Training Videos and Webinars
Training Videos
Guide to Viewing
There are several approaches that can be used to view these videos. Those approaches are very dependent on the type of internet connection and speed is available to you and what computer equipment your county has provided for your use. We have provided the videos using two formats, MP4 for Apple computers, and either WMV or MP4 for Windows computers. You can choose to download to your local computer or stream the videos from here.
Our guidance is the following:
To download any of the videos, click on a link below and when the video starts to play, right click in the video window and then click save.
If you only have a low speed (<10 Mbps) internet connection, we recommend you download the videos to your local computer well in advance of viewing them. It can take up to 45-60 minutes to download. Streaming will result in pauses in the video play and is not recommended.
For Windows based computers and low speed internet, we recommend downloading the WMV format version. You will find the video quality as quite good and the audio/video sync is optimal.
For Windows based computers and high speed internet (>50 Mbps) and you plan to stream, we recommend the MP4 format version be used as the video quality tends to be optimized and the video begins to stream right away. Streaming the WMV format version requires the entire content to be buffered and consequently will not start playing for a few minutes.
For Apple based computers, the MP4 format version is the only one supported whether you stream or download.
For best viewing results be sure to click Full Screen located at the bottom right margin.
Detention Facilities Inspections Video
Most grand juries conduct inspection tours of the detention facilities in their county: jails, juvenile facilities, and state prisons. This 22-minute video, a joint project of CGJA and the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), gives best practice advice aimed at making your inspection more productive, including:
• how to arrange for the tour,
• the state and facility documents you can access, and
• what specific programs and areas of the facility you should be sure to review.
You may wish to download and print the presentation note-taking pages, which include the slide images, before watching the video. Here is the link to that document: Detention Facility Inspections Notes Pages
DETENTION FACILITY INPECTIONS MP4 VIDEO HERE DETENTION FACILITY INSPECTIONS WMV VIDEO HERE
A companion resource, BSCC’s Jail Inspection Handbook, is available here. This handbook takes you through the entire process and provides forms and checklists for you to use during the tour. Discussed in the video is BSCC's Title 15, Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities which can be found on this website's Local Government Information page.
For juries impaneled during the COVID-19 pandemic, detention facility guidance is provided here.
Continuity Video
“Grand jury continuity” means a collaboration of jurors – past, present, and future – to maintain and improve grand jury functions in your county from year to year. The techniques discussed in this 17-minute video include:
• monitoring and reporting on the responses to past grand jury reports,
• upgrading your procedures manual,
• improving local training and orientation programs,
• building a useful research library, and
• working with county administrators to ensure adequate funding for your jury.
This video complements the text at section IV.E of Tab 1, “Overview,” of CGJA’s Training Manual.
You may wish to download and print the presentation note-taking pages, which include the slide images, before watching the video. Here is the link to that document: Continuity Notes Pages
For more information on Continuity Activities, including Compliance Reports, click here.
CONTINUITY MP4 VIDEO HERE CONTINUITY WMV VIDEO HERE
Webinars
Webinar: Special Districts 101
Everything You Need to Know About Special Districts
Sponsored by the California Special Districts Association (CSDA)
Presented by Neil McCormick, Chief Executive Officer, CSDA
Cost: Free
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
or
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
or
Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
A must-attend introduction to special districts in California. Do you really understand what a special district is? Can you effectively evaluate the role of a special district as a critical local government service provider in your county? This course is designed to help grand jurors better understand special districts, including terminology, history, the law, accountability, and more.
Webinar participants will:
• Learn about the history, background, and types of special districts
• Learn about special district structure, laws, and financing
• Discuss the most recent reporting and audit requirements
• Understand the relationships special districts have with California's LAFCOs including municipal service reviews, spheres of influence, reorganization, consolidation, dissolutions, and trends