Politics & Government

Supervisor Carrillo Resigns From State Committee to Focus on Response to Lopez Shooting

Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo was Second Vice President of the Executive Committee of the California State Association of Counties

By Bay City News

Supervisor Efren Carrillo announced Tuesday he is stepping down as 2nd Vice President of the 15-member Executive Committee of the California State Association of Counties. 

Carrillo said he is leaving the CSAC Executive Committee's Board in order to "focus on the community challenges in my district recently brought to light by the Andy Lopez tragedy."

Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lopez, 13, was killed when he was shot seven times by Sonoma County sheriff's Deputy Erick Gelhaus on Moorhead Avenue southwest of Santa Rosa in Carrillo's Fifth District on Oct. 22.

Lopez was carrying an airsoft BB gun that resembled an AK-47 rifle, and Gelhaus feared for his life because he believed it was an authentic weapon, according to his statements to the Santa Rosa Police Department, which is investigating the fatal shooting. 

Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I've already begun to work with longtime residents and community leaders to take steps that will aid in understanding, working through and recovering from this tragic event," Carrillo said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

In the wake of the shooting, renewed efforts to annex disenfranchised communities, including Roseland and Moorland, into the city of Santa Rosa will require "considerable effort, time and collaboration with the community and other local elected officials," Carrillo said.

"Sonoma County and the Fifth District are my first priority," Carrillo said.  

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors heard public comments and suggestions after the tragic killing. 

On Dec. 3, the supervisors will discuss recommendations regarding the formation of a community task force, annexing unincorporated areas within Santa Rosa, establishing a park or memorial to Andy Lopez and ongoing investments to ensure healthy and vibrant communities.

Residents in the Moorland Avenue area have already created a memorial and park in the field where Lopez was walking on a sidewalk when he was killed.

The CSAC represents county government before the state Legislature, administrative agencies and the federal government.

Carrillo will still attend CSAC meetings, his aide Susan Upchurch said.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

--
Sign up for the free Petaluma Patch newsletter | Like Petaluma Patch on Facebook | Follow @PetalumaPatch on Twitter | Blog for Petaluma Patch


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here