After nine months in OC’s top spot, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has seen her share of political controversy. She has angered NRA members with her re-evaluation of the qualifications needed to obtain a concealed-weapons permit, turned some top county Republicans against her by forcing the return of official department badges that were given for contributions under former Sheriff Mike Carona, and been accused of allowing one of her deputies to spy electronically on two county supervisors during a board meeting. But can she end the sometimes-glaring abuse of power by deputies and the violent inmate beatings inside our jails? Thanks to Speak Up Newport, a nonpartisan group, you can have the chance to press Hutchens about these and other issues concerning your community during this meet-and-greet with our county’s first female sheriff.
Wed., April 8, 5:30 p.m., 2009
