The news organization KQED has filed a petition for information on the abrupt removal of Hayward Police Chief Diane Stuart. Stuart was placed on administrative leave in August but, as we said at the time, the city would not disclose what the reason was—other than to call it a confidential “personnel issue.”
“KQED is informed and believes that Chief Stuart’s suspension is related to Trident’s dealings with the City,” according to a petition filed in Alameda County Superior Court Nov. 28. KQED is referencing contracts between the city and one of the companies owned by the chief’s husband, Clark Stuart.
There have been allegations that, prior to their marriage, the chief showed favoritism to Mr. Stuart to help him obtain city contracts. The city had its own concerns about the two and began investigating the police chief as far back as 2015, according to KQED.
In response, Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo said the city “fully intends to comply with the Public Records Act” as required by law. “However, we want to ensure an impartial and fair investigation and as such, will not be releasing records prior to the conclusion of the investigation.”
Read more about KQED’s request for information and what it suspects may have happened here.