Applications are open for the 2026-27 Civil Grand Jury for the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, Angela Braun, court executive officer and jury commissioner, has announced.

The Civil Grand Jury serves an important public role by promoting accountability, transparency, and integrity in local government, Braun said.

Grand jurors investigate local government operations and programs, then issue reports with findings and recommendations for improvement.

The Civil Grand Jury may review a wide range of local agencies and functions, including county and city departments, special districts, and joint powers agencies.

Selected jurors should be prepared to commit 25-30 hours per week to interviews, meetings, research, data gathering, and report writing.

No prior jury experience or special training is required; however applicants must:

Be a United States citizen.
Be at least 18 years old.
Be able to read and speak English.
Have lived in Santa Barbara County for at least one year.

Applications are due Monday, May 4. The 2026-27 Civil Grand Jury term begins July 1, 2026, and ends June 30, 2027.

Information about Civil Grand Jury service and the application process is available at www.sbcgj.org.