Thank you Supervisor Bushnell and Sheriff William Honsal

 

(Supervisor Bushnell)

(William Honsal)

After the 9th Circuit ruling, we are not allowed to post pre trial booking photos but there are still other reasons to contact the HCSO PIO. Knowing that Meghan Ruiz was leaving, I haven't been sending requests. HCSO is busy; short staffed and media requests vs deputies responding to public safety calls is a no brainer.

I am going to limit requests unless necessary until a full time PIO is hired to be respectful of people are doing double duty right now.

Today, before the BOS meeting, Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell was kind enough to take a minute out to speak with me about a general question. Later during the meeting, she noted someone was taking photos and asked Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal to introduce the staff member. He said, "This is Summer, one of our PIOS."

I have to thank Supervisor Bushnell because it led to this post.

I reached out to Sheriff Honsal to ask if a new PIO was hired and being trained and until then who should be contacted for media inquiries . Despite a busy morning and being at the BOS meeting, thank you Sheriff Honsal for getting back to me promptly.

"Summer was hired as the PIO for a Human Trafficking Grant that we are managing for 5 counties.   She is filling in from time to time with Sheriff’s Office PIO Duties.  We are actively recruiting for a new PIO and we hope to have a new one onboard by Mid to Late June.   In the meantime, Lt. Jesse Taylor will be filling in for the full time PIO position.   He will be he point of contact for any inquiry."

It is important from time to time to remind ourselves that in our small community, we have elected officials who do respond to us and are accessible. 

I had the same experience in Philadelphia and Atlanta as media but in Humboldt, I see any community member being able to talk to elected officials, our deputies and law enforcement. I could not do what I do without PIOs, staff and our elected officials being available. In this age of instant information, we need to be respectful of their time.

I do not call, text or email police chiefs, the Sheriff or any elected official unless absolutely necessary or a PIO. If I can put in extra effort to get that information; I will. Being at the courthouse regularly and out in the field, you get to see what their day is like. I have always been a reporter who is out and about in the community, even in big cities. The way we get our news is constantly evolving but good old fashioned shoe leather reporting will always be in style and makes for original content that allows your reader to experience what you cover.