COUNTY GRAND JURORS HONORED
Annually in California 58 county grand juries investigate and report on the operations of local governments within the county — a process called the “watchdog” function.
Watchdog reports shine a light on what local governmental entities do and how well they do it. These reports contain the grand jurors' findings as to any operational problems they have uncovered, and include practical recommendations for solving them, thus promoting good government at the local level.
Does every county in California have a grand jury?
The Constitution of California requires that every county impanel a Grand Jury each year.
The Grand Jury is an arm of the judicial system but acts as an entirely independent body.
Why are grand juries secret?
Grand Jurors are sworn to secrecy to protect the confidentiality of citizens who bring complaints against local government. The Grand Jury's records may not be inspected nor subpoenaed. All Grand Jury investigations and interviews are kept secret.
In “The California Grand Jury System” Fourth Edition by the California Grand Jurors' Association (January 2022), Judge Quentin L. Kopp (Ret.) wrote: “Throughout my legal career, I have vigorously supported the grand jury in all its noble endeavors. The grand jury constitutes citizen participation in its most idealistic and practical way.
“Established in the state constitution in 1850 and codified by the California legislature in 1872, grand juries devote hours of time and attention to city, county, school district and special district administration and governance in an effort to secure effectiveness, governmental efficiency and understanding of taxpayer expenditures and public office holder and entity integrity…. As a state senator, I sponsored legislation to require entities to respond to all grand jury recommendations in a specified way.”
“The California Grand Jury System” Fourth Edition, further states:
“Grand jurors come from all backgrounds and bring their life experiences to the process. This diversity enhances the quality of the grand jury's work product and can help bring the concerns of underrepresented communities to the attention of local governing boards and officials.
“What kinds of people make competent grand jurors? Individuals who can take a careful, unbiased look at the way government works. They are able to write cogent, analytical reports of what the grand jury discovered in its investigations. They also possess strong personal initiative and the high energy level needed to handle a heavy and time-limited workload.”
The deadline for applications is May 31. Civil Grand Jurors will be interviewed by a Superior Court Judge, then nominated and sworn in during the month of June. Training will be provided in July. Link to application: https:// www. mendocino. courts. ca. gov/system/ files/gjapp.pdf
Additional information about serving on the grand jury is available on the court's web
site ( https:// www. mendocino.courts.ca.gov/general-information/court- operations/civil-grand-jury) or by calling (707) 463- 4320 or by visiting Room 303 in the courthouse at 100 N. State St. in Ukiah.
The proclamation
In the matter of a proclamation recognizing February 2024 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness month in Mendocino County.
Whereas, every year in each of California's 58 counties, 19 ordinary citizens take an oath to voluntarily serve a term of one year as Grand Jurors; and
Whereas, the Grand Juries have been in existence since the adoption of California's original Constitution in 1849-1850; and
Whereas, grand juries conduct their investigations under the auspices of the Superior Court of California and have broad access to public officials, employees, records, and information.
One of the most important functions of a grand jury is to review the operations of the officers, departments, and agencies of local government; and
Whereas, the grand jury's fact finding efforts result in reports that contain specific recommendations aimed at identifying problems and offering ways to improve government operations and enhance responsiveness, and
Whereas, the hard work done by grand juries has a great effect on our communities and makes California a better place to live; and
Whereas, the reward of being a grand juror is the satisfaction received from working with fellow residents and community members to improve local government for all; and
Whereas, it is appropriate to recognize the efforts of those jurors, both past and present, who have volunteered their time and service to the Mendocino County Grand Jury.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Mendocino, hereby proclaims February 2024, as: “Grand Jury Awareness Month.”