The California Attorney General has granted permission for a lawsuit against two local officials in Heber, California, for allegedly holding incompatible public offices. Diahna Garcia-Ruiz applied for leave to sue Helen Diaz Molina and Tony Sandoval, who serve as utility district directors and school district trustees. This ruling, issued on November 6, 2026, under docket number 26-902, raises significant questions about public office compatibility and governance in the community.

The ruling is important because it addresses the legal principle that public officials must avoid conflicts of interest to ensure they serve their constituents effectively. The outcome of this case could impact the governance of Heber, a small community in Imperial County, and set a precedent for similar cases in California.

Background

Heber is an unincorporated area in Imperial County, home to about 7,300 residents. The community is served by several districts, including the Heber Public Utility District, which manages drinking water, sewage treatment, and garbage collection. The Heber Elementary School District oversees two schools with approximately 1,100 students. Each district is governed by a five-member board.

Helen Diaz Molina and Tony Sandoval are currently serving four-year terms on both boards. Sandoval was elected to the Utility District board in 2022, while Diaz Molina joined the board in 2024. The dispute centers around whether they assumed their positions on the Utility District board or the Elementary School District board first. Garcia-Ruiz contends that holding both positions violates California Government Code section 1099, which prohibits public officers from simultaneously holding incompatible offices.

Garcia-Ruiz's application for leave to sue was prompted by concerns that the dual roles of Diaz Molina and Sandoval could lead to conflicts of interest. The Attorney General's office was asked to determine whether a quo warranto action, which challenges a public official's right to hold office, could proceed based on these allegations.

The Ruling

The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, ruled that the application for leave to sue was granted. The court found that the issue of whether Diaz Molina and Sandoval were holding incompatible offices presented a substantial legal question that warranted judicial review. The opinion stated, "Quo warranto is available to address the alleged violation here," and emphasized the importance of public officials having undivided loyalties.

In the ruling, the court analyzed the compatibility of the board positions held by the two officials. It noted that the Heber Public Utility District provides services to the Heber Elementary School District, which creates potential conflicts of interest. The opinion highlighted that "a conflict could arise between the officials’ obligations to ensure adequate revenue for the Utility District and to minimize costs for the School District." This potential for conflict is central to the determination of whether the offices are incompatible.

Impact

The ruling has significant implications for local governance in Heber and potentially across California. If the lawsuit proceeds, it could lead to the removal of either Diaz Molina or Sandoval from one of their positions, depending on which office they assumed first. This case underscores the importance of ensuring that public officials do not have divided loyalties, which can compromise their ability to serve the public effectively.

Moreover, the ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving public officials holding multiple offices. The Attorney General's decision to allow the lawsuit to proceed reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of public office and ensuring that officials act in the best interest of their constituents. As the court noted, there are no countervailing considerations against granting leave to sue, indicating a strong public interest in resolving the matter.

What's Next

The case can proceed to court, where the merits of the allegations will be examined. If the court finds that Diaz Molina and Sandoval are holding incompatible offices, it could result in significant changes to the governance structure in Heber. Details regarding any potential appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing.