Firefighters and families press council over retention, alleging retaliation; council receives vacancy report

The Montebello City Council on May 13 heard emotional public testimony about staffing and morale in the Montebello Fire Department during a hearing required by Assembly Bill 2561 (Gov. Code §3502.3). The hearing combined a staff presentation of vacancy metrics with multiple witnesses who alleged retaliation, harassment and high turnover that they say undermines public safety.

Human Resources presenter Nicole summarized the data required by state law, saying the citywide vacancy rate was 8.3% as of March 23, 2026, down from 15.4% the prior year, and described recruitment and retention tools — including a trainee program, NEOGOV applicant management, and hiring bonuses previously authorized by the council for hard‑to‑fill classifications.

Jesus Macias, a Montebello fire captain and president of his local union, told the council the department was experiencing an acute loss of experienced paramedics. “In the last 12 years, we go over a 100 members who have left,” Macias said, and he added that in the prior two weeks eight qualified paramedics departed for other agencies. Macias and several family members and former employees testified about alleged retaliation, targeted investigations, demotions, low morale, and what they described as a hostile work environment under current fire administration.

Multiple speakers recounted personal stories. Janelle Coltara said longstanding patterns of intimidation and favoritism have resulted in departures and shaken trust. Celia Quesada described being fired and later offered a settlement; Angie Macias and Isabel Carvajal said family members had been placed on administrative leave and that communication and grievance processes had broken down.

Speakers in the audience called for an investigation and urged the council to act. Several speakers criticized the retention of the fire chief and urged the council and city manager to review personnel and testing processes that they say have produced unsafe outcomes. Audience members also questioned whether test administration for promotions had been compromised in prior years and whether litigation costs and administrative leave were imposing fiscal burdens on the city.

City management responded by noting investments and reforms. The city manager stated the city has invested in public safety benefits and capital, and highlighted grant awards and improved vacancy figures in some departments. Management emphasized that the city must comply with statutory and administrative processes for personnel and that some hiring and background checks (especially for safety classifications) are lengthy.

After public comment and discussion, Council member Romero moved and Council member Peralta seconded a motion to receive and file the vacancy report. The motion passed on a unanimous recorded vote. The vote received and filed the statutorily required report; it did not constitute a separate disciplinary or investigatory action against any employee. Several public speakers asked the council to direct an investigation; the council did not institute a formal investigation at this meeting.

(Reporting based on the presentation, union testimony, public comments and council action.)