It’s been more than a month since Sutter County grand jurors decided not to file a report for 2017-18 and resigned from their positions. Though few details have come out as to why, local officials have requested the state attorney general get involved. Yuba City could be the latest to join in the effort after Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Yuba City officials have taken under consideration sending a letter to California Attorney General Xavier Becerra that requests he review the decision of the grand jury to “ensure their decision was free from improper pressure or influence and to ensure the integrity of this and future grand juries,” according to a staff report.
In a June 25 letter addressed to Sutter County judges, the jurors stated they resigned in protest “as we were prevented from fulfilling our duty as watchdog for Sutter County.”
Yuba City officials said the grand jury plays a key role in examining all aspects of local government and reviewing citizen complaints.
“The 2017-2018 grand jury met throughout the year, interviewed numerous governmental agencies and drafted a report but that report was not finalized and published for the first time since 1966. We value the input and respect the role of the grand jury. Further, we believe it is in the public’s best interest to ensure that no improper influence occurred in the decision of the grand jury,” according to a draft letter by city officials.
Sutter County supervisors and Assemblyman James Gallagher, a Republican from Yuba City, penned a similar letter to Becerra earlier this month.
The city, along with others, were contacted by the Sutter County Grand Jurors’ Association. The organization requested the government bodies seek out the attorney general’s help and implore him to review what has happened.
City Council members will vote on whether to send a letter to Becerra at Tuesday’s board meeting starting at 6 p.m. at 1201 Civic Center Blvd., Yuba City.
August 19, 2018
Appeal-Democrat
By Jake Abbott
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