El Dorado County District 2 Newsletter

A time-honored tradition since 1854, the El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury is a panel of 19 residents investigating county, city government and special districts. The term is from July 1 to June 30 each year. Grand Jurors must be a resident of El Dorado County for at least 1 year, be 18 years old, sufficient knowledge of English and possess ordinary intelligence, sound judgement and fair character. Jurors should expect to spend at least 6 to 8 hours per week, receiving a $15 per day stipend and mileage reimbursement.

The Civil Grand Jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems utilized by local government to determine if they can be made more efficient and effective. The Civil Grand Jury may examine any aspect of county government, city government and special districts including public schools, and may follow-up on complaints brought to it by the public. The California Penal Code requires the Civil Grand Jury to:

• Inquire into the condition and management of all correctional institutions within the county.
• Investigate and report on the operations, accounts and records of county officers, departments, or functions.
• Inquire into the willful or corrupt misconduct of public officers and employees.
• Submit a public final report of its findings and recommendations before the end of its term.

As a Grand Juror, you will have access to all levels of government personnel and documents to ensure your investigations are thorough and of significance to help our County be more efficient and effective. A Civil Grand Jury brochure is available, along with a Complaint Form, Reports and Responses, and How to Apply to join. The Civil Grand Jury can be contacted directly at (530) 621-7477 or by email at contact@edcgrandjury.com.

Learn more about the Civil Grand Jury

On July 19, 2004, the Board of Supervisors adopted a new General Plan for El Dorado County. The El Dorado County General Plan is a basic planning document and is the vehicle through which El Dorado County addresses, balances and fits together the competing interests and needs of residents. The General Plan works like a “blueprint” for development throughout the county. The adoption of ordinances, resolutions and approval of other programs are focused around implementing the General Plan. The primary elements of the General Plan are Land Use, Transportation and Circulation, Housing, Public Services and Utilities, Public Health, Safety, and Noise Element. Additional parts of the General Plan include: Supporting Documents and Land Use Maps.

Learn more about the El Dorado County General Plan

El Dorado County has rich history dating back before the gold rush era. Over hundreds of years, our region has undergone many changes, which helped build the communities we live in today. The gold rush and railroad are examples of local history that have been preserved through the years. El Dorado County works to preserve our history in many ways, such as the Historic Society or the Historic Design Zoning Overlay. El Dorado County was one of the most populated regions in western North America at one time, and we want to preserve our historic resources for future generations to experience.

The El Dorado County Historical Museum started in 1974 and is supported in part, by the County of El Dorado. The Museum focuses on the rich cultural history of our region. Residents can take a virtual tour with El Dorado County Historical Museum director and curator Mary Cory. Special exhibits about gold miners, individual rights, railroads, and more are available online. For specific research, residents can fill out a Research Request Form. The Historical Museum offers a list of places to visit that also hold historic importance for our region. Museum Commission agendas and minutes are also available, and Museum Administrator can be reached at (530) 621-5828 or contact the museum directly.

Learn more from the El Dorado County Historical Museum