For about a year, Pacific Grove Police Chief Cathy Madalone has been out of the spotlight, reportedly working from home due to an undisclosed injury, followed by a medical leave that began back in April. On Friday, Sept. 27, the city announced she will be retiring on Oct. 12.
The brief press release from City Manager Matt Mogensen only said she had been chief since June 2019 and listed a few accomplishments, such as leading the department to complete accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and establishing a chaplain and peer support program.
Mogensen writes by email that a search for a new chief will begin soon. In the meantime, the department will be led by Acting Chief Brian Anderson.
Madalone released her own statement through the P.G. Police Department, stating the decision was bittersweet.
"The choice comes with a mix of pride and nostalgia. Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life," she said.
Madalone led the department through the early days of Covid-19 shutdowns, quickly followed by having to negotiate a major controversy when residents noticed that a police officer had stickers on his truck representing far-right extremist groups.
The chief quickly put Officer Michael Gonzalez on administrative leave. He was allowed to return, but complaints from residents about his presence continued all summer in the wake of the George Floyd murder by a police officer in Minneapolis.
On Nov. 29, 2020, Madalone announced he was back on administrative leave for an investigation into disparaging posts Gonzalez published on the right-wing social media site, Parler. In Janaury 2021 she announced he was no longer with the department.
Gonzalez eventually sued the city in 2022 for $1 million, alleging they violated his free speech rights. The city settled out of court a year later, paying him $10,000 in wages and $2,000 in withholdings. Both parties agreed the settlement was not an admission by the city of any wrongdoing or evidence of any liability or unlawful conduct.
Beyond that very public controversy regarding an officer, Madalone faced challenges internally. The Weekly has previously reported on multiple claims filed by Pacific Grove city staff alleging they experienced workplace harassment from City Councilmember Luke Coletti. One of those claims, the Weekly has confirmed, was filed by Madalone; the status of that claim has not been publicly reported.
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If the allegations are true, Luke Coletti is unfit for public office. The residents of Pacific Grove deserve transparency about the damage he’s potentially caused. His record is riddled with troubling accusations, particularly his harassment of city staff, including the chief of police. And the fact that city employees had to resort to filing legal claims is deeply concerning. As voters prepare to cast their ballots in November, the public still doesn’t know the full extent of legal fees and settlements taxpayers may have shouldered due to his alleged misconduct. This lack of accountability is unacceptable. If Coletti’s bullying behind closed doors is as reckless as suggested, voters deserve to know what price has already been paid for his actions.
Further, Coletti’s abrupt departure from MBARI raises even more red flags about his character. Was he fired? If so, why, and what does this tell us about his ability to lead and serve with integrity? His pattern of behavior, both in his professional and political life, seems to reflect a man more interested in inflating his own ego than serving the community.
This election is an opportunity to hold Coletti accountable. The voters of Pacific Grove deserve better, and it’s time to send a clear message: leadership built on intimidation, harassment, and ego will not be tolerated.
Must be an old photo? Looks like a Greenfield patch on her shoulder.
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