Two-thirds of Caltrans maintenance yard on leave after raucous retirement party
The California Department of Transportation issued termination notices for the majority of employees working at a Monterey maintenance station this week after they hosted a raucous retirement party, which included an exotic dancer and drinking on the job inside a state building.
Before the farewell event, 15 state employees worked at the Monterey maintenance yard, Caltrans confirmed. Two thirds of the staff were put on administrative leave on July 23.
The party’s fallout left the Central Coast maintenance yard — which is responsible for fixing safety issues on roadways such as filling potholes or clearing encampments in a certain region of California — without a majority of its assigned staff.
“Caltrans crews from neighboring maintenance yards are helping to provide coverage for maintenance duties in Monterey,” Caltrans spokesperson Matt Rocco said in a statement.
Caltrans first learned about the wild retirement party, initially reported by KSBW, on July 11. The department immediately opened an investigation and less than two weeks later placed 12 workers on paid administrative leave. One of those state employees worked for King City yard, a nearby maintenance facility, Caltrans confirmed.
The Monterey yard, a small complex of buildings, is one of several maintenance stations in District 5, which covers part of the Central Coast of California.
The allegations, which were sent in a letter to KSBW and Caltrans, stated that the group of Monterey workers drank alcohol at the maintenance station while a stripper was present. Caltrans confirmed that the letter alleged someone drove away in a state vehicle after leaving the party and, potentially, drinking.
On Monday, ten employees were served termination notices and two received suspension notices, and the retired state worker, for whom the party was thrown, has since separated from state service, Caltrans confirmed.
“Caltrans takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness and is unwavering in holding those involved accountable,” Rocco said. “The behavior described has absolutely no place in our department and stands in direct opposition to our values and ethical standards.”
After state departments issue adverse actions, such as termination or suspension notices, employees have the right to appeal the penalty to the State Personnel Board. California policy requires departments to provide employees at least five working days before the penalty is considered “effective.”
Within that window, employees can request a “Skelly” hearing, in which the worker facing disciplinary action can explain their side to an impartial manager. The “Skelly” officer makes a recommendation as to whether to maintain, modify or revoke the penalty.
Employees on administrative leave continue to receive pay until the penalty goes into effect, if suspending an employee’s pay is part of the disciplinary action.
After the penalty deadline, the adverse action remains in effect unless the employee and the department settle or the SPB changes the outcome following an appeal process. The employee has 30 days from the effective date to formally appeal to the SPB.
This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
