LAKE COUNTY— The Lake County Superior Court is seeking at least 30 applicants willing to serve as jurors and alternates on the 2019-2020 Lake County Grand Jury panel. The 19-person grand jury is selected from the different supervisorial districts in proportion to the population of each district.
The Grand Jury serves as the public’s “watchdog” by investigating and reporting upon the affairs of local government. The term of service runs from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, and may entail from 10 to 20 hours of work per week attending committee and general meetings,responding to citizens’ complaints, performing research, and investigating the operations of governmental agencies and allegations of wrongdoing by public officials or employees.
Last year’s report focused on a myriad of topics with a unique focus on emergencies and the chaos generated after fires in Lake County.
For example, among the Grand Jury’s findings covered by the Record Bee were procedures employed by the state and Cal Recycle in October-November 2015. The Grand Jury concluded that “Lake County administration lost sight of its need to provide customer service to the traumatized victims of the Valley Fire who lost everything.” After interviewing multiple fire victims and reviewing documents, the Grand Jury concluded at the time that the county did not have in effect an executed contract with Cal Recycle during or after that emergency for structural debris removal, among other significant findings.
They did note however that they had become aware following their investigation that county staff had “reached out to other counties, with continuing follow through,” on proactively dealing with some of the issues.
The Court is looking for applicants in good health who are interested in community affairs, are objective, and are able to work cooperatively with others. Experience in researching, interviewing, writing and editing, and/or auditing is desirable and having a general knowledge of the responsibilities and functions of governmental and other public entities is helpful.
A Grand Juror must be a U.S. citizen, age 18 or older, speak English, be a resident of California and Lake County for at least one year prior to selection, and not hold an elected office or have any felony convictions.
Applications may be obtained from our website at www.lake.courts.ca.gov or by mailing a letter with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Grand Jury Coordinator, 255 N. Forbes, 4th Floor, Lakeport, CA 95453. Applications are also available at each Superior Court Clerk’s Office; located at 255 N. Forbes, 4th Floor, in Lakeport, or at 7000 A South Center Drive, in Clearlake.
Further information may be obtained by calling the Grand Jury Coordinator at 263-2374 ext. 2282. Applications must be received by June 28, 2019. Personal interviews will be scheduled prior to final selection. If you are interested, please apply. If you are not interested, but know someone who may be, please let them know of this opportunity.
