Mon, Aug 31, 2026
To the Press Democrat:
I take strong issue with your editorial of August 29, 2026, both for its gross factual errors and its laughable recommendation.
First, the Community Advisory Council (CAC) does not “oversee difficult cases involving the Sheriff’s Office…” as you wrongly assert. The CAC was in fact established by Measure P to … "engage the public to better understand the role of IOLERO and of the sheriff-coroner.” A candidates’ forum on the views of civilian oversight fits perfectly within the purpose of the CAC.
Second, the CAC did not agree to “use public resources” to put on the candidates’ forum. The CAC voted unanimously to host the candidates’ forum without the use of government resources,” which should put to rest any legal concerns (whether valid or not, and I am not sure they are valid).
Finally, your editorial suggests the CAC “invite the Sonoma County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) and the Deputy Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Management Unit" to co-sponsor the event. That, indeed, would create the indelible stench of bias you claim the forum creates, given that the DSA has endorsed two of the four candidates for district elections, and its PAC has donated at least $7600 to each of them, as well.
Your editorial board needs to do its homework before impugning the decisions of the Community Advisory Council. The CAC is doing its job and should be commended for doing so.
Nancy Pemberton
Santa Rosa
