Tensions Flare in Yucaipa After Hiring of New Manager

Chris Mann’s first two weeks as city manager of Yucaipa have been anything but welcoming. A vocal group of residents believe he was hired illegitimately and they’ve been showing up to meetings to make their opinions known.

Mann tried to make inroads at the March 13 city council meeting by introducing himself. Someone in attendance called him a “liar” when he explained that he has no plans to fire anyone.

Residents have raised a number of concerns about Mann, including his involvement with the Inland Empire Taxpayers Association and an alleged violation of the Brown Act in January. The city council ordered an investigation, which found no cause for concern in Mann’s background. Still, some residents remain dissatisfied.

Mann “has the right relationships to help our city work collaboratively throughout the region for the benefit of Yucaipa residents,” Mayor Justin Beaver said in a news release.

In order to keep the March 13 meeting calm, Beaver had to warn the crowd that there would be zero tolerance for disruptions, including clapping, heckling, or interruptions. 

Mann took over March 1 as part of a leadership shakeup following the election of two new council members. Mann previously served as city manager for Canyon Lake in Southwest Riverside County and has been credited with dramatically improving its fiscal outlook. 

Read more about Mann and the controversy surrounding his appointment at Redlands Daily Facts.