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Resident alleges city manager misconduct; commenters press council on parking, noise and growth
Summary
During a Q&A and public‑comment period at Brentwood’s State of the City, resident David Cruz alleged City Manager Harold Duffy’s presence was inappropriate and referenced text messages tied to an Oakland administrator's resignation. Other residents raised parking enforcement, modified‑exhaust noise, veterans events and growth/preservation concerns; the council and staff responded but took no formal action.
At a public‑comment session following Brentwood’s 2026 State of the City address, David Cruz told the mayor and council he was "shocked" City Manager Harold Duffy was in attendance and said, according to Cruz, that Duffy appeared in text messages connected to an Oakland city administrator’s recent resignation and had exhibited "behavior toward women" that made him unwelcome at the event. The allegation was made from the floor and no immediate staff response or formal action was recorded during the event.
"He has no business being here... his behavior toward women absolutely should not be part of our city and he should not be in this room today," Cruz said during his three‑minute public comment period.
Other audience members used the Q&A to press operational concerns. A Third Street resident said vehicles without residential parking permits park regularly near his home and asked why a promised tire‑marking/enforcement program had not been implemented; officials said community service officers handle parking enforcement when available and that patrol officers assist as staffing allows. The interim police chief told the audience to call the city non‑emergency dispatch number (809‑7911) when incidents occur.
A different resident complained about repeated loud muffler noise at the Garin Ranch Parkway intersection; the interim chief cited the California Vehicle Code for modified‑exhaust violations and said the traffic safety unit — two full‑time traffic officers — actively enforces those rules when possible.
Veterans groups and parks staff also discussed the city’s 250th‑anniversary plans. Travis Martin, commander of a local veterans post, asked about event details planned eight weeks out; parks staff outlined a parade, a concert in the park and vendor/activities plans.
A question about managing growth while preserving Brentwood’s agricultural identity prompted a two‑part response. Mayor Susanna Meyer said protecting agricultural legacy is "top of mind" and described limits imposed by state housing laws that can force projects on cities; she encouraged residents to contact state representatives about one‑size‑fits‑all rules. City Manager Harold Duffy added that the city uses enterprise funds and economic development grants to support local agriculture and small businesses, and noted the city subsidizes downtown parking (about $640,000 annually) to support local merchants.
Jessica Enos, president of Harvest Time, thanked the council for supporting the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary during her brief public comment.
No formal motions, personnel actions or votes took place during the Q&A period; the allegations raised from the floor were not resolved during the event and were presented as assertions by a resident rather than findings by the city.
