Agenda

Return

C. 9

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Monica Nino, County Administrator
Date:	February 8, 2022

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 2022 AS "CIVIL GRAND JURY APPRECIATION MONTH"

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 02/08/2022

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:	Julie DiMaggio Enea (925) 655-2056
cc:	Grand Jury Foreman

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: February 8, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No. 2022/1 proclaiming February 2022 as "Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month" in Contra Costa County.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact.

BACKGROUND:

California's grand jury system provides, in each county, an independent "watch dog" investigative body, composed by a number of citizens in each county who monitor the performance and activities of the county, cities, schools, and special districts and their officers and elected officials.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

The Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury works many hours each year to promote good government through its investigative authority. The Grand Jury's watchdog investigations are often initiated on the basis of citizen complaints, but the Grand Jury may also act on its own initiative. When warranted, the Grand Jury issues detailed reports of its findings, which include recommendations for improvements to local

governments. In Contra Costa County, those reports are published on the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury website.

Grand jury service offers unique rewards, including an enhanced understanding of local governments, a significant voice in local government through the published reports of the grand jury's investigations, and a renewed faith in the power of dedicated citizens to make a difference. A person is qualified to be a grand juror if he or she:

Is a citizen of the United States,
Is at least 18 years old,
Has been a resident of the county for at least one year immediately prior to selection,
Possesses ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character, and
Possesses a sufficient knowledge of the English language to communicate both orally and in writing.

All qualified persons are encouraged and welcome to apply for grand jury service.

The Contra Costa County Superior Court is now taking applications for the 2022-2023 Civil Grand Jury. No particular background, training or experience is necessary to be a grand juror. In fact, it is the diversity of its members that is one of the grand jury’s greatest strengths. The qualities sought in individuals applying to serve on the grand jury include being a good listener; the willingness to cooperate with the other grand jurors in the pursuit of a common goal; the ability to ask thoughtful questions, review documents, and help write lucid reports; and a willingness to devote their time and energies to matters of civic importance. Candidates should have an interest in increasing the efficiency of local government and improving public services.

Applications are available by calling the Superior Court at (925) 608-2621 or visiting the Civil Grand Jury's website at https://www.cc-courts.org/civil/grand-jury.aspx .

The Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury requests that the Board adopt the proclamation declaring February 2022 as "Civil Grand Jury Appreciation Month" in Contra Costa County in order for all citizens to become better acquainted with the purposes of the grand jury, to draw attention to the Grand Jury's reports, and to encourage interested citizens to apply for membership on the civil grand jury.

CLERK'S ADDENDUM

Speaker: Robert Finlayson, former Contra Costa Grand Juror.