APCD employees tell board of hostile work environment, urge third‑party review

Several current and former employees of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) told the Air Pollution Control Board during the meeting's public comment period that workplace conditions have deteriorated and urged the board to order an independent review.

Neil Hamill, a Ventura resident and a supervising inspector with the Air Pollution Control District, said multiple coworkers had been investigated and, during those investigations, placed on administrative leave, stripped of building access and work email, and left unable to obtain records to defend themselves. "With Ms. Mendoza's continued access to the district network, she has the ability to remove or tamper with files and information. This should be highly disturbing to you all," Hamill said. He concluded, "Please help us. We need action."

"Since last time I spoke in July, there has been little…