<\/p>\n
The Shafter City Council voted Monday to appoint an administrative hearing officer to investigate formal complaints filed by Councilmember Pete Espinoza against Councilmember Gilbert Alvarado, a process expected to cost the city approximately $100,000.<\/p>\n
The council voted 3-2 in favor of bringing in the hearing officer during a brief special meeting. The decision follows a Kern County grand jury report filed earlier this year that identified violations of the city charter.<\/p>\n
Grand jury report sparks formal complaint process<\/p>\n
In June, a Kern County grand jury report outlined several issues within the city government, including one finding that stated: “Although Council Members are familiar with the City Charter, there have been violations of City Charter which have caused concern among City employees.”<\/p>\n
The city responded to the report in September, noting that council members and staff had adopted guidelines in mid-July and added an ordinance in August specifying procedures for formal complaints against council members.<\/p>\n
Two days after the city’s response to the grand jury report, Espinoza filed his formal complaint against Alvarado.<\/p>\n
“It is my desire that I NOT be associated with any accusations alleged against the Shafter City Council as a whole, as a result of the actions of one Councilmember,” Espinoza wrote in the complaint.<\/p>\n
The complaint included an ultimatum requesting a public apology from Alvarado or removal proceedings would begin.<\/p>\n
Complaint lacks specific violations<\/p>\n
Espinoza’s complaint does not specify which bylaws Alvarado allegedly violated but states: “I have been informed and received complaints from City staff that Councilmember Gilbert Alvarado has potentially violated City Policy and the Charter.”<\/p>\n
During Monday’s council meeting, Alvarado addressed the situation directly.<\/p>\n
“Council member Espinosa gave me an ultimatum to give a public apology or he will file the complaint. His view was that he had been implicated in the grand jury report. I opt not to give an apology because I have not done what I’m being accused of, and I have repeatedly tried to de-escalate the situation from the beginning, and I believe this was caused by a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication and political motivation to remove me from Council,” Alvarado said.<\/p>\n
Both councilmembers declined to comment when contacted by 23ABC.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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