Attack ad slams Costa Mesa mayor over handling of employee's suicide (Ad from "Repair Costa Mesa") |
COSTA MESA (KTLA) -- A Costa Mesa city employee who jumped to his death off the roof of City Hall the day he was supposed to receive a pink slip had cocaine in his system, according to the coroner's office.
29-year-old Huy Pham, a city maintenance worker, jumped off the fifth floor of the city hall building on March 17.
Authorities said Pham had worked for the city for about 4 years, and was among the 200 workers slated to be given six-month layoff notices.
Pham's death drew anger from many residents and city employees.
Mayor Gary Monahan came under fire for his response to Pham's death.
An attack ad, released by a group called "Repair Costa Mesa," criticized Monahan for not addressing crowds at city hall after the suicide.
Instead, Monahan was photographed red-faced at a bar wearing a kilt.
The ad featured audio from news reports about the suicide, and text that read, "When tragedy struck Costa Mesa City Hall, Mayor Gary Monahan was too busy to show up."
It then flashed to video of Monahan wearing the kilt at the bar, with the text, "His priority was St. Patrick's Day."
"After firing more than 200 workers, Monahan walked away," the ad concludes.
Monahan issued a statement the day after the suicide, blaming the city union for the negative press he was receiving.
"Before I was informed of yesterday's incident, the union decided to take despicable advantage of this tragic situation to advance their agenda," he said.
Monahan also said he was concerned that his presence could further inflame and escalate the situation.
The city released a statement the same day saying that Pham's death was not being taken lightly.
"This tragedy has affected the entire City of Costa Mesa family. Staff is reaching out to all city employees during this time," said city CEO Thomas Hatch.
The notices were given to 90 firefighters, 12 jail staff, 50 city maintenance workers and 30 dispatchers.
The cuts were made in an effort to reduce pension costs and contract out more city services to private firms.
Earlier in March, the city council approved outsourcing 18 city services.
The city has established a donation fund for Pham's family.
Anyone wishing to donate can send a check via mail to Costa Mesa Community Foundation, P.O. Box 10268, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, in care of Huy Pham.
29-year-old Huy Pham, a city maintenance worker, jumped off the fifth floor of the city hall building on March 17.
Authorities said Pham had worked for the city for about 4 years, and was among the 200 workers slated to be given six-month layoff notices.
Pham's death drew anger from many residents and city employees.
Mayor Gary Monahan came under fire for his response to Pham's death.
An attack ad, released by a group called "Repair Costa Mesa," criticized Monahan for not addressing crowds at city hall after the suicide.
Instead, Monahan was photographed red-faced at a bar wearing a kilt.
The ad featured audio from news reports about the suicide, and text that read, "When tragedy struck Costa Mesa City Hall, Mayor Gary Monahan was too busy to show up."
It then flashed to video of Monahan wearing the kilt at the bar, with the text, "His priority was St. Patrick's Day."
"After firing more than 200 workers, Monahan walked away," the ad concludes.
Monahan issued a statement the day after the suicide, blaming the city union for the negative press he was receiving.
"Before I was informed of yesterday's incident, the union decided to take despicable advantage of this tragic situation to advance their agenda," he said.
Monahan also said he was concerned that his presence could further inflame and escalate the situation.
The city released a statement the same day saying that Pham's death was not being taken lightly.
"This tragedy has affected the entire City of Costa Mesa family. Staff is reaching out to all city employees during this time," said city CEO Thomas Hatch.
The notices were given to 90 firefighters, 12 jail staff, 50 city maintenance workers and 30 dispatchers.
The cuts were made in an effort to reduce pension costs and contract out more city services to private firms.
Earlier in March, the city council approved outsourcing 18 city services.
The city has established a donation fund for Pham's family.
Anyone wishing to donate can send a check via mail to Costa Mesa Community Foundation, P.O. Box 10268, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, in care of Huy Pham.
