Carmen Cave. Picture courtesy of U-T San Diego.
Remember when we reported that Aliso Viejo Council Member Carmen Cave was fired by the City of Menifee, where she was some sort of community development muckity muck? Well the details have finally erupted – and it is one ugly story.
Cave has demanded $10,000 from the City of Menifee, claiming that she was retaliated against for whistle-blowing and discriminated against because of her gender. Her lawyer is demanding $10K – or else!
Cave claims that she earned 10 to 20 percent less than male department directors. But the bulk of the letter addresses her allegation that she was fired for being a whistle-blower. Cave raised concerns that the city’s general plan was behind schedule and that it did not include enough affordable housing, the letter states, according to the Press-Enterprise.
Deputy Mayor Wallace Edgerton said he had a disagreement withMenifee City Manager Rob Johnson over a 253-unit complex planned for Menifee Road north of Aldergate Drive because of the amount of staff time that was devoted to it. He did not mention Cave but he did say that “It’s insubordination for staff to work so long on something that was antithetical (to the council’s policy.” He also said that “the project would require changing a low-density residential zone to high-density.”
Cave was ultimately given an ultimatum by Johnson – to quit or get fired. She chose the latter route.
Cave is of course known for promoting over-development in Aliso Viejo so this story is par for the course for her. Her latest scheme is promising to build a $19 million dollar Boys and Girls Club building in Aliso Viejo. Guess who she intends to stick with that bill?
I am told that residents of Aliso Viejo plan to attend tonight’s Aliso Viejo council meeting to question her fitness to serve on the council.
Things must be looking up for the illustrious Mayor Cave. This is the happiest she has looked in months. Perhaps she should focus on her personal life instead of the expenditure of millions of taxpayer’s dollars.
How many witnessed Mayor Cave’s desperate attempts to convince a resident and all in attendance, that she is “not hiding anything from the public.” As the OC Register reported today, Cave made repeated statements in an unsuccessful attempt to demonstrate transparency in her activities that are pushing her agenda, and that of local developers forward, despite voter objections. This must seem very familiar to Menifee citizens and city staff.