# 1302216, Heidi Anna Garcia v. County of Santa Barbara, filed 8/14/08

Plaintiff’s Attorneys: Matthew M. Clarke & Dugan P. Kelley

Verdict: $431,000.00                        Dept. 3

Plaintiff worked as Assistant Director of Mental Health Programs in Defendant’s Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services department for 5 years and alleged the location became a discriminating, hostile, abusive and harassing workplace within 3 years after starting. She made oral and written complaints that she claimed were not investigated by Defendant, and alleged that retaliatory behavior toward her escalated, eventually leading to her demotion and termination, when she pointed out to her supervisor that his board position at a local nonprofit which contracted with Defendant County constituted a conflict.    Defendants denied Plaintiff was wrongly demoted or terminated and alleged they had just cause for such actions.  Damages awarded included $236,000 for past economic losses; $150,000 for future economic losses; $150,000 emotional distress damages, and attorneys’ fees.

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