Press Release February 1, 2008

Judi Lazenby, President of California Grand Jurors’ Association (CGJA) a statewide organization of veteran and current grand jurors, announces that Governor Schwarzenegger has issued an Official Proclamation designating the entire month of February as GRAND JURY AWARENESS month.

In furtherance of its mission to educate the public on the valuable work that grand juries do throughout California functioning as a civil watchdog over local governments, CGJA had petitioned for an Official Proclamation to set aside February as the month to emphasize Grand Jury awareness. 

California’s independent grand jury is a powerful volunteer, fact-finding body with the potential to recommend constructive change in local government, and actually make a difference. 

This proclamation is a fitting tribute to citizens who have served in their local grand juries and to the important achievements, these juries have accomplished.

For the month of February and beyond, all Californians are challenged to become more familiar with this unique system, and to volunteer to serve on their local juries. These grand juries are among the oldest, most respected, and most powerful civil institutions. Grand jury service promises volunteers unique exceptional benefits, which include the following rewards:

• A significantly enhanced understanding of local governments
• A meaningful and significant say in local government through published reports of investigative findings, and
• A renewed faith in the power of Citizen Democracy to make a difference

To quote Margaret Meade, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that has.”

Proclamation