Another Possible Violation of the Brown Act as the Community Aims to Make Elected Officials Accountable

The California Brown Act states:
54952.2(c) Nothing in this section shall impose the requirements of this chapter upon any of the following:
(5) The attendance of a majority of the members of a legislative body at a purely social or ceremonial occasion, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency.

Timeline of possible violation of the California Brown Act by elected officials Supervisors Holland, Griefer, and Kirk:

• September 12, 2026: Tuolumne County Republican Central Committee’s Annual Reagan Dinner Fundraiser at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort, where Supervisors Holland, Griefer, and Kirk jointly appeared on stage speaking about issues that are “within subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body (Board of Supervisors) of the local agency (County of Tuolumne).”
• September 16, 2026: Probe opened by the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office after receiving several complaints about the Supervisors’ joint appearance and presentation during the political fundraiser, where they talked about county finances, roads, law enforcement, and other topics under the jurisdiction of the Board.
• September 23, 2026: (News flash: District Attorney’s Office Concludes Review of Alleged Brown Act Violations)
  “Last week, the District Attorney’s Office received numerous citizen complaints related to alleged Brown Act violations regarding the attendance and remarks given by Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors Mike Holland, Aniah Kirk, and Steve Griefer at the 2026 Reagan Dinner on September 12, 2026. Pursuant to Government Code section 54960, Brown Act violations are primarily investigated and enforced by the local District Attorney’s Office or through private civil lawsuits brought by interested persons or citizens. On September 16, 2026, the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office opened an investigation to evaluate the allegations. The District Attorney’s Office also thoroughly reviewed Government Code sections related to the Brown Act, including exceptions found in Section 54952.2(c). Based on this investigation, plus review of relevant statutes and Attorney General advisory opinions, the actions of Supervisors Holland, Kirk, and Griefer do not rise to a level requiring action by the District Attorney’s Office. The matter is closed at this time.”

• September 25, 2026: The Union Democrat reported:
  • Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Novelli said, “The investigation included at least one interview and a review of information about what happened at the dinner, what was said by the Supervisors, and the circumstances surrounding their appearance…”
  • No interviews were conducted with Holland, Griefer, or Kirk.
  • Novelli said, “I understand that things seem to be very politically charged and heightened right now based on what we’re seeing at the board meetings and other things going on in the county. I understand people are interested and have strong feelings. Still, our duty and ethical obligation is to follow the evidence and make independent analyses and decisions and not be influenced by the politics.”

When the public makes an effort to hold elected officials accountable, it is considered “politically charged” behavior and will be ignored by the District Attorney’s Office. We, as a community, can never stop holding elected officials accountable; it is our civic and ethical duty.

When the District Attorney’s Office conducts one interview, that is not an investigation. An investigation should include:

• Documentary evidence in paper or digital form, such as a slideshow, recordings, email exchanges, text messages, phone logs, and social media activity, using subpoenas, if necessary, to get this information;
• Facts learned by interviewing various witnesses and people of interest.

When investigations fail to fully examine the evidence, violations can continue unchecked, accountability is undermined, and public trust is eroded. We ask the District Attorney’s Office to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged ongoing violations of the Brown Act and Penal Code by the current Board of Supervisors.