Reaction to Chief's Departure: Sad But Not Surprised

The announcement Monday of the departure of for the top cop spot in San Leandro was a surprise to some at Benicia City Hall, but not everyone.  When asked how long he has known Spagnoli was on the short list for the San Leandro job, interim City Manager Jim Erickson declined to comment.

He did say he wasn't surprised by the news.  "I know she gets calls from recruiters because she's very talented," he said.  "When you're talented, you're in demand."

Mayor Elizabeth Patterson said it's not uncommon for the city manager to know of upper level management employees looking at opportunities outside Benicia.

Patterson said she learned of the departure about 4 p.m. Monday.  While she wasn't aware Spagnoli was being considered for the chief's job in San Leandro, Patterson said she wasn't shocked by the news, either.

"I was always holding my breath, hoping she'd stay here, but I'm not surprised," said the mayor.  "We'll have to find someone equally good."

Patterson has mixed feelings about Spagnoli's departure. "It's bittersweet," she said, "because it's always great when you see an employee go to a great new position.

"But it's also sad when you lose a great employee."

Some downtown business people are echoing the mayor's feelings.  "We're sad to hear she's leaving," said Delondo Peagan, a partner in .  "It's always been easy working with her."

Erickson doesn't seem concerned about the not having a chief for a while.  He credits Spagnoli with creating an environment in which professionalism will allow for a smooth transition.

"We're lucky we have a really great staff at the Police Department," he said.  "During the transition, the department will be just fine."

"This is good for her," said Patterson.  "We can look at the good she did for Benicia, but now we have to find somebody to fill those very big shoes."

Spagnoli notified the city manager Monday of her decision to accept the San Leandro job.  Her first day on the job in San Leandro will be Jan. 10.

Spagnoli, who has been Benicia's chief of police for four years, was unavailable for comment.