Water District Director's arraignment postponed to Dec. 4

POMONA - Xavier Alvarez, the Three Valleys Municipal Water District Director who had three felony charges filed against him, had his arraignment postponed to December 4.

Alvarez, 50, wore black glasses, black pants, black shoes and a black shirt and stared ahead with his hands folded in front during the Tuesday morning arraignment.

He was charged Sept. 19 with misappropriating public money, insurance fraud and grand theft of personal property.

Alvarez - who represents south Pomona on the water board and was elected in 2006 - placed his ex-wife, Juanita Ruiz, on his insurance from Jan. 24, 2007, to Oct. 31, 2007.

He was previously fined and sentenced to probation in July for violating the Stolen Valor Act, which criminalizes false claims of military valor.

When Alvarez was asked if he had any comment before the arraignment started as he sat on a bench outside the court room with dozens of other people, he said "no, back off guy. Back off" as he waved his left hand dismissively.

Commissioner Wade Olson asked Alvarez if he understood he was waiving his right to a speedy trial.

"Yes I do your honor," Alvarez said.

Olson said Alvarez had to be booked through the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office by Oct. 28 at the latest.

Sandi Roth, Los Angeles County deputy district attorney of the Public Integrity Division, said afterward she had no objections to the arraignment being postponed.