“Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency.” – Unknown
By Brian Hews
Editors note: The first in a series that will expose corruption and cronyism at the highest levels within the Montebello Unified School District.
Everardo “Lalo” Trujillo is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Registered Municipal Advisor and a financial advisor to the MUSD, trusted by the MUSD Board to give advice on sensitive financial matters regarding the district.
Trujillo has been working for the MUSD since June of 2014, providing input on the implementation of the $300 million bond, Measure GS, which passed this year.
But with all the responsibility and fiduciary duties, Trujillo, at the regular Nov. 3 MUSD Board Meeting, completely misrepresented himself, calling into question Trujillo’s true motives and allegiance to the MUSD.
Trujillo’s blatant falsehood took place while the board was seeking to draw down the first $100 million of the $300 million Measure GS bond. The resolution passed by a vote of 4-1, with Hector Chacon casting the lone no vote.
Some on the Board were concerned about Trujillo’s relationship with Board President Ben Cardenas.
During the meeting, Chacon asked Trujillo, “Have you worked for the City of Pico Rivera?” Trujillo paused and answered no.
“Let me restate the question, “countered Chacon, “have you in any capacity ever worked for the City of Pico Rivera.”
Once again Trujillo answered no, this time looking over at MUSD Board President Ben Cardenas after his answer.
Strangely, Cardenas knew that Trujillo worked for Pico Rivera but did not interject during Chacon’s questioning.
Cardenas works for Pico Rivera as Assistant City Manager; he was hired Jan 2, 2015, so Cardenas knew Trujillo worked for Pico Rivera, yet did not confront Trujillo after Chacon’s questions.
A Pico Rivera Council Meeting Seating Chart, obtained by HMG-CN and dated February 2015, shows that Cardenas sat at the same table during Council meetings.
Chart showing Cardenas sat with Trujillo at the same table during Council meetings. Click on image to view larger document.
HMG-CN subsequently found further proof of Trujillo’s misrepresentation obtaining his application to the SEC to become a registered municipal advisor.
The application showed that Trujillo indicated he worked for Pico Rivera as the Director of Finance starting in Oct. 2014 earning $17,750 per month. A search on Transparent California confirmed that statement and shows pay records through 2015 for Trujillo.
Trujillo’s SEC application showing he worked for Pico Rivera. Click on image to view larger document.
Transparent California shows Trujillo worked for Pico Rivera in 2015. Click on image to view larger document.
In addition, the investigation showed that Trujillo has questionable ties related to his own company, Mission Trail Advisors.
One month prior to his employment with MUSD, Trujillo proposed an Energy Lighting Program for MUSD using Evergreen Energy Solutions as contractors.
Evergreen is owned by Luis Rojas, who also owns Del Terra Construction Company.
Cardenas’ boss is Pico Rivera City Councilman Gustavo Camacho; Camacho works for Rojas and Del Terra.
Del Terra recently landed a lucrative project management contract with MUSD worth almost $16 million, which was approved by the board in August of this year.
Questions continue to surround Cardenas’ refusal to recuse himself in the vote to give Del Terra the contract given his relationship with Camacho.
MUSD Chief Businesss Officer Ruben Rojas Involved?
Trujillo later proposed that MUSD discuss the use of state of California’s Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank) for funding of the Energy Lighting Program.
At the time, current MUSD CBO Rojas was Deputy Executive Director of the I-Bank.
Rojas was appointed to the I-Bank in July 2013, yet, for some reason, left the prestigious job to become CBO at MUSD.
HMG-CN contacted Lloyd Garrison, California School Employees Association Montebello Chapter 505 President for comment on Trujillo’s misrepresentation at the meeting.
Garrison did not mince words saying, “I really don’t understand why he would lie to board member Chacon, unless Trujillo was hiding or covering something up. It looked like Board President Cardenas did not know what to say when he (Trujillo) was questioned twice and answered no.”
“There is lots of mismanaging, mishandling, and wrongdoing and board president (Cardenas) is letting it all happen. In order to make the $300 million bond work, Ruben Rojas needs to leave and Cardenas needs to step aside.”
Garrison finished by saying, “Trujillo publicly lied, but what is equally as troubling is his company, Mission Trail Advisors. Mission Trails and Del Terra and have worked together, and CBO Ruben Rojas is using him for advice on our improvement bond? That is not right, that is a big conflict of interest.”
UP NEXT: Catch Me If You Can…… Rojas Defrauds I-Bank and MUSD.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
When is the next report on this going to be published? Can’t believe they granted more contracts to Del Terra after the Bell Gardens High School three story building fiasco.
Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 11 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)
$214.44 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls
$24.97 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Blink Mini 2 (Newest Model) — Home Security & Pet Camera(s) with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way audio, and built-in spotlight — 1 camera (White)
$19.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Crocs Unisex Adult Classic Clog
$30.00 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
XIEERDUO 3/4 Length Sleeve Womens Tops Dressy Casual Blouses for Women 2025 Trendy V Neck T Shirts Summer Clothes
$14.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Cell Phone, 128GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Camera, Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, Long Battery Life, 2025, Navy (Renewed)
$548.00 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TicTac Shot Pool Toys Games Set- Tic-Tac-Toe Inflatable Pool Toy with 10 Balls - for Adults Teens Kids 2-10 Players
$30.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WHOOP Peak – 12-Month Membership – 5.0 Health and Fitness Wearable – 24/7 Activity and Sleep Tracker with Heart Rate, HRV, Stress Monitor, Personalized Coaching, Healthspan – 14+ Days Battery Life
$239.00 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Laptop Computer for Home and Business Student, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, 15.6" FHD, Intel Dual-Core Processor, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro, Wendbo
$419.00 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mighty Patch™ Original patch from Hero Cosmetics - Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch for Covering Zits and Blemishes in Face and Skin, Vegan-friendly and Not Tested on Animals (36 Count)
$12.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Don’t forget ,George Upegi,who is the( MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR),That went along with,Ruben Rojas, to move Del Terra (Evergreen),into the maintenance yard .George had us build offices in the second story building for Ruben Rojas and Del Terra to have meetings,on big projects.George Upegi,moved facilities coordinators out of their offices,then George was going to be a consultant,for del terra after George Upegi retires this December.George Upegi is familiar with cronyism,in maintenance and operations.more to come if you want to know.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - Noise Cancelling, Heart Rate Monitor, IPX4, Up to 45H Battery & Charging Case, Works with Apple & Android - Jet Black (Renewed)
$175.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Anker Laptop Charger, 140W MAX USB C Charger, 4-Port Multi-Device Fast Charging, Advanced GaN Power Adapter, Intuitive Touch Controls, for MacBook, iPhone 16 Series, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, and More
$99.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AIPER Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner, Pool Vacuum with Auto- Parking, Lightweight, Ideal for Above Ground Flat Pool up to 860 sq.ft. (Renewed)
$99.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 P Cent Roll - 50 Coin Set of Union Shied Design Lincoln Uncirculated
$17.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AUVERI Super Bright Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof 10 Pack, from Dusk to Dawn Up to 12H Light for Outside, Auto On/Off Solar Powered Garden Pathway Lights, Landscape Lighting for Yard
$28.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming
$19.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight
$893.90 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, 5 One-Touch Programs, White, Includes 2 16oz Pints with Storage Lids, Transform Frozen Bases to Ice Cream, Sorbets, Milkshakes, Vegan, Dairy-Free Options, NC300WH (Renewed)
$168.95 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
eos Shea Better Body Lotion- Vanilla Cashmere, 24-Hour Moisture Skin Care, Lightweight & Non-Greasy, Made with Natural Shea, Vegan, 16 fl oz
$9.97 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SAMPEEL Dresses for Women 2025 Casual Summer Sundresses Sleeveless Tank Dress Fashion Outfits
$19.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
All roads lead back to Pico Rivera Mob Boss Gustavo “El Chapo” Camacho. He knows Ben Cardenas owes his job to him and is in turn squeezing Ben at the school district to make millions. Poor Ben knows his fast-track job at Pico Rivera is at-risk if he bucks El Chapo. Camacho has tried to muscle his own city’s school district El Rancho Unified for contracts for his company Del Terra and now they are paying the price as well. I think Brian has a big fish on the line here. This is classic Play-To-Pay!
Ring Battery Doorbell, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with Two-Way Talk, and Motion Detection & Alerts (2024 release), Satin Nickel
$54.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SAMPEEL Dresses for Women 2025 Casual Summer Sundresses Sleeveless Tank Dress Fashion Outfits
$19.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
PACOVY Floor Lamp, Adjustable Height Floor Lamps for Living Room Bedroom, 120 LED Super Bright Standing Lamp Remote & Touch Control Dimmable Gooseneck Tall Stand Reading Lamp for Office Craft, Black
$29.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Drift Car Air Freshener - Wood Air Freshener - Car Odor Eliminator - Teak Scent Starter Kit
$12.95 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Crocs Unisex Adult Classic Clog
$30.00 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AIPER Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner, Pool Vacuum with Auto- Parking, Lightweight, Ideal for Above Ground Flat Pool up to 860 sq.ft. (Renewed)
$99.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL™, 100% USDA Biobased Face Towel, Disposable Face Towelette, Eczema Association Accepted, Makeup Remover Dry Wipes, Ultra Soft, 50 Ct, 1 Pack
$17.95 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 P Cent Roll - 50 Coin Set of Union Shied Design Lincoln Uncirculated
$17.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Seago Swim Goggles 2 Pack Anti-Fog Anti-UV Wide View Swimming Goggles for Kids 3-15
$14.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ZELUS Weighted Vest, 6lb/8lb/12lb/16lb/20lb/25lb/30lb Weight Vest with Reflective Stripe for Workout, Strength Training, Running, Fitness, Muscle Building, Weight Loss, Weightlifting
$36.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Del Terra couldn’t build a play house! Look at the horrible job they did at BGHS. The building is a POS! Plus, they couldn’t even finish it someone else had to come in and bail them out! Let’s not forget about the Asbestos cover-up! None of their workers were certified to remove any of that hazardous material. The district had to pay out five-million dollars to have other contractors clean up the mess. The sad thing is our students are the ones that suffer! We should be spending this money on computers, books, and new state-of-the-art facilities! They need to get real contractors in there that have experience not these fly by night operators! Ben is going to get recalled! The gig is up! Why don’t they request quality RFPs with up-charge clauses and penalties for time-delays? Waivers of subrogation? Look at Del Terra’s Manta report. They have don’t even have that many employees. Do the research people and you will see the scam! It’s all a SHAM! The contract they signed with Del Terra is full of fluff anyone with a brain knows someone is getting a kick back!
AUVERI Super Bright Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof 10 Pack, from Dusk to Dawn Up to 12H Light for Outside, Auto On/Off Solar Powered Garden Pathway Lights, Landscape Lighting for Yard
$28.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Titleist Pro V1
$54.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ZELUS Weighted Vest, 6lb/8lb/12lb/16lb/20lb/25lb/30lb Weight Vest with Reflective Stripe for Workout, Strength Training, Running, Fitness, Muscle Building, Weight Loss, Weightlifting
$36.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 Lincoln Penny Collection, S P D Mint Marks, Proof and Uncirculated Set, 3 Pieces
$39.95 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Drift Car Air Freshener - Wood Air Freshener - Car Odor Eliminator - Teak Scent Starter Kit
$12.95 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL™, 100% USDA Biobased Face Towel, Disposable Face Towelette, Eczema Association Accepted, Makeup Remover Dry Wipes, Ultra Soft, 50 Ct, 1 Pack
$17.95 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Women's Floral Print Puff Sleeve Kimono Cardigan Loose Cover Up Casual Blouse Tops
$8.39 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming
$19.99 (as of May 23, 2025 05:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
New 2025 ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential - Energy Star Certified programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
$129.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Gritin Under Cabinet Lighting- 84 LED Super Bright,3-Color & 5-Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor, Rechargeable 1800mAh Long Lasting-Easy Installation Strong Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack
$13.99 (as of May 23, 2025 17:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)