Monterey County Civil Grand Jury recruiting
SALINAS » The recruitment period has opened for the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury with applications due by May 7.
The civil grand jury is an investigatory watchdog body created to ensure that the best interests of all citizens of the county are being served by local government. It investigates the operations of the county, its cities and its numerous special districts. It takes on investigations on its own initiative but also encourages residents to submit written complaints that it may investigate.
The civil grand jury releases a final report on its investigations and makes recommendations at the end of its term. The report provides a foundation for discussion and action to improve local government services. As required by statute, agencies investigated and named in the final report must respond to the findings and recommendations within a required timeline; either 60 or 90 days from the release of the report, depending on the agency. The 20202021 civil grand jury released its first report last month on vacation rental regulation.
Any citizen can submit concerns regarding mistreatment, suspicious misconduct or inefficiencies to the civil grand jury for consideration. It is authorized to inspect and audit books, records, and financial expenditures, inspect financial records of special districts, examine the books and records of any nonprofit organization receiving county or city funds, inquire into the conditions of jails and detentions centers. and inquire into any charges of willful misconduct by public officials or employees.
In January, Supervisor Luis Alejo said he will request the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury investigate and report on Monterey County Jail’s security after a murder suspect escaped. Former U.S. Rep. Sam Farr called for the civil grand jury to investigate the Marina Coast Water District over its rates and spending practices.
Following the application and interview process, the Superior Court judges will select 30 nominees to proceed to a random drawing held in June. A total of 19 of these nominees are drawn and sworn to serve on the civil grand jury with the remaining 11 nominees serving as alternates. Alternates may be called to serve at any time when a sworn juror becomes unable to complete their service during the course of the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
To apply, go to monterey. courts.ca.gov/grand-jury and plan to attend one of the two informational and interview sessions to be held via Zoom.