A July 31 letter to the editor described the grand jury as “a few amateur volunteers” and its work as “ad hoc investigations.” As a former jury foreman, I would like to correct this misconception. Describing the grand jury’s work as “ad hoc” trivializes the scope and quality of its work. Each investigative topic is thoroughly researched and all findings in the reports are reviewed and cited. Multiple interviews are conducted with the parties involved. Each step of the year-long investigative process undergoes multiple levels of review and extensive editing. Before being released, investigative reports are reviewed by the District Attorney and the presiding judge.

The findings and recommendations contained in each report bring a new perspective to the issue at hand and often lead to improvements in government services. The Civil Grand Jury is a unique democratic body tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in local government.

Visit the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury website, read our reports, and decide for yourself whether the letter writers accurately portray the issues.

— Kim Horowitz, Santa Cruz

The Sentinel welcomes your letters to the editor. Letters should be brief, no more than 175 words. We do not accept anonymous letters. Letter writers should include their full name, address and phone number. We do not publish this information in the newspaper, but we need it for verification purposes. Occasionally we reject letters simply because we have received too many on the same subject. Submit your letters online at www.santacruzsentinel.com/submit-letters.