Overview

The California Attorney General has authorized the Whittier Union High School District (WUHSD) to pursue a quo warranto lawsuit aimed at removing Trustee Gary Mendez. This action follows allegations of unlawful dual office-holding, which could have significant implications for the governance of the district.

Key details

  • The lawsuit was filed on September 15 in Los Angeles County Superior Court (Case No. 25STCV27197).
  • It was prepared by Strumwasser & Woocher LLP.
  • Mendez is accused of violating Government Code Section 1099 by holding two positions simultaneously.
  • He serves as both a WUHSD Trustee and Vice President of the Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD) Board of Directors.
  • The Attorney General's complaint states that Mendez forfeited his school board position upon taking the oath for the water board seat on December 18, 2024.
  • The Attorney General's Opinion No. 25-501 declares the two offices as "incompatible" due to overlapping jurisdictions.
  • The opinion highlights potential conflicts of interest and a clash of duties between the two roles.
  • This is the first instance in the district's history of a sitting trustee facing removal through a state-approved quo warranto proceeding.
  • The lawsuit seeks a judicial order to declare Mendez ineligible for the school board and to remove him from office.
  • The filing was verified by Superintendent Monica Oviedo and includes attachments from the Attorney General’s office.
  • A special closed-session meeting of the Whittier Union Board of Trustees is scheduled for tonight.
  • The agenda item is to confer with legal counsel regarding the existing litigation related to the Mendez lawsuit.

Context

The quo warranto action reflects an increasing emphasis by state officials on enforcing conflict-of-interest laws among elected local officials, highlighting the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between public offices.

What happens next

During the special meeting, the Whittier Union Board of Trustees will discuss the ongoing litigation with legal counsel, preparing to defend its position in court. If the court rules in favor of the district, Mendez will be removed from the board.

What we don't know yet

Key details that remain unconfirmed include the specific outcomes of the board meeting and any potential responses from Trustee Gary Mendez regarding the lawsuit.