FAIRFIELD — The grand jury is an investigative body and part of the judicial branch of government. Both the United States and the California constitutions call for grand juries.
Unlike a trial jury, which exists only to try an individual case, the Solano County grand jury is a permanent body with members serving one-year terms.
The three primary functions of the grand jury are to be a watchdog over local government, investigate citizen complaints about public agencies and officials and to occasionally investigate criminal matters when requested by the District Attorney.
Solano County residents selected for the grand jury must make a commitment to a minimum of six days per month for their one-year term. During major investigations, grand jury members may need to serve three or more days per week.
Current citizens serving on the Solano County grand jury are:
Andrew Aragon, Vacaville; Lisa Marie Au, Vacaville; Charles Brown, Vacaville; Peter Burnett, Vacaville; Frank Calderon, Vacaville; Stephen Camden, Benicia; James “Rick” Ernst, Benicia; Harold Griggs, Rio Vista; Jenel Hagemann, Fairfield; Meir Horvitz, Fairfield; Clyde Huff, Vallejo; Steve Lamb, Rio Vista; Morland McManigal, Fairfield (foreman); Theardis Nelson, Fairfield; Bill Patterson, Fairfield; Terry Riddle, Vacaville; Rose Sonnen, Vallejo; James Sponzo, Vacaville; and Robert Weldon, Benicia.
For more information, contact Superior Court of California, County of Solano, 600 Union Ave., Fairfield, 94533. The phone number is 435-2575 and the website is www.solanocourts.com/grandjury.
Reach Jess Sullivan at 427-6919 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jsullivandr.
