In a troubling narrative emerging from Chula Vista, former communications manager Michele Clock Schrotenboer has described the local city hall as a toxic workplace.
Schrotenboer attributes much of this dysfunction to Tiffany Allen, the city’s assistant manager who is expected to be officially appointed as the new city manager on Tuesday.
Allen was chosen by the City Council in a closed session on June 17 and is seen by Schrotenboer as a key architect of a workplace culture that lacks focus on merit, performance, or the public interest.
In an interview conducted on March 18, part of an investigation into workplace culture at city hall, Schrotenboer expressed that an environment of gossip, blame, and negativity significantly undermines the functionality of the office.
She placed the blame on Allen and another top official, Courtney Chase, claiming that current City Manager Maria Kachadoorian either ignored the issues or was powerless to effect change as she prepared to retire.
Schrotenboer indicated that her comments came just a few months before Allen was selected to fill Kachadoorian’s role, raising questions about how the council proceeded with its decision.
Schrotenboer served as the city’s communications manager for 18 months, relaying experiences she described as “pivotal and unlike anything I had seen” in her 25-year public service career, which includes various government positions.
She remarked on the pervasive toxicity that was widely acknowledged within the organization as well as by outsiders familiar with the city’s operations.
The former communications manager compared the upper management culture to a “mean girls club environment,” alluding to a film about a group of high school girls who utilize gossip and bullying to maintain their social status.
While she specifically points fingers at Allen, she also described numerous instances of maltreatment she suffered at the hands of Chase.
At the beginning of her tenure, Schrotenboer reported receiving support from both Allen and Kachadoorian; however, matters took a downturn in the fall of 2024.
During a virtual meeting that she organized, aimed at announcing a partnership between San Diego State University and the city concerning higher education offerings at the Millenia Library, Schrotenboer encountered hostile behavior from Allen.
As she explained her rollout plan during the meeting, she felt dismissed by Allen, who responded with sarcasm and hostility.
Following the confrontation, a representative from SDSU had remarked that Allen’s behavior was demeaning towards Schrotenboer, further highlighting a troubling workplace dynamic.
Later, Schrotenboer was excluded from subsequent planning meetings, marking a significant shift in her treatment by her colleagues.
Despite multiple attempts to seek clarification on the events that led to a workplace investigation, city officials declined to discuss specifics regarding personnel matters, including Allen or Chase’s comments.
Schrotenboer’s interview explored both her criticisms of Allen and a complaint made by another worker against Schrotenboer, suggesting a complex interplay of grievances within the city’s workforce.
It remains unclear why the city initiated an investigation into these complaints three months after Schrotenboer’s departure, as the city has opted not to comment further on the allegations made by former employees.
Allen, who has worked for the city for 20 years, has held multiple roles within the finance department and as director of development services.
After her selection, the City Council described Allen as an exceptional leader possessing extensive experience and understanding of Chula Vista’s needs.
Their confidence in Allen’s aptitude for leadership was encapsulated in a statement released by the council following her unanimous selection in closed session—an action that has drawn criticism from some former city employees and stakeholders.
Former city engineer Frank Rivera expressed concern over the council’s decision to bypass a public search for Kachadoorian’s successor, arguing that a wider search could have provided a better choice for the city’s future.
Rivera stated, “Just don’t hand it to her.
And even as much as Maria says Tiffany’s the best one because she knows the history of Chula Vista — OK.
But open it up and make her prove it.”
Others, like Kimberly Vander Bie, who recently retired after 27 years with the city, indicated that they were not surprised by Allen’s appointment but felt disappointed by the process, suggesting it had been a predetermined outcome of Kachadoorian’s influence.
Concerns from ex-employees have painted a cohesive picture of a workplace marred by bullying and a culture that fosters fear among staff.
In the interview, Schrotenboer noted that many of her former colleagues live in fear of speaking up and highlighted the mental strain that permeated her last days in the city.
“People are afraid,” she lamented.
“They are afraid to speak out.
This is not easy for me to be talking about this, but — I know people now who are struggling in this environment, that are being bullied and intimidated.”
As the council prepares to finalize Allen’s contract, which includes an initial salary of $355,450 and places her in charge of approximately 1,300 city employees and a nearly $600 million budget, questions remain about the future of the city under her leadership.
The stakes for Allen’s administration are considerable, especially given ongoing development efforts that include the recent launch of the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center and plans for a sports and entertainment complex on the bayfront.
These projects signify a transformative period for Chula Vista, one that Allen will be responsible for steering through the next steps amid the palpable uncertainty surrounding workplace climate at city hall.
The development vision under Allen is expected to include nearly 3,000 hotel rooms, new parks, and expanded community spaces, along with a University Innovation District intended to create higher education opportunities partnered with universities.
As she transitions into this vital role, the question of whether Allen will address the alleged workplace culture issues or mirror them within her administration looms large over the city’s future.
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