The El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) is preparing for a potential lawsuit from former General Manager Kevin Loewen, who aims to prevent the release of an investigation report detailing his activities during his tenure.
Loewen’s attorney, Michael Biggs, notified EDHCSD attorney Derek Cole of the impending legal action in a letter dated May 30. The letter, recently shared with the Mountain Democrat, explicitly states Loewen’s objection to any public release of the confidential investigation report.
“Mr. Loewen objects to any form of release of the confidential investigation report materials into the public domain,” the letter reads. It further suggests an opportunity to resolve the matter outside of court but asserts that a legal action will be initiated within 30 days if the district does not comply. Loewen seeks a protective order to seal the litigation and exempt the report from disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
The controversy stems from an internal investigation initiated last fall after community members raised concerns about Loewen’s consulting business, Placerville-based Synergy Behavioral Systems, which reportedly generated significant income. Additionally, allegations emerged regarding Loewen’s involvement with the consulting firm DTA while it had a contract with the district.
In response to these concerns, the EDHCSD Board transitioned from an internal investigation to an independent probe conducted by an external law firm. Despite Loewen’s resignation in December, the investigation report has not been made public.
At a March 14 meeting, EDHCSD officials confirmed receipt of the report but withheld its release. Loewen’s attorney has since requested that the district maintain confidentiality pending legal proceedings.
The EDHCSD Board of Directors will address the anticipated litigation in a closed session during its June 13 regular meeting. For more information, visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Community Reactions
Alexis Moore (June 17, 2024, 5:59am): “How much is all of this going to cost EDH taxpayers? All involved with this mess need to be held accountable to the taxpayers!”
Ken Steers (June 13, 2024, 3:15pm): “I am trying to understand why RD doesn’t want to talk about this.”
American (June 13, 2024, 6:43am): “Such utter trickery and garbage maneuvers to protect someone that was working as a ‘humble’ public servant. With a massive salary, pension, and benefits all funded by the taxpayers he was SUPPOSED to represent.”
For further updates, follow the developments on the Mountain Democrat’s website.
Kevin Loewen’s tenure as the General Manager of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) was marked by several controversies that drew significant attention from the community and media. Here are some key points:
- Financial Management Concerns:
- During Loewen’s time as General Manager, there were allegations of financial mismanagement. Critics argued that budgetary decisions made under his leadership were not in the best interests of the community, leading to concerns about the fiscal health of the district.
- Transparency Issues:
- There were complaints about a lack of transparency in the district’s operations. Some community members and stakeholders felt that decisions were being made without adequate public input or clear communication from the management.
- Personnel and Morale:
- Loewen’s administration faced internal challenges, including allegations of poor staff morale and high turnover rates. These issues were attributed to his management style and decisions regarding personnel.
- Community Relations:
- Tensions between the district management and the local community increased during Loewen’s tenure. Some residents felt that their concerns and feedback were not being adequately addressed, leading to a strained relationship between the district and the people it served.
- Projects and Initiatives:
- Several projects initiated under Loewen’s leadership were controversial. Critics questioned the prioritization and execution of these projects, arguing that they did not align with the community’s needs or were not implemented efficiently.
- Departure:
- Kevin Loewen’s departure from the role of General Manager was itself a subject of controversy. The circumstances surrounding his exit, including whether he resigned or was asked to leave, were unclear and fueled further debate within the community.
These factors contributed to a contentious period for the EDHCSD, with ongoing discussions about the impact of Loewen’s tenure and the lessons that could be learned for future district management.
