The Chico City Council is expected to finalize the hiring of its next city manager on Tuesday, and the choice is already drawing scrutiny.
The city announced July 1 that it selected Vallejo Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen for the position. During her time in Vallejo, Haen was named in two lawsuits filed by former city employees.
In 2023, a former housing official alleged she was fired in retaliation after complaining about discrimination and bullying by Haen and other city staff. The Vallejo Sun reported the case was settled for $130,000.
A second lawsuit, filed last year by a former Vallejo spokesperson, alleges Haen and other city administrators retaliated against the employee after she reported what she described as unethical conduct, including directing staff to delete public records and distribute falsified documents.
That case is ongoing.
In an email, Haen wrote to NSPR that she cannot discuss the pending lawsuit but "categorically" denies the allegations against her. She also said she disputes the claim in the lawsuit that was settled with the city about her conduct.
