TRPA governing board chairwoman resigns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE ” Julie Motamedi, chair of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Governing Board, has resigned.

Motamedi announced her decision in a letter to the TRPA on Dec. 21.

“It is with great regret, and after extensive reflection, that I am hereby tendering my resignation as chair and a member of the TRPA Governing Board, for personal reasons,” the letter reads.

A call to Motamedi was not immediately returned Thursday.

Motamedi was appointed to the board by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in January 2005.

Her TRPA biography lists degrees in management and business administration, as well as “over 20 years combined management, marketing and personnel experience.”

Representatives from Schwarzenegger’s office said they received Motamedi’s letter of resignation Thursday.

“The office thanks Julie for her service and will immediately start looking for her replacement,” said governor’s office spokeswoman Rachel Cameron.

Motamedi’s resignation means she will no longer serve as a non-voting member of the bi-state fire commission formed in the wake of the Angora fire, Cameron said.

Motamedi’s name surfaced in a Sacramento Bee article on Sunday detailing the paper’s investigation into gun permits issued by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department.

According to that story, Motamedi was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving by the California Highway Patrol on Sept. 1, 2005 ” a charge to which she reportedly pleaded no contest.

According to the Bee, the California Highway Patrol officer also cited her with a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed gun in violation of her permit.

The CHP alleged that Motamedi’s alcohol use technically invalidated her weapon permit.

Prosecutors declined to pursue the weapons charge, according to the Bee. Motamedi reportedly denied having a gun with her at the time.

It was not clear whether that incident, or publicity of it, was a factor in Motamedi’s resignation.

TRPA Governing Board Vice Chair Allen Biaggi is expected to assume the role of chairman until the board has a chance to vote on the matter, said TRPA spokesman Dennis Oliver.