Milpitas interim city manager resigns amid conflict with City Councilmember

"Milpitas Interim City Manager Deanna Santana announced she would be resigning at the end of this month, following a clash with Councilmember Evelyn Chua over an alleged attempt at holding a secret meeting in violation of the Brown Act, according to newly released documents by the city. I came to Milpitas to help fix the organization, not to fight or be disrespected, wrote Santana in an August email announcing her resignation. Unfortunately, over the last two weeks, both have happened with Councilmember Chua."

"According to city documents released as part of a staff report in advance of this week's city council meeting, Santana's decision came after city Councilmember Evelyn Chua nearly violated the law by requesting a meeting of the City Council without properly announcing it to the public. Under the California open meetings law known as the Brown Act, meetings of public bodies like city councils must be announced to the public usually three days in advance, even if they are held behind closed doors."

Deanna Santana resigned as Milpitas interim city manager effective at month’s end after a clash with Councilmember Evelyn Chua over an alleged unannounced meeting that risked violating the Brown Act. Santana became interim city manager in April after Ned Thomas resigned in March. In late August, Chua requested staff to set up an interview with a city attorney candidate without properly announcing a council meeting, prompting concern under the Brown Act, which generally requires three days’ public notice even for closed sessions. Santana previously faced controversy in Santa Clara, earning $765,152, being ousted in 2022, and suing Santa Clara over benefits and retaliation.

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