Smith, who announced her retirement on Monday while the jury was deliberating, faced the charges in a civil trial that had been filed by a Santa County Civil Grand Jury in December. Sentencing in such a case could normally result in her removal from office, but the sheriff's surprise resignation two months before the end of her sixth term makes that punishment moot.

With few exceptions, the grand jury report’s observations, conclusions and recommendations landed squarely on one side of the city’s political divide–led by Mayor Lisa Gillmor–that was on the losing end of the 2020 council elections, promping the 49ers to call for an investigation of the grand jury for conflicts of interest. Today, the final version of the report revealed that two members had recused themselves because of possible conflicts.

Even as gender equality in most traditionally male sectors has improved, women in Santa Clara County continue to be shut out of firefighting.

Grand jury service gives citizens a chance to improve the integrity of local government and hold elected leaders accountable to the public.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will vote on a 20-year master agreement with the Fairgrounds Management Corporation.

California’s Fair Political Practices Commission accused the longtime schools trustee of some pretty flagrant violations of state election law.

The Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury dealt a harsh blow to the Valley Transportation Authority in a new report.

A shift toward risky but poor-performing investments now costs San Jose’s pension plans more than $70 million a year in fees alone.

Former mayoral candidate Anthony Becker said he is embarrassed that Santa Clara failed to comply with basic transparency standards.

A probe that initially targeted the city’s procurement practices changed focus once civil grand jurors realized another problem was at play.