Section 2.1 12 It is agreed that the customary and usual rights, powers, functions, and authority of management are 13 vested in management officials of the District. Included in these rights in accordance with and subject to 14 applicable laws, regulations, and the provisions of this Agreement, is the right to direct the work force, the 15 right to hire, promote, retain, transfer, and assign employees in positions; the right to suspend, discharge, 16 demote, or take other disciplinary action against employees; and the right to release employees from 17 duties because of lack of work or for other legitimate reasons. The District shall retain the right to 18 maintain efficiency of the District operation by determining the methods, the means, and the personnel by 19 which operations undertaken by the employees in the unit are to be conducted.