The 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury was awarded the “Best Grand Jury Report” for its report “Wildfire Preparedness: A New Approach” by the California Grand Jurors’ Association, CGJA, at their recent Annual Conference which is held every October.
CGJA members, all former grand jurors, meet to share ideas and ways to promote the Civil Grand Jury system throughout the state. This year the conference was scheduled to be held in San Rafael at the Embassy Suites, but due to the Covid restrictions the meeting was held virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 26. The 2021 meeting has been scheduled for San Rafael again.
The keynote speaker at this year’s meeting was Dick Spotswood. He was invited to speak because Dick has always been a strong supporter of the Civil Grand Jury. In his address he spoke on the importance of credibility in public service, and in particular, how the grand jury can enhance their credibility.
The report’s recognition and presentation of the unprecedented danger posed by wildfire and the specific recommendations made, became the foundation for the proposal to form the JPA referendum that was passed by over 70% of Marin County voters this year. The result is the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority created to proactively prevent wildfires though preparedness methods.
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