Why did a State Assembly District Director fail to report her various business interests to the FPPC?
By Frank Gayaldo
LATHROP- State Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua and his longtime spokesman Lee Neves continue to refuse to answer any questions, including why his District Director Xochitl Paderes avoided notifying the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) the fact she’s been the CEO of a “City of Lathrop Chamber of Commerce LLC” since at least August 24, 2022 and the registered agent for this fake “chamber”’since at least November 11, 2020.
Due to her highly sensitive position with Carlos Villapudua, Director Paderes has filed two “Statement of Economic Interests” (Form 700) with the FPPC, one on 8/8/22 and another on 3/30/23.
Paderes wrote “Submitting prior to tax completion/ may be amended” on her most recent Form 700. Even if Director Paderes does make later amendments, that will not explain why she originally failed to report her economic interests in dozens of companies that she is associated with. For example, Paderes is the “director”, “secretary” and “registered agent” for Axis Truck Driving School” which is reportedly located on Harlan Road in Lathrop and has been in existence since December 7, 2020.
On February 1, 2023, Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua introduced AB 376 to expand financial aid for truck driving school programs.
Numerous City of Lathrop officials, including the city manager and mayor, have confirmed with 209 Times that they were totally unaware of Director Paderes’ for profit “chamber”. Just yesterday the Secretary of State recommended the City of Lathrop report the bogus chamber to the State Attorney General’s office.
This is a developing story as there are ongoing numerous multi-agency criminal investigations involving Paderes and her “highly questionable” financial activities.
Sources say she has been on leave from Carlos’ office while continuing to receive a full salary for months from tax payers. Carlos, his wife Edith who is running for State Senate (to represent Stockton, Tracy and Modesto), and their spokesman Lee Neves have refused to confirm or provide any statements.
