Are you interested in learning more about how our local government works? Are you interested in helping improve our local government? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative setting with other community members? If you answered yes to these questions, please apply to serve on the 2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury.
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury is comprised of 19 volunteer community members who serve for a one-year term, with an expected time contribution of about 20 hours per week. Civil Grand Jury members work together to examine local government functions, write reports on their findings, and make recommendations that have improved our community.
Our past Civil Grand Juries have accomplished incredibly important work. Prior investigations have examined how our county is preparing to prevent future wildfires, and topics such homelessness, school safety, county elections, water districts, law enforcement agencies and the public library system.
The importance of having a Civil Grand Jury that reflects our entire community cannot be understated. The Civil Grand Jury should consist of people who will bring a variety of perspectives to the important work of ensuring that our local government agencies are providing services in a fair, just and transparent manner. We aim to include people with diverse backgrounds and voices.
The current Civil Grand Jury has been working both in person and remotely through videoconferencing and document sharing programs. We anticipate that the next Civil Grand Jury, which will begin its one-year term on July 1, will likewise have a hybrid system of remote and in-person work. Thus, no matter where you live in the county, you can participate and serve.
As the Supervising Judge of the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury, I humbly request that you consider applying to serve on the 2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury. Please also spread the word to your friends and family. Let them know about this wonderful opportunity to learn and make a difference.
For further information, please consider attending one of the two upcoming informational meetings, both via Zoom, on Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm or on Thursday, April 20 at 5pm. You can also email [email protected] or go to the Civil Grand Jury website: bit.ly/3ZS3U00.
Syda K. Cogliati is a Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge. Her opinions are her own and not necessarily those of the Pajaronian.
