California's biggest water agency prolongs GM’s leave amid ongoing harassment probe
The largest urban water supplier in the state has extended Adel Hagekhalil’s 90-day administrative leave to 130 days.
TroibNews 
Southern California's largest water supplier announced on Tuesday that it would extend the administrative leave of its general manager and CEO as it continues to investigate claims of harassment against him.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's board voted to prolong Adel Hagekhalil's leave until October 23, having initially set his return date for September 12, which was contingent upon the investigation's findings.
During a public comment period prior to a closed board session, Hagekhalil criticized the investigation, highlighting that investigators had not contacted him even after 74 days. “It's now time for me to come back and be with you and take this journey again,” he emphasized. “Over 74 days ago, you unfairly placed me on leave, and as of today, I still have not been contacted about the investigation.”
The board had placed Hagekhalil on a 90-day leave starting June 14, following allegations from Chief Financial Officer and Assistant General Manager Katano Kasaine, who accused him of harassment, retaliation, and fostering a hostile work environment.
Hagekhalil explained on Tuesday that he began his tenure amid significant turmoil for the agency marked by complaints of harassment and retaliation, and he has been working to transform the culture. “Unfortunately, every action I took was faced with a frivolous complaint and leaks,” he stated.
His legal representatives expressed concerns about how the investigation's progress has impacted his ability to engage, noting that he has been denied access to his email and agency documents, and was not informed about the agenda of the closed session meeting regarding the investigation.
Support for Hagekhalil was also voiced during the meeting, including from former Los Angeles Department of Water and Power General Manager Marty Adams, along with members from environmental groups who have accused the investigation of being an attempt to undermine a champion of water conservation. Conner Everts, representing the Southern California Watershed Alliance, remarked, "You had a change agent that was bringing in a different culture that needed to change, and the result is he is sitting in the audience with his lawyer.”
Additionally, various agency employees expressed concerns about accountability within management. Electrician Gonzalo Pantoja remarked on “the complete and total lack of accountability,” while fleet program manager Jolene Fuentes noted that such issues had existed long before Hagekhalil's tenure.
The board and leadership refrained from commenting on the investigation during the meeting, although spokesperson Rebecca Kimitch provided a statement indicating that the investigation is being conducted by an ad hoc board committee alongside outside investigators, with internal counsel not participating.
Interim General Manager Deven Upadhyay mentioned ongoing efforts to address housing, safety, and cultural concerns raised by employees, referencing meetings, a survey, and recent civility training for leadership. “While everything isn't perfect, I do want to acknowledge that we have folks that are truly dedicated to tackling these issues,” he stated.
The board is scheduled to reconvene on the matter on October 22.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's board voted to prolong Adel Hagekhalil's leave until October 23, having initially set his return date for September 12, which was contingent upon the investigation's findings.
During a public comment period prior to a closed board session, Hagekhalil criticized the investigation, highlighting that investigators had not contacted him even after 74 days. “It's now time for me to come back and be with you and take this journey again,” he emphasized. “Over 74 days ago, you unfairly placed me on leave, and as of today, I still have not been contacted about the investigation.”
The board had placed Hagekhalil on a 90-day leave starting June 14, following allegations from Chief Financial Officer and Assistant General Manager Katano Kasaine, who accused him of harassment, retaliation, and fostering a hostile work environment.
Hagekhalil explained on Tuesday that he began his tenure amid significant turmoil for the agency marked by complaints of harassment and retaliation, and he has been working to transform the culture. “Unfortunately, every action I took was faced with a frivolous complaint and leaks,” he stated.
His legal representatives expressed concerns about how the investigation's progress has impacted his ability to engage, noting that he has been denied access to his email and agency documents, and was not informed about the agenda of the closed session meeting regarding the investigation.
Support for Hagekhalil was also voiced during the meeting, including from former Los Angeles Department of Water and Power General Manager Marty Adams, along with members from environmental groups who have accused the investigation of being an attempt to undermine a champion of water conservation. Conner Everts, representing the Southern California Watershed Alliance, remarked, "You had a change agent that was bringing in a different culture that needed to change, and the result is he is sitting in the audience with his lawyer.”
Additionally, various agency employees expressed concerns about accountability within management. Electrician Gonzalo Pantoja remarked on “the complete and total lack of accountability,” while fleet program manager Jolene Fuentes noted that such issues had existed long before Hagekhalil's tenure.
The board and leadership refrained from commenting on the investigation during the meeting, although spokesperson Rebecca Kimitch provided a statement indicating that the investigation is being conducted by an ad hoc board committee alongside outside investigators, with internal counsel not participating.
Interim General Manager Deven Upadhyay mentioned ongoing efforts to address housing, safety, and cultural concerns raised by employees, referencing meetings, a survey, and recent civility training for leadership. “While everything isn't perfect, I do want to acknowledge that we have folks that are truly dedicated to tackling these issues,” he stated.
The board is scheduled to reconvene on the matter on October 22.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
