On May 15, the City of Ojai was made aware that Carl Alameda, Assistant City Manager, was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for financial crimes related to his work in his prior role at the City of La Cañada Flintridge. The alleged criminal activity involved insurance fraud and other related acts. Alameda left employment with the City of La Cañada Flintridge in April 2023.
Alameda was hired by the City of Ojai in July of 2023. At the time of his hiring, the City was unaware of any pending investigations or allegations of wrongdoing. The City follows a rigorous hiring process and background check procedure, adhering to all applicable laws, policies and best practices to ensure candidates are qualified and meet the necessary standards at the time of their hiring. Since the investigation was ongoing during the time of his hire, details about the alleged crimes were confidential and not disclosed to the City. Until notified through the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office today, the City was unaware that Alameda had been charged with a crime and had entered a not guilty plea to the charges, or that the matter has been set for a preliminary hearing on July 23. Mr. Alameda is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City of Ojai has placed Alameda on immediate paid administrative leave from his employment with the City of Ojai. The City is also conducting its own internal financial audit to ensure there was no financial misconduct through his role as Ojai Assistant City Manager and prior service as Acting City Manager. The City will keep the community updated as the City completes its audit.
The City of Ojai is committed to maintaining public trust and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to address this matter fully.
For additional information or questions on this matter, contact the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.