LAKE COUNTY— During Tuesday’s regular meeting, the Lake County Board of Supervisors appointed Raymond Buenaventura Chief Public Defender for the County of Lake. According to county administration, the historically significant Board action followed a rigorous review of Indigent Legal Defense in Lake County.
The appointment comes in the wake of an investigation by the 2022-23 Lake County Civil Grand Jury which received a complaint alleging that one of the county’s public defenders was representing defendants in other counties, which then negatively impacted the time requirements for the Lake County Superior Court’s calendar of cases to which the attorney was assigned.
The Grand Jury recommended in its most current report that the 2023-24 Civil Grand Jury closely monitor progression of the planned improvements in the provision of indigent defense services and issue a follow up report.
Buenaventura brings a unique array of professional and political experiences and deep theoretical understanding of his discipline. He attained a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies through the University of California, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctorate (JD) at Whittier College School of Law.
Representing criminal defendants in more than 100 jury trials in a diversity of California communities, ranging from minor infractions to murder cases with special circumstances (i.e. death penalty-eligible cases), has lent insight into the life-changing effect professional criminal defense can have on individuals facing challenging circumstances at pivotal moments.
Immediately prior to his County of Lake role, and in addition to a robust private practice and leadership roles with the California State Bar Association Board of Trustees and the Civil Air Patrol, Buenaventura served as Daly City’s Mayor (and multi-term Councilmember).
From 2014-2020, appointed by then-Governor Edmund G. Brown, he contributed policy and strategic direction to the State of California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Affairs, offering voice and hope of meaningful change to underrepresented Californians.
In this new role, Buenaventura will have the opportunity to apply all he has learned toward establishment of a dynamic County of Lake Public Defender Office.
“Our Board is truly excited Mr. Buenaventura has chosen to invest his considerable experience and energies toward supporting a stronger and more just future for Lake County,” emphasizes Jessica Pyska, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors. “We are committed to supporting his important work.”
“I am grateful for the Board’s confidence in my leadership at this important juncture,” relates Buenaventura. “This is a great opportunity to build on the considerable strengths of those working hard to ensure every Lake County defendant receives a professional and appropriate defense.”
“It is also a chance to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy, and promote the public interest through innovative programs that can truly make a difference,” continues Buenaventura. “I look forward to deepening my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in Lake County’s communities, and building an effective and transformative Public Defender Office.”
