Coronado investigating allegations that city official used racial slurs during argument

Coronado’s city manager said Sunday the city is investigating allegations that a city official used racial slurs during an argument Saturday at a shopping mall in Newport Beach.

The city’s announcement comes after a video posted to social media shows Roger Miller, Coronado’s director of recreation and golf services, and a woman who is with him arguing with the person shooting the video and then sticking up their middle fingers.

Miller, who couldn’t be reached for comment Sunday, is not shown on video saying any racial slurs. But the couple who shot the video were quoted on social media claiming he made slurs before the filming began.

It appears the video was shot in a parking structure at a shopping mall.

The social media post alleges Miller and his female companion told the person shooting the video — who the video says is Asian — that Chinese people are spreading COVID-19. The pair also allegedly said they are glad that America is not a communist country like China.

In the video, Miller’s female companion can be heard saying “I love that we are not communism — I love that very much,” “America is a free country” and “Go back to China!”

When asked by the person shooting the video whether the comments were directed at him and his companion, Miller replies: “Yeah, maybe could be.”

Coronado City Manager Tina Friend released a statement Sunday saying she took “immediate action” to look into the report when she became aware of the video and the alleged comments.

“The City became aware of a recording of a City employee and alleged comments made,” the statement reads. “As this is a personnel matter, I cannot discuss specifics at this point. This is a serious matter and I am taking appropriate action. The City of Coronado is a welcoming place for all.”

Friend did not name Miller in her statement.

This incident comes seven months after tortillas thrown during a Coronado High School basketball game — against an Escondido team that was mostly Latino — sparked controversy that led to the team being stripped of its 2021 championship by the California Interscholastic Federation. Coaches and players are also being required by CIF to undergo sensitivity training.

Miller, who lives in Temecula, has worked for the city since 2009. He was promoted to his current position in 2015.