CA Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil calls out MID director for conflict of interest
State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil entered the arena of Modesto Irrigation District turmoil by filing a sworn complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission, she announced on Monday.
In a letter to MID General Manager Jimi Netniss, Alvarado-Gil said Director Larry Byrd’s vote last month was “egregious” and a violation of the Political Reform Act.
“Anyone that takes a position of trust as an elected official and makes decisions that benefit them financially, that is an erosion of trust,” Alvarado-Gil told The Modesto Bee.
Alvarado-Gil alleges that Byrd violated California Government Code Section 87100, which prohibits public officials from making, participating in or influencing governmental decisions where they have a financial interest.
At an MID board meeting in December, Byrd was a tying vote on a motion to continue an investigation into himself. Had Byrd recused himself, the motion would have passed, and the investigation would have gone on.
The director was under investigation for misusing or stealing MID canal water to irrigate almond trees on a property he co-owns, known as AB La Grange Ranch.
Since his vote, ethics experts have said he had a clear conflict of interest and should have recused himself as Director John Boer IV did.
“There’s still questions that don’t have answers, and this was what was debated at the last meeting of the board,” Alvarado-Gil said. “If Director Byrd recused himself, as would have been appropriate for a public elected official, in my opinion, the vote … would have continued with the investigation.”
Board President Robert Frobose, who authorized the investigation into Byrd’s water use, said Alvarado-Gil’s letter is appreciated and noted her FPPC complaint was “another step in the right direction.”
“With her help, I am hopeful that we can find a path forward to make sure the ratepayers of MID are not financing Larry Byrd’s unauthorized use of water.”
Alvarado-Gil also requested that MID’s board put the investigation vote on an agenda once more and allow the district’s legal counsel to publicly advise board members on their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Frobose said he’s willing to do that, but not until he’s certain Byrd wouldn’t vote on it. Frobose added that counsel can advise Byrd to recuse himself, but it’s up to the director himself to do so.
“I’m weighing all the options of the best interests of the ratepayers,” Frobose said. “There’s no point in putting it back on the agenda until it’s clear (Byrd) won’t vote.”
Alvarado-Gil, who’s no stranger to controversy herself, is campaigning for re-election. Her Republican opponent is Alexandra Duarte, wife of former U.S. Rep. John Duarte — a Byrd supporter who opposed his investigation.
“I don’t know what this has to do with a state senator,” John Duarte said. “I think she’s trying to get traction or attention where she could get it.”
Duane Dichiara, a political consultant for Alexandra Duarte’s campaign, echoed the former congressman’s words, saying Alvarado-Gil “has a campaign that is quickly plummeting due to her track record of being a Democrat with Democrat votes.” Alvarado-Gil switched parties in August 2024, becoming a Republican.
Alvarado-Gil denied her FPPC complaint and letter to the MID board are politically motivated, adding that comments from the Duarte camp are “disappointing” and “irresponsible.”
“I just think it’s unfortunate that political consultants want to politicize something that’s near and dear to the people that we represent, and that’s affordability in California. … We owe it to those who we represent to inquire further,” she said.
The FPPC takes up to 14 days after receiving a sworn complaint to determine how it intends to proceed. If it chooses to investigate, Byrd could face fines, a hearing before an administrative law judge or, in some cases, a civil suit.
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 1:50 PM.
