Error! Warming causes more rain, not snow, over mountains, Syrias Assad uses Captagon trade for political gain, Inside deepening rivalry between Newsom, DeSantis, Florida official: Migrants went to California willingly, Senate report says Jan. 6 intelligence ignored, Work on reparations moves to state Legislature, El Nio is early, likely to be big, sloppy, add more heat, Protests break out near LA schools Pride month assembly, LAPD: Six broke policy in fatal 2022 shooting, Newsom spars with Hannity over variety of issues, Blinken, Xi vow to fix deteriorated US-China ties, Sound Breakers fall to Seaweed in final innings, Al-Jaber promises young activists hell listen, State says Florida flew asylum-seekers to Sacramento, DeSantis defends flying migrants to California, Trump arrives in Florida for historic case, Biden discusses risks and promises of AI with tech leaders, Justice Department: Pence wont be charged. Success! Riccis lawsuit further claims Murphy was extremely upset with her for opposing the loan. Thank you for reading! Share with Us. One complaint filed on behalf of the city clerk claims he brought a gun to work after he was accused of discrimination. Find out what's happening with the latest events in our community. Sorry, no promotional deals were found matching that code. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. Bettencourt added had the council approved the four-fifths vote previously they would not have needed the mortgage provision. A little over a year ago, the now-lame duck mayor, Steve Hofbauer, set out to destroy this man in order to get rid of him, Murphys attorney in the lawsuit against the city, Kevin Shenkman, said. High 107F. Be Proactive. Threats of harming another We'd love to hear eyewitness An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Don't knowingly lie about anyone For more on this story, see Fridays Antelope Valley Press. Warming causes more rain, not snow, over mountains, Syrias Assad uses Captagon trade for political gain, Inside deepening rivalry between Newsom, DeSantis, Florida official: Migrants went to California willingly, Senate report says Jan. 6 intelligence ignored, Work on reparations moves to state Legislature, El Nio is early, likely to be big, sloppy, add more heat, Protests break out near LA schools Pride month assembly, LAPD: Six broke policy in fatal 2022 shooting, Newsom spars with Hannity over variety of issues, Blinken, Xi vow to fix deteriorated US-China ties, Sound Breakers fall to Seaweed in final innings, Al-Jaber promises young activists hell listen, State says Florida flew asylum-seekers to Sacramento, DeSantis defends flying migrants to California, Trump arrives in Florida for historic case, Biden discusses risks and promises of AI with tech leaders, Justice Department: Pence wont be charged. Promotional Rates were found for your code. Former city manager was fired, last February. How much prison time is possible for Trump? For more . We are a high-performing municipality providing world-class service that enhances the quality of life of our residents, businesses and visitors. PALMDALE The City of Palmdale settled with former city manager J.J. Murphy in his wrongful termination lawsuit for $2.23 million, nearly one year after he was fired without cause by the City Council. We have to give our city managers some comfort when theyre dealing with a City Council that turns over every 24 months, Bettencourt said. Murphy delayed his first merit increase last June due to the ongoing pandemic and its financial impact to the local economy. Murphy said he will continue to fight the similar whistleblower retaliation lawsuits by City Clerk Shanae Smith, Human Resources Manager Patricia Nevarez and Deputy City Manager Mike Behen and expects to similarly prevail. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Be Proactive. One complaint filed on behalf of city clerk Shanae Smith claims Murphy brought a gun to work after he was accused of discrimination, forcing her to leave. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. In a telephone interview with Aerotech News on Nov. 23, Palmdale City Manager JJ Murphy said the city's bold initiative to restore scheduled daily airline service for the Aerospace Valley is on target to hear a "go or no go" from Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. City Manager Human Resources Human Resources Job Opportunities Employment Documents Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Human Resources Specialist Candace Beck, Administrative Assistant Victoria Rosenberg, DEI Specialist Wafi Shah, Human Resources Manager Patricia Nevarez, Senior Human Resources Analyst Garrett Rickert Our Why Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. This includes failing to apply a 5% raise he was due, as per his contract, in January 2022, and paying 12 months salary as severance, instead of the contractual 18 months. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. In addition to allegations of unlawful activities by city officials, the lawsuit filed by Murphy also claims the city failed to pay the wages he was owed. Perez joined Palmdale in the fall of 2021 as assistant city manager and was named acting city manager in Dec. 2021 before being appointed to the role of interim city manager in March 2022. The lawsuit against the city alleges that city officials, hoping to maintain the political status quo in a time of changing demographics in Palmdale, participated in unlawful actions and retaliated against Murphy when he resisted. Perez joined Palmdale in the fall of 2021 as assistant city manager, and was named acting city manager in Dec. 2021 before being appointed to the role of interim city manager in March 2022. (Courtesy photograph) PALMDALE A former assistant city manager has filed a lawsuit against the City of Palmdale, City Manager J.J. Murphy and other unnamed persons, alleging she was fired in retaliation for whistleblowing on allegedly improper actions by Murphy. PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Palmdale City Council voted unanimously to fire its city manager last week after multiple complaints were filed by employees accusing him of harassment,. racist or sexually-oriented language. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The average City Manager salary in Palmdale, CA is $122,226 as of January 26, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $112,264 and $138,369. City of Palmdale is part of the Government industry, and located in California, United States. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. 9. Newsom pushes for amendment to tighten gun access, Hate crimes rose 20.2% in California in 2022, DAs office quitting Twitter due to homophobic attacks, House censures Schiff over Trump-Russia investigations, SF displays largest-ever pink triangle for Pride month, Railroad industry sues to block new pollution rules, DeSantis recruiters eyed church for flights, France mobilizes tens of thousands of police to curb unrest, Ex-Playboy model accuses Bill Cosby of sexual assault. City of Palmdale | 2,049 followers on LinkedIn. racist or sexually-oriented language. In the same time frame, prosecutors alleged that Ledford helped Shaw who was already a consultant with the city secure a multimillion-dollar contract from the Palmdale City Council. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. James Queally writes about crime and policing in Southern California, where he currently covers Los Angeles Countys criminal courts and the district attorneys office for the Los Angeles Times. Promotional Rates were found for your code. Promotional Rates were found for your code. Among the examples of self-dealing and corruption, the lawsuit alleges is how Murphy obtained a $1.2 million home loan from the city with initially a 2% interest rate, later changed to 1%. Ricci claims Murphy pushed the loan through before the city could do its due diligence and threatened to quit if the Council did not approve it. PALMDALE A former assistant city manager has filed a lawsuit against the City of Palmdale, City Manager J.J. Murphy and other unnamed persons, alleging she was fired in retaliation for whistleblowing on allegedly improper actions by Murphy. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. Share with Us. The City Council in January agreed to extend Murphys contract through December 2028. However, concerning Measure AV, he said the Council is not telling voters that they are going use the money to pay the salary of a city employee. or anything. PALMDALE A former assistant city manager has filed a lawsuit against the City of Palmdale, City Manager J.J. Murphy and other unnamed persons, alleging she was fired in retaliation for whistleblowing on allegedly improper actions by Murphy. Low 73F. I want to keep Mr. Murphy here; I want him to be happy. I think that it is unnecessary to provide a four-fifths vote and to also provide a substantial mortgage to the city manager, plus a severance package that is very attractive, Loa said. How much prison time is possible for Trump? Lebron James demands Biden bring home Britney Griner swiftly and safely, Ridley-thomas files lawsuit over back pay and benefits, Its time for decisive action to enact last police reform, Gascon files lawsuit against Atlas Metals, Mother, daughter are located after kidnapping in Lancaster. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Ledford was also accused of failing to disclose income he made from the AERO Institute, which was receiving more than $2 million in annual funding from NASA. PALMDALE - City Manager Bob Toone, who guided Palmdale's growth from a town of about 30,000 people to a community of more than 130,000, plans to retire in January after two decades as its top. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Find out what's happening with the latest events in our community. Hot. "I'm confident that when the truth comes out, I'll be vindicated," said Murphy. This includes failing to apply a 5% raise he was due, as per his contract, in January 2022 and paying 12 months salary as severance, instead of the contractual 18 months. Success! Emergency Services. There was an error processing your request. Food Programs. During the press conference, Murphy thanked those who have stood by and supported him through it all. Smiths and Nevarezs claims, obtained by the Antelope Valley Press from the law firm Goldberg and Gage, contain some of the same allegations of discrimination and retaliation as Riccis lawsuit. Newsom pushes for amendment to tighten gun access, Hate crimes rose 20.2% in California in 2022, DAs office quitting Twitter due to homophobic attacks, House censures Schiff over Trump-Russia investigations, SF displays largest-ever pink triangle for Pride month, Railroad industry sues to block new pollution rules, DeSantis recruiters eyed church for flights, France mobilizes tens of thousands of police to curb unrest, Ex-Playboy model accuses Bill Cosby of sexual assault. The lawsuit asks for a jury trial and is requesting monetary damages including lost wages, earnings, commissions and other employee benefits and all other sums of money, together with interest on these amounts; for other general and special damages.. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Error! Promotional Rates were found for your code. "This man has put work into our community, and that's what I attest to," said Smith. Low 73F. Deputy City Manager United States 85 followers 86 connections Join to view profile City of Palmdale National University Activity In honor of former Mayor, City Councilman, and school. Leave it to a liberal to disparage a hard working couple who created a program that actually gives kids a, Ive seen blue haired warriors walking on the BLV every single day as well, I meant an actual permitted parade, @Mairzy Doats. It alleges that Murphy retaliated and defamed her when she reported his actions, including discrimination, harassment and improper and/or illegal use of public funds, among other claims. There was an error processing your request. Did you type that last reply yourself? Link: City Manager Page. Palmdale Cares | The City of Palmdale is home to over 152,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life in a family-oriented community. We'd love to hear eyewitness Ive been asked to fire people because of the political party they were registered. The revelation of this video prompted an investigation by the city attorneys office, a process in which Murphy interfered, according to the lawsuit and the legal claim documents. But again I state this is too much, Loa said. Thank you for reading! Murphy, however, denies all the allegations. He was promoted to city manager in December 2019 at an annual salary of $305,000 following the retirement of former City Manager James Purtee. Perez joined Palmdale in the fall of 2021 as assistant city manager and was named acting city manager []. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. She is replacing J.J. Murphy who was named city manager after the retirement of James Purtee. racist or sexually-oriented language. The Council approved the ordinance on a 3-2 vote, with Loa and Councilman Austin Bishop dissenting. In dismissing Riccis lawsuit against Murphy, Judge Michelle Williams Court granted Murphys request for dismissal, as Ricci failed to meet her burden of establishing a probability of prevailing on the merits as an evidentiary matter. Given the judges review of the arguments put forth in the complaint, as well as Murphys response, she determined that Ricci could not provide the evidence necessary for a judgment in her favor. How much prison time is possible for Trump? Atty. Murphy, in speaking to the Valley Press on Friday, disputed many of the allegations in the lawsuit and subsequent claims. This city does not include payments toward the unfunded liability of the employer sponsored retirement plan. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. When asked to comment on the legal documents, the city spokesman issued a statement that the City of Palmdale is (in) receipt of these claims. PALMDALE - Ronda Perez is Palmdale's new city manager, officials announced Friday, Feb. 3. My reputations been ruined, but if you havent figured out yet, Im a fighter. High 107F. Justice, hopefully, will continue to prevail, he said. Murphy, who was fired by the City Council, on Feb. 16, announced the dismissal, Wednesday afternoon, during a press conference in front of City Hall. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Thank you for reading! I protected the city. The city council approved a three-year contract ending Jan.18, 2026, with two options of two-year extensions. Were going to continue this. She was also excluded from the hiring process for Perez. "In thinking about the time we want to spend with our children and. According to the Feb. 2, 2021 staff report, the home loan was offered in lieu of a proposed requirement of a 4/5th supermajority vote of the Council to terminate Murphys contract. I think our city managers doing a great job; I just dont believe that we need to give away the house, give away the ranch, Loa said. "Their work was scrutinized, their work was increased, they got criticized in evaluations when before they were glowing," explained Gage. Warming causes more rain, not snow, over mountains, Syrias Assad uses Captagon trade for political gain, Inside deepening rivalry between Newsom, DeSantis, Florida official: Migrants went to California willingly, Senate report says Jan. 6 intelligence ignored, Work on reparations moves to state Legislature, El Nio is early, likely to be big, sloppy, add more heat, Protests break out near LA schools Pride month assembly, LAPD: Six broke policy in fatal 2022 shooting, Newsom spars with Hannity over variety of issues, Blinken, Xi vow to fix deteriorated US-China ties, Sound Breakers fall to Seaweed in final innings, Al-Jaber promises young activists hell listen, State says Florida flew asylum-seekers to Sacramento, DeSantis defends flying migrants to California, Trump arrives in Florida for historic case, Biden discusses risks and promises of AI with tech leaders, Justice Department: Pence wont be charged. Other Departments: View Details. Ricci discussed her concerns regarding these and several other instances of Murphys questionable actions with Council members in the latter half of July 2021, as well as with Councilmember Laura Bettencourt and Mayor Steve Hofbauer, in August, according to the lawsuit. (Murphy) wouldnt go along with the schemes of Steve Hofbauer, the illegal schemes, to try to maintain political control.. Error! that is degrading to another person. There are eight complaints for damages, including whistleblower retaliation, discrimination, failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and interference with prospective economic relations, listed in the lawsuit. In addition, the amendment will modify the current severance package formula from 12 months in addition to one month for every year of service to a maximum of 18 months to 18-month severance regardless of years of service. accounts, the history behind an article. Don't Threaten. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: You have permission to edit this article. It is an honor to continue to serve the residents of our community, Perez stated. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. or anything. City Attorney Christopher Beck reported from that session, direction was given to staff and there was no further reportable action. Valley Press Staff Writer, Resentencing bid rejected in fatal DUI crash, Antelope Valley crime blotter, July 1, 2023, Three people arrested at Palmdale checkpoint, Long lines of people greet Palmdale Bolero open house, Trader Joes assembly facility set in Palmdale, Palmdale OKs $512M budget for fiscal year, Homelessness in AV increases over past year, Protesters fight as Glendale district debates Pride Month, High housing costs, low income causing homelessness, Misconduct by jail led to Epsteins suicide, Hunter Biden will plead guilty in deal, avoid jail, Thousands march in Jerusalem Pride parade, House rejects effort to censure and fine Schiff, Gov. Be Nice. PALMDALE The City Council has called a special closed session meeting, on Monday, to discuss City Manager J.J. Murphy's continued employment. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. The City of Palmdale cannot comment on pending litigation, city officials said via email when asked for a response to the lawsuit, Tuesday. She was later interim city manager in March 2022, and the City Council officially hired her as city manager on February 1, 2023. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Department: City Manager. I vouch for him. The council met again in a closed session on Jan. 18 to discuss permanently filling the city manager position. The position will last for approximately six months as the City searches for a new City Manager, and Pulskamp will still remain CCMF Executive Director. Find out what's happening with the latest events in our community. City Manager RONDA PEREZ, CITY MANAGER Ronda Perez joined the City of Palmdale in the fall of 2021 as assistant city manager. Keep it Clean. Hot. Murphy, who was fired by the City Council, on Feb. 16, announced the dismissal, Wednesday afternoon, during a press conference in front of City Hall. Be Truthful. The City of Palmdale has settled the wrongful termination lawsuit by former Palmdale city manager J.J. Murphy for $2.23 million, he announced, Wednesday. Lancaster and Palmdale have long battled for supremacy in the Antelope Valley, and the rivalry extends to the cities mayors, R. During the deposition, Parris grilled Ledford about the specifics of his job with Millers consulting firm. I protected the city. The then-Palmdale mayor repeatedly struggled to describe any work he did or provide a timeline of hours he worked for the firm during the deposition.