Deukmejian Fires Disciplined Dealer From Auto Board

Gov. George Deukmejian on Monday officially removed a Glendora car dealer, who had been heavily disciplined by the Department of Motor Vehicles, from a state board with the power to overrule DMV disciplinary actions.

Deukmejian’s office acknowledged to The Times last week that in February the governor had reappointed Eminiano (Jun) Reodica to the New Motor Vehicle Board despite knowing that the DMV had fined Reodica $100,000 for hundreds of violations.

Deukmejian notified Reodica’s lawyers by telegram Thursday that unless the dealer offered a satisfactory explanation within 48 hours for the DMV allegations and other charges, he would be removed from the board. Reodica did not contact the governor’s office, said Assistant Press Secretary Tom Beermann, so Deukmejian sent a letter notifying Reodica of his dismissal.

“In light of your failure to respond to my telegram request,” Deukmejian’s letter Monday said, “I am hereby removing you from the New Motor Vehicle Board.” Only the governor can dismiss board members he appointed.

This is the first time a member has been removed from the board, which hears all appeals of DMV decisions and penalties against state auto dealers, said executive secretary Sam W. Jennings.

Associates say Reodica has left the country for his native Philippines. One of Reodica’s lawyers said attempts to reach him had been unsuccessful.

Grand Chevrolet Inc., Reodica’s new car dealership, and Grand Motors Inc., his auto brokerage firm, have been the target of at least three DMV investigations since 1985. Those inquiries led to the $100,000 fine late last year, one of the three harshest penalties the DMV has ever levied and, most recently, to a 30-day suspension of the dealership licenses.