Among the important roles of citizens in a democracy is serving on a Civil Grand Jury. Grand Juries are often referred to as the "citizen watchdogs" of local government, with the crucial role of monitoring and reviewing government actions. 

Sound interesting? The Contra Costa Superior Court is now accepting applications for  Civil Grand Jury service for the 2019-20 term.

To be eligible you must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of Contra Costa County, and not currently serving in any elected office. Jurors will receive a stipend for attending jury and committee meetings and be reimbursed for jury travel. As part of this important work, your service may include touring county and city facilities, meeting with department heads and other fact-finding activities. 

Nineteen new members will be selected to serve for one year, July through June.   

For more information, call Richard Nakano at the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 608-2621 or email at rnaka@contracosta.counrts.ca.gov or go to  www.cc-courts.org/grandjury, where you can also download an application. 

The application deadline is Friday, March 22, 2019.