Under New Supervision

In a historic changing of the guard, Efren Carrillo became Sonoma County's first Latino supervisor on Tuesday and Shirlee Zane took a Santa Rosa-based seat that hadn't experienced turnover in two decades.

Carrillo asked Art Torres, a retired state senator from Los Angeles and chairman of the California Democratic Party, to administer his oath of office, signaling the statewide significance of the rise of the 27-year-old political newcomer.

Carrillo said Torres, who served a total of 20 years in both houses of the Legislature, long had been an inspiration to young men and women in his Latino community.

He recalled that, as a teenager involved in the Boys State leadership program, his research turned up Torres as an influential Latino leader. He said he and Torres became acquainted during the campaign and he invited Torres to administer the oath.

Nearly 200 friends and supporters of both newly elected supervisors erupted into cheering and whistling after the new lawmakers took the oath of office and then their seats on the dais.

Zane was sworn in by Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, a Santa Rosa Democrat Zane described as a "wonderful, wise friend, counselor and adviser."

Four years ago, Evans ran for the same seat and narrowly missed unseating incumbent Tim Smith. Evans now holds one of the most powerful posts in the Legislature as chairwoman of the Assembly Budget Committee.

With considerably less fanfare, Valerie Brown, Sonoma Valley supervisor who was re-elected to office in November, took her oath and welcomed Carrillo and Zane, although adding that, for the county, "Financially, things couldn't be worse."

The panel, along with incumbents Paul Kelley and Mike Kerns, held an abbreviated session. Supervisors will begin delving into the county's budget problems Tuesday.

In his opening remarks, Carrillo urged against cutting government spending that benefits low-income residents. Carrillo, who grew up in Roseland and still lives in west Santa Rosa, said his Mexican-born parents put their roots down here because they were able to secure Habit for Humanity's first home in Santa Rosa.

"We have been on the receiving end of government programs," he said. "It goes to show that a small investment in a family really brings a large return. This is where a small investment counts."

During his campaign for 5th District supervisor, Carrillo relied on community support, especially in west Santa Rosa, and on an untiring campaign of walking precincts in the west county. He was not backed by most of the activist groups in the Latino community nor by unions traditionally allied with Democrats.

He was declared the winner in a tight election contest six weeks ago.

Carrillo succeeds Mike Reilly, who served for 12 years and chose not to seek re-election.

Zane is taking over from Smith, who did not seek re-election. His 20-year stint on the board was the longest consecutive board service in county history. Only Nin Guidotti served longer, representing the west county for a total of 23 years, from 1937 to 1949 and from 1954 to 1965.

Zane, whose remarks were cheered by dozens of members of Service Employees International Union that represents county workers, said county "government should bring people together" and should not shy from an obligation to fund social services.

However, she added, "I will not promise that you will always agree with me."

You can reach Staff Writer Bleys W. Rose at 521-5431 or bleys.rose@pressdemocrat.com.