SAN LEANDRO — Chris Zapata, who stepped down as city manager of San Leandro earlier this month, was named city manager of Anaheim in southern California on Tuesday.
Zapata had served in the San Leandro job since 2012. His departure came despite an independent investigator finding that allegations against him of inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct, which led city officials to place him on leave, were not credible.
The Anaheim City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hire him with an annual salary at $291,000, plus health, retirement and other benefits. He will officially start Aug. 6.
Zapata’s annual pay in San Leandro when he was hired five years ago was $273,000. His contract was set to expire in January.
City of San Leandro officials reached a $350,000 severance payment on July 2 with Zapata, who denied any misconduct and whose official last day on the job was July 10, or one week before the Anaheim council voted to hire him.
His severance agreement with San Leandro included a “non-disparagement” clause, in which both the city and Zapata agreed not to make statements that could undermine the reputation of the other.
In the wake of the agreement, a memorandum from the council, city attorney and clerk was sent to each of San Leandro’s appointed board members and commissioners, highlighting the clause and informing them they, too, were legally required to adhere to it.
They were told to sign and return the memo, which also stated a violation of the clause would result in their removal from office.
“This council took (those allegations of misconduct) very, very seriously,” said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait, who noted that a four-month investigation cleared Zapata.
“This council waited until the results of the investigation before we made a final decision,” Tait said. “It really would be unfair, not right, to not give a job to someone we thought was the best candidate because of an allegation that an investigation found was not true.”
Zapata’s agreement with Anaheim provides him with a temporary housing allowance of up to $9,000 and up to $12,000 for moving expenses.
Jeff Kay, who served as acting city manager while Zapata was on leave for four months, has since been named as San Leandro city manager.
“Anaheim is a unique and vibrant community,” Zapata said in a release. “It will be a privilege to continue my public service working with everyone who lives, invests and visits there. I plan to move to Anaheim, immerse myself in the community and spend time listening, observing and learning. I look forward to sharing my career experiences and working together with the mayor, City Council and organization to move the city forward.”
Zapata’s background includes serving as city manager for National City in San Diego County and as deputy city manager of Glendale, Ariz.