Caltrans confirms investigation into work hour party

MONTEREY Caltrans says it has launched an review and taken disciplinary approaches after a description of a retirement party during work hours at its Monterey facility on Garden Road that allegedly included alcohol and an exotic dancer Related Articles Map Gifford Fire explodes to California s nd-biggest of the year California consumer confidence rises slightly in July Yosemite hiker killed by falling branch was a really careful person her father says Cops say discovery at Belmont park is not connected to missing person affair Man injured two homes damaged in Oakley shooting Caltrans takes these accusations with the utmost seriousness and is unwavering in holding those involved accountable noted Matthew Rocco Caltrans spokesman via email We hastily launched an examination and have taken immediate disciplinary action The behavior described has absolutely no place in our department and stands in direct opposition to our values and ethical standards In an email sent to local television station KSBW which broke the story a confidential source described the activity in detail including that certain supervisors were seen consuming alcohol and then driving away from the yard in official state-issued Caltrans vehicles while under the influence a blatant violation of Caltrans plan but also a criminal offense and serious liability The station substantiated with Caltrans that the party took place on July at the Monterey facility and that the same email was sent to Caltrans leadership and its human materials department It also approved that Caltrans employees have reportedly been put on leave served with termination notices and two with suspension Caltrans disclosed that the employee for whom the retirement party was thrown was not among those facing disciplinary actions It is unclear if any photos or videos of the party exist or if the Caltrans facility was equipped with surveillance cameras that may have captured the retirement party according to published reports The California Department of Transportation is an executive department of the state is part of the cabinet-level California State Transportation Agency and is headquartered in Sacramento Caltrans manages more than miles of California s highway and freeway lanes provides inter-city rail services permits more than public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports and works with local agencies Caltrans carries out its mission with six primary programs Aeronautics Highway Transportation Mass Transportation Transportation Planning Administration and the Equipment Arrangement Center Like all state agencies Caltrans must first serve employees with notices of the proposed disciplinary action and evidence supporting the statements before the penalties go into effect according to published reports Employees can opt for a review of the disciplinary action and if it is upheld can make an appeal to the State Personnel Board