OUR MISSION: To provide our customers with high-quality, efficient and reliable water, power and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.
525 Golden Gate Avenue, 13th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
T 415.554.3155
F 415.554.3161
TTY 415.554.3488
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Correspondence Log
February 15, 2024 through February 20, 2024
Date Received From Subject
February 15 , 2024 Lalitha Visveswaran Urgent Review of ACRCD’s Management of Sunol AgPark and Misuse of SFPUC
Resources
February 19 , 2024 Lalitha Visveswaran Evidence of Pre-Determined Non-Renewal Decision by ACRCD, Misuse of SFPUC
Resources and Request for Independent
Investigation
February 20 , 2024 Lalitha Visveswaran Request for SFPUC Oversight and Review of ACRCD’s Management of Sunol AgPark
From: Lalitha Visveswaran
To: Commission
Cc: Dawson, Amy L; 1 Haubert; [email protected]; jellicles farm; Jellicles Farm Subject: Urgent Review of ACRCD’s Management of Sunol AgPark and Misuse of SFPUC Resources Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024 11:03:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
525 13th floor - Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear San Francisco Public Utilities Commission,
I am writing to urgently request your attention to concerning developments regarding the Alameda County Resource Conservation District’s (ACRCD) management of Sunol AgPark
, particularly in relation to their handling of my farming license and potential misuse of SFPUC resources.
Recent California Public Records Act (CPRA) request findings have uncovered that ACRCD’s decision to not renew my farming license was predetermined as early as August 2023. This decision, made during my period of medical recuperation, appears to have been a calculated move, taken irrespective of my compliance with ACRCD’s requirements and ongoing dispute resolution efforts.
Such actions by ACRCD not only disregarded the principles of fair management but also leveraged my personal circumstances against me, exacerbating my vulnerability and leading to the termination of my decade-long farming career on SFPUC land.
This premeditated decision by ACRCD has significant implications for SFPUC, as it indicates a potential misuse of the resources and budget allocated for the administration and management of Sunol AgPark.
Furthermore, it is concerning that ACRCD may have misled SFPUC by projecting an image of engaging in dispute resolution, while budget discussions and allocations for county counsel were ongoing with SFPUC, despite having already made the decision to terminate my license.
This raises serious concerns about ACRCD’s commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and the welfare of the farming community it is supposed to support.
The impact of these actions on my personal and professional life has been profound. I have suffered considerable financial strain, emotional distress, and the loss of my decade long farming operation.
In light of these troubling revelations, I strongly urge the SFPUC to conduct a thorough investigation into ACRCD’s management practices at Sunol AgPark.
It is crucial to assess whether ACRCD is acting in the best interest of the public, the land, and the farmers it serves, and to ensure that such misuse of authority and resources does not recur.
I am available to provide further information and evidence to support these claims and am seeking your assistance in obtaining justice and restitution for the hardships I have endured due to ACRCD’s conduct.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical issue. I trust that the SFPUC will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation and uphold the values of fairness and integrity in the management of Sunol AgPark.
Sincerely,
Lalitha Visveswaran
cc: Amy Dawson, SFPUC
Board of Supervisors, Alameda County. District 1
On Jan 23, 2024, at 11:35 PM, Jellicles Farm <[email protected]> wrote:
To: SFPUC Commission
Subject: Concerns Regarding Incomplete CPRA Response and Potential Suppression of Information by ACRCD
I am writing to you as a former licensed farmer at Sunol AgPark, managed by the Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) under a lease with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).
For the past ten years, I have diligently worked at Sunol AgPark until my recent experience led to the non-renewal of my farming license, which I believe was influenced by discrimination and harassment following a period of medical leave post-surgery.
Despite my efforts to communicate, resolve, and seek mediation with ACRCD, all attempts have been unsuccessful, culminating in the unfortunate termination of my farming career.
The partial California Public Records Act (CPRA) results I received from ACRCD seem to deliberately omit critical communication, particularly the letter(sent by email and USPS)
I sent on October 20 2023, titled “Concerns for
Future Retaliation, Evidence Request and Detailed Timeline.”
This email, along with other correspondences, appears to have been actively suppressed or not acknowledged by ACRCD. Furthermore, certified mail(dated November 09, 2023) containing grievance details was unclaimed and returned, suggesting an intent to ignore significant correspondence.
Additionally, evidence from the CPRA discovery indicates inquiries about these suppressed emails and unacknowledged mail, yet the trail abruptly ends, implying an incomplete disclosure of records.
This incomplete response and the absence of crucial text messages or meeting notes that led to the official emails and notices sent, raise serious questions about ACRCD's compliance with CPRA regulations.
The CPRA is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in public agencies. The inconsistencies and gaps in ACRCD’s response, coupled with the lack of disclosure of text messages and meeting notes, indicate a potential breach of these principles.
The missing information is critical to understanding the context and decision- making process that led to the non-renewal of my farming license at Sunol AgPark.
Given these concerns, it is my hope that through this investigation, any wrongs can be righted, and a fair resolution can be found for the significant losses I have suffered.
It is imperative to establish the full extent of the records pertaining to my communications with ACRCD and to ensure that all relevant and legally required information is disclosed.
There seems to be an alleged intent by ACRCD to suppress communication and create a false narrative to justify the non-renewal of my license.
Your intervention in investigating these irregularities and ensuring full compliance with CPRA requirements is crucial.
I am prepared to provide further details and documentation as necessary to assist in this process.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response and guidance.
Sincerely,
Lalitha Visveswaran
cc: Amy Dawson, SFPUC
Board of Supervisors, Alameda County, District 1
From: Lalitha Visveswaran
To: Commission; 1 Haubert
Cc: Dawson, Amy L; [email protected]; jellicles farm; Jellicles Farm Subject: Evidence of Pre-Determined Non-Renewal Decision by ACRCD, Misuse of SFPUC Resources and Request for Independent Investigation Date: Monday, February 19, 2024 10:24:53 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
To: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
525 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
CC: Board of Supervisors, Alameda County ; Amy Dawson, SFPUC Dear Members of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Alameda County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to present evidence that further underscores my concerns about the Alameda County Resource Conservation District’s (ACRCD) management of Sunol AgPark, particularly regarding the handling of my farming license.
Enclosed are critical screenshots from internal ACRCD communications obtained from a partial CPRA request , which I believe illustrate a premeditated decision to not renew my farming license, contrary to the ongoing dispute resolution process.
One of these screenshots, dated August 23, explicitly indicates that the decision not to renew my license had already been made, despite ongoing discussions and dispute resolution efforts.
This revelation is particularly concerning as it suggests that the dispute resolution process was merely a facade , with no real intent of addressing or resolving the issues raised.
Moreover, these actions by ACRCD were taken during a period when I was in medical recuperation, exploiting my situation and imposing demands that were beyond my capacity to fulfill at the time. This constitutes a clear case of harassment, utilizing my medical condition as leverage against me.
I also wish to highlight that, during this period, ACRCD engaged legal counsel, incurring expenses that were potentially passed on to SFPUC.
It should be of concern that SFPUC resources were utilized under the guise of a fair dispute resolution process, which, as the evidence suggests, was never intended to be impartial or just.
In light of these circumstances, I urge the SFPUC and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to conduct an independent investigation into these practices.
The enclosed screenshots are merely indicative of the broader issues at play, and a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the full extent of ACRCD’s actions.
I seek not only clarity and accountability but also justice and restitution for the losses and hardships I have endured due to these actions.
It is my belief that only through an independent inquiry can the truth of these matters be fully understood, and appropriate actions be taken to rectify the wrongs committed.
I am
available for further discussion and to provide additional evidence as required. Your prompt attention to this critical issue is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Lalitha Visveswaran
Attached: partial evidence from CPRA request results.
On Feb 15, 2024, at 11:03 PM, Lalitha Visveswaran <[email protected]> wrote:
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
525 13th floor - Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear San Francisco Public Utilities Commission,
I am writing to urgently request your attention to concerning developments regarding the Alameda County Resource Conservation District ’s (ACRCD) management of Sunol
AgPark, particularly in relation to their handling of my farming license and potential misuse of SFPUC resources.
Recent California Public Records Act (CPRA) request findings have uncovered that ACRCD’s decision to not renew my farming license was predetermined as early as August 2023. This decision, made during my period of medical recuperation, appears to have been a calculated move, taken irrespective of my compliance with ACRCD’s requirements and ongoing dispute resolution efforts.
Such actions by ACRCD not only disregarded the principles of fair management but also leveraged my personal circumstances against me, exacerbating my vulnerability and leading to the termination of my decade-long farming career on SFPUC land.
This premeditated decision by ACRCD has significant implications for SFPUC, as it indicates a potential misuse of the resources and budget allocated for the administration and management of Sunol AgPark.
Furthermore, it is concerning that ACRCD may have misled SFPUC by projecting an image of engaging in dispute resolution, while budget discussions and allocations for county counsel were ongoing with SFPUC, despite having already made the decision to terminate my license.
This raises serious concerns about ACRCD’s commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and the welfare of the farming community it is supposed to support.
The impact of these actions on my personal and professional life has been profound. I have suffered considerable financial strain, emotional distress, and the loss of my decade long farming operation.
In light of these troubling revelations, I strongly urge the SFPUC to conduct a thorough investigation into ACRCD’s management practices at Sunol AgPark.
It is crucial to assess whether ACRCD is acting in the best interest of the public, the land, and the farmers it serves, and to ensure that such misuse of authority and resources does not recur.
I am available to provide further information and evidence to support these claims and am seeking your assistance in obtaining justice and restitution for the hardships I have endured due to ACRCD’s conduct.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical issue. I trust that the SFPUC will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation and uphold the values of fairness and integrity in the management of Sunol AgPark.
Sincerely,
Lalitha Visveswaran
510-676-5254
cc: Amy Dawson, SFPUC
Board of Supervisors, Alameda County. District 1
On Jan 23, 2024, at 11:35
PM, Jellicles Farm <[email protected]> wrote:
To: SFPUC Commission
Subject:
Concerns Regarding Incomplete CPRA Response and Potential Suppression of Information by ACRCD I am writing to you as a former licensed farmer at Sunol AgPark, managed by the Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) under a lease with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).
For the
past ten years, I have diligently worked at Sunol AgPark until my recent experience led to the non-renewal of my farming license, which I believe was influenced by discrimination and harassment following a period of medical leave post-surgery.
Despite my efforts to communicate, resolve, and seek mediation with ACRCD, all attempts have been unsuccessful, culminating in the unfortunate termination of my farming career.
The
partial California Public Records Act (CPRA) results I received from ACRCD seem to deliberately omit critical communication, particularly the letter(sent by email and USPS)
I sent on October 20 2023, titled “Concerns for Future Retaliation, Evidence Request and Detailed Timeline.”
This email, along with other correspondences, appears to have been actively suppressed or not acknowledged by ACRCD. Furthermore, certified mail(dated
November 09, 2023) containing grievance details was unclaimed and returned, suggesting an intent to ignore significant correspondence.
Additionally, evidence from the CPRA discovery indicates inquiries about these suppressed emails and unacknowledged mail, yet the trail abruptly ends, implying an incomplete disclosure of records.
This incomplete response and the absence of crucial text messages or meeting notes that led to the official emails and notices sent, raise serious questions about ACRCD's compliance with CPRA regulations.
The CPRA is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in public agencies . The inconsistencies and gaps in ACRCD’s response, coupled with the lack of disclosure of text messages and meeting notes, indicate a potential breach of these principles.
The missing information is critical to understanding the context and decision-making process that led to the non-renewal of my farming license at Sunol AgPark.
Given these concerns, it is my hope that through this investigation, any wrongs can be righted, and a fair resolution can be found for the significant losses I have suffered.
It is imperative to establish the full extent of the records pertaining to my communications with ACRCD and to ensure that all relevant and legally required information is disclosed.
There seems to be an alleged intent by ACRCD to suppress communication and create a false narrative to justify the non-renewal of my license.
Your intervention in investigating these irregularities and ensuring full compliance with CPRA requirements is crucial.
I am prepared to provide further details and documentation as necessary to assist in this process.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response and guidance.
Sincerely,
Lalitha Visveswaran
510-676-5254
cc: Amy Dawson, SFPUC
Board of Supervisors, Alameda County, District 1
From: Lalitha Visveswaran
To: Commission
Cc: Dawson, Amy L; jellicles farm; Jellicles Farm
Subject: Request for SFPUC Oversight and Review of ACRCD’s Management of Sunol AgPark Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 10:05:46 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear San Francisco Public Utilities Commission,
I am reaching out to discuss the management of Sunol AgPark by the Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) and to seek clarity on the oversight responsibilities of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).
My efforts to address the non-renewal of my farming license at Sunol AgPark, managed by ACRCD, have involved approaching multiple parties for assistance:
1. Katherine Boxer, CEO of ACRCD.
2. Karen Sweet and the Board of Directors of ACRCD.
3. Board of Supervisors of Alameda County, District 1.
4. California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD).
5. SFPUC at Sunol AgPark.
Despite these efforts, a fair hearing and resolution to my concerns have not been forthcoming.
Recent CPRA records have also highlighted a compromised dispute resolution process and potential violations of the Brown Act by ACRCD.
Given the SFPUC's financial support and leasing arrangement with ACRCD for Sunol AgPark, I am seeking your review and investigation of their management practices. This is especially pertinent considering the recent findings which suggest a possible misuse of authority and resources.
The termination of my farming license and the way it was handled have had a significant impact on my livelihood. I am seeking justice and restitution for the losses I have suffered.
Therefore, I request SFPUC’s intervention in this matter to ensure fair governance and ethical management of Sunol AgPark.
I kindly ask for a response from your office regarding this matter. If SFPUC is unable to intervene, I will need to consider escalating my concerns to higher authorities.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue that has taken a toll on my career, financial, physical and mental health. I am available to provide any further information required.
Sincerely,
Lalitha Visveswaran