MONTEREY – Caltrans says it has launched an investigation and taken disciplinary steps after a report of a retirement party during work hours at its Monterey facility on Garden Road that allegedly included alcohol and an exotic dancer.
“Caltrans takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness and is unwavering in holding those involved accountable,” said Matthew Rocco, Caltrans spokesman via email. “We quickly launched an investigation and have taken immediate disciplinary action. The behavior described has absolutely no place in our department and stands in direct opposition to our values and ethical standards.”
In an email sent to local television station KSBW, which broke the story, a confidential source described the activity in detail including “… that some supervisors were seen consuming alcohol and then driving away from the yard in official state-issued Caltrans vehicles while under the influence… a blatant violation of Caltrans policy, but also a criminal offense and serious liability.”
The station confirmed with Caltrans that the party took place on July 10 at the Monterey facility and that the same email was sent to Caltrans leadership and its human resources department. It also confirmed that 12 Caltrans employees have reportedly been put on leave, 10 served with termination notices and two with suspension.
Caltrans said that the employee for whom the retirement party was thrown was not among those facing disciplinary actions.
It is unclear if any photos or videos of the party exist or if the Caltrans facility was equipped with surveillance cameras that may have captured the retirement party, according to published reports.
The California Department of Transportation is an executive department of the state, is part of the cabinet-level California State Transportation Agency, and is headquartered in Sacramento.
Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center.
Like all state agencies, Caltrans must first serve employees with notices of the proposed disciplinary action and evidence supporting the allegations before the penalties go into effect, according to published reports.
Employees can opt for a review of the disciplinary action and if it is upheld, can make an appeal to the State Personnel Board.
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