Judge, civil grand jury leaders brief supervisors on role, encourage wider community participation

Presiding Judge Kelly Neal and leaders of the Humboldt County civil grand jury association briefed the Board of Supervisors on June 3 about the civil grand jury's purpose, process and opportunities for community participation.

Judge Neal told supervisors the civil grand jury is a county‑level investigatory body that reviews local government operations and issues public reports and recommendations. "The civil grand jury is a wonderful unique opportunity for community members to participate in their government," she said, adding the jury's work is intended to provide information that helps the community improve services and accountability.

Connie DeCovenier, president of the local civil grand jury association and a past juror, explained the jury's process, noting it operates with volunteer citizens and publishes public reports — including commendations as well as critical recommendations — at the end of its session. DeCovenier urged broader civic participation and said jury members invest many hours in research and interviews during their term.

Board members asked how the jury might recruit a broader age range and more diverse participants; presenters noted practical constraints (regular meeting schedules, confidentiality rules and a roughly 20‑hour monthly time commitment) and suggested outreach to colleges, tribes and affinity groups as ways to recruit underrepresented volunteers. Judge Neal and association leaders also offered to meet with department heads to explain the process and reinforce that the jury seeks clarification and better governance, not to be a punitive or opaque process.

The board voted to receive the presentation 5‑0 and thanked the presenters for the orientation and for encouraging eligible residents to apply.