LAKEPORT—This week the Lake County Board of Supervisors reviewed and heard recommendations for improving indigent criminal defense. They also heard an update from LACO consulting and the community development department regarding cannabis permit processing and decided a legal action during closed session.
Alongside County counsel Anita Grant, Carlos Torres presented on the initial steps in the review of the provision of legal services for indigent criminal defendants. Torres discussed the need to address the necessary changes to improve services for indigent defendants. The department has reached out to experts in the field as well as other agencies across the state leading to the department’s recommendations. Moving forward Torres said, “We’re continually having conversations with the state, we’re continually looking at new opportunities for new funding.” Grant noted that upon returning to the board a more comprehensive plan will be drafted sharing, “None of this will happen overnight.”
Andrea Sullivan Co-administrator for Lake Indigent Defense expressed concern that more oversight and transparency are not fostered in the current independent contractor model. “It’s one thing to say you want more oversight but what does that fundamentally mean?” Sullivan continued to explain the lack of competitive pay public defenders currently face, and the budgetary constraints of switching from the current model to a county employed defense. Sullivan also shared that the LID sees 95 percent of cases. District 4 Supervisor Michael Green said, “The independent contractor is what it is, I don’t think it’s appropriate for public defense.”
In closing the discussion, District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon shared, “If you go into a court room, if you’re paying for legal representation or you’re not, we know there’s a disparity there.” District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell agreed. He said, “I know a lot of times indigent families aren’t familiar with legal processes.” Overall the board thanked all departments involved for their dedication and will revisit the matter.
Community Development Director Mireya Turner presented with Deputy Director from LACO Associates Byron Turner regarding the progress of cannabis permits. According to Byron Turner, 92 projects were originally handed over to LACO, since then there have been four additional approvals with two more to be approved next week and seven in the queue for upcoming approval. LACO plans on continuing their work with applicants to further process applications and help reduce the current backlog. Mireya Turner added that the agencies working together has allowed them to process more permits and improve their documentation for permits even beyond just cannabis.
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier said, “For $291,000, for 16 projects to have gone through the entire process over the course of a year in my opinion seems dismal.” Mireya Turner said, “I am encouraged by the progress that we are making” further explaining how the permitting process is not linear but that important groundwork is being done. Supervisor Crandell inquired about a mrequirement that a representative from the cannabis task force attend LACO meetings to review the permits, which has not yet been met. Mireya Turner explained that this has aided in the slow down but that it will improve as they hire open positions including a deputy director. Byron Turner noted that a member of LACO has attended the cannabis task force meetings in order to advise as necessary.
The board also declared action on a legal matter involving Citizens for Environmental Protection and Responsible Planning, et al. v. County of Lake, et al. during closed session. The board unanimously approved a settlement including that the county shall pay no monetary damages, court fees, attorney fees or costs.
More information on the board of supervisors including minutes, agendas and video can be found on the county website at lakecountyca.gov or the county Facebook page.
