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Uploaded: Thursday, April 29, 2010, 11:30 AM
Belle Haven children's center supervisor retires from post following arrest
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by Renee Batti
Almanac Staff
The supervisor of the Belle Haven Child Development Center in Menlo Park, who was arrested on April 13 for allegedly harassing and giving unwanted gifts and letters to a 13-year-old girl, has retired from his position, according to a city official.
Jose Adalberto Lopez, 55, of San Mateo, has been on paid administrative leave from his post since his arrest, according to Glen Kramer, the city's personnel director. Mr. Lopez will remain on paid leave until his retirement becomes effective on May 14, Mr. Kramer said.
Police were called to the child development center on Ivy Drive on April 13 after receiving information from city staff, according to Nicole Acker, spokeswoman for the Menlo Park Police Department. He was booked into San Mateo County jail that night, Ms. Acker said.
The police department completed its investigation and submitted it to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office last week, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. His office will review the case and determine whether charges should be filed, he said.
Mr. Lopez's arraignment is set for 9 a.m. May 18, Mr. Wagstaffe said.
Natalie Bonham, a teacher at the child development center for seven years, has been named acting supervisor of the center until sometime in June, when the center holds a graduation for the older children there, Mr. Kramer said. "We're working on longer-term solution" to put in place after that event, he said.
Mr. Lopez began working with the city as a teacher in 2001, and was promoted in 2006 to be the center's supervisor, according to Mr. Kramer.
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Posted by Lory J, a resident of the Menlo Park: Downtown neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2010 at 11:52 am This is not the first time Mr.Lopes was accused the sexual harassment in this center.Four years ago a teacher was accused him too.
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Posted by r smother, a resident of the Menlo Park: Felton Gables neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2010 at 12:38 pm How much will the city 'pay him' to leave?
if there was prior history, why the hell was he allowed to stay?
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Posted by baffled, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2010 at 1:01 pm And why are we allowing him to "retire" and (I'm assuming)receive full benefits?
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Posted by POGO, a resident of the Woodside: other neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2010 at 2:20 pm It's the compassionate thing to do.
Welcome to California.
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Posted by Steve, a resident of another community, on Apr 29, 2010 at 2:33 pm Amazing the people who are fixated on retirements. He earned it, he should get it. It is the compassionate thing to do. Remember also, innocent untill proven guilty!
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Posted by GrdnGrl, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2010 at 3:51 pm "RETIRES" ?? If M.P. pays him one more penny, THAT should be a crime too! Sheesh.
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Posted by Hmmmmmm, a resident of the Menlo Park: The Willows neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2010 at 4:19 pm If you've read the article, he sent letters, gave gifts and harassed a 13 YEAR OLD CHILD. I believe innocent until proven guilty too but since there is an arraignment, then there must be some sufficient evidence in order for this to come to that. The question should be, was there a background check and what transpired after a prior accusation? Sometimes you find these situation totally innocent but on another hand, did cross the line a moral code teachers cannot cross, therefore, an allowance for retirement. Time will tell....
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Posted by Brian, a resident of the Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 4:07 am Mr. Lopes should be given a fair hearing and if the finding is that he acted inappropriately, he should be fired without retirement benefits.
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Posted by Menlo Park Observer, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 7:22 am Isn't Mr. Lopez a member of the SEIU?
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Posted by Joan, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 8:36 am Isn't Mr./Ms. Menlo Park Observer going off topic with a not-so-subtle slam against unions?
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Posted by Angela, a resident of the Menlo Park: Downtown neighborhood, on Jul 6, 2010 at 6:52 pm It's really hard to believe such accusation against Mr. Lopez he's always been really good with families that need any kind of help I honestly belive this was all a malinterpration of his good intentions. Hopefully this can all be cleared up and some advised to Mr. Lopez you need to be a little bit more careful on who you do good deeds for because in the world we live In we have to always look out for ourselves.
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