LAKE COUNTY >> The California Grand Jury Association presented the Best Grand Jury Reporting Award to the 2015-2016 Lake County Grand Jury for its report entitled “Role of the Office of Emergency Services in County Disaster Preparedness”. The award is given annually for excellence in reporting and the recipient is chosen from Final Reports submitted from the 58 California counties in the state.
The award was announced at the 36th CGJA Annual Conference on October 29-30. Traditionally, the competition for this honor is considerable throughout the state.
The award reads: “the 2017 Best Grand Jury Report Award [is] for reporting on the disorganized coordination of emergency services in the midst of one of the largest disasters in California. The report described the complexity of the situation and the critical nature of the various county agencies’ responses to the devastation fires suffered by Lake County in 2015, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness before a catastrophic event takes place. The Excellence in Reporting Award program recognizes grand jury reports that bring to the public’s attention matters of vital importance and thereby lead to positive changes within their communities.”
Lake County’s report was chosen before the recent fires in Sonoma and Napa counties, though it turned out to be rather prescient, and generated substantial inquiries from representatives of those counties on the processes, procedures and references used in the writing of the document.
The report was an example of how the grand juries can help effect change in their counties. County agencies, such as the Disaster Council having regular meetings, and the Office of Emergency Services reorganizing to be more proactive and visible in Lake County, are making changes as highlighted in the report’s findings and recommendations.
The Grand Jury is always looking for representatives to serve. As long as you are over the age of 18 and a county resident you are eligible to apply.
Applications can be found on the Lake County website under the Grand Jury, or by contacting the Superior Court.
November 2, 2017
Record-Bee
By Staff Reports
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