Now is the Time to Apply, Says Humboldt County Chapter of the California Grand Juror’s Association

Press release from the Humboldt County Chapter of the California Grand Jurors’ Association:

Did you read the press release from the Humboldt County Superior Court about applying for the new Civil Grand Jury? If not, you can find it here: https://www.humboldt.courts.ca.gov/documents/humboldt/GJ-Press-Release-6-26-20.pdf. The Superior Court is looking for 19 citizens to serve the county as members of the 2020-2021 Civil Grand Jury. The Superior Court hopes to seat a new Civil Grand Jury by the first of August.

The Humboldt County Chapter of the California Grand Jurors’ Association (HCC-CGJA) would also like to encourage county residents to apply for this civil grand jury. We have published many articles over the last 18 months highlighting the benefits and requirements of becoming a civil grand juror. Today we would like to share with you five testimonials from former Humboldt County civil grand jurors. Our hope is their experiences will be helpful in convincing you to apply and participate in a most meaningful life changing experience.

Wayne Ventuleth – I served on both the 2016-2017 and the 2017-2018 Civil Grand Jury.  I found both experiences to be well worth my time.  Did I make a difference in county government?  Perhaps.  Did I make new friends?  Most definitely.  What did I learn?   Humboldt County government is full of knowledgeable and willing workers.  Their challenge is for leadership to listen and embrace their new ideas of supporting county residents.  Will I serve again?  At some point.  Why should you serve?  To make a difference and help the county understand its needs.

Molly Cate – I spent a year (July 2015 to June 2016) serving on the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury. Perhaps you are not familiar with the work of civil grand juries; I wasn’t. Most people aren’t. The concept is one of the oldest in citizen-driven government, much older than the USA. Civil grand juries around the US are an investigative body of citizens selected annually to evaluate the needs of the county and the effectiveness of governmental entities. Not the same as criminal grand juries at all. Like journalists, members of the Civil Grand Jury hear from those affected by policies, not just from policy makers. You’ll meet some wonderful people too.

Lynn Harvey – Serving on a civil grand jury is a unique opportunity to learn how the various local agencies operate. From what I learned I have a greater appreciation for the obstacles that face the people who support our community with their service. I also learned that the civil grand juries have the opportunity to build upon previous civil grand jury reports. One of the best pieces of advice we received about our service was from our foreperson who had served on previous civil grand juries – “Your reports may not generate immediate results. But you will be establishing areas of interest or concern that will more than likely be revisited in the years to come.”

Lorelie Tomko – Being a part of the Grand Jury is an awesome experience.  For one, because you get an inside view of how your County Govt. works, good, bad, and indifferent. Departments have often had the same routine for years and they need outside, ordinary citizens to look and see if we can’t help them do the job more easily, and efficiently.  To know that you are a helpful, working part of your County business and perhaps what you and your fellow jurors accomplish will make a difference is fulfilling.

Shirley Foster – The three terms I spent as a member of the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury are among my proudest accomplishments.  Through that service, I was able to become more aware of the accomplishments of the county and its employees.  More importantly, however, I learned what areas needed to be explored with the aim of improving the quality of life in Humboldt County. Serving on the civil grand jury offered me a chance to closely examine such varied areas as special education services, homelessness issues, policing practices, and mental health programs.

Remember, submitting an application starts the process. It does not commit you to serving. It does, however, allow you to meet with the Superior Court Judge and get answers to any questions you may have. Commitment only comes when you accept an appointment. In essence, you have little to lose (perhaps one hour of your time) by filling out that application, but much to gain if you choose to serve.

Tim Hafner, authored this article on behalf of the Humboldt County Grand Jurors’ Association.