Santa Ana City Manager Kristine Ridge left her job this week amid ongoing political upheaval in the city. Council members voted 6-1 Monday to accept Ridge’s resignation, with Jessie Lopez opposed.
Ridge’s resignation came nearly two weeks after Police Chief David Valentin called it quits. In his announcement, Valentin blasted “corrupt and compromised politicians” and “compromised staff” in Santa Ana.
The city has been deeply divided over policing issues and the influence of the police union, which is currently trying to recall Councilman Lopez.
As Voice of OC reports, Valentin had been a “political target” of former police union head Gerry Serrano. He sued both Valentin and Ridge, accusing them of improprieties. Valentin and Ridge accused Serrano of wanting to “burn the city to the ground unless he gets what he wants.” The three council members backed by the union are Phil Bacerra, David Penaloza, and Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
In a press release, Amezcua called the search for Ridge’s replacement “a top priority of the Council in the near future.”
“Ms. Ridge served this City very well,” Amezcua said, “and we are particularly appreciative of her leadership to the City and community during her tenure as City Manager.”