Welcome the County’s New Leaders

Supervisor Owen’s genuine love for Lake County motivated her to run for office with the firm conviction that “...Lake County is a hidden treasure and the best place to raise a family.” Born and raised in Lake County with family history tracing back to the mid-1800s, Supervisor Owen and her husband, Joe, proudly raised their family in Lake County.

Supervisor Owen deeply understands the concerns of business owners and the District 1 community, drawing from her extensive entrepreneurial experience across retail businesses, construction, and ranching. She’s served on numerous boards and rodeo associations, has founded and managed nonprofits, and has successfully operated her businesses. She owns and operates the Owen Ranch in Middletown, where she’s provided shelter for evacuated animals and livestock, along with animals in need during emergencies such as wildfires.

Supervisor Owen has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives including fundraisers to support local schools. Her work on the Hidden Valley/Middletown Area Plan Committee contributed to its integration into the Lake County Area Plan. With a strong understanding of the challenges facing South Lake County businesses, she’s “...committed to preserving agricultural traditions, strengthening the local economy and prioritizing public safety.” She also recognizes the importance of infrastructure improvements and is focused on enhancing roads and expanding internet access.

After being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2024, Supervisor Rasmussen retired from a 35-year career in law enforcement with his last 14 years serving as Chief of Police. He and his wife Karyn, who has served a local accounting business for over 30 years, raised two daughters in Lake County. Their older daughter, Stephanie, is a medical doctor and Savannah is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

Supervisor Rasmussen held various positions in police work before becoming Chief. Beyond his police department responsibilities, he was an integral part of the City of Lakeport's executive management and leadership team. Collaborating closely with all other city departments, in addition to working with various organizations and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, he played a crucial role in the city's office of emergency services planning for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

For the last 15 years, Supervisor Rasmussen has actively engaged in community non-profit organizations. He’s also participated in multiple government boards and committees dedicated to serving Lake County communities and residents. He’s led numerous projects that benefit the community including supporting local youth and providing vocational and academic college scholarships.

District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska was sworn-in for her second term. Pyska’s leadership to make Lake County wildfire and climate resilient has led to a better understanding of community needs at the State and Federal levels resulting in millions of grant funding dollars flowing into Lake County.

Recently, Supervisor Pyska was appointed to the National Association of Counties’ (NACo’s) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, which seeks to “...strengthen and streamline our nation’s disaster preparedness and response framework.”  She looks forward to building on the successes of her first term for District 5 communities and all Lake County residents.

Sheriff Bingham began his career with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 1998. He was raised in Lake County and graduated from Middletown High School in 1993. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, Security Forces. Over the years at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Bingham’s assignments have included patrol deputy, field training officer, Narcotics Detective, DEA Task Force Agent, Firearms Instructor/Range Master, and SWAT team leader. In 2015, Bingham was promoted to sergeant, then to lieutenant in 2019, and undersheriff in 2024.

During his swearing-in ceremony Sheriff Bingham shared, “It is truly an honor to be the next Sheriff of Lake County. I am following the footsteps of Sheriff Brian Martin and Sheriff Rob Howe. They have really set the department up for success in the last 10 to 15 years, and I get to continue that. Sheriff Martin gave me advice that stuck with me: ‘Leave it better than how you inherited it.’ To me, the Sheriff’s Office is not the sheriff; the personnel are the face of the department, so thank you.”

Sheriff Bingham expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to his success. “Throughout my career, I have been blessed to work with great people, and I have learned something every time. I would like to acknowledge the Board of Supervisors and all the Department Heads who have met with me and helped me prepare for success. I would also like to thank my family, who have supported me and understood the work I want to do for my country. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for setting the example for me to follow throughout my life.”