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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County’s new chief public defender took his oath of office on Tuesday.
As the Board of Supervisors looked on, County Administrative Officer Susan Parker administered the oath to Raymond Buenaventura.
Last month, the board hired Buenaventura, the mayor of Daly City, to head up the formation of a new public defender’s office.
He thanked the board and said he was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be the county's new chief public defender.
“I take this obligation with great humility but also with great confidence that, together, I really do believe we can change and have a premier indigent defense program, a public defender’s office in this county,” Buenaventura said.
When he came into the board meeting that morning, “I felt at home,” he said.
He said he’d never seen a cat at a board meeting before. That was a reference to Lake County Animal Care and Control bringing an adoptable kitten, Raven, in her pumpkin outfit to meet the board that day.
Referring to other topics at the meeting about the community, Buenaventura said, “I’m in the right place.”
He added, “I can do a good job with your help.”
Buenaventura recounted that, during the interview process, he had asked for help. That includes asking to be invited to different communities, groups and events.
He’s said he’s already met a lot of fantastic people in the county. “It’s given me a lot of hope that we really can do something special here in Lake County.”
Buenaventura thanked the board and the community, adding, “My door will always be open.”
“We are excited and delighted that you are here and looking forward to some real change. We have a lot of confidence in you and are happy to move forward as a team,” said Board Chair Jessica Pyska.
Other board members also offered their welcome.
Supervisor Michael Green said it’s going to be a team effort to improve indigent defense in Lake County.
“This is a great day and an important starting step, but it is just that, it’s a start,” Green said.
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