Chula Vista Police Chief Sues City and Several Council Members
- Media
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy has filed a lawsuit against the city and several top officials, alleging a conspiracy to force her out and replace her with someone “younger and Latino.”
The lawsuit, filed this week, names the City of Chula Vista, City Manager Tiffany Allen and City Council members Michael Inzunza, Cesar Fernandez, Carolina Chavez and Jose Preciado as defendants.
Kennedy, a 33-year veteran of the Chula Vista Police Department, has served as police chief for nearly a decade. According to the city’s website, she was the department’s first female lieutenant, captain and chief of police.
Her attorney, Cory Briggs, alleges city leaders created a hostile work environment and launched “bogus investigations” in an effort to force Kennedy from her position.
“The city manager has been trying to make Chief Kennedy’s job impossible.” —Briggs said in an interview.
The lawsuit stems in part from an incident at a holiday party hosted by the police officers union. Briggs said a male officer participated in a dance competition and removed his shirt during the event. According to Briggs, Kennedy later placed two $1 bills into the officer’s front pants pockets as a joke, prompting laughter and applause from attendees.
Briggs said Kennedy was later informed by the city manager that her conduct was inappropriate and that she was under investigation.
Kennedy subsequently went on extended medical leave, hired legal counsel and accused city officials of racial discrimination.
Briggs also alleged that elected officials had been vetting a Latino police chief from another jurisdiction to replace Kennedy.
In a statement responding to the lawsuit, the city denied the allegations.
“The City categorically denies the allegations and will vigorously defend against them in court,” the statement said. “The City is confident the truth will show that no wrongdoing occurred.”
Briggs said Kennedy is seeking to restore her reputation and plans to pursue financial damages through the lawsuit.
“She obviously would like her reputation restored,” Briggs said. “The only ill repute that’s been brought has been on the reputation of a stellar public servant.”
Tony Shin | May 14, 2026 | Fox 5 News / KUSI
Comments