More Money on Time

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  The TCCGJ recommends that the WPUD provide viewable agendas with less restriction after business hours. An additional unobstructed posting area to view the agendas should be provided outside the locked gate. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Woodville Public Utilities District (F2, R1) ***Disclaimer*** Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon specifi c approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Section 911, 924.1 (a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defi ned purposes (Penal Code Section 924.2 and 929). TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 EMPOWERING TODAY’S YOUTH BY EXPLORING LIFE CHANGING OPTIONS BACKGROUND: The fi rst Police Activity League (P.A.L.) was established in 1914 in New York City. The Tulare County Sheriff ‘s P.A.L. was incorporated in 1993 by Sheriff Bill Wittman. P.A.L. involves youth 10 to 14 years of age. REASON FOR INVESTIGATION: The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) initiated an investigation to inform the public about the P.A.L. and how it operates to provide positive alternative activities for today’s youth. METHOD OF INVESTIGATION: 1. Presentation by the Tulare County Sheriff ’s Offi ce. (TCSO) 2. Reviewed documents. FACTS: 1. The program is a 100 percent self-funded • Fall bowling league nonprofi t organization, 501(c) (3), with donations • Basketball skills camp received from the public sector. • Summer basketball league • Trip to Sierra K-9 trials 2. Planned activities require $ 60,000.00 to $70,000.00 • Trap Shoot competition annually. 5. Free transportation is available to the participants of 3. As the result of COVID-19 restrictions, the Big Green, the P.A.L. program. which is an online mentoring program, was created in 2020 by TCSO. FINDINGS: 4. The P.A.L. Program is administered by TCSO’s F1. One of the goals of the P.A.L. is to develop trust and Youth Services Activity Unit which is staff ed by fi ve respect for law enforcement and therefore youth are members. less likely to participate in illegal activities. P.A.L. activities for male and female youth include: F2. Since free transportation is available to and from • Football program activities, the program is made more accessible to • Christmas party youth who would otherwise be unable to attend. • Annual Pismo Beach State Park camping trip • Travel basketball F3. To provide awareness of the challenges and dangers • Soccer skills camp youth are facing, classes are available not only 14 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 for youth, but for parents and those working with youth. Examples of issues addressed include bullying, gang awareness, human traffi cking and cyber safety as well as setting positive goals. CONCLUSION: The TCSO is fully involved in the development of our youth which is over and above their responsibility for law enforcement. RECOMMENDATIONS:
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  The TCCGJ recommends that upon completion of the SDMR, the Tulare County Auditor-Controller should notify any special district found to be in violation of CGC §26909. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Tulare County Auditor-Controller ***Disclaimer*** Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon specifi c approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Section 911, 924.1 (a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defi ned purposes (Penal Code Section 924.2 and 929). TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 20 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 SYNOPSIS Photo by: Doc Ray Cerning 21 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 Synopsis of Complaints and Investigations An inquiry begins with a citizen’s complaint submitted to the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) or with a jury-initiated investigation (JII). If it is determined that the citizen’s complaint or a JII does not warrant a more in-depth investigation, a brief summary (synopsis) is completed. Complaint #2 Opened 10/1/2020 - Closed 11/13/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen concerning fraud in a county agency. The TCCGJ considered the allegations and after further investigations, no further action was warranted. Complaint #3 Opened 10/1/2020 - Closed 3/12/2021 A complaint was received concerning citizen safety and faulty infrastructure in a housing development. During the investigation, it was discovered that there is pending litigation on these issues. Therefore, the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) can take no further action. Complaint #4 Opened 10/1/2020 - Closed 11/20/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen concerning a road improvement project. The TCCGJ conducted an interview, reviewed documentation, and it was determined that no further action was warranted. Complaint #5 Opened 10/19/2020 - Closed 12/11/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen regarding harassment by a local law enforcement agency. After interviewing the complainant and further investigation, no further action was taken. Complaint #6 Opened 10/16/2020 - Closed 10/19/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint about a Tulare County agency from an anonymous source concerning personnel assignment and supervisors being forced to lower performance evaluation scores tied to career development pay. The complaint was closed and the TCCGJ elected instead, to examine policies and procedures related to assignment and responsibilities of each rank in the agency being investigated. TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 Complaint #7 Opened 10/19/2020 - Closed 12/11/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen regarding harassment by a local law enforcement agency. After interviewing the complainant and further investigation, no further action was taken. Complaints #8 & #9 Opened 10/18/2020 - Closed 10/30/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received separate complaints from 2 private citizens concerning a public cemetery district. The TCCGJ addressed similar concerns in its 2019/20 report. It was determined that no further action was warranted. Complaint #10 Opened 10/20/2020 - Closed 1/18/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen concerning excessive noise originating at a fruit packing facility. The TCCGJ interviewed governing agencies and determined that no further action was warranted. Complaint #11 Opened 10/20/2020 - Closed 5/28/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen concerning a family dispute involving youths. Since verifi cation could not legally be confi rmed, the TCCGJ could take no further action. Complaint #12 Opened 10/18/2020 - Closed 11/06/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from an inmate in jail regarding inmate housing. Since the complaint was out of the jurisdiction of the TCCGJ, no action was taken. Complaint # 13 Opened 10/18/2020 - Closed 11/06/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen regarding harassment by a local police department. No further action was taken by the TCCGJ because of potential litigation by the complainant. Complaint # 14 Opened 10/21/2020 - Closed 11/18/2020 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a citizen concerning a school district. After an interview of the complainant, no further action was warranted. TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 Complaint # 15 Opened 11/04/2020 - Closed 4/09/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from an individual regarding possible mismanagement by a law enforcement agency. After interviewing the complainant, law enforcement agency personnel, and reviewing documents, no further action was taken. Complaint #16 Opened 12/4/2020 - Closed 2/26/2021 A complaint was received concerning improper use of funds. This issue was previously addressed by the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) and was included in the 2019/2020 fi nal reports. The TCCGJ will not re-address the issue. Complaint #17 Opened 1/18/2021 - Closed 2/26/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen regarding procurement of a police report from a local police department. The TCCGJ attempted unsuccessfully to contact the complainant after multiple attempts. The complaint was closed. Complaint #18 Opened 1/22/2021 - Closed 5/21/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint concerning living conditions in an apartment complex managed by a Tulare County agency. After a site visit and interview, it was determined no further action was required. Complaint #19 Opened 3/19/2021 - Closed 5/7/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) received a complaint from a private citizen concerning misuse of public funds and unethical business practices concerning a school district. The TCCGJ interviewed the complainant, reviewed documentation, and determined that no further action was warranted. JII-B Opened 11/20/2021 - Closed 4/9/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) initiated an investigation concerning a public cemetery district management and fi nances. After reviewing documents and interviewing management, it was decided to not proceed with the inquiry. JII-C Opened 11/2/2020 - Closed 2/1/2021 24 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) initiated an investigation concerning use a memorial building. The TCCGJ reviewed correspondence and documentation which specifi es the building is privately owned. No further action was taken; not in the purview of the TCCGJ. JII-F Opened 3/05/2021 - Closed 4/09/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury initiated an investigation concerning a community service district’s operation. After interviewing management and reviewing requested documents, it was decided not to proceed with the inquiry. JII-G Opened 03/12/21 - Closed 06/04/21 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) opened a jury-initiated investigation (JII) on any elected offi cials’ legal purview. After investigation, it was decided that there is no legal obligation for any elected offi cial to perform any function that they may be entitled to perform. That being the case, the TCCGJ closed their investigation with no further action. JII-H Opened 3/8/2021 - Closed 3/29/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) initiated an investigation concerning farming operations on publicly owned land. The TCCGJ reviewed documents and observed a presentation by public offi cials. Due to litigation, the investigation was closed. JII-I Opened 4/09/2021- Closed 4/30/2021 The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury (TCCGJ) opened an investigation into a division of a county agency regarding available support and service to the public. After review and a presentation from the agency, the TCCGJ closed the investigati 25 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 26 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 TCCGJ FORMS Photo by: Norma Sherwood 27 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 CITIZEN COMPLAINT FORM The Civil Grand Jury of Tulare County, in an attempt to carry out its duties, encourages Tulare County residents to report concerns relating to local and county government and the conduct of public offi cials. Please note: Tulare County Civil Grand Jury has no jurisdiction over State or Federal Agencies, Courts, Judicial Offi cers or private companies and organizations. We recognize that many citizens are reluctant to put details of their concerns in writing. Please bear in mind that your name will never be used by the Civil Grand Jury. All Civil Grand Jury members are bound by an oath of secrecy. Civil Grand Jury documents, including this form, are never available to anyone outside the Civil Grand Jury and cannot be subpoenaed. For an investigation to be initiated, the Civil Grand Jury must consider the validity of each request. Therefore, please include any pertinent correspondence, documents, dates, names and facts. If necessary, you may be asked to participate in an absolutely confi dential interview with members of the Civil Grand Jury Name Address Telephone Number Email Give a brief summary of the problem (i.e., agency involved, person(s) to be questioned, dates, etc.). If necessary, attach additional pages. All documents submitted become the property of the Civil Grand Jury and will not be returned. Your signature: Date: Return this form to: S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277 559-624-7295 Fax 559-733-6078 • [email protected] Last update: August 28, 2020 28 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 TULARE COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY APPLICATION/QUESTIONNAIRE 2022-2023 2022-2023 CIVIL GRAND JURY This jury service diff ers from jury duty as a trial juror. Your participation is voluntary and it is considered to be a privilege to be chosen to serve on the Civil Grand Jury. The Civil Grand Jury is composed of 19 active panel members who meet, form committees, investigate and report on the operations, accounts and records of the offi cers, departments and functions of the county. Service on the panel is from July 1st through June 30th and requires approximately 10-12 hours per week during the fi scal year. Please complete the application/questionnaire and return it to Room 303, Visalia Courthouse. This questionnaire will assist the Judges of the Superior Court in compiling a list of nominees, which fairly represents a cross-section of our community. Your personal information is confi dential and will only be used by the Judges of the Superior Court to assure that the group nominated represents various age groups, economic and social backgrounds. Your application will still be considered even though you may leave some of the questions unanswered. If there is anything you would like us to know feel free to attach additional information, if necessary. Your prompt attention to the completion and return of the questionnaire will be greatly appreciated. Any questions, please call: (559) 730-5000 ext. 1359 Fax application to: (559) 737-4290 Email application to: [email protected] Court’s website is: www.tularesuperiorcourt.ca.gov 29 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 DUTIES OF THE CIVIL GRAND JURY Civil Grand Jurors serve a one (1) year term from July 1st through June 30th. The jury panel consists of nineteen (19) persons who are assigned to various committees plus three (3) alternates. It is understood that Civil Grand Jurors may be absent for reasonable periods for vacations. During your term as a Civil Grand Juror you would be excused from trial jury service in the State Courts. The Civil Grand Jury is a time-honored component of our Anglo-American legal system. Civil Grand Jurors are selected citizens of the county who are expected to exercise sound judgment in reviewing and commenting upon the actions of governmental agencies. Essentially, the Civil Grand Jury operates as an investigative agency performing a two-fold function. First, the Civil Grand Jury has powers and duties with respect to the oversight of public offi ces, offi cers, and transactions. Designated State and all County and special District agencies that serve Tulare County are routinely reviewed and critiqued by the Civil Grand Jury in its annual and interim reports. Secondly, the Civil Grand Jury has powers and duties with respect to inquiry into possible public off enses, misconduct in offi ce by public offi cers and determining whether to return indictments charging the commission of felonies. The Tulare County Civil Grand Jury selection process will be conducted May - June annually. The process involves completing this questionnaire and being interviewed by the designee of the Presiding Judge of the Tulare County Superior Courts. After selection, the designee of the Presiding Judge will further instruct jurors of their duties. Throughout its term, the Civil Grand Jury may request advice on legal matters from the District Attorney and County Counsel. TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 TULARE COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY APPLICATION/QUESTIONNAIRE Pursuant to California Penal Code section 893, the following questions must be answered: STATUTORY QUALIFICATIONS: (Place a check in the appropriate box) No Yes Are you a citizen of the United States? No Yes Are you eighteen years of age or older? No Yes Have been a resident of Tulare County for at least one year prior to the date of this application? No Yes Are you in possession of your natural faculties? Are you of ordinary intelligence and of sound judgment and fair character? No Yes Do you possess a sufficient knowledge of the English language? STATUTORY DISQUALIFICATIONS: (Place a check in the appropriate box): No Yes Are you serving as a trial juror in any court of this State? If Yes, County No Yes Have you been discharged as a grand juror in any court of this State within one year prior to the date of this application? If Yes, County No Yes Have you ever been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime? No Yes Are you currently serving as an elected public official? ________ (initial here) I am interested in serving on the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury for the fiscal year 2022-2023 and I understand the time commitment required. If you answered NO to any STATUTORY QUALIFICATIONS or you answered YES to any STATUTORY DISQUALIFICATIONS, you do not qualify. There is no need to continue or to return the questionnaire. IF QUALIFIED, please continue and complete the questionnaire, returning it to Court Administration – Rm 303 CALIFORNIA RULES OF COURT, Rule 10.625, regarding certain demographic data relating to regular grand jurors. {Please check the appropriate box to the following} (A) Age range, please check the appropriate box: (cid:401) 18-25 (cid:401) 26-34 (cid:401) 35-44 (cid:401) 45-54 (cid:401) 55-64 (cid:401) 65-74 (cid:401) 75 and over (B) Gender: (cid:401) Male (cid:401) Female (C) Please indicate your ethnic origin by circling one of the following (may select more than one): American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Hispanic/Latino Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander White Other (please specify) Decline to Answer Place of Residence by Supervisorial District: (cid:401) District 1 (cid:401) District 2 (cid:401) District 3 (cid:401) District 4 (cid:401) District 5 THIS QUESTIONNAIRE IS TO ASSIST THE JUDGES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT IN COMPLETING A LIST OF NOMINEES WHICH FAIRLY REPRESENTS A CROSS-SECTION OF OUR COMMUNITY. SOME OF THE QUESTIONS THAT MAY SEEM PERSONAL ARE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ASSURE THE JUDGES THAT THE GROUP THEY NOMINATE, FROM WHICH THE FINAL NAMES WILL BE DRAWN, REPRESENTS VARIOUS AGE GROUPS, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ETHNIC BACKGOUNDS. TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY 1. Full Name: Date of Birth: (First) (Middle) (Last) 2. Address (Phys.): City: Zip +4: Address (Mail): City: Zip +4: Residence Phone: ( ) Business Phone: ( ) Cell Phone: ( ) Fax Number: ( ) Email Address: 3. Occupation: Employer: If retired, previous occupation 4. Can you afford the time required to be a Civil Grand Juror (approximately 10-12 hours per week)? If not, briefly state why not: 5. Do you have any physical or mental condition which would interfere with your ability to function as a Civil Grand Juror? If yes, explain briefly What accommodations would the Court need to provide to accommodate your physical or mental impairment? 6. Education (Circle highest grade completed): 6 (or less) 7 8 9 10 11 12 College: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Name of schools attended and degrees or certification attained: 7. Clubs or organizations: List any civic, service organizations or any volunteer work to which you belong. 8. Spouse / Domestic Partner Name: Occupation: If retired, list previous occupation you retired from Employer: 9. Are you or any immediate family member an appointed or elected public officer of any public agency? If yes, explain: 10. Are you currently involved in any litigation (law suits) in this county? 11. Are you or any of your immediate family members employed by the County of Tulare or any school district within the county? If yes, where? 12. Do you have any significant problems reading or understanding the English Language? 13. Do you have any suggestions, comments or other matters you would like to bring to the judges attention in connection with your application? 14. Please tell us about any special skills or abilities that you have which the judges should know about in considering your application? 15. Please tell us why you are interested in serving on the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury. (Please attach additional pages as needed) 32 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 16. Describe any background experience or skills you have which would be helpful to grand jury service (i.e., computer skills, leadership skills, or experience writing/editing reports, working in groups, or conducting investigations or interviews.) Mail to: Attention: Civil Grand Jury Tulare County Superior Court 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 303 Visalia, CA 93291 Or Fax to: (559) 737-4290 Or email to: [email protected] NOTE: Applicants for nomination as a member of the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury are subject to investigation by an appropriate law enforcement agency as to the statutory qualifications for service and the applicant’s ability and suitability for service. In support of my application for selection as a member of the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing information is true and correct. Signed: Date: 33 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 34 Photo by: L. Trask
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  Reviewed relevant California Government and Penal Codes
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  Compiled statistics regarding the responses The 2019-2020 TCCGJ required responses from the following agencies and reports:
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  Tulare County Sheriff • TULARE COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE; FROM HORSES TO HELICOPTERS
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  Tulare Public Cemetery Board and Tulare County Board of Supervisors • TULARE COUNTY PUBLIC CEMETERY DISTRICT
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  Lower Tule Irrigation District and Pixley Irrigation District and Goshen Community Services District • “MORE MONEY ON TIME” DELIQUENT ACCOUNTS IN SPECIAL DISTRICTS DATA REVIEWED:
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  The total number of youth involved in the SEP prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was reported to be approximately 60 Explorers.
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  Currently 35 employees of TCSO were at one time Explorers, some include current Lieutenants, Sergeants, Detectives and Deputies.
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  Are you currently involved in any litigation (law suits) in this county?
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  Are you or any of your immediate family members employed by the County of Tulare or any school district within the county? If yes, where?
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  Do you have any significant problems reading or understanding the English Language?
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  Do you have any suggestions, comments or other matters you would like to bring to the judges attention in connection with your application?
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  Please tell us about any special skills or abilities that you have which the judges should know about in considering your application?
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  Please tell us why you are interested in serving on the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury. (Please attach additional pages as needed) 32 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211
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  Describe any background experience or skills you have which would be helpful to grand jury service (i.e., computer skills, leadership skills, or experience writing/editing reports, working in groups, or conducting investigations or interviews.) Mail to: Attention: Civil Grand Jury Tulare County Superior Court 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 303 Visalia, CA 93291 Or Fax to: (559) 737-4290 Or email to: [email protected] NOTE: Applicants for nomination as a member of the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury are subject to investigation by an appropriate law enforcement agency as to the statutory qualifications for service and the applicant’s ability and suitability for service. In support of my application for selection as a member of the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing information is true and correct. Signed: Date: 33 TTuullaarree CCoouunnttyy CCiivviill GGrraanndd JJuurryy FFiinnaall RReeppoorrtt 22002200--22002211 34 Photo by: L. Trask