[Editor's note: I mistakenly thought I had posted this yesterday (July 22) afternoon, so I'm pushing it to the top of the queue]

I got off the phone a few minutes ago with Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Topic 1: Paul Morabito.

Sheriff Hutchens comments tracked with Morabito's. She first got to know him when he was advising Sheriff Baca, after she had been promoted to division chief.

After Morabito moved to Nevada, she didn't have much contact with him until she decided to apply for the OC Sheriff appointment, and former LASD Undershiff Bill Stonich reached out to Morabita and asked him to help.

Hutchens said Morabito came into the office a few times during the transition, focusing on organizing the office with an eye toward maximizing efficiency and implementing a strict separation between the running of the department and her running for election.

When I asked if Morabito had written her inaugural speech, the Sheriff said she had put her own touches on it, but that Morabito was the primary author, calling him a "great speechwriter." She also characterized Morabito as a great resource and who enjoys the politics and is comfortable in the behind-the-scenes aspect of it. I asked how often she had spoken with Morabito since taking office: Hutchens said maybe 10 times.

Sheriff Hutchens was very gracious and unhesitating throughout the conversation. I realize it might seem tedious to have such attention focused on a volunteer advisor, but one legacy of the post-Carona is that anyone who has the Sheriff's ear is going to be a focus of interest. it reflects well on Sheriff Hutchens that she clearly understands this reality and doesn't mind dealing with it.