Boss vs. Chief: Seaside City Manager Ray Corpuz (left) sent Police Chief Steve Cercone (right) a letter informing him his contract won't be renewed. Nic Coury
Cercone Canned
Seaside Police Chief's contract won't be renewed.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Seaside Police Chief Steve Cercone has received a letter from City Manager Ray Corpuz informing him that his employment contract will not be renewed when it expires in May.
“I would obviously like to go back there and direct some necessary action that is needed in Seaside," Cercone says. "The truth of all of this will come out in due time. We are a long way from the end.”
Cercone won't say whether he plans to litigate. He has retained local attorney Michael Stamp, who is known for playing hardball with city management when representing city employees. Stamp could not be reached for comment.
Cercone's supporters have suggested that a recent spike in gang-related violence, which may be responsible for yesterday's Kenneth Street homicide, could have been prevented on his watch. “I feel very bad for the people of Seaside for the violence that is going on right now," he says, declining further comment.
Cercone and Corpuz have been locking horns for months. The standoff became public in early August, when Corpuz placed Cercone on administrative leave. Four other officers are also on leave.
Corpuz could not be reached for comment.
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