment. Only six percent of the elected Auditor/Controller’s budget is allocated to the Internal Audit Division, which conducts performance audits evaluating whether taxpayer dollars are being spent in an efficient, effective, and economic manner. The Internal Audit Division has completed an average of 12 reports a year over the past four years. (more) |
March 2, 2017Ventura County Medical Center Accreditation Status The Ventura County 2016-2017 Grand Jury has issued a report on the accreditation status of the Ventura County Medical Center. Accreditation is a condition for hospital licensure in California and for reimbursement by the Federal Government for services provided to patients insured under Medicare or Medi-Cal. Without accreditation a hospital would have to close. The report includes the Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, and related outpatient facilities. Basic accreditation is by the Joint Commission, formerly known as the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. (more) |
February 1, 2017Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Open House March 9, 2017 On Thursday, March 9, 2017, the Grand Jury will host an open house for prospective jurors and interested members of the Ventura County community. Please join the current Grand Jury along with public officials from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Grand Jury Chambers at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA. (more) |
January 12, 2017Ventura County Grand Jury Announces 2017/2018 Applications Ventura County residents have an opportunity to provide a valuable community service while learning about local government by serving on the Ventura County Grand Jury. Applications are now available for the 2017/2018 Grand Jury at: ventura.org/grand-jury. (more) |
December 7, 2016Campaign Contributions Transparency The Grand Jury received a public complaint regarding access to records of monetary contributions received by candidates for public office throughout Ventura County. |
November 10, 2016WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE VENTURA COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY? Is your organization interested in learning about the local civil Grand Jury? There is a Speakers Bureau available to educate the public on what the Grand Jury does and how to become a member. Foreperson Pam Riss is also available to give radio or television interviews. To learn more, or to book a speaker, please call the Grand Jury at 805-477-1600. For additional information, refer to: https://ventura.org/grand-jury. (more) |
October 13, 2016Ventura County Grand Jury Posts Responses to 2015-2016 Reports The Ventura County Grand Jury has finalized its 2015-2016 year by posting responses received to the eight reports it issued during the year. The Grand Jury is mandated by the California State Constitution and various laws to serve as a voice of the people and a conscience of the community – a “government watchdog.” |
August 2, 2016GRAND JURY SPEAKERS BUREAU The County of Ventura Grand Jury is an all-volunteer group serving as an independent agent of the public to investigate complaints from the public pertaining to government agencies in our community. Is your organization interested in hearing about these investigative duties and procedures? The Grand Jury Speakers Bureau is available to educate the public in its endeavors as the “public watchdog” for Ventura County. To learn more or schedule a date for a presentation, please call the Grand Jury at 805-477-1600. For additional information, you may also refer to its website, https://ventura.org/grand-jury. (more) |
June 10, 2016PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODES Do you know where to find the Conflict of Interest Code for Ventura County and its incorporated cities? The 2015-2016 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated two key questions regarding conflict of interest standards: First, have Ventura County and the 10 cities within the County, each established a Conflict of Interest Code with standards consistent with the California Political Reform Act? Second, have the County and the 10 cities provided transparency by establishing user-friendly access to their respective Conflict of Interest Codes? (more) |
June 6, 2016CAMARILLO CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAM Is the City of Camarillo recognizing and addressing the needs of its senior population? According to California Department of Finance estimates, Ventura County seniors, those 60 and older, will make up 29% of the population by 2030. The challenge today is to meet the needs of this growing segment of society.(more) |
June 3, 2016EXEMPT EMPLOYEES AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE Is Ventura County denying employees overtime pay? The 2015-2016 Ventura County Grand Jury received a complaint alleging the improper classification of certain Ventura County employees as “exempt” employees under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). Additionally, the complaint alleged abuse of the County’s “Administrative Leave Policy” by some exempt employees. After opening an investigation, the Grand Jury read applicable portions of the FLSA, reviewed various websites intended to give employers guidance in correctly applying FLSA provisions, examined various County documents, and interviewed County personnel. (more) |
May 31, 2016ANNUAL DETENTION FACILITIES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUES What did the Ventura County Grand Jury discover during its annual detention facilities inspection? Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 919(b), the 2015-2016 Ventura County Grand Jury “inquired into the condition and management” of the detention facilities in Ventura County. The Grand Jury inspected the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (Main Jail), Todd Road Jail, the East Valley Jail, all nine police/Sheriff’s holding facilities, and the two juvenile facilities.(more) |
May 9, 2016RIVERBED HAZARDOUS INVASIVE VEGITATION Are our bridges, levies and personal property at risk? The 2015-2016 Ventura County Grand Jury noted an increasing level of vegetation growing in the Ventura and Santa Clara riverbeds. Investigation also revealed that smaller tributaries are similarly overgrown. (more) |
May 6, 2016CITY OF SAN BUENAVENTURA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION Is the City of San Buenaventura responding to public requests for information? The Freedom of Information Act, established in 1967, is a law that gives every citizen the right to obtain information from the federal government. This law allows for the full or partial disclosure of information from the federal government. (more) |
May 4, 2016PHOENIX SCHOOL SAFETY How safe are Ventura County’s Special Education Schools? Are School Resource Officers necessary? When parents send their children to school in the morning, they trust their children will have a productive day of learning in a safe environment. Similarly, when teachers report to work they hope to focus their efforts on teaching without fear for their safety and that of their students. Unfortunately, with the increase in school violence over the past several years, children, parents, and teachers no longer feel as safe as they once did. (more) |
April 18, 2016VENTURA COUNTY CRUDE OIL PIPELINES “May 2015 – Oil Spill – Refugio Beach – Santa Barbara County” This recent oil spill raises the obvious questions: Could this happen in Ventura County? What are the safeguards, checks and balances, and processes at work in the arena of crude oil pipeline safety? (more) |
January 22, 2016VENTURA COUNTY GRAND JURY ANNOUNCES OPEN HOUSE MARCH 10 On March 10, 2016 the Grand Jury will host an open house for prospective jurors and interested members of the Ventura County community. Please join the current Grand Jury along with public officials from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Grand Jury Chambers at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura. (more) |
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October 20, 2015GRAND JURY SPEAKERS BUREAU The County of Ventura Grand Jury is an all-volunteer group serving as an independent agent of the public to investigate complaints from the public pertaining to government agencies in our community. Is your organization interested in hearing about these investigative duties and procedures? The Grand Jury Speakers Bureau is available to educate the public in its endeavors as the “public watchdog” for Ventura County. To learn more or schedule a date for a presentation, please call the Grand Jury at 805-477-1800. For additional information, you may also refer to its website, https://ventura.org/grand-jury. (more) |
October 20, 2015VENTURA COUNTY GRAND JURY POSTS RESPONSES to 2014-2015 REPORTS The Ventura County Grand Jury has finalized its 2014-2015 year by posting responses received to the twelve reports it issued during the year. The Grand Jury is mandated by the California State Constitution and various laws to serve as a voice of the people and a conscience of the community – a “government watchdog.” (more) |
June 25, 2015GRAND JURY’S CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE The Consolidated Annual Report of the 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand Jury is now available online at https://ventura.org/grand-jury. The consolidated report contains results of 12 investigations… (more) |
June 17, 2015GETTING HIRED BY THE COUNTY: THE GRAND JURY LOOKS AT WHAT IT TAKES The Ventura County government is the second-largest employer in the county—after the US military—with more than 8,000 people working in numerous locations… (more) |
June 17, 2015GRAND JURY FINDS RISKS DURING ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD IMPLEMENTATION AT COUNTY HOSPITALS Lack of sufficient planning, staffing, and expert oversight led to significant unforeseen glitches and potential patient-care issues during and after the County Health Care Agency’s rollout of its new electronic health record (EHR) system … (more) |
June 10, 2015COUNTY GRAND JURY LOOKS AT FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION PROCESS How are children placed into foster care in Ventura County?… (more) |
June 9, 2015GRAND JURY REPORTS ON COUNTY’S PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROCESS “Plan your work and work your plan.” So goes one of the truisms of successful organizations. Properly planning projects to successfully deliver them… (more) |
June 5, 2015LATEST GRAND JURY REPORT FOCUSES ON PANHANDLING AND CHARITY SOLICITING “Brother, can you spare a dime?” So goes the song popularized by Bing Crosby in 1932 lamenting the fate of an American Everyman… (more) |
June 5, 2015COUNTY GRAND JURY RELEASES REPORT ON DETENTION FACILITIES AND RELATED ISSUES Following a state mandate, the 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand Jury has completed its yearly inspection of all 15 facilities in Ventura County where persons are placed into custody… (more) |
June 4, 2015WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING CRACKED, BROKEN, AND RAISED SIDEWALKS? Who is responsible for the condition of the sidewalks in front of our houses?… (more) |
June 3, 2015COUNTYWIDE BICYCLE SAFETY IS FOCUS OF LATEST GRAND JURY REPORT How safe is riding a bicycle in Ventura County? The inquiring minds of the 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand Jury wanted to know… (more) |
April 27, 2015COUNTY GRAND JURY REVIEWS PT. HUENEME POLICE RESPONSES TO CALL REQUESTS When members of the public contact the police to “call for service,” report a crime or file a complaint, they expect a response… (more) |
April 7, 2015DEADLINE FOR CIVIL GRAND JURY APPLICATIONS EXTENDED TO APRIL 24 The Ventura County Superior Court has just extended the deadline for applications to the county’s civil grand jury to Friday, April 24… (more) |
April 3, 2015GRAND JURY WEIGHS IN ON OXNARD’S WATER RECYCLING EFFORTS Will Ventura County have a “continuous and adequate water supply” moving into the future?… (more) |
March 27, 2015HOW GREEN IS OUR COUNTY? GRAND JURY ISSUES REPORT ON PURCHASING POLICY Ten years ago the County of Ventura’s General Services Agency (GSA), which oversees purchasing for 27 agencies and departments, developed a policy… (more) |
March 26, 2015THERE’S STILL TIME TO APPLY TO CIVIL GRAND JURY The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is still accepting applications for new jurors to serve from July 1, 2015 to July 1, 2016… (more) |
March 10, 2015GRAND JURY RELEASES REPORT ON NOVEMBER ’14 ELECTIONS PROCESS The 2014-2015 Ventura County Grand Jury has released its first report of the current fiscal year, titled “Elections and Polling Place Observations.”… (more) |
March 5, 2015PUBLIC WATCHDOG PANEL SEEKS APPLICANTS The Ventura County Grand Jury is now accepting applications for new jurors to serve from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2016… (more) |
February 24, 2015FREE SEMINAR MARCH 4: “MEET YOUR CIVIL GRAND JURY” The Ventura County Grand Jury will hold a free seminar on Wednesday, March 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Board Room of the Ventura County Community Foundation… (more) |
February 5, 2015GRAND JURY TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE MARCH 18 The Ventura County (Civil) Grand Jury invites prospective jurors and interested members of the public to an open house… (more) |
December 18, 2014LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING ‘ENCORE’ OPPORTUNITY? Are you retired but still eager to contribute? Would you like to serve your community in a challenging and high-impact fashion? Be part of a committed, caring team?… (more) |
December 4, 2014ALL RESPONSES TO 2013-2014 GRAND JURY REPORTS NOW POSTED As of today, involved officials and agencies have submitted all required written responses to reports by the 2013-2014 Ventura County Grand Jury… (more) |
November 19, 2014GOT A COMPLAINT ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT? TELL THE GRAND JURY Did you know that there is a body of volunteers dedicated to investigating public complaints about county agencies, local city governments and special districts… (more) |
October 30, 2014GRAND JURY REPORTS HAVE POSITIVE IMPACTS The Ventura County Board of Supervisors and other involved officials and agencies have now submitted required written responses to reports by the 2013-2014 Ventura County Grand Jury… (more) |
September 2, 2014GOT A COMPLAINT ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT? CONSIDER THE GRAND JURY Are you dissatisfied with some aspect of local government? If so, did you know that there is a body of volunteers dedicated to investigating public complaints… (more) |
September 2, 2014MOORPARK MAKES CHANGES BASED ON GRAND JURY REPORT Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin and the city council, city manager and community development director have responded to a report published June 16 by the 2013-2014 Ventura County Grand Jury titled “Moorpark Zoning Compliance, Tracking, and Reporting.”… (more) |
July 29, 2014GRAND JURY INVITES COMMUNITY GROUPS TO REQUEST SPEAKERS Do you belong to a group that invites speakers to its meetings? The Ventura County Grand Jury conducts an ongoing speakers’ bureau and outreach program. Service organizations, teachers, librarians, and community groups are invited to request a presentation… (more) |
July 17, 2014GRAND JURY’S ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE The Consolidated Annual Report of the 2013-2014 Ventura County Grand Jury is now available online at http://grandjury.countyofventura.org. The consolidated report contains results of 12 investigations into policies, processes and practices of various county or city governmental agencies, boards or departments… (more) |
