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2009-2010 KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY

First Row (L to R): William Kundinger, Beverly Traynor, Arletta Norman, Gordon Patterson, Donna Malahni Jackson

Middle Row (L to R): Warren Jones, Mollie Mann, Gayland Smith, Patrice Kline, Michael McCarthy, Kathleen Edillor, John Mainland Back Row: (L to R): Roy Hendrix, Lawrence Walker, Louis Gomez, Richard Frank, Glen Chesbrough

Patricia Duffel Robert Cathaway

GRAND JUROR’S OATH GRAND JUROR’S OATH

“I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of California, and all laws made pursuant to and in conformity therewith, will diligently inquire into, and true presentment make, of all public offenses against the people of this state, committed or triable within this county, of which the grand jury shall have or can obtain legal evidence. Further, I will not disclose any evidence brought before the grand jury, nor anything which I or any other grand juror may say, nor the manner in which I or any other grand juror may have voted on any matter before the grand jury. I will keep the charge that will be given to me by the court.”

“I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of California, and all laws made pursuant to and in conformity therewith, will diligently inquire into, and true presentment make, of all public offenses against the people of this state, committed or triable within this county, of which the grand jury shall have or can obtain legal evidence. Further, I will not disclose any evidence brought before the grand jury, nor anything which I or any other grand juror may say, nor the manner in which I or any other grand juror may have voted on any matter before the grand jury. I will keep the charge that will be given to me by the court.”

(Section 911, Penal Code, Amended June 2, 1983) (Section 911, Penal Code, Amended June 2, 1983)

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Advisor Judges

Honorable Michael B. Lewis Presiding Judge

Honorable Michael G. Bush Assistant Presiding Judge

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SUPPORT STAFF

Theresa Goldner Barry Klein County Counsel District Attorney Allan Rogers, Investigator District Attorney Deanna Maxwell Dorothy Banks Sr. Office Services Specialist Grand Jury Grand Jury Liaison Superior Court

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OFFICERS

John C. Mainland Glen F. Chesbrough Patrice S. Kline Foreman Foreman Pro-Tem Recording Secretary

Michael S. McCarthy Richard Frank Sergeant-at-Arms Asst. Sergeant-at-Arms

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2009-2010 Kern County Grand Jury

John C. Mainland Foreman

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FORMAL STATEMENT OF POSITION 2009-2010 KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY

A Grand Jury is impaneled each year in all 58 counties of the state of California as directed by the Constitution of our state, the number of members being dependant upon the population within the borders of each county. Here in Kern County, that number is 19. These 19 citizens volunteer at least a year of their life to represent all the citizens of the county, operating as an arm of the Superior Court, independent of judicial or political influence while being supported by your tax dollars taken from the general funds of the county. The mandates, the oath, the procedures, and limitations of your Grand Jury are outlined in Penal Code sections §888 through §945. Your Grand Jury has two main purposes as part of our judicial system. They are both criminal and civil in nature. The civil role is better known as the “Watchdog” function. Transparency and openness is essential for the people to be served, not ruled. The oversight of government is the watchdog function of your Grand Jury, but the ultimate authority for oversight, and the responsibility for that oversight, and change, if required, resides with THE PEOPLE constantly being attentive and vigilant. The Jury, by law, must report only the facts with objectivity and without prejudice, as they find them. Any decision for meaningful change and improvement must come from the people you have elected to serve and act as your representative, and by you, The People. There has been a seated Grand Jury in every county in California from the establishment of our statehood. The framers of our state constitution must have thought the system of government oversight by the citizens an excellent idea. It should be interesting to note that there are only two states remaining that allows the right and responsibility of citizen oversight specifically in the law. The support for your Grand Jury, needed now, as never before, is up to you. Get involved and speak up. Take a more active role in your government and promote the transparency and responsible government we deserve. The Grand Jury system can make a difference. So can you! If you value the contribution that your Grand Jury makes in keeping you informed, please let you’re elected officials know that you support the efforts of your fellow citizens and urge them to ensure continued financial backing sufficient from the discretionary budget of the county to perform the mandated functions of the criminal and civil requirements of the law.

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