By Brian Hews
Hews Media Group-Community News has confirmed that Central Basin Municipal Water District (CB) Directors Bob Apodaca, James Roybal and Leticia Vasquez will once again call for a vote to settle CB’s lawsuit against Pacifica Services, Inc., a lawsuit that two high-powered law firms hired by CB have said is a “slam dunk” win for CB.
The vote will take place at CB’s Monday, Mar. 24 Board meeting.
CB filed its lawsuit against Pacifica on July 25, 2013 seeking reimbursement of $539,000.
Pacifica filed their counter lawsuit shortly thereafter demanding payments of nearly $300,000 they claimed it was owed. Sources say Pacifica has been unable to substantiate those charges with detailed invoices.
Roybal, Apodaca, and Vasquez were unsuccessful in their last attempt to settle the Pacifica lawsuit in favor of Pacifica at the Thursday Mar. 13 Board meeting.
Pacifica CEO Ernie Camacho was present at the Mar. 13 meeting with a bodyguard, watching over the unsuccessful vote
CB originally posted the Mar. 24 agenda at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 22. The agenda listed no items to be discussed in closed session.
A revised agenda was posted on the same day 7.5 hours later at 6:27 p.m. announcing that CB’s and Pacifica’s mutual lawsuits were slated for discussion in closed session.
According to a source close to the agency, the closed session items were not presented to Board President Phil Hawkins.
The additions violate the “unwritten rule” of presenting closed session items to the Board President for prior review and approval.
Sources tell HMG-CN that CB’s legal counsel from Alston & Bird has not been asked to be present during the closed session.
According to a former top executive with the District who requested to remain anonymous, “What does it say when this action was directed by three Directors who have pocketed over $40,000 in campaign contributions from Pacifica, with Apodaca taking cash as recently as three months ago? There is an obvious conflict of interest that would preclude any participation in a vote by these three involving Pacifica. Changing the agenda at the last minute is bad enough, but to do so and prevent legal counsel from being present is as close to committing a crime as it gets.”
Central Basin Director Art Chacon told HMG-CN, “for as much as these three like to holler about my past driving issues, they sure have no problem ignoring protocols and sound legal advice, especially to help out their number one campaign donor. I have no intention of participating in anything illegal Monday. As far as I’m concerned, the way these three all had the same idea between the first agenda posting at 11 a.m. and the amended agenda posting at 6:30 p.m., certain news media sources should be calling them out on a potential Brown Act violation, but I’m sure they won’t. Instead my 2010 auto accident will probably still be news.”
Board President Phil Hawkins said, “I can’t really predict what will be taking place Monday. These items were Roybal, Vasquez, and Apodaca’s idea, so we’ll just have to wait and see where this is headed.”
In August 2013, Hews Media Group – Community News obtained exclusive documents that detailed an orchestrated collaboration between former CB District GM Art Aguilar, former Interim GM Dave Hill, and Ernie Camacho that showed large contracts being altered that were never approved by the Directors at CB.
HMG-CN also obtained email exchanges between Hill, Camacho, his son Michael Camacho, and Pacifica Vice President Mike Sisson dating back several years that outlined how Pacifica leveraged its political clout using Aguilar as a pawn in the agency outside of the public glare.
The documents obtained and published by HMG-CN outlined how Camacho and Aguilar interfaced via company emails displaying how the “pay to play” scheme between Aguilar, the agency, and Pacifica Services was conducted.
Recently HMG-CN obtained emails that proved Aguilar, VP at Pacifica Mike Sisson, Camacho and Pacifica employees Mike Hennessey went on lavish golf outings practically every Friday while Sisson and Hennessey were getting paid $165 and $135 per hour respectively.
This newspaper was the only media outlet to draw attention to the emails, with the LA Times, KPCC and the Whittier Daily News ignoring the story.
Both Chacon and Hawkins commented on the story, with Roybal, Apodaca, and Vasquez refusing to comment on questions sent by HMG-CN to Joe Legaspi.
HMG-CN recently obtained more than 2,500 emails from a public records request between Mike Sisson, a high-ranking Vice President at Pacifica Services, and several other people sent from his office computer system located at CB. The emails were written and exchanged during regular business hours, and many were also generated by Pacifica Services executive Scott Hennessey.
The highly racist emails, sent over a three-year period, disparaged Muslims, Palestinians, Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, Seniors, naked woman, obese people, liberals, immigrants, Wal-Mart shoppers, rednecks, gays and lesbians.
Again, both Chacon and Hawkins commented on the stories, with Roybal, Apodaca, and Vasquez refusing to comment on questions sent by HMG-CN to Joe Legaspi.
Again this newspaper was the only media outlet to draw attention to the emails, with the LA Times, KPCC and the Whittier Daily News ignoring the story.
In January of this year, HMG-CN published an article that showed the three Directors purposely attempting to sink their own District’s case against Pacifica Services.
During the second of three Special Board meeting attended only by then-President Roybal, Apodaca, and Vasquez, the three inexplicably fired its legal counsel, Grant Burton, who has been successfully litigating the District’s case against Pacifica.
For a third time the story was ignored the LA Times, KPCC and the Whittier Daily News.
Director Phil Hawkins, who represents the Cerritos area, stated that the “Roybal Three” had “no logical reason” to fire Burton and his firm Cohen & Burge LLP.
“Grant retired recently after more than 20 years with Metropolitan Water where he served as their in-house litigator. He has shown to be successful in proving CB’s case to the court. Grant is the best of the best and he was winning our case as evidenced by the court rejecting Pacifica’s request to throw the case out on December 30, 2013. This shows we have a great case against Pacifica, the firing makes no sense at all, unless you look at the contributions,” Hawkins told HMG-CN in a recent interview.
HMG-CN previously reported contributions affiliated with Pacifica Services to Roybal, Vasquez, and Apodaca.
Campaign reports filed with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office in Norwalk and the California Secretary of State in Sacramento reveal that a combined $45,797 has been contributed by known Pacifica sources, which include Ernie Camacho, his brother Andy Camacho, via his restaurant El Paseo Inn, MLJ Properties, owned by Ernie’s children, and Pacifica itself.
Over the years, Apodaca has received $34,000 including $10,000 in “forgiven loans”, Vasquez $6,797 and Roybal $5,000.
In addition, during Apodaca’s November 2006 reelection, he received $20,000 in contributions from Pacifica. Apodaca has also acknowledged publicly, amid conflict of interest claims, that his longtime live-in girlfriend Caroline Medrano is a cousin of Ernie and Andy Camacho.
Roybal also reported $6,617 in un-itemized contributions, where he does not identify the source of the funding. Those donations are currently under official investigation by the California Political Practices Commission, who is charged with enforcement on political misdeeds in the Golden State.
Adding to concerns within the water community, both Roybal and Vasquez accepted their substantial donations from Pacifica sources well after their June 5, 2012 election dates.
“I don’t think it’s a stretch to see that the ongoing actions of Roybal, Apodaca, and Vasquez make it clear that they are working against the best interests of their own agency in favor their largest financial campaign contributor, Pacifica,” Chacon said.
Hawkins also noted that internal investigations at the District have raised serious concerns about Aguilar’s involvement in illegally amending official documents related to Pacifica’s contract.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Great reporting and investigative insight. I appreciate the way you guys are keeping the public informed unlike those rags that won’t. I’m sure it’s all politics at their respective media outlets. Keep on it. I can’t wait till election time. I’m thinking about writing the Governor then working my way down. Since the DA appears on the take, we need some action down here. Enough is enough already.
WIHOLL Womens Summer Tops Short Sleeve Basic Casual V Neck T Shirts Trendy Fashion 2025
$9.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ring Battery Doorbell, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with Two-Way Talk, and Motion Detection & Alerts (2024 release), Venetian Bronze
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BETHEGIFT Funny Card for Mom from Daughter, Son, Kids on Mothers Day - Heartfelt Message to Mother, Perfect for Birthday, Mother's Day, Humorous Mom Greeting Cards, Premium Quality
$5.95 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device (newest model) supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Glass Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking - 2 in 1 Olive Oil Dispenser for Kitchen Gadgets, Air Fryer, Salad, and BBQ - Black
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WOOF Party Pupsicle - Long-Lasting Interactive Dog Toys for Boredom - Low-Mess Design - Birthday Gifts for Dogs - Large Dog Toys - Party Pink
$19.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream over 1.5 million movies and shows, free & live TV
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Pet Steam Brush for Dog & Cat – 3-in-1 Spray Hair Removal Comb – Steam for Shedding & Grooming – Water Brush for Long & Short Haired Pets – Spritz Defur Comb – Includes Waterless Shampoo
$24.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ai Translation Earbuds Real Time, 3-in-1 Buletooth 5.3 Translator Earbuds with 5 Translation Modes/164 Languages/No Subscription Required, 48H Headphones Translator for Travel/Business/Leaning
$39.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Carhartt Men's Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt (Also Available in Big & Tall)
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Thanks very much Lee, we felt the media needed to be called out. There are several other articles we have published that the LA Times, KPCC, and the WDN have ignored too. Please pass along your feelings to DA Jackie Lacey, we have called her to let her know what is going on down here with no response, so maybe the public (voters) can get her going.
AUTOMET Women's Short Sleeve Shirts Henley Dressy Casual Summer Tops 2025 Trendy Blouses Cute T-Shirts Outfits Clothes
$17.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Drift Car Air Freshener - Wood Air Freshener - Car Odor Eliminator - Teak Scent Starter Kit
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MAONO Wave T1 Mini Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone 16 15, Android, Tablet, PC, Clip on Lapel Mic with USB-C Plug, Noise Cancellation, AI Voice Filter for Video Recording Vlog TikTok YouTube
$29.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream over 1.5 million movies and shows, free & live TV
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
XIEERDUO 3/4 Length Sleeve Womens Tops Dressy Casual Blouses for Women 2025 Trendy V Neck T Shirts Summer Clothes
$14.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WENHUI Funny Trump Mothers Day Card from Daughter, Son or kids, Hilarious & Heartfelt Message, Premium Quality Greeting Card for Mom, Grandmother or Wife, Ideal for Happy Birthday & Mother's Day Gift
$2.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 30 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | Cherry Blossom
(as of April 29, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
QUZAZBU USB C Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone 15 16, Mini LED Display Microphone for Android with Noise Reduction, Lapel Magnetic Clip-on Mic for Recording Content Creator Vlog Tiktok YouTube
$15.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Low Calories Program & More, 13-in-1, Soft Serve Handle, (2) CREAMi Swirl 16oz Pints, For Kids & ALL ages, NC701
$349.99 (as of April 28, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)