Civil war breaks in small California town as probe launched into mayor — weeks after councilmember suddenly resigned

A small California town known as the “Apricot capital of the world” has been engulfed in civil war — unrelated to its famed fruit.

The town’s city council recently passed a draft motion to censure its mayor, Michael Clauzel, weeks after a councilmember stepped down due to concerns about the city’s direction.

Councilmembers alleged it involved “alleged verbal and written interactions involving Mayor Michael Clauzel, city employees, and public officials,” though they did not specify the exact conduct.

An independent third-party investigator has been retained by the council to “review” the allegations, and the “city will not comment further on the merits of the allegations.”

Three of the small town’s four city council members — Gabriela Hernandez, Carlos Roque and Kendra Mora — voted to censure Clauzel while one member, Chinyere Jack, abstained.

The meeting, held on August 21, saw the draft measure pass, the Rules Committee staffed and the mayor notified. A censure has no real consequence for Clauzel outside of the public shaming.

Former councilmember Jessica Romero stepped down in June due to concerns about the direction of the council.

She said a “pattern of department head changes” raised “serious questions about process integrity, qualification standards, and the influence of individual council members on personnel decisions that fall outside the proper scope of council authority.”

Romero did not mention Clauzel in her reasons for stepping down from the council. She concluded her letter by saying the council itself constantly dismissed her concerns.

Clauzel said he was “deeply saddened by the resignation of Councilmember Jessica Romero.”

“From the time we first ran for office together, and throughout our entire tenure on the council, Jessica and I have worked closely side by side in service to this community,” Clauzel said.

“Her integrity, work ethic, and commitment to ethical governance have never wavered. She has my full and unequivocal support as she navigates this difficult moment.”

The town has scheduled a special city council meeting Wednesday evening to “discuss important topics impacting Patterson.”

The council previously said in its statement released Tuesday that Clauzel “will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations, present oral or written information, and address the City Council before it considers whether to adopt a censure resolution.”

The California Post reached out to Romero for comment.

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