ANGELO ROLANDO AWARD HISTORY

The history behind this prestigious Angelo Rolando Award came into being when Angelo Rolando, the true Patriarch of CGJA, traveled the length of the State in 1979, trying to create a California Grand Jurors Association.   Angelo’s message made an impression on the folks in San Diego because after their term in office was finished in 1979-80, they sent out a notice to all of those from Southern California Counties to attend the organizational meetings.

Following the untimely death of Angelo Rolando, then President Fran Jansen asked Jack Kramp to chair a committee to establish a proper Memorial Award in his honor.  Committee members were Jane Allen and Evelyn Maloy appointed by the Vice President, South and Barbara Thomsen and Dorothy Freye appointed by the Vice President, North.    The committee set up simple but precise rules to select the winner and design a unique and attractive award.  Within a few years, the Rolando Award has developed into the highest award of distinction to honor one member who has performed outstanding service to the California Grand Jurors Association.

In those years, interest was increased by always keeping the winner a secret until announced at the Annual Banquet.  However, in 2007, it was changed to one month in advance thus giving the recipient time to be present.