Title
a. Review the findings and recommendations of the 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) report titled “Seawater Intrusion - A Shared Problem in Monterey County”; and,
b. Consider the draft response to the above-referenced 2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury report; and,
c. Authorize the Board’s response to be filed with the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Review the findings and recommendations of the 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) report titled “Seawater Intrusion - A Shared Problem in Monterey County”; and,
b. Consider the draft response to the above-referenced 2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury report; and,
c. Authorize the Board’s response to be filed with the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) report titled “Seawater Intrusion - A Shared Problem in Monterey County” was issued on May 11, 2026. The Grand Jury requests responses from the Board to Findings F3, and Recommendations R3 which pertain to the seawater intrusion issue in Monterey County and fall within the County’s scope of responsibility.
Pursuant to California Penal Code, section 933, the Board is required to provide a response to the Presiding Judge within 90 days.
The recommended response is included as Exhibit A for the Board’s consideration. Upon adoption by the Board, the response will be submitted to the Presiding Judge.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The draft response was prepared by the Water Resources Agency (WRA) and submitted to the County Administrative Office for formal transmittal to the Board Office. WRA staff will be available to answer questions, if needed. Members of the 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury were invited to attend the Board of Supervisors hearing on this matter.
FINANCING:
There are no fiscal impacts to the General Fund associated with this report.
Prepared by: Claudia Escalante, Executive Assistant to CAO
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Draft Board Response to 2025-2026 CGJ Report re: Seawater Intrusion - A Shared Problem in Monterey County
Exhibit B - 2025-2026 CGJ Report, dated May 11, 2026