Leadership changes in local police departments

In March, David Honda took the reins at Watsonville Police Department, replacing Manny Solano who retired. Most recently a captain in San Jose, city leaders say they looked forward to bringing in an outsider with fresh ideas.

In May, it was announced Robert Masterson would assume the top job in King City. Masterson is a veteran of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and most recently served as chief for the College of Sequoias Community College District.

Also in May, Vicki Myers, who once headed up the police departments in Seaside and Pacific Grove, announced her decision to retire in May 2017. Seaside is beginning the search for her replacement.

Pacific Grove hired Amy Christey for the job. She came back to the Central Coast this summer, after previously working at the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office and Morro Bay.

Capitola Police Chief Rudy Escalante announced his retirement earlier this year. As a Santa Cruz county native, Escalante has served residents in Watsonville, Santa Cruz and Capitola for more than 30 years. His last day is September 30.

Marina’s chief of police, Edmundo Rodriguez is stepping down at the end of the year after more than 30 years in law enforcement. He’s been chief for ten years and was instrumental in helping to create the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team, also called PRVNT.

Also retiring at the end of the year is Carmel Police Chief Mike Calhoun. As the director of public safety, Calhoun oversees the city’s fire, ambulance service, emergency management operations and the city’s contract with Monterey Fire. Calhoun is the longest-serving member of the police department and is only the 10th police chief in the city’s history.

Greenfield is now beginning a search for Adele Frese’s replacement, as she moves to Salinas.