San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury
Explore the jury’s recommendations, read matching agency responses, and join the discussion. Everything in this cycle is connected to its original source.
Every recommendation made by the jury, with matching agency responses alongside it.
Recommendations & responses
Showing 23 of 23 recommendations
Recommendations
8 recommendations
Within 90 days of the issuance of this report, the Stockton City Council should provide the Civil Grand Jury with written documentation detailing the actions taken to comply with the Stockton Council Policy Manual provisions governing member conduct, including standards applicable to meetings, public statements, online activity, professionalism, decorum, and mutual respect (F1, F3 and F5).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 37
Permanent linkBy December 31, 2026, all Stockton City Council members should complete formal training conducted by the City Manager on Charter Section 408, all Charter provisions governing Council conduct, and the requirements of the Stockton Council Policy Manual. Written verification of completion should be submitted to the Civil Grand Jury (F1, F3 and F5, F7).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 37
Permanent linkBy December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should receive training from the City Manager on established City policies and procedures governing fiscal matters, including the approval, funding, and oversight of City projects (F4, F7).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 37
Permanent linkBy December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should demonstrate documented and measurable efforts toward establishing an Ethics Commission or similar body, including clear steps taken, draft frameworks, and publicly visible actions showing active development. The goal should be to formally establish and operationalize the Commission by January 2028 (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 37
Permanent linkBy December 31, 2026, the City Manager and City Attorney should rewrite and expand the City of Stockton Council Policy Manual Chapter 2.03: Code of Ethics for Elected Officials and Commissioners, to include more specific information and explanation of ethical behavior and action requirements (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 38
Permanent linkEffective upon publication of this report, members of the Stockton City Council, when speaking or posting in their official capacity or on matters related to City business, should refrain from using social media platforms or public forums to make disparaging or demeaning statements about fellow Council members or City staff (F1 and F6).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 38
Permanent linkBy December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should establish written guidelines regarding Council members’ use of social media platforms and public forums in order to discuss City business and to maintain proper decorum (F1 and F6).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 38
Permanent linkBy December 31, 2027, the Stockton City Council should establish their own ordinance limiting campaign contributions by individuals and organizations in city elections as exampled by San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles. This ordinance should include all monetary, in kind and campaign committee contributions. This will allow public transparency in campaign finances. (F9)
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 38
Permanent linkRecommendations — implement by May 4, 2027
10 recommendations
Review and revise the SJLAFCo financial and accounting procedures to include a requirement for regular (e.g., annual or biannual) independent third-party audits of its financial statements. The revised procedures should include the best practices of other similar LAFCos (F1).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 54
Permanent linkReview and revise the financial and accounting procedures to include the Commission’s policy and requirements for managing, documenting and auditing The Contingency Reserve Fund (F2).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 54
Permanent linkDevelop a policy for a formal review that includes a mid-year progress report of its accomplishments regarding the previous year’s goals and present its findings during the appropriate regular Commission meeting (F3).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 54
Permanent linkUpdate the SJLAFCo Service Review Policy to be consistent with the best practices of other similar county LAFCos (F3, F4 and F5).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 54
Permanent linkUpdate the SJLAFCo Service Review Policy to include a requirement for an annual update of all districts regarding their status of MSR and SOI review and for planning for MSRs for all districts at least every five years unless explicitly determined not to be required or required at a different interval (F5).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 54
Permanent linkDuring the annual budget process, develop a complete and detailed workplan, using the best practices of similar LAFCOs, to describe its goals and the work it anticipates accomplishing over the next fiscal year. The plan should consider all districts within the agency’s jurisdiction regarding their need for SOI and MSR review, their status regarding previous reviews, and a plan for future reviews in consideration of Cal. Gov. Code §56425(g). The workplan should also detail other planned projects for the next fiscal year (F3, F4, F5 and F6).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 54
Permanent linkDuring the annual budget process, consider adding additional staff to assist with forward-looking planning and scheduling. Additional staff could also support the review process for active SOIs and MSRs (F7).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 55
Permanent linkDuring the annual budget process, consider an increase in funding for outside consultants with appropriate expertise to support the SOI and MSR review process (F7).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 55
Permanent linkDevelop a plan for mentorship, succession and cross-training of key Commission staff (F8).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 55
Permanent linkDevelop a plan to regularly review and update all Commission policy and procedure documents (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F8).
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 55
Permanent link2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury Discussion, Findings and Recommendations
1 recommendation
By October 1, 2026, the BOS should follow through with initiating contact with the City of Tracy and provide documentation that it was done.
1 response · San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Linne Estates: Response Compliance · PDF page 72
Permanent linkThe response states “Has been implemented” on page 2 and describes a July 14, 2026 meeting to resume sewer-interconnection discussions on page 3.
Read official response · PDF page 32025-2026 Civil Grand Jury Discussion, Findings and Recommendations
4 recommendations
By September 23, 2026, SCC should review and adhere to City Policies, Confidentiality Rules, and the City Code of Ethics requirements when engaging in interviews or public dialogue through SMPs.
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 79
Permanent linkBy September 23, 2026, the SCC should submit additional supporting documentation as listed below: • Workplace Violence Prevention Plan. • Appendix A to Administrative Directive HR-64: Protocol for Responding to Workplace Violence. • A copy of materials used for training employees, supervisors, managers and city elected officials on workplace violence prevention, reporting and response. • Training plan or explanation of training approach (e.g., initial and periodic refresher training). • List of workplace violence investigations conducted in last two years, including dispositions.
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 80
Permanent linkBy September 23, 2026, the Stockton City Council should submit an update to the Civil Grand Jury on its progress in developing and adopting an Election Transparency Ordinance.
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 81
Permanent linkUpon execution of the contract to maintain the City’s Ethics Hotline, the Stockton City Council shall notify the Civil Grand Jury.
No response recorded
View recommendation and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 84
Permanent linkThe jury’s formal findings, with source citations and any recorded responses.
Findings & responses
Showing 31 of 31 findings
Findings
9 findings
The very public conflicts among Council members have seriously undermined public faith in the Council's ability to conduct business transparently and professionally.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 36
Permanent linkIn violation of City Charter Section 408, the Stockton City Council has directly interfered with the duties and responsibilities of City staff. These actions have contributed to operational challenges within City government that will require additional time and resources to resolve.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 36
Permanent linkPublic records and media coverage indicate that the Stockton City Council has experienced ongoing internal conflict, including frequent disagreements, contentious meetings, and voting patterns that consistently divide the Council and lead to Council improprieties and the appearance of improprieties.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 36
Permanent linkThe Stockton City Council has attempted to bypass established protocols regarding fiscal matters, thus raising the possibility for further delays in the approval process and the possibility of the District Attorney's intervention.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 36
Permanent linkThe Stockton City Council appears not to follow the ethics principals that are set forth in AB 1234, and the Stockton City Council Code of Conduct, which erodes public trust in the Council as a governing body.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 36
Permanent linkThe use of social media platforms (SMPs) and public forums such as press conferences to further personal agendas and air grievances is inappropriate.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 36
Permanent linkThe Stockton City Council has shown disrespect to City staff and communicated with staff in a manner contrary to Section 408 of the City Charter, contributing to a loss of skilled and professional employees and resulting in a substantial financial loss to the City.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 36
Permanent linkIn their efforts to influence decisions made by the Stockton City Council, outside of Council chambers, some Council members have pursued personal agendas and advancement of business interests, thus compromising transparency.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 37
Permanent linkThe City of Stockton does not have an ordinance regarding limiting campaign contributions beyond state law, leading to a lack of transparency.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · PDF page 37
Permanent linkFindings
8 findings
The lack of a policy to regularly conduct independent third-party financial audits means that SJLAFCo cannot assure the public that its funds are spent appropriately and that its financial statements are accurate and transparent.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 52
Permanent linkIt is not clear how SJLAFCo is funding its reserves or how the reserve fund is being managed. SJLAFCo’s financial and accounting procedures do not include a policy for the management of its Contingency Reserve Fund. The public is unaware of the scope and purpose of the fund, how the fund is used and replenished, and what the appropriate fund balance ought to be.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 52
Permanent linkBest practices of counties such as Fresno, Santa Clara, and Sacramento include detailed workplans for the Fiscal Year with mid-year progress reports. The SJLAFCo budget for 2025-2026, on the other hand, does not include a detailed workplan to support the goals of The Commission. Information regarding the status of current and planned MSR and SOI reviews and the scope and potential costs of planned projects are not provided. There is a lack of transparency with the public about the work that The Commission has accomplished or is planning to accomplish.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 53
Permanent linkSpecial District and City SOIs are not reviewed and updated with regularity or consistency. Without regular or consistent service reviews, it is not clear that SJLAFCo can meet its objective of providing for the present and future service needs of the cities and district agencies throughout the county in accordance with Cal. Gov. Code §56301.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 53
Permanent linkSJLAFCo does not have a plan or status tracking mechanism that is visible to the public for assuring that agency MSRs and SOIs are reviewed and updated every 5 years in accordance with its policy. The public does not have a full picture of what, and when, city or district agencies have been reviewed or are planned for review regarding their service capacity or financial ability.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 53
Permanent linkEven though Cal. Gov. Code §56425(g) allows for SOI reviews to be carried out “as necessary” it is not clear what criteria is used to determine “necessity.” The Commission is not fulfilling its objective of furnishing information regarding the logical and reasonable development of the local agencies in the county.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 53
Permanent linkGiven the large number of special districts and other local agencies under SJLAFCo jurisdiction, the SJLAFCo staffing level available for future planning and for active MSR and SOI analyses may not be adequate to perform the work required to fulfill the mission of SJLAFCo.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 53
Permanent linkThe lack of a plan for mentorship, succession, cross-training, or for regular updating of internal policies and procedures could lead to operational inefficiencies during periods of staff transitions.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · PDF page 53
Permanent link2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury Discussion, Findings and Recommendations
1 finding
The BOS did not provide documentation of initiating contact with the City of Tracy regarding their interest in allowing CSA 44 to connect to the city’s sewer system.
1 response · San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Linne Estates: Response Compliance · PDF page 72
Permanent linkThe Board explicitly disagrees and says September 2025 conversations led to an October 24, 2025 meeting at which Tracy was uninterested pending planning updates.
Read official response · PDF page 22025-2026 Civil Grand Jury Discussion, Findings and Recommendations
4 findings
SCC member communication through Social Media Platforms (SMPs) is an individual decision. However, comments made by Council members in any public forum or setting, including SMPs, are subject to City Council censure if those comments violate City Policies, Confidentiality Rules, or the City Code of Ethics.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 79
Permanent linkThe 2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury reviewed the policy and procedure submitted by the SCC. It is noted that these documents were implemented by the City in 2009 and did not include a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan as referenced in the City’s September 10, 2025, response.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 80
Permanent linkThe Agency response dated September 10, 2025, did not provide an update on Stockton City Council’s efforts to finalize and adopt an election transparency ordinance.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 81
Permanent linkThe City of Stockton’s response is acceptable. However, additional information is requested.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Stockton Crisis in Government: Second Follow-Up · PDF page 84
Permanent linkSection B — Growth of the Unhoused Population
3 findings
There has been steady growth in the unhoused population in San Joaquin County over the past ten years, increasing the overall need for additional temporary shelter, transitional, and permanent housing capacity. While the County of San Joaquin, SJ CoC and Cities have made substantial progress in developing additional shelter and transitional beds during the past five years, more capacity will likely be needed.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 148
Permanent linkThe City of Stockton continues to have the largest number (2,996) and percentage (64%) of unhoused people in the County and face the greatest challenge of providing beds and support service capacity sufficient to meet unhoused population needs.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 148
Permanent linkEmergency shelter staffing varies greatly throughout the County, both in terms of number of staff and level of expertise. Adequate staff is key to positive transitions and outcomes for shelter residents.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 148
Permanent linkSection D — Changing Characteristics and Needs of the Unhoused Population
3 findings
The increasing percentage of unhoused persons who are female may require additional accommodation in shelters and housing.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 151
Permanent linkRacial disparities in the unhoused population should be considered in any prevention elements of homeless programs.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 151
Permanent linkThe recognition that over a third of the unhoused population have substance abuse and mental health disorders requires additional County Behavioral Services resources be directed to the unhoused population.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 151
Permanent linkSection E — Increases in emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing capacity
1 finding
Homeless Program construction and development projects are not keeping up with the growing demand for emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 152
Permanent linkSection G.1 — Passage of Proposition 1
1 finding
Proposition 1 significantly increases resources available to house and treat unhoused persons with mental health and substance use disorders.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 155
Permanent linkSection G.2 — Passage of Proposition 36
1 finding
Substance Use Disorder is a major problem for many unhoused persons. Availability of treatment and rehabilitation programs will be a key factor to making the provisions of Proposition 36 most effective. Fortunately, Proposition 1 has provided funding to build and staff additional treatment and rehabilitation facilities.
No response recorded
View finding and responsesHide detailsJury report: Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · PDF page 156
Permanent linkEditorial discussion prompts inspired by the reports. These are separate from the jury’s formal findings and recommendations.
Civic question
Supporting report
Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · Recommendations R2–R3
Civic question
Supporting report
Stockton City Council: Governance in Turmoil · Recommendations R4
Civic question
Supporting report
Linne Estates: Response Compliance · 2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury Discussion, Findings and Recommendations
Civic question
Supporting report
San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · Recommendations R6
Civic question
Supporting report
San Joaquin LAFCo: Coordinating and Planning Growth · Recommendations R1–R2
Civic question
Supporting report
Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · Findings for Section B, FB.3
Civic question
Supporting report
Homelessness in San Joaquin County: Ten Years Later, 2016–2026 · Findings for Section D, FD.3
Civic question
Supporting report
San Joaquin County Emergency Services · Background — SJCEMSA responsibilities
Civic question
Supporting report
Law and Justice Activities: Inspections and Inquiries · Family Justice Center visit
San Joaquin County Superior Court
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Original reports and response documents provide the evidence behind this cycle’s findings, recommendations, and discussions.
Official report
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