October 28, 2020. The California Grand Jurors’ Association has granted its Annual Best Grand Jury Report Award to the 2018-19 Marin County Civil Grand Jury for its report “Wildfire Preparedness: A New Approach.”
In recognition of the unprecedented danger to life and property posed by wildfire, the report made recommendations on directly related issues: vegetation management, educating the public, alerts and evacuations. The Marin County Fire Chief and the head of the Marin County Fire Chiefs Association immediately began planning a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). The proposal was ready by late summer. The grand jury report added the necessary validation that drove discussions leading to a JPA proposal and action. The quality of the proposal and its supporting rationale plus the outreach by a working group of fire chiefs and city managers and a volunteer group (including former grand jury members) ensured success. It was approved by 17 of 19 eligible fire protection jurisdictions. Over 70% of the voters then approved a countywide tax to fund it.
The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) is unique in the California and probably the country. It brings together 17 jurisdictions (cities, towns, fire agencies) to work together to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and to be prepared if prevention efforts fail. The MWPA’s founding documents show that its purpose is to accomplish the recommendations in the grand jury report.
The annual Grand Jury Reporting Award recognizes a grand jury report that is of high quality, has a positive impact on the community and increases awareness of the California grand jury system. The award was presented online on October 26 at the association’s membership meeting attended by over 90 members from throughout the state. Patricia Randolph, foreperson of the 2018-19 Marin County Civil Grand Jury and member of the association’s Marin County Chapter, acknowledged receipt of the award.
The California Grand Jurors’ Association is a statewide nonprofit organization of former grand jurors with the mission “to promote, preserve and support the grand jury system through training, education and outreach.”
California Grand Jurors’ Association
Jim Ragan, President
(805) 591-9253
jimragan@charter.net
1 comment:
Congratulations to the Grand Jury members who advocated for and helped prepare this report. It was well-timed, directly relevant, superbly-informed, and has led to real change in Marin County. Restores your faith in the system, honestly. Good work.
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