SOUTH COUNTY — The Superior Court of California for Monterey County is currently looking for candidates from South County to serve on the 2018-19 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury.
Residents interested in becoming a member of the jury and learning about the inner workings of the local government are encouraged to apply this week before the May 6 deadline. Interviews will take place Tuesday, May 15, at 2 p.m. at the Greenfield Civic Center, 599 El Camino Real, in Greenfield.
“The court needs dedicated citizens for this important service,” court officials said in a news release. “Serving on the Civil Grand Jury provides a unique opportunity to learn about the workings of the local government.”
Part of the judicial branch of government, the Civil Grand Jury closely examines local governmental agencies and investigates citizen concerns. Past grand juries have investigated such issues as health care, land use, water supply, public safety, jails and prisons, emergency medical services, education and government finances.
According to a county brochure, the Civil Grand Jury “functions as an investigatory body created to ensure that local government is serving the best interests of all citizens of the county.” Each year 19 volunteer citizens plus 11 alternates are selected from the community to serve from July through the following June.
Through its annual report, the Civil Grand Jury makes recommendations to help local governments serve the community better. Court officials said the report also provides a foundation for discussion and action to improve local government services.
Monterey County Superior Court Judge Rafael Vasquez, who grew up in South County, can meet with potential candidates who have questions in the morning on either May 5 or May 12. If interested, contact Vasquez via e-mail at va******@mo******.gov.
For more information about the Civil Grand Jury or to apply online, visit the court’s website www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/grandjury. The deadline to submit applications is Sunday, May 6.
