News reports indicate that the home of Shohreh Dupuis, city manager for the City of Laguna Beach, was vandalized with the intent to target and harass this public servant.
In response, the Orange County City Managers Association has issued the following statement:
“As peers of Laguna Beach city manager Shohreh Dupuis, we stand firm in support of our fellow public servant whose home was recently vandalized. This week, Dupuis husband woke up and found their home covered in what seemed to be either sewage or feces along the planters, the mailbox, and stairs of their home. If this was an act of intimidation and harassment, the Orange County City Manager Association (OCCMA) strongly rejects this unacceptable and vile act against a public servant.”
The thirty-four city managers in Orange County comprise the OCCMA which offers a network of support and advocacy for issues impacting the profession and to share lessons and best practices. Laguna Beach operates under a council-manager form of government. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in a five-person City Council. Dupuis’ role as city manager is to carry out the policies and ordinances of the City Council and oversee the day-to-day operations of the City. None of which warrant a personal attack.
City of Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen offered support by condemning the actions. Efforts to find those who committed this crime are underway by the City of Laguna police department. OCCMA appreciates the swift repudiation of this illegal act by the mayor and urges fellow council members to express their condemnation of these criminal acts against their city manager. We remain steadfast in support of our colleague and ready to assist in any way.