City officials confirmed this week that Canyon Lake is investigating complaints about Councilman Josh Steeber's conduct. At Thursday's council meeting, City Attorney Steven Graham said Steeber had recused himself from two closed-session matters. The city has not disclosed what the complaints allege.
Canyon Lake Insider reported that Graham said the council had directed the inquiry after receiving complaints concerning Steeber's alleged conduct. His comments came in the city attorney's report following the closed session, a routine public update on matters discussed behind closed doors.
Councilman Recused From Both Closed-Session Items
Graham did not describe the allegations or say whether either closed-session item was connected to the complaints. His announcement confirmed an inquiry and Steeber's recusals, but left the basis for the investigation unspecified.
The city has not said who submitted the complaints, who is conducting the investigation or when it began.
Findings Expected at a Future Open Meeting
Graham said the investigation's results would be presented at a future open-session council meeting after it concludes. He gave no timetable, and no findings have been announced.
A separate California city investigation
In a separate case, officials in California City said administrative investigations involving Mayor Marquette Hawkins and Councilmember Ronald Smith found no wrongdoing. According to BakersfieldNow, the investigations followed a recorded conversation between the two in December 2024 and other allegations. That case involved different officials and allegations, and its findings have been publicly described; Canyon Lake has not yet disclosed details or results of its investigation.
The city has not announced when the investigation's results will be presented.
