Think You Can Fix Local Government? Apply To Be Part of County Grand Jury

San Diego court officials are looking for dedicated citizens willing to spend a year studying local government and recommending fixes as part of the county's grand jury for 2013-14.

The 19-member civil grand jury, to be chosen in June, looks at the functioning of governmental agencies, often in response to allegations of wrongdoing, and serves in a "watchdog" capacity. They will work four days a week and meet at the Hall of Justice downtown.

Applications can be downloaded at www.sdcourts.ca.gov or from www.sdcounty.ca.gov/grandjury. They also are available by calling (619) 450- 7272, or going to Jury Services offices downtown courthouse or jury lounges at the North, South and East branches of the court.

Jurors are expected to work for about six hours a day, starting July 1 and continuing through the fiscal year, which ends June 30. Jurors are paid a daily stipend and reimbursed for mileage. Parking is provided.

Applications are due by Jan. 11. Qualified candidates will be nominated for a random drawing tentatively scheduled for June 7.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, have sufficient knowledge of the English language and have lived in the county for at least a year prior to selection. All candidates will be required to pass a criminal background check.

-City News Service