Have you ever wanted to serve your community in an exciting, important and challenging way? If so, consider this: the Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is now accepting applications for new jurors to serve from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2015. Applications will be available at the grand jury’s open house on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 3 to 6 p.m., at 646 County Square Drive (third floor), Ventura (across the street from the government center). This is an excellent chance to learn what grand jury service consists of, view the chambers where you would work, meet current jurors and enjoy refreshments.

The civil grand jury is an all-volunteer “public watchdog” group that investigates complaints from the public, researches and writes reports, and makes recommendations about all aspects of local and county government—for example, city councils, school districts, libraries, jails, hospitals, harbors and water districts. The civil grand jury does not pursue criminal cases or give evidence in court.

To qualify for service you must be a citizen 18 years of age or older, reside in Ventura County for at least a year immediately before serving, have average intelligence and good character, and know sufficient English. Residents from all cultural groups and all parts of the county are encouraged to apply.

For details about the grand jury’s mission and to view previous years’ reports, please visit http://grandjury.countyofventura.org. Applications may also be filled out online at that site, downloaded and mailed in or requested by telephone at (805) 654-5025. They will be accepted until April 15.

In addition, you may request speakers to give a presentation for your charity organization or other community group by calling the grand jury’s community relations committee at 805/477-1600.