Grand Jury Seeks Members from Orcutt

         
          Grand Jury recruitment is underway for nineteen volunteer members to investigate and examine operations of governmental agencies within Santa Barbara County. Orcutt resident Darrel Parker, who retired last month as Chief Executive Officer of the Superior Court, says, “I struggle trying to get North County residents to participate, and I encourage interested Orcutt residents to consider serving. The jury becomes a watchdog as to how tax dollars are spent, and jury members get a front row seat into the workings of our county and city governments.” Since 2013, Parker has been responsible for outreach and organizing the Grand Jury.

The jury begins its investigations in July. The final report is presented to the Board of Supervisors and media for public response.

            Last year's Grand Jury released 12 reports including investigations into jail safety involving inmate deaths, roadside food vendor safety violations, and ways to stimulate affordable housing. The jury recommended a reduction of “red tape” in the Planning and Development Department. 

The report also identified issues with cannabis tax revenue that led the Board of Supervisors to initiate budget reforms. 

As a long-term Orcutt resident, Parker has ideas about subjects the jury could review this year.  “Is there an equitable distribution of County services? Does the North County receive its fair share? Grand jurors investigate that sort of thing,” he explains.  

            Depending on which committee a juror serves with, the time commitment could be 25-30 hours per week. Each member receives $25.00 for attendance of the full grand jury and investigative sessions plus a mileage reimbursement. 

            Members meet weekly in general session; smaller investigative committees meet throughout the week. 

Parker says because of the time commitment, many grand jurors are retired. “Younger folks have working schedules while older folks have more flexible schedules. We emphasize we would like younger folks as well,” he continues. 

Computers are loaned to the grand jurors. “Not only do we supply computers, but our IT department shows jurors the ropes and helps them connect to committee meetings via Zoom.  We have had students and former jurors become employees of the Court,” Parker shares. 

Two Orcutt residents served on last year's grand jury. Karen Feldpouch served on five committees including the inspection of County jails and detention facilities.  “We visited jails, investigated deaths in custody and interviewed Sheriff Bill Brown. I loved that committee.” Her husband had passed away the previous April, and she appreciated the opportunity to serve. 

La Shara Cordero is the Senior Judicial Services Supervisor and supervises recruiting. She says the yearly recruiting begins in March with the presiding judge empaneling the nineteen members in July. She explains, “What the jurors are investigating is confidential, however the final report is released publicly.” 

Orcutt’s Eva Macias enjoys her service so much she is entering third year on the grand jury.  By law she had to wait a year before volunteering for service this coming year. “It’s a great experience to learn how the government works,” she explains. “We receive sessions from the Board of Supervisors and city mayors.  We receive details about Fire Station 25 to be built on Union Valley Parkway in Orcutt.  By law we investigate any inmate deaths in custody.

The Civil Grand Jury reports from the years 2013-2025 are available for viewing on the grand jury website.  Last year's report, among others, includes information about unpermitted street food vendors, e-bikes in Santa Barbara, injuries and deaths and a suicide at the North County Jail, the south coast housing crisis and cannabis taxation.

For information and to apply to serve on the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury, visit sbcgj.org.

After serving for a year, Karen Feldpouch says,  “Hey folks, be a part of the grand jury.  It’s a huge opportunity to make a real difference.”   

Steve Southwick reporting