County letter says Sanders is on paid leave; Board minutes still say unpaid

Kern River Valley Cemetery District Manager Orion Sanders said a letter from Kern County informed him that he is on paid administrative leave, although the district’s approved July 14 meeting minutes continue to state that he was placed on unpaid leave.

“The only thing I am prepared to disclose is that I received a letter informing me that I am on paid administrative leave,” Sanders told the Kern Valley Sun. The letter came after the August 11 meeting.

Sanders pay is retroactive to July 14, 2026.

The Kern Valley Sun has reviewed the county letter and can confirm Sander’s statement.

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the district board approved the July 14 minutes, which state:

“In action taken by the board, the board unanimously voted to put Orion Sanders, District Manager, on unpaid administrative leave pending further investigation. No other action was taken, and no other items were discussed.”

Those minutes have not been redacted or amended to reflect Sanders’ statement that he is on paid administrative leave.

The approved July 14 minutes show trustees reported the unanimous vote.

Trustees again discussed Sanders’ performance during a closed session Aug. 11. Sanders was not in session for the vote. After the board returned to open session, Board President Mike Ryan reported that no reportable action had been taken.

The district’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 9 a.m.