For Immediate Release:
June 13, 2024
Contact:
Alexandra Nagy, alexandra@sunstonestrategies.org, 818-633-0865
Los Angeles, Calif. — Today, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) went into closed session to determine potential disciplinary action and possible firing of General Manager Adel Hagekhalil after allegations of misconduct surfaced publicly.
The MWD Board heard over an hour of public comments praising GM Hagekhalil for his efforts to reform the water agency to better collaborate with environmental justice groups, tribal communities, and Delta communities, who have historically been marginalized by previous general managers. The general plea from the comments was to allow due process to proceed and avoid taking aggressive action out of concern for losing progress on the positive policies and cultural and reputational improvements that Hagekhalil has diligently worked on.
Statement by Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director of Restore the Delta:
“To build equity in California water policy, transparency and inclusivity are needed in policy implementation and priorities.
General Manager Hagekhalil has made efforts to work with people in the Delta from an equity lens and this is why we appreciate and respect his leadership. This is not to say that he and the people of the Delta agree on everything, but his efforts have led to a spirit of collegiality and collaboration on many fronts within this watershed because he understands that we are a majority disadvantaged region.
The allegations brought forth are serious and the timing and unfolding of today’s process is equally problematic. Both deserve a thorough and fact based investigation with transparent findings and due process. Governance by a rushed, lopsided process does not serve the future of California water, Southern California ratepayers, or the people of the Delta. We hope that the Metropolitan Water District follows the path of justice and equity to resolve this matter.”
Statement by Krystal Moreno with Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians:
“We understand there have been alarming accusations made against Adel that should be justly, ethically, thoroughly and independently investigated. We also ask that the investigation include the questionable and concerning timing of these allegations and the Board’s swift attempt to remove Adel without any investigation while he has been out of the country.
What we know for a fact is that Adel is the very first MWD GM, in fact the very first MWD executive ever, to reach out to Delta-region tribes, engage with us, and visit our homelands all in an effort to better understand impacts of water mismanagement on Delta Tribal and Environmental Justice communities. Adel created inroads where closed doors once stood. We urge a full, fair and independent investigation.”