The city received the Gold Level Beacon Spotlight Award for achieving a 12 percent energy savings. Under the terms of the plea, Ledford was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay roughly $189,000 in restitution, prosecutors said. Low 73F. I think that this entire package is just too much, Loa said. California A bitter rivalry between two mayors helps spawn corruption scandal in Antelope Valley Explainer on public corruption allegations in Palmdale, involving Mayor James Ledford. It alleged 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. During last Wednesday's city council meeting, the board elected to dismiss city manager J.J. Murphy and appoint Ronda Perez as its interim city manager. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. Council adds to city manager's security | News | avpress.com that is degrading to another person. Description. 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 TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Ronda Perez is Palmdales new city manager, officials announced on Feb. 3. that is degrading to another person. Palmdale 2011-2021 salaries for Palmdale 7,302 employee records found - Page 1 of 147 Subscribe to this agency | Download records | View cost per resident, median pay and more | View average salary by job title | View all agencies Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 144 145 146 147 Next James Purtee - Senior Advisory Consultant - LinkedIn If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Councilman Juan Carrillo respected Loas sentiments. We are a high-performing municipality providing world-class service that enhances the quality of life of our residents, businesses and visitors. Be Nice. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. One complaint filed on behalf of the city clerk claims he brought a gun to work after he was accused of discrimination. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Murphy is fired as city manager | News | avpress.com Threats of harming another However, in his lawsuit, he stated he never received a 5% performance bonus and received only 12 months salary. And so the result of that is that the city manager then obtains the economic benefit and receives the benefit of having a four-fifths vote, Loa said. 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. Maithi (Marie) Ricci, who worked as assistant city manager, from January 2020 to August 2021, filed the lawsuit against Murphy and the city, in January. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. The dismissal without cause is effective after 30 days from Wednesday, Feb. 16, as required by the city. Submit Feedback About Redesign. Murphy, also on Wednesday, filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination against the city, alleging he was forced out because he refused to participate in unlawful activities by city officials, specifically Mayor Steve Hofbauer, Mayor Pro Tem Richard Loa and former deputy city attorney Drew Pletcher. Ive been asked to do illegal things that I wouldnt do, Murphy said. Don't Threaten. Murphys first year as city manager included managing the city amid an ongoing pandemic. PALMDALE - Marie Ricci has joined the city of Palmdale to serve as the new assistant city manager. The council met again in a closed session on Jan. 18 to discuss permanently filling the city manager position. 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. Her claim states that the retaliation began after she refused to interfere in an investigation, by the city attorneys office, of a sexual affair involving Murphy, in May 2021. It also seeks interest and attorneys fees and other costs associated with the case. I've never seen anything like this before," he said. Murphy is now assistant administrator for the Pasco County, Fla., Public Safety Branch. In retaliation for his refusals, city officials sought to create circumstances that would make continuing (Murphys) employment impossible, according to the lawsuit. Staff. Low 73F. The claims by City Clerk Shanae Smith and Human Resources Manager Patricia Nevarez are similar and related to a lawsuit filed by former assistant city manager Maithi (Marie) Ricci in Los Angeles County Superior Court, last month, against the City of Palmdale, Murphy and other unnamed persons, alleging she was fired in retaliation for whistleblowing on allegedly improper actions by Murphy. Use the 'Report' link on Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. accounts, the history behind an article. According to both claims from Smith and Nevarez, Murphy demanded the womens loyalty after Riccis firing, in August, associating both women with her. Perez also served in various roles within local government for more than 14 years, including parks, recreation, arts director, and assistant city manager. Be Truthful. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Be Truthful. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, According to the lawsuit, Murphy has exhibited gender discrimination, making sexist and offensive remarks toward women, stating they are overly emotional and exhibiting discrimination in terms of what jobs he feels women should be considered for. "He is a concealed weapon carrier and had let it be known that he has brought the weapon to work before," she told Eyewitness News during an interview via Zoom last week. He joined the city in April 2018. The agreement allows for termination and a l2-month severance payment plus one additional month of salary for each of service up to 18 months. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! Use the 'Report' link on Murphy delayed his first merit increase last June due to the ongoing pandemic and its financial impact to the local economy. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. George Gascn said in a statement. She was also excluded from the hiring process for Perez. Ricci is currently serving as Administrative Services director/city treasurer for the City of Glendora. I did what was right for the city all along.. accounts, the history behind an article. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. J.J. Murphy [Contributed] PALMDALE - The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has named Palmdale City Manager J.J. Murphy as a recipient of its annual Veterans Recognition Award, created to acknowledge high-performing veterans working in local government. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. According to the order, the citys motion is scheduled to be heard, on Aug. 23. Be Nice. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Former Palmdale City Manager J.J. Murphy, backed by supporters in front of Palmdale City Hall, addresses the dismissal of a lawsuit against him by former assistant city manager Marie Ricci, and announced he has filed suit against the City of Palmdale for wrongful termination. The decision follows weeks of upheaval, as three claims and a lawsuit were filed alleging retaliation and other improper activity by Murphy. Hot. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. I am greatly disappointed that, in this period just a few months before the election, there are false claims circulating that I have might done something improper or illegal. 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. There was an error processing your request. Be Truthful. She was later interim city manager in March 2022, and the City Council officially hired her as city manager on February 1, 2023. J.J. Murphy has been working as a City Manager at City of Palmdale for 5 years. or anything. Threats of harming another He spoke with ABC7 last week and claims his time served as city manager was turbulent. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. Find out what's happening with the latest events in our community. He has been an asset to this community and I would ask that you consider that in any action you are planning on taking in respect to his employment with the City of Palmdale. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Former city manager was fired, last February, By ALLISON GATLIN We'd love to hear eyewitness In plain language, the casual observer would rightly call this extortion, the lawsuit states. PALMDALE The City Council fired City Manager J.J. Murphy on a unanimous vote, on Wednesday. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Palmdale City Manager honored with Veterans Recognition Award Among the allegations in the lawsuit are that Hofbauers attempts to use city resources for his election campaign were refused; the mayor and another Council member trying to have a political contributors project pushed through despite being rejected by the city engineer; and Hofbauer and Loa trying to force Murphy to fire the Council liaison because he was a Democrat. Emergency Services. 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. Error! The Palmdale City Council voted unanimously to fire its city manager last week after multiple complaints were filed by employees accusing him of harassment, discrimination and creating "a hostile work environment. 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. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Success! 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. Both were sentenced to three years probation. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 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. Further retaliation followed when Nevarez and Ricci would not fix a 5% raise for him, for which he did not qualify. 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. ", "I put the city on notice on December 1st of 2020 of the hostile work environment created by the mayor," said Murphy. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. For more on this story, see Fridays Antelope Valley Press. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. Share with Us. Among the allegations in the lawsuit are that then-mayor Steve Hofbauers attempts to use city resources for his election campaign were refused; the mayor and another Council member trying to have a political contributors project pushed through despite being rejected by the city engineer; and Hofbauer and Councilmember Richard Loa trying to force Murphy to fire the Council liaison because he was a Democrat. Prosecutors said the government agency has received $1.8 million in restitution, drawn from funds seized from the AERO Institute as part of the investigation. MURPHY. City of Palmdale 38300 Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93550 Phone: 661-267-5100 Fax: 661-267-5122 Hours: M-TH: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on Friday; Community Links. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. I want to keep Mr. Murphy here; I want him to be happy. In February, the Council approved a City-provided mortgage for Murphy repayable through payroll deductions. (Courtesy photograph) High 107F. "I was asked to interfere with an investigation that was being done by our city attorney's office against the city manager. See which California counties are the most expensive for renters in the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down race-based affirmative action in college admissions. Find out what's happening with the latest events in our community. Promotional Rates were found for your code. City of Palmdale officials said they do not comment on pending litigation. But they feel exploited too, UCLA to expand in downtown L.A. with purchase of historic building for satellite classes, Unionized hotel workers reach deal with biggest employer on eve of July 4 weekend and planned strike, Lakers free agency: Heres the latest about how their plans are shaping up, This nun defends migrants. 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. PALMDALE - Ronda Perez is Palmdale's new city manager, officials announced Friday, Feb. 3. Keep it Clean. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. In it, he alleged 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. Link: City Manager Page. 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. Were going to continue this. Find out what's happening with the latest events in our community. Murphy has worked with the Community Action League, churches, and other community groups to really make this community better, he said. Sorry, no promotional deals were found matching that code. The City Council in January agreed to extend Murphys contract through December 2028. 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. City Attorney Christopher Beck reported from that session, direction was given to staff and there was no further reportable action. Ronda Perez is Palmdale's new city manager, officials announced on Feb. 3. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Low 73F. Use the 'Report' link on 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. [Contributed] When asked if he was considering suing the city, Murphy replied, "I'm considering it. She previously worked there as assistant finance director from December 2015 to June 2017, according to her LinkedIn account. Special session set to discuss city manager | News | avpress.com City plays down Palmdale plan for housing application transfer Error! Plentiful sunshine. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. City of Palmdale is part of the Government industry, and located in California, United States. I wasn't going to be railroaded.". By. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. 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. person will not be tolerated. 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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. Department: City Manager. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. All rights reserved. Submit Feedback About Redesign. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. After 43 years in the public sector, Palmdale City Manager Dave Childs has announced he will retire effective June 18, 2015. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. 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. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. Murphy, in speaking to the Valley Press on Friday, disputed many of the allegations in the lawsuit and subsequent claims. The amendment extends the term of Murphys contract one year from Dec. 31, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2024. The amendment includes an increase in family health care reimbursement from $1,500 with no rollover to $3,500 with allowed rollover if not used. Good boy. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. He added that he wants to ensure stability and quality of life for Palmdale citizens. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department . Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. Share with Us. "Palmdale is focused on a . Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. City of Palmdale. 9. Suit against Murphy dismissed | News | avpress.com Utilities /QuickLinks.aspx. or anything. I dont want to see us go through that here, Hofbauer said. racist or sexually-oriented language. We'd love to hear eyewitness Success! 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. The City Council approved the loan in February 2021, as the third amendment to Murphys contract. that is degrading to another person. The dismissal without cause is effective after 30 days, as required by city regulations; Murphy will remain on paid administrative leave until then. The City cannot comment on potential litigation.. City Manager RONDA PEREZ, CITY MANAGER Ronda Perez joined the City of Palmdale in the fall of 2021 as assistant city manager. He added Murphys severance package should be enough of a disincentive for councilmembers to remove him. Previously, she served as the executive director of Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE). 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Share with Us. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. 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. Don't Threaten. Palmdale city manager announces retirement - The Antelope Valley Times The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court earlier this month by Maithi (Marie) Ricci, who worked as assistant city manager, from January 2020 to August 2021, when she was fired. Specialties: Public sector - benefits administration, budgeting, council relations, energy sustainability, social equity, customer service, executive management, financial reporting, information. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. One such lawsuit, by former assistant city manager Maithi (Marie) Ricci, was dismissed by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. Special session set to discuss city manager, By ALLISON GATLIN We have to give our city managers some comfort when theyre dealing with a City Council that turns over every 24 months, Bettencourt said. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. Hot. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Murphy filed his own claim against the city, citing a hostile work environment created in retaliation for his resistance to the unlawful activities of Mayor Steve Hofbauer, one or more other members of the City Council and one or more employees within the Palmdale City Attorneys office, his claim states. How much prison time is possible for Trump? City of Palmdale 38300 Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93550 Phone: 661-267-5100 Fax: 661-267-5122 Hours: M-TH: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on Friday; Community Links. Bishop added he takes it seriously when the Council changes a city ordinance like this because it could have an effect. The AV Times LLC. She is replacing J.J. Murphy who was named city manager after the retirement of James Purtee. "This is a case about a city manager who is out of control," read the complaint. 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.