Attorney says Chula Vista police chief being targeted after holiday party

The future of Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy is uncertain as she remains on medical leave and has hired an attorney amid allegations that some city leaders are attempting to remove her from the position.

The controversy began with reports of a recent holiday party hosted by the Chula Vista Police Officers Association. Kennedy’s attorney, Cory 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.

“She was applauded,” Briggs said. “People were laughing. Lots of people praised her for being silly and contributing to the fun atmosphere.”

According to Briggs, about a week later, City Manager Tiffany Allen discussed the party with Kennedy, raising concerns about her future as police chief.

“That’s when the city manager falsely stated that people were complaining that the chief’s conduct put the city in a bad light,” Briggs said.

Chula Vista mayor John McCann did not agree with that assessment.

“They were having fun, but I didn’t see anything that was inappropriate,” McCann said.

Briggs dismissed the criticism of Kennedy’s actions.

“There’s nothing bad,” Briggs said. “That’s what’s so ridiculous about it.”

McCann said he fully supports Kennedy, who recently received a vote of confidence from the police union.

“After 33 years, we can respect her,” McCann said. “And I would hope she would come back, because she’s done an incredible job.”

Briggs, however, alleged that other members of the city council are seeking to replace Kennedy.

“It would appear that a majority of the city council wants to bring in another person of different ethnicity,” Briggs said. “It appears that she’s being targeted because she is white.”

Briggs sent a preservation letter to the city of Chula Vista, demanding that the city retain any documents related to Kennedy.

In a statement, the city rejected the allegations:

“The city of Chula Vista is deeply concerned by these accusations. To be clear, the chief of police is currently out on approved personal leave. The city categorically rejects all allegations contained in the preservation letter. The suggestion that there is a conspiracy to replace the chief is entirely false.”

The city said it is prohibited from commenting on specific actions related to the 2025 holiday party or individual personnel matters, but emphasized that city leaders are expected to follow employment policies and maintain a professional, respectful and inclusive workplace.

The city also responded to Briggs’ allegation regarding ethnicity, calling it “offensive and rooted in a racist assumption that Latino leaders cannot act with professionalism and integrity.”

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.”

Kennedy’s medical leave is expected to end later this month.

McCann reiterated his support for the chief.

“I support Chief Kennedy,” McCann said. “Her and our police officers have done an incredible job.”

The Chula Vista police union’s 10-member board also voted to support Kennedy following the controversy.

“She recently received a 100% confidence vote from the Police Officers Association,” Briggs said. “She has a great reputation. She’s beloved by the people she works with, by her community.”

NBC 7 reached out to City Manager Allen’s office but did not hear back from her directly. However, as stated above, the city sent a statement regarding this story.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.