Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber have issued a letter to the Orosi Public Utilities District (OPUD) Board of Directors regarding the certified results of the 2024 OPUD election held on November 5, 2024. The letter addresses three incumbent members—Reynaldo Rivas, Maria C. Gonzalez, and Johnny Sandoval—who lost their reelection bids but continue to claim that the election is "null and void." They intend to remain in office until a new election occurs, despite no formal challenge being filed within the allowed timeframe.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of accepting election outcomes: “Few things are as un-American as refusing to accept the results of an election,” he stated. He urged Mr. Rivas, Ms. Gonzalez, and Mr. Sandoval to vacate their positions immediately, noting that any grievances should have been addressed through proper channels at the time.

Secretary of State Weber reinforced this stance by highlighting her role in upholding state election laws: “As California’s chief elections officer, I am responsible for ensuring that state elections laws are enforced," she said. She further noted that incumbents who are not reelected cannot decide to stay in office unilaterally and warned against hindering democracy.

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors has already issued certificates of election to the winning candidates, who took their oaths on December 6, 2024. These individuals are now recognized as legitimate members of the OPUD Board for Districts 1, 2, and 4.

The letter requests written confirmation from Mr. Rivas, Ms. Gonzalez, and Mr. Sandoval by noon on January 17, 2025, affirming they will no longer claim entitlement to their board positions.

A copy of the letter is available for public viewing.