An Orange County judge overturned a $2.9 million judgment a jury awarded to Rita Ramirez, a former Santa Ana Police administrative manager and whistleblower who, according to the lawsuit, accused former Chief David Valentin of systemic retaliation that ultimately forced her to resign.
In her lawsuit, Ramirez said she faced escalating retaliation that ultimately forced her to resign after she refused to join Valentin’s “camp” or participate in internal power struggle she described as a “gang-like loyalty system,” within the agency.
Jurors had unanimously ruled in favor of Ramirez and found the city liable for retaliation related to her whistleblower complaints. Court records show the alleged retaliation began in 2018, according to the initial court ruling announced in December of last year. Her attorneys said they plan to pursue an appeal and expect the judgment to be reinstated.
Judge Nathan Vu on April 10 granted the city’s motion for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, which found that while workplace political factions may be toxic, they are not legally protected classes under California employment law.
A 32-year law enforcement veteran, Ramirez sued the city in October 2022, claiming she was constructively terminated after she refused to participate in what she characterized as an internal power struggle between Valentin and former Santa Ana Police Union President Gerry Serrano. She allegedly was warned she would end up “at the bottom of the food chain” if she did...
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