RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Four months after a rift between Rancho Murieta Association Director Danny Carrillo and the other board members became public, Carrillo resigned on Aug. 8, stating that his departure would allow him to speak more freely about the issues facing the association.

In an email to General Manager Rod Hart, Board President Patrick O’Hern and the River Valley Times, Carrillo said his resignation was effective immediately.

“Over the past two years, I have become increasingly concerned that certain board practices do not align with the fiduciary standards set out in the Davis-Stirling Act and our own bylaws,” he wrote. “Despite repeated efforts to offer informed, constructive feedback and encourage widely used leadership-training programs, these ideas have not been considered or implemented.

Carrillo, a 40-year resident of the community, said his goal has always been to help build a strong, transparent and well-governed community.

He said that after he submitted a proposal earlier this year to form a Leadership & Communications Improvement Committee, it was never placed on the board agenda for open discussion, despite his repeated requests and “the support of many community members.”

“In my experience, the board’s messaging strategies have had a discouraging effect on members who raised concerns,” he wrote. “Stepping down allows me to speak more freely about these issues while remaining an engaged member of the association.

When asked for comment on Aug. 8, O’Hern provided the following statement.

“The Rancho Murieta Board of Directors acts in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Rancho Murieta Association as well as the laws of the State of California. The board endeavors to protect the lawful rights of its members, its employees, and the board itself.

“We are very careful adhering to our fiduciary duties, and if we have any concerns, we act after advice of counsel.”

O’Hern concluded his statement by thanking Carrillo for his service and wishing him the best in the future.

Background

Carrillo was first elected to the board in November 2020 and re-elected in November 2023. His term was set to expire in November 2026. Based on past practice, the board will solicit candidates for the vacant seat and appoint a director to serve the remainder of his term.

The rift involving Carrillo first became public during a contentious board meeting on April 15.

(See “RMA Board Rift Emerges at Contentious Meeting”)

Speaking during public comments, Carrillo said his fellow board members had quietly formed a committee to discuss matters requiring a closed session and had excluded him from its meetings. He said he had been accused of disclosing confidential information, a charge he categorically denied.

He said his attempts to communicate with staff, the board and legal counsel had gone unanswered.

“To this day, no notice has been provided to the membership regarding this shift in representation,” Carrillo said. “That is a serious omission.”

Director Scott Adams defended the board’s actions, confirming that the executive session committee was formed with the advice of legal counsel.

“We did so for legal reasons that were explained to Director Carrillo,” Adams said.

Carrillo also proposed forming a Leadership & Community Improvement Committee to help the association recommit to transparency and open dialogue, though he did not request that it be placed on a future agenda.

Carrillo didn’t attend the May board meeting. However, speaking during public comments at the June 17 Board meeting, he stated that his efforts to get his committee proposal on the board agenda had been in vain.

(See “RMA Board Member Rift Continues”)

Carrillo said he reached out to O’Hern but received no response or acknowledgment of his request. He said he also shared his proposal with the other directors, needing support from just one to place the item on the agenda, but none responded.

“The preparation of my proposal demanded considerable effort and dedication, and to be met with indifference is disheartening,” Carrillo said. “This lack of support raises questions about the board’s willingness to provide change.”

O’Hern told him that agenda items are added at the discretion of the general manager, the board president or any two board members.

“If a director cannot get someone else to support him, it will not appear on the agenda, nor should it be addressed at the meeting,” he said.

“It is beyond the scope and authority of a single board member to establish or rename a committee without the support and majority vote of the board, particularly one which may create the illusion that the committee is in some way in charge of directing Rancho Murieta Association leadership,” O’Hern added.

Carrillo didn’t attend the July meeting and tendered his resignation on Aug. 8.