Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy alleges effort to force her retirement after union holiday party incident

Dispute centers on December 2025 event and subsequent communications with city leadership

Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy, a 33-year department veteran who has led the agency since her appointment on Dec. 30, 2016, is alleging that city leadership is attempting to push her out of her job following a December 2025 police union holiday party incident.

Kennedy has said she is currently on medical leave and not on administrative leave, and that she has not announced plans to retire. Her leave is expected to end later in February 2026.

What is known about the holiday party incident

The conflict stems from events at a Dec. 13, 2025, holiday party hosted by the Chula Vista Police Officers’ Association. Accounts provided by Kennedy’s attorney describe a moment during the party in which two off-duty officers participated in a dance contest; one officer removed his shirt. The attorney says Kennedy briefly placed two one-dollar bills into the officer’s front pockets and did not otherwise touch him.

The attorney alleges that, roughly a week after the party, City Manager Tiffany Allen raised concerns with Kennedy and referenced complaints that Kennedy’s conduct reflected poorly on the city. The city has indicated it cannot discuss specific personnel matters tied to the event.

Competing claims: pressure to retire versus categorical denial

Kennedy’s attorney has asserted that city leaders sought to compel her into early retirement and has alleged that the effort is tied to her race and a desire to replace her with someone of a different ethnicity. City officials have rejected that characterization, calling the allegation of an ethnicity-based effort to replace Kennedy false and offensive, and stating that city leaders are expected to follow employment policies and maintain a professional workplace.

As part of the dispute, the attorney sent a document-preservation demand to the city seeking retention of records related to Kennedy’s employment status and any discussions about her future.

Public posture from police union and mayor

Mayor John McCann has publicly stated he supports Kennedy and has said he did not view what he observed at the party as inappropriate. The police union’s 10-member board has also voted to support Kennedy, describing the action as a vote of confidence.

Key facts at a glance

• Kennedy was appointed chief on Dec. 30, 2016, and has served about nine years in the role.
• The incident at issue occurred at a Dec. 13, 2025, Police Officers’ Association holiday party.
• Kennedy says she is on medical leave and has not announced retirement plans.
• The city denies any conspiracy to remove her and rejects claims tied to ethnicity.

The dispute remains unresolved publicly, with Kennedy’s employment status and future leadership timeline unclear pending her return from medical leave and any further city action.