Metropolitan board extends general manager's administrative leave to Oct. 23

Following a more than three-hour closed session today, Metropolitan Water District's Board of Directors voted to extend General Manager Adel Hagekhalil's administrative leave until Oct. 23, while the independent investigation into various personnel matters continues.

"We understand the desire for an expedited investigation, but as difficult as this is, we believe due process is paramount above all considerations, for all parties involved. We are committed to ensuring a thorough, fair and impartial investigation," board chair Adán Ortega, Jr. said.

A special meeting is being scheduled for Oct. 22 to consider these matters. Deven Upadhyay will continue to serve as the district's interim general manager during this period.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.