SANTA CLARA COUNTY— County officials need public members for a blue ribbon commission created this week to examine its jails.
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors authorized on Oct. 6 the Blue Ribbon Commission on Improving Custody Operations to guide the custody reform process and return recommendations to the board in 180 days, according to a press release from the county public affairs office.
Of the 25 voting commission seats, a third are reserved for members of the public.
The commission “has important work to do to help the County examine policies, procedures and practices in place in our correctional facilities,” said Board of Supervisors President Dave Cortese.
To be eligible for appointment, individuals must commit to full participation for six months in weekday meetings at the county government center in San Jose.
“In order to increase accountability and success, it is of utmost importance that the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission is transparent and inclusive,” said Supervisor Cindy Chavez in explaining the number of public seats.
Because the Blue Ribbon Commission is a Brown Act body, its meetings will be open to the public. Some disclosure of financial interests may be required of appointed members, according to the county release. Commissioners will not be paid.
Applications are online athttp://bit.ly/1L2xQvv. Completed applications along with a resume and statement of interest can be submitted to the Office of the Clerk of the Board and must be received no later than 5 p.m. Friday, October 16.Appointments will be announced at the Oct. 20 Board of Supervisors meeting. County residents can submit completed applications via email to re*********@co*.org or mail them to: County of Santa Clara, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Attn: Records Unit, 70 W. Hedding Street, East Wing, 10th Floor, San Jose, CA 95110.
Applicants can contact the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 408-299-5001 with any questions.
