Add attorney Rubin E. Cruse Jr.’s name to the growing list of key Shasta County leaders, administrators and department heads who’ve left their county positions, or who will be leaving soon, for one reason or another.
On Dec. 20, 2022, Cruse gave notice to the Shasta County Board of Supervisors of his intentions to retire in April 2023 as Shasta County Counsel, one of the county’s highest administrative positions.
Rubin E. Cruse Jr.
A News Cafe caught up with Cruse via a Q&A session for his insights and reflections about his time as the Shasta County Counsel. Cruse has worked for Shasta County for 24 years; 12 as County Counsel.
Please join me in welcoming Rubin E. Cruse Jr. to A News Cafe.
Who is that masked man? Shasta County Counsel Rubin Cruse, closest to the camera, explains yet again that Shasta County has no control over state COVID-19 mandates. After April, Supervisor Mary Rickert will be the only county leader shown in this photo who’ll still work for Shasta County. (A News Cafe apologies for the lack of Cruse photos.)
Q: Mr. Cruse, thank you for agreeing to speak with ANC today. Are you OK with me calling you Rubin? Feel free to call me Doni.
Yes, of course. Thank you, Doni.
Q: Thank you, Rubin. I’ve watched nearly every board of supervisors meeting for more than two years, and as I see you sitting there so stoically, I’ve often wondered about you, and your job as Shasta County Counsel. So this is a perfect opportunity to ask some of those questions. Of course, the reason for the timing of these questions is because you have given notice that you’ll be leaving your position in April. Can you say more about the content of your notice?
On December 20, 2022, I provided written notice to the Board of Supervisors of my pending retirement. After more than 24 years of service in the Shasta County Counsel’s Office and more than 12 years as County Counsel, I have decided to begin the next chapter in my life. My last day in the office will be April 21, 2023.
It has been a privilege to serve as County Counsel. I wish much success to the Board and all
County department heads in navigating the challenges facing Shasta County.
Q: Before we get to the job-related questions, could you take a moment to tell a bit about yourself and your trajectory into this position?
I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Southern California. I began practicing law in Los Angeles. After several years there, I began work as a Deputy County Counsel in the Shasta County Counsel’s Office and was promoted to Senior Deputy County Counsel. I was appointed as County Counsel by the Board of Supervisors in 2010.
Q: Before your Shasta County job, what other law-related positions did you hold?
When I lived in Los Angeles, I initially worked as an associate for a large law firm with offices across the United States. I subsequently worked as a research attorney for the Los Angeles Superior Court and as an adjunct professor for Whittier Law School.
Q: All interesting-sounding jobs. You’ve been with Shasta County for a long time, and I’m sure you’ll leave with many unforgettable memories. As you look over your time in this position, what are some of the most memorable moments – negative or positive?
The most memorable moments involve the relationships I have developed with the people who work for Shasta County. The County has been blessed to have a large number of high quality, professional individuals in its employ and it has been my privilege to work with them.
Q: What do you know about this position now that you wish you’d known when you first accepted the job?
I was working in the County Counsel’s Office for about 12 years when I was appointed as County Counsel. As such, I had a pretty good idea of what the job entailed. Both of my predecessors, Karen Jahr and Mike Ralston, are excellent attorneys and leaders so I had very good role models.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about your job and duties?
As County Counsel, it is not my role to make policy. Policy decisions are left to the Board of Supervisors and other County officials. An effective County Counsel attempts to implement those policy decisions, regardless of whether he or she agrees with them, in a manner that complies with the law, that is consistent with his or her professional obligations, and that minimizes liability to the County.
Q: I’m glad you cleared that up, because many citizens have been under the impression that legal mandates were optional. How often are you hit up for free legal advice? What’s the most common line of questioning? Do you have a ready answer?
When I am asked for free legal advice, it usually involves areas in which I do not practice, such as traffic violations or divorce proceedings. It’s pretty easy to decline such inquiries as outside my expertise. I’m not asked for free legal advice concerning areas I know, like the Brown Act.
Q: What are the best parts about your job?
The best part of the job is the variety of legal questions that arise on a daily basis. In one day, we can be addressing questions as varied as constitutional law, elections, employment, and administration of decedent’s estates. It is a challenging legal practice. The County Counsel’s Office represents less than 1% of the total County budget. Yet we are involved in over 95% of the significant issues involving the County and all without seeking attention for it.
Q: … And the least favorite?
As with any job, there are ongoing, regular administrative details, such as paying the bills. They are not my favorite part of the job, but they are important and necessary.
Q: I admire your tact, Rubin.
Can you give some examples of specific actions you’ve taken that have had an especially positive outcome for the county?
I am proud that the County Counsel’s Office has been proactive in bringing litigation to obtain just compensation against entities for their conduct. Some examples include the Opioid Litigation, which has secured significant ongoing payments to the County to address the opioid crisis, and the lawsuits we filed against PG&E for its role in the Zogg Fire and Dixie Fire.
Q: I’ve watched you in many, many meetings, and you strike me as completely unflappable, even during some of the most raucous moments, sometimes while insults were directed to you from within the board chambers (and not just by members of the public). I don’t know if you play poker, but you do an incredible job of concealing your emotions. What’s your secret?
As an attorney practicing law for many years, one has to expect a certain amount of vitriol. Experience leads to a thick skin. Effective legal representation requires the ability to remain calm under pressure. I have heard a quote attributed to the author, C.J. Redwine: “Losing your head in a crisis is a good way to become the crisis.” I try to avoid becoming the crisis.
Q: I shall commit that quote to memory. Thanks.
During board of meetings, supervisors — or even members of the public — will ask you a question and expect an immediate answer. I’d say that nine times out of 10 you have a ready reply. Do you arrive to meetings armed with all the information that you think you’ll be asked to speak to, 0r do you just have incredible mental recall of of laws and regulations?
There is a large amount of legal knowledge I have acquired over the years, but I will be the first to admit there is much more that can be learned. I spend a fair amount of time before every Board meeting considering the legal issues that may arise and preparing should questions be asked.
Q: I cannot avoid the elephant in the board chambers; the volatile working atmosphere, the mistrust and unfounded accusations, and the recent election outcome. Did any of that influence your resignation decision, or the timing of your decision?
I should clarify that I am not resigning. I am retiring after 24 plus years in County service. I want to explore new challenges and opportunities. I do not allow the conduct of others, either good or bad, to dictate my life decisions.
Q: Thank you for that clarification, Rubin. Duty noted.
Were there any times during the last few years when you feared for the safety of you or others? If so, when?
I cannot speak for any other person. As for me, I never feared for my safety. Should there have been an issue, I am capable of protecting myself and my family.
Q: Will you be seeking another similar job elsewhere?
I am returning to private practice. I will be associated with a private law firm from the Bay Area providing legal representation to public agencies and nonprofit entities throughout California.
Q: What advice can you pass along to whomever is the next person to sit in your chair?
My primary advice would be to listen and learn. County government is incredibly complex and state and federal laws concerning county government are even more so. Do not presume one knows the answer without researching and consulting others with experience.
It is also important to remember that, regardless of public or political pressure, the County Counsel’s role is to provide legal advice and representation that complies with the law and his or her professional obligations. He or she does not provide legal advice based on public opinion. Staying centered on those principles will lead to success.
Q: Thanks so much, Rubin. I join many others who appreciate you and your service to Shasta County, and wish you the very best in this next chapter. Before you leave, is there anything else you’d like to say?
After he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, the singer and songwriter Warren Zevon was asked if he knew anything about life and death, and he was quoted as saying, “Enjoy every sandwich.” I think that sums it up. We are all here for only a short period of time. Enjoy every sandwich.
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Editor’s note: This evening Shasta County’s Administrative Office released a statement regarding Counsel Rubin E. Cruse’s pending retirement from Shasta County:
Shasta County Counsel – Pending Retirement
Shasta County, CA – Mr. Rubin E. Cruse, Jr. has recently announced his pending retirement as the County Counsel for Shasta County. Mr. Cruse has served in the Shasta County Counsel’s Office for more than 24 years and more than 12 years as County Counsel. His last day in the office will be April 21, 2023.
The County Counsel is the attorney for the County, including the Board of Supervisors and all County officers, departments, boards and commissions, as well as those county bodies and agencies whose governing boards are made up (in whole or part) of members of the County
Board of Supervisors. In addition, the County Counsel’s office acts as the legal advisor for the Shasta County Grand Jury.As County Counsel, Mr. Cruse has made a positive and lasting impact on the people of Shasta County. His leadership and professional expertise have been exemplary, and we are happy for Mr. Cruse as he begins a new chapter in his life.
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