What is the Siskiyou County Civil Grand Jury? Here are several things you should know

President of the Siskiyou County Chapter of California Civil Grand Juries Steven Thornburg, current jury foreperson Kelly Atchley and Siskiyou County Judge Karen Dixon talk about the grand jury and its responsibilities to the community.

You might have heard of the Siskiyou County Civil Grand Jury – but what exactly does it do?

Volunteers are currently being sought to serve on the 2021-2022 grand jury, which investigates various government offices and elected officials to ensure they work efficiently and effectively, and to hold them accountable.

The grand jury is funded each year by the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors.

Here are several things you should know about the grand jury.

Grand juries shine a light on local government

The jury consists of 19 people that hold the responsibility, as well as the authority, to investigate local government with the objective of reporting their findings and recommendations to the people.

The grand jury is required by law in the State of California, although it was put on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the 2019-20 report are expected to be released later this year.

President of the Siskiyou County Chapter of California Civil Grand Juries Steven Thornburg said serving on the jury is a way for local community members to hold agencies responsible for good governance.

Thornburg, current jury foreperson Kelly Atchley and Siskiyou County Judge Karen Dixon explained that the investigations can be positive in nature and shine a light on what they're doing correctly, or could investigate citizens' concerns or allegations of misconduct.

After being sworn in, jurors are provided with extensive training on performing their responsibilities, conducting investigations, and writing reports. The grand jury selects its own topics, which vary from year to year.

Grand juries investigate a variety of topics

Previous reports have included those on the Siskiyou County Veteran Services, the Siskiyou County Day Reporting Center, Yreka Police Department's facility, the Weed Community Center and the Siskiyou County Special Districts.

The grand jury can also investigate points of community concern, including the actions of local government and complaints that have never been resolved. The requirement is that the investigation and resolution must be of general benefit to the community.

Once the grand jury concludes a report, it may be issued to the agencies, the governing body and the public. The report must contain findings and recommendations.

People from all walks of life are wanted

“We want a variety of people with different life experiences with an open mind that feels that what they can bring to the Grand Jury will benefit others,” said Dixon.

Atchley said that the majority of people who serve on the Grand Jury come from those that live mainly off the I-5 corridor. She said they have worked hard to encourage folks from all over Siskiyou County, such as the Happy Camp and Dorris and Tulelake areas. She said having a wide group of folks representing the Grand Jury important thing to have on the Grand Jury.

She added that they have a juror from Happy Camp on the 2019-2020 jury, and their perspective and experience has proven to be invaluable.

Thornburg said one of the best jurors to serve was a carpenter by trade who at first wondered if he would be a good contributor. He said his vast knowledge of Siskiyou County, the way he worked well with others, and his interest in being on the grand jury proved to be invaluable.

“It's important to have voices from all walks of life,” he said.

Thornburg said it is vital to have members who are not trying to push an agenda and who understand each member has an equal voice and works well with others.

Alternates are also appointed, since "life does happen," Atchley said.

For instance, for the 2019-2020 grand jury did have to use alternatives due to some members getting ill, one quitting right away, and one juror passing away.

Thornburg said it is a positive process to be a part of.

Atchley said she enjoys getting together with a varied group of people who band together to identify issues that need to be delved into further, and work together to investigate them. She said what happens and is discussed in the grand jury, specifically in terms of cases, is strictly confidential. 

“For the rest of my life I can’t talk about it,” Atchley said.

What do I get out of the deal?

Thornburg said people come away with a better sense of how government works, both the good and the bad, and many times form new and lasting friendships with their fellow jurors.

Dixon, Thornburg and Atchley empathized that serving on the grand jury is a terrific way to understand local government and issues. People who serve also have a measure of satisfaction knowing that their efforts will be seen and potentially acted upon by elected officials and appointed officials.

“It’s more than a good idea ... It’s a legal requirement we have," Dixon said.

“It's great to see people come together for the common good,” he said.

“We want people that are open-minded and can work with others,” Atchley said.

Bill Choy
Siskiyou Daily News
March 22, 2021