Metropolitan Water District board mulls top manager Adel Hagekhalil’s fate
The board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is considering the findings of a seven-month investigation into accusations against General Manager Adel Hagekhalil — a process that has revealed competing claims of discrimination and exposed deep divisions among leaders of the state’s largest urban water supplier. The board met twice in closed session [last] week to consider the findings of five completed investigations, which have not been made public. Board members then voted to continue Hagekhalil’s leave of absence until their next meeting Wednesday. Hagekhalil was placed on leave in June in response to allegations by the agency’s chief financial officer, Katano Kasaine, who accused him of sexism and alleged he had harassed, demeaned and sidelined her and created a hostile work environment. Hagekhalil has denied the accusations, insisting he did nothing wrong. During a public portion of Tuesday’s MWD meeting, Hagekhalil told board members he was pleased with the results of the investigations, which he said exonerated him, and that he was eager and prepared to return to his job.