An acting chief has been named to oversee the Chula Vista Police Department after Roxana Kennedy extended her medical leave while making allegations that some city leaders are attempting to remove her from the position. The city of Chula Vista approved current Chief Roxana Kennedy’s request to extend her leave of absence, and appointed Assistant Chief Dan Peak to serve in her stead. Kennedy, through her attorney Cory Briggs, alleges some members of the city council are seeking to replace her because she is White, which the city denies. It appears the controversy began with reports of a recent holiday party hosted by the Chula Vista Police Officers Association. Briggs said two off-duty officers engaged in a dance-off for a new television during the event, and one officer removed his shirt. “And the chief went up, and she had two $1 bills, and she put one in each of his front pockets,” Briggs said. “Didn’t touch him otherwise. No contact. She wasn’t part of the dance.” Briggs said the mayor, two councilmembers, the city manager and other city employees were present at the party and many in the crowd were applauding and laughing. About a week later, City Manager Tiffany Allen discussed the party with Kennedy, stating others were concerned about her conduct, Briggs said. Briggs sent a preservation letter to the city of Chula Vista, demanding that the city retain any documents related to Kennedy. In a statement last week, the city rejected the allegations: “The City of Chula Vista is deeply disappointed over the continued misrepresentation of the facts involving its relationship with Police Chief Roxana Kennedy. The City is proud of the advancements in policing that have been made during the Chief’s tenure. While the City is prohibited from sharing information on any individual personnel matter, we can unequivocally state the following facts: The City Manager has never been pressured by any elected official to replace Chief Kennedy for political purposes. To state otherwise is entirely false. Chief Kennedy requested and is currently out on approved personal leave. This was not a City-directed action. The City of Chula Vista has not proactively discussed these matters in public. Reporting on this issue has consisted of untruths, rumors and innuendo generated by other parties, in an apparent effort to attract media attention, create a false narrative and combat factual information. We will continue to govern our city with integrity and professionalism and adhere to all employment policies to foster a work environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free of discrimination or harassment.” Chula Vista Mayor John McCann defended Kennedy, stating he saw nothing inappropriate at the party. The Chula Vista police union’s 10-member board also voted to support Kennedy following the controversy and some residents have rallied on her behalf at city council meetings. Kennedy also released a statement addressing her leave and future. “To be clear, I am currently on medical leave, not administrative leave. I have also made no plans for retirement…. I have proudly served the Chula Vista Police Department for 33½ years, including the past nine years as chief. My commitment to protecting the Chula Vista community and to this department remains strong and unwavering.” Portions of this story are from an article that was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego and converted into a digital article with AI tools. An NBC San Diego journalist edited this article for publication. ...read more read less