LAKEPORT — Following a dispute between a county media source and Sheriff Frank Rivero, the Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) Tuesday approved a new policy for releasing information to the media.
BOS Chair Rob Brown said the policy was enacted because of “Rivero”s disregard of a media source, Lake County News (LCN).”
Interim County Administrative Officer Matt Perry prepared a policy that established protocol for department heads and spokespeople to relay information to the media. The policy would be followed during a county emergency.
Deputy Administrative Officer Debra Sommerfield is the county”s public information officer during emergency situations. She will be the recipient of news releases and distribute them to any news organizations that did not receive them.
John Jensen, co-founder of Lake County News (LCN), requested a policy because he alleged Rivero “exclusively blacklisted” LCN from receiving media releases and other information from the Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO).
“His attitude toward the public to get prompt information is one of abject disdain,” Jensen said. “It threatens to put citizens at risk.”
He said LCN must file a public records request “for any information at all” now. He alleged this was the result of a “personal vendetta” by Rivero.
In a phone interview, Rivero said, “LCN is not blacklisted.” He alleged LCN published articles that were “absolutely false.”
“I need to make sure that every communication with them is in writing,” he said, adding that LCN published articles that jeopardized LCSO investigations, such as publishing a story about an alleged suicide at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility.
“He hadn”t committed suicide,” Rivero said.
Jensen said the proposed policy would fix LCN”s problem with obtaining information, but asked for repercussions for violating the county policy to be included.
“This situation is unlikely to change unless something more serious is done,” he said.
Supervisor Anthony Farrington said, “He unilaterally made the decision to withhold information to one news source. All media outlets need to be informed in a time of emergency or about public safety issues, i.e. a missing child, armed robbery or kidnapping and/or rape.”
Rivero said, “I disagree with this policy.” He said it would make it more difficult for the LCSO to release information.
District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing said the policy needed to be adopted. She asked the word “immediately” be added regarding department spokespersons notifying the county public information officer after speaking with the media.
District 1 Supervisor Jim Comstock said all department heads should comply with the policy or the BOS would take “swift and appropriate action immediately.”
The BOS voted 4-0 to approve the policy.
District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith was absent from the meeting.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 14. Follow on Twitter: @KevinNHume.
