Official Press Release
Administrative Investigation Report
Armendariz Augustine Citation Letter and Citation
Armendariz Domingo Citation Letter and Citation
Armendariz Rebeca Citation Letter and Citation
Calderon Benjamin Citation Letter and Citation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Rachelle Bedell, Communication and Engagement Manager
408-846-0443
DATE: 04/11/2022
Administrative Investigation Findings and Citations
Surrounding the Events that Occurred on October 29 and 30, 2021
Monday, April 11, 2022 (Gilroy, CA): Hanson Bridgett LLP has concluded the independent Administrative Investigation Report regarding the possible violation of City Codes concerning the circumstances surrounding the events that occurred at the residence of 490 Las Animas Avenue, on October 29 and 30, 2021, home of Gilroy City Council Member Rebeca Armendariz.
The report concluded that the evidence supported the following findings:
- Ms. Armendariz violated the City’s Social Accountability Host Ordinance (Ord. No. 2007-14 § I, 6-4-07) whose purpose is to reduce underage drinking and which establishes rules and penalties for persons who actively or passively aid, abet, or allow loud or unruly gatherings and,
- Ms. Armendariz violated the City’s Special Event Permit Requirements which state that the permit and City barricades issued to Ms. Armendariz were solely for the Dia de los Muertos event specified on the application, and
- Ms. Armendariz’s conduct involved the unauthorized use of City assets.
The report also concluded that the evidence did not support a finding that Ms. Armendariz’s conduct involved the unauthorized closure of a City roadway.
The full Administrative Investigation Report is available on the City’s website. (Investigation Report)
It has also been determined that Rebeca Armendariz aided in organizing the event of October 29/30, 2021 and did not obtain the required Gilroy Special Event Permit.
Further, it has been determined that Augustina (Sally) Armendariz, Benjamin Calderon, and Domingo Armendariz also violated the City’s Social Host Ordinance and failed to obtain the required Gilroy Special Event Permit for the public event held at 490 Las Animas Avenue.
In accordance with these findings, the City of Gilroy has issued a total of ten citations to Ms. Rebeca Armendariz. Ms. Augustina (Sally) Armendariz, Mr. Benjamin Calderon, and Mr. Domingo Armendariz have each been issued four citations.
On November 5, 2021, the City of Gilroy retained Hanson Bridgett LLP to conduct a thorough review and administrative investigation into Ms. Armendariz’s involvement and the potential violation of City rules, regulations, or procedures with regards to the circumstances surrounding the events that occurred at the private residence of 490 Las Animas Avenue, on October 29 and 30, 2021.
With the receipt of the Administrative Investigation Report and the subsequent citations, the administration investigation for this incident is now closed.
The criminal investigation being conducted by the Gilroy Police Department is still ongoing. Additional details involving the criminal investigation are not available at this time. Anyone who has information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Silva at (408) 846-0335. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Gilroy Police Department Tip Line at (408) 846-0330.
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