Former deputy city manager sues city of Chula Vista over $199K in unpaid severance.
Eric Crockett claims the city withheld the money when he refused to sign a separation agreement.
BY TAMMY MURGAREPORTER MARCH 29, 2024 11:31 AM PT
CHULA VISTA —Eric Crockett, a former deputy city manager and director of economic development for Chula Vista, is suing the city, alleging the municipality owes him thousands of dollars in unpaid severance after he was fired in December.
According to the 26-page complaint filed last week in San Diego Superior Court, Crockett’s employment with the city ended on Dec. 5 during a meeting with City Manager Maria Kachadoorian and Assistant City Attorney Megan McClurg.
Kachadoorian allegedly told him that he was being fired because “he was not a good ‘fit’
(without cause and for the convenience of the City)” and that he would be paid $198,762 in severance pay, the complaint said.
Crockett’s attorney, Michael Campbell, declined to comment. The city also declined.
Crockett said the severance pay was required by his contract, so he refused to sign the agreement and told the city any attempt to link the two was “illegal and unethical.” Additionally, Crockett says he was discriminated against based on his gender.
Written Communications - Item 15.1 and PC
Acosta - Received 9/16/2024
by Voice of San DiegoMarch 29, 2023
/ File photo by Adriana Heldiz
The Union-Tribune reports that the California Fair
Political Practices Commission is reviewing
a complaint filed against Chula Vista
Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas.
The complaint, filed by cannabis business owner
Laura Wilkinson, alleges that the councilwoman
violated conflict-of-interest and economic-interest
disclosure laws.
The business woman, who sued the city in 2020 over an operating permit, alleges that Cardenas failed to publicly disclose the cannabis companies represented by Grassroots Resources, a company Cardenas works for as director of
community engagement. It also alleges she has failed
to recuse herself from litigation discussions.
Written Communications - Item 15.1 and PC
Acosta - Received 9/16/2024
Andrea owns Chula Vista taxpayers
$50774.82
Written Communications - Item 15.1 and PC
Acosta - Received 9/16/2024