Placer supervisors approve Grand Jury Month proclamation

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation Feb. 12 declaring February as Grand Jury Awareness Month. "The hard work done by grand juries has a great effect on our communities and makes California a better place to live," the proclamation reads. Grand juries "act as an 'arm of the court'" and are charged with investigating and reporting on local government operations to ensure responsibilities are being fulfilled honestly, legally, efficiently and in the best interest of the public, the staff report notes. According to the Placer County Grand Jury website at placer.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury, the jury consists of 19 jurors that serve a one-year term from July 1 to June 30. Barbara Ferguson, foreperson of the sitting grand jury, said jurors serve 40 to 50 hours per month in meetings, conducting interviews and investigations, which results in the seven to 10 reports the jury issues each June. "Thank you for recognizing us and our hard work," Ferguson said. The proclamation also recognizes the efforts of current and past jurors who volunteered time and service. "By the Board of Supervisors issuing the proclamation of the Grand Jury Awareness Month in both past and the current year, you have demonstrated your shared support for the grand jury's ongoing efforts to improve our local government, our cities and our county offices and organizations; we thank you," Al Witten, president of the Placer County Grand Jurors Association, said during the meeting. The Placer County Superior Court is currently seeking volunteers to serve on the 2023-24 grand jury. According to the Superior Court, individuals must be a Placer resident, over the age of 18 and able to devote 40 to 50 hours of service per month. The current grand jury will host a meet-and-greet session to provide an overview of its workings for those interested in obtaining information. The sessions are: * Via Zoom 12 to 1 p.m. March 28* In person at the grand jury's office, 11532 B Ave. in Auburn, 5 to 6 p.m. April 11* Via Zoom 6 to 7 p.m. April 13. Residents wanting more information about the meet-and-greet sessions can contact the Placer County Grand Jury at 530-886-5200 or info@placergrandury.org, and can find information on how to apply at placer.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury. The deadline to apply is May 5.