City of Banning: City Manager's Degree Checks Out

The city of Banning wants to put rumors to rest about recent questions posed as to the educational background of City Manager Andy Takata.

The city released a press release Tuesday, titled "degree verification of City Manager Andrew J. Takata," apparently in response to recent published reports on other outlets alleging that a records check did not produce evidence of his time at Cal State Fullerton.

Here is the announcement in its entirety, from Public Information Officer Bill Manis: 

It has been brought to the attention of City staff that the educational attainment of former City Manager Andrew J. Takata is in question. 

A complete background check of all City of Banning employees is standard hiring practice. Employee candidates are not authorized to start working for the City until they have successfully passed their respective background check. 

The City uses a third party background investigation firm to confirm an individual’s employment history, educational attainment relating to the requirements of the position, credit history, and other data. In addition, every prospective employee submits to a fingerprint background check.

Prior to Mr. Takata starting his position with the City in February 2010, the City of Banning conducted its standard background check that confirmed Mr. Takata had received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cal State University Fullerton Majoring in Business Administration and Minoring in Accounting.

On January 23, 2014, the City Human Resources Division contacted the National Student Clearinghouse confirming Mr. Takata’s educational attainment as originally verified prior to his hire date. 

Takata will not be city manager much longer, as he submitted a letter of resignation with the city just weeks ago.  His last day is planned for sometime this month, though an exact day has not been given.