LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County's new sheriff received the go ahead from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to form a committee for the purpose of exploring the formation of an office of quality assurance for the sheriff's office.
Sheriff Francisco Rivero had originally requested 45 minutes to discuss the idea, but the board approved the request after about 15 minutes of consideration.
Rivero was seeking at least two board members to sit on the committee, along with representatives from the public. He also asked for the deputy sheriffs' association and correctional staff to be represented. “They have a very large stake, obviously, in this process,” he said.
Supervisor Rob Brown, noting he and Rivero had discussed the idea, said he was happy to help in any way he can. “I think it's a good idea.”
Supervisor Denise Rushing also said she would be happy to help.
Rivero said he envisioned that, at the end of the process, “I would like this to be a county ordinance.”
Supervisor Jeff Smith also thought it was a good idea, and suggested Rushing and Brown be the board representatives.
County Counsel Anita Grant said that if the committee was just to be composed of board members and staffers it would be considered an ad hoc committee and no Brown Act requirements would be necessary.
However, Rivero said he wanted the public to be included. As such, Grant said it would have to be Brown Act-compliant, which would include open meetings and public notices.
Another alternative, said Grant, was that Rivero could create his own committee and choose its members, which again wouldn't require open meeting rules.
“I appreciate the offer but I am slow to accept that offer due to its appearance,” said Rivero, adding that he doesn't want to have it inferred that he's stacking the public membership category with his friends.
Rather, Rivero said he preferred to have the board involved in picking individuals who apply.
He extended the invitation to anyone in the community who wants to be a part of the committee, but added, “I do feel the board should have some control over this process.”
Rushing said the application process could take a while, and she wasn't sure if there was a way to make it happen faster.
“This is a very serious and important step that the county is about to take,” said Rivero, adding, “I don't believe we should rush into anything.”
He said the goal is to assure county residents that the department is being run properly, that there are checks and balances, and accountability on the part of the sheriff.
The overall suggested makeup of the group was two supervisors, Grant, a deputy sheriffs' association member and a corrections staffer, one or two members of the public, and Rivero.
Board Chair Jim Comstock noted the county already had received applications for the committee.
“So what action can we take today?” asked Rushing.
County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox said they could begin the process of advertising for applicants, a list of which can then be brought back to the board for consideration.
Supervisor Anthony Farrington asked to make the motion, which approved the committee's creation and its makeup. Farrington's suggested motion included a four-week frame for accepting applications.
The board approved the motion 5-0.
Members of the public wishing to apply can download an application here: http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/BOS/docs/Advisory+Board$!2c+Commission+Application.pdf .
Rivero has issued an in-depth explanation of his proposal, which can be read here: Rivero: The proposed role of a sheriff's quality assurance office .
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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