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Grand Jury Hub

San Benito County Civil Grand Jury

2025–2026: from findings to follow-through

Overview

Explore the jury’s recommendations, read matching agency responses, and join the discussion. Everything in this cycle is connected to its original source.

Recommendations & responses

Every recommendation made by the jury, with matching agency responses alongside it.

Recommendations & responses

Showing 34 of 34 recommendations

Jump to recommendation

San Benito County Sheriff Department

5 recommendations

Recommendation R1

The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County invest in retention incentives or other programs for existing officers within the next nine months.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: San Benito County Sheriff Department · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official response
San Benito County Sheriff’s Office
Agency position unclear

Labels incentives implemented but also says the package will go to the Board on September 1, 2026.

Read official response · PDF page 1

Recommendation R2

The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County take appropriate steps to implement the new radio system within the next three months.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View recommendation and responses

Recommendation R3

The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the facility be brought into ADA compliance within six months.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View recommendation and responses

Recommendation R4

The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County develop a policy so that all inmates and detainees are transported by a minimum of two officers/deputies. This recommendation must be implemented within the next nine months.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: San Benito County Sheriff Department · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official response
San Benito County Sheriff’s Office
Agency declines implementation

Rejects a universal two-officer rule while retaining two-officer high-risk custody transports.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Recommendation R5

The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the facility incorporate the recommendations that the Sheriff submitted to the BSCC within 6 months.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View recommendation and responses

To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena

5 recommendations

Recommendation R1

Remove the current blanket subpoena process.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R1A

Within the next six months, the City should adopt a policy that allows the Foreperson of the Civil Grand Jury (or designee) to contact public officials to schedule interviews.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R2

Remove the current blanket subpoena process.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R2A

Within the next six months, the City should adopt a policy that allows the Foreperson of the Civil Grand Jury (or designee) to request documents. Production of said documents must be timely in compliance with the California Public Records Act.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R3

Within the next three months, the City Attorney must train elected officials on the importance and penalties associated with subpoenas.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Hollister Independence Day Rally

7 recommendations

Recommendation R1

A professional security company for the Rally must be contracted no later than six months prior to the event.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R2

All contracts for services must require vendors to comply with the City’s municipal code and San Benito County Public Health code.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R3

Within three months following the 2026 Rally event, the City must disclose the actual expenditures incurred. Including but not limited to all staff time.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R3A

Following any large event (greater than 1000 people) where City funds are expended, the City must disclose actual incurred costs.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R3B

Any future Rally event must have a realistic budget, including revenue projections and sources adopted by the City Council at least nine months prior to the event.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R4

The ad hoc committee cannot make decisions for the entire City Council. Within the next six months, the City must adopt rules and responsibilities for all ad hoc committees to ensure continuity of information.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 22

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R4A

The City Council members are responsible for knowing what the actions the ad hoc committee is taking and what is being proposed.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 22

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District

17 recommendations

Recommendation R1

Review and, if necessary, suspend implementation of the revised sewer rates pending compliance with Proposition 218 notice requirements. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Reports rate implementation suspended before July billing.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Recommendation R1A

Rebate or credit back any increase of sewer charges to impacted customers. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Reports July credits or refunds of the flat-fee increase.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Recommendation R1B

In alignment with Proposition 218, begin the process to raise sewer rates, including a 45-day public notice, a public hearing, and the creation of an official ordinance by the Board. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says further analysis needed

Requires analysis and a revised proposal within six months, if warranted.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Recommendation R1C

Update the Sunnyslope website to reflect new sewer rates once the ordinance has passed. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency plans to implement

Promises a website update after a new rate ordinance is adopted.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Recommendation R2

All contracts for easements should be made available to the Board in writing prior to approval. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims easements and contracts are available to the Board before acceptance.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Recommendation R2A

The board should take a more active role in the development of contracts on behalf of Sunnyslope, such as developing a detailed set of procedures for the General Manager to follow. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency declines implementation

Rejects additional Board contract-development involvement as operational management.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Recommendation R2B

The current easement contracts should be immediately available to the public. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims easement contracts are already public before Board acceptance.

Read official response · PDF page 4

Recommendation R3

All policies and steps for dispute resolution need to be followed. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims existing conflict policies are followed and no changes are needed.

Read official response · PDF page 4

Recommendation R3A

In the event that the established conflict resolution policy needs to be amended, an agreement between board members needs to be reached within the confines of Board meetings. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims any policy amendment and collective direction occur through official meetings.

Read official response · PDF page 4

Recommendation R4

Management needs to give staff clear direction when policies, prices, or procedures change by putting them in writing. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims clear staff direction and existing online information.

Read official response · PDF page 5

Recommendation R4A

The Board of Directors should conduct training so that the general manager and the Board are familiar with the Sunnyslope County Water District Policy Manual. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency declines implementation

Rejects Board-conducted training, offering manuals and requested reviews instead.

Read official response · PDF page 5

Recommendation R4B

Using the Sunnyslope website, news sources, and social media, notify the public concerning new programs and initiatives. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency position unclear

Claims website and mailed-newsletter communication while withholding social media pending policy.

Read official response · PDF page 6

Recommendation R4C

The Board should approve the use of recordings at Board and committee meetings. These recordings should be retained and posted on Sunnyslope’s website so the public can participate in the process. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says further analysis needed

Requires recording-cost analysis and Board consideration within six months.

Read official response · PDF page 6

Recommendation R5

Management needs to follow established policies for communicating with the Board so that they receive information regarding contracts or changes to contracts. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims existing policy compliance and regular Board communication.

Read official response · PDF page 7

Recommendation R6

Sunnyslope should immediately post all Board and committee meeting audio recordings within its possession on its website. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says further analysis needed

Defers posting pending cost and policy analysis within six months.

Read official response · PDF page 7

Recommendation R7

Require, as a stipulation, outside contractors to provide methodology templates to management. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 40

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims existing consultant practices satisfy the recommendation.

Read official response · PDF page 8

Recommendation R8

Develop a clear hiring process for management to include written agreements when promoting from within the organization. To be implemented by August 19, 2026.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 40

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors
Agency says implemented

Claims a documented hiring process with offer letters and qualified internal-candidate priority.

Read official response · PDF page 8

Findings

The jury’s formal findings, with source citations and any recorded responses.

Findings & responses

Showing 20 of 20 findings

Jump to finding

San Benito County Sheriff Department

5 findings

Finding F1

Staffing shortages exist within the Sheriff’s Department. The Department is unable to attract and maintain adequate staffing.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View finding and responses

Jury report: San Benito County Sheriff Department · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official response
San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

Partially disagrees: adequate main-jail minimums coexist with retention and rehabilitation-center staffing gaps.

Read official response · PDF page 1

Finding F2

A new radio communication system has been purchased but has yet to be implemented.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View finding and responses

Finding F3

The intake reception area of the Curtis J. Hill Rehabilitation Center is non-ADA compliant.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View finding and responses

Jury report: San Benito County Sheriff Department · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official response
San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

Disagrees with noncompliance, distinguishing construction-era standards from the intake shower’s current standards.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Finding F4

The Sheriff’s department requires additional staffing when transferring inmates and detainees.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View finding and responses

Finding F5

The BSCC report Non-Compliance (1056 - The use of Sobering Cells)- Incarcerated persons were held in sobering cells longer than 12 hours without hourly safety checks.

1 response · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

View finding and responses

To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena

3 findings

Finding F1

The subpoena process took an additional four - six weeks to complete and schedule interviews with City Officials.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

The subpoena process took an additional four - six weeks to complete to obtain documents.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F3

A former interim city manager did not respond to a subpoena request for interviews. Four of the elected officials did not show for their initial scheduled interview. The Civil Grand Jury had to reissue subpoenas for those interviews.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · PDF page 16

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Hollister Independence Day Rally

4 findings

Finding F1

The initial security vendor withdrew due to insufficient or inaccurate information during the bidding process. A replacement vendor was secured two weeks prior to the event at significantly higher cost, with personnel lacking relevant experience.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

Many of the contracted security company's personnel did not have adequate rest or sleeping facilities and slept in vehicles, which is a violation of local ordinances.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F3

There is conflicting information in regard to the forecasted budget for the 2025 Rally vs the actual amount spent on the Rally.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 21

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F4

There is a lack of continuity of information between the city officials and staff members. The ad hoc Committee, Mayor Stephens, and Councilmember Resendiz made the majority of decisions for the Rally.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Hollister Independence Day Rally · PDF page 22

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District

8 findings

Finding F1

Sewer rates were changed without the public notice required under Proposition 218.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Agrees and reports rollback, refunds and a paused rate transition.

Read official response · PDF page 2

Finding F2

The easement acquisition process appears inconsistent and may not fully align with established procedures.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Wholly disagrees, arguing each property-rights acquisition is unique.

Read official response · PDF page 3

Finding F3

The decision by the Sunnyslope Board to bypass the established steps in conflict resolution contributed to additional conflict among Board members and the airing of grievances in the public forum.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 38

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Wholly disagrees and cites majority-vote governance and policies 7130 and 7160.

Read official response · PDF page 4

Finding F4

Communication and transparency issues are significantly affecting interactions among Sunnyslope management, staff, Board members, and the public.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Wholly disagrees, saying the allegation lacks specificity and interactions reflect policy preferences.

Read official response · PDF page 5

Finding F5

When the general manager is negotiating contracts, such as those for the easements and the contract with the City of Hollister, the Board is not receiving all of the pertinent details.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Wholly disagrees and says no particular withheld contract information is identified.

Read official response · PDF page 6

Finding F6

When Sunnyslope creates a recording of a Board meeting, it becomes a public record, subject to CPRA and the Brown Act. Sunnyslope currently records Board meetings; however, the existence and availability of these recordings are not clearly communicated to the Board or the public.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 39

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Agrees recordings are public records but partially disputes communication of their availability.

Read official response · PDF page 7

Finding F7

Sunnyslope accepted an outside rate study that did not include methodology templates from the contractor, which hindered their ability to fully analyze the recommendations within the report.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 40

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Wholly disagrees, claiming the consultant provided methodology and the model predicts finances accurately.

Read official response · PDF page 8

Finding F8

Current hiring practices for management positions are creating confusion within the District.

1 response · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · PDF page 40

Permanent link
Official response
Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors

Wholly disagrees, saying no particular position or confusion is identified.

Read official response · PDF page 8

Questions

Editorial discussion prompts inspired by the reports. These are separate from the jury’s formal findings and recommendations.

Civic question

What staffing information would help residents distinguish minimum jail operation from rehabilitation, transport and support needs?

The jury reports staffing shortages; the Sheriff distinguishes main-jail minimums from unfilled wider needs.
Why this matters
Different staffing measures should not be treated as interchangeable.

Supporting report

San Benito County Sheriff Department · Finding F1 and Recommendation R1

Civic question

What public milestones would make it easier to tell whether radio and accessibility projects are planned, underway or complete?

The response describes radio testing and ongoing shower work; these are not the same as verified completion.
Why this matters
Clear project stages help residents evaluate follow-through without assuming either account settles compliance.

Supporting report

San Benito County Sheriff Department · Findings F2–F3 and Recommendations R2–R3

Civic question

What process would make jury interview and document requests timely while preserving lawful rights and clear responsibilities?

The jury attributes delays to the blanket subpoena process and proposes direct-request policies.
Why this matters
A workable process needs both timely cooperation and clear legal safeguards.

Supporting report

To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena · Findings F1–F3 and Recommendations R1–R3

Civic question

What should a public event-cost report include so residents can compare budgets with actual spending?

The jury says it did not receive a complete final Rally accounting and asks for actual costs, including staff time.
Why this matters
Complete costs and disclosed assumptions matter more than unsupported claims of either profit or loss.

Supporting report

Hollister Independence Day Rally · Finding F3 and Recommendations R3–R3B

Civic question

How should temporary committees share proposals and decisions with the full council and public?

The jury raises continuity concerns and proposes clearer ad hoc committee rules.
Why this matters
Residents should be able to distinguish advice, proposed action and authorized council decisions.

Supporting report

Hollister Independence Day Rally · Finding F4 and Recommendations R4–R4A

Civic question

What information would make a proposed sewer-rate change and any resulting correction easier for customers to understand?

The District agrees a change was premature and reports refunds, while future rate work remains under review.
Why this matters
Customers need clear notice, billing explanations and the status of proposed changes.

Supporting report

The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · Finding F1 and Recommendations R1–R1C

Civic question

What access and retention options would best balance usable meeting recordings with clearly explained costs?

The jury requests online recordings; the District describes temporary office access and promises cost analysis.
Why this matters
Current access, proposed online storage and a future Board decision are different things.

Supporting report

The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · Finding F6 and Recommendation R6

Civic question

What contract information should reach the Board and public before an easement decision is made?

The jury questions procedural consistency and information flow; the District disputes those findings and claims existing access.
Why this matters
Specific documents and timing can clarify disagreement without presuming misconduct.

Supporting report

The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District · Finding F2 and Recommendations R2–R2B

Sources

Original reports and response documents provide the evidence behind this cycle’s findings, recommendations, and discussions.

Report overview: San Benito County Sheriff Department

Response available

San Benito County Sheriff Department

The jury reviews detention facilities, patrol ride-alongs, staffing, radio deployment, accessibility, transport practices and sobering-cell procedures in physical PDF pages 8–12. Its five findings and five recommendations address retention, radios, accessibility, transport staffing and BSCC follow-up. It also describes the Youth Services Center; this is part of the same report, not an additional investigation. The Sheriff disputes several premises, including the scope of adequate staffing, applicable accessibility standards, existing transport policies and the description of the BSCC finding. Those are respondent positions, not independently adjudicated legal conclusions or proof of current compliance. The Sheriff’s undated final response is audited separately from the unsigned County agenda attachment. Board minutes record approval of the responses, but an executed County letter was not provided.
Report overviewCounty response & auditOfficial PDF
Report overview: To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena

Official report

To Subpoena or Not to Subpoena

In physical PDF pages 13–16, the jury describes delays it attributes to Hollister’s blanket subpoena process for interviews and documents. Three findings and five recommendations seek direct scheduling and document-request policies, removal of the blanket requirement and training about subpoenas. The report requests a City Council response and invites the City Manager, Police Chief and Finance Director. The timing, subpoena history and legal interpretations are the jury’s account, not a court determination that particular officials violated the law. No verified final Hollister response is included in the provided package. Known blocked agency attachments remain a source gap, not proof of nonresponse or lateness.
Report overviewOfficial PDF
Report overview: Hollister Independence Day Rally

Official report

Hollister Independence Day Rally

Physical PDF pages 17–22 examine security procurement, expenditure records and decision-making for the 2025 Rally. Four findings and seven recommendations call for earlier security contracts, vendor compliance, actual-cost disclosure, advance budgets and clearer ad hoc committee responsibilities. The report expressly does not determine whether the Rally had a positive or negative overall community impact. The jury says it lacked a complete final accounting; this does not establish a verified total loss or economic benefit. Its claims about vendor experience, sleeping arrangements and ordinance compliance remain attributed to the investigation. Recommendations naming the 2026 event retain their source timing without assuming that event occurred or that follow-up was completed. No verified final Hollister response was provided.
Report overviewOfficial PDF
Report overview: The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District

Response available

The Waters Are Murky: An Investigation into Transparency Issues at Sunnyslope County Water District

Physical PDF pages 23–40 review sewer-rate notice, easement acquisition, Board conflict procedures, staff and public communications, contract information, recordings, rate-study methodology and management hiring. Eight findings and seventeen recommendations retain the jury’s August 19, 2026 implementation dates. The report discloses a juror’s nonparticipation because of former employment at a different water district. The District’s September 4, 2026 Board-authorized response agrees with the premature rate change and reports rollback and refunds, while disputing most other findings. Claimed implementation is distinguished from future conditional rate review, website changes and recording-cost analysis. Legal interpretations and general claims of compliance are not independently verified. The court annual and scanned County variants are preserved unchanged; their front-matter dates are not silently harmonized.
Report overviewCounty response & auditOfficial PDF

Response documents

Sheriff response to the detention and patrol investigation · San Benito County Sheriff’s Office · PDFSunnyslope Board response to The Waters Are Murky · Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors · 2026-09-04 · PDF