Angel Alba vs. California Department of Parks and Recreation

Case Background

Angel Alba filed an employment lawsuit against the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and his supervisor Lynette Brody. The lawsuit included claims of racial harassment, discrimination, and breach of contract among others. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Stephanie M. Bowick, Mark V. Mooney, and David J. Cowan presided over the case. [Case number: BC704225]

Cause

Angel Alba, a resident of Los Angeles County, California, worked for the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) since September 2000. He began as a Park Maintenance Supervisor but was demoted to Park Maintenance Worker II in February 2016. Despite his long tenure, Alba faced persistent discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.

In 2007, Alba reported racial discrimination and sexual harassment by his supervisor, Dale Skinner. An investigation confirmed the allegations, but the mistreatment continued. Defendant Lynette Brody, another supervisor, allegedly targeted Alba based on his race, national origin, and disability. She made derogatory remarks, including calling him an “arrogant Mexican” and stating she would ensure he never got promoted.

Alba documented multiple incidents where Brody took adverse actions against him. In 2012, she yelled at him and told him to “shut your mouth.” In 2014, she changed his reporting location without notice and stripped him of his duties. That same year, despite ranking first on the candidate list, he was denied a promotion. Brody allegedly ensured his exclusion from leadership roles.

In 2015, Brody denied Alba access to work-issued smart devices, humiliated him during meetings, and spread negative remarks about his trustworthiness. She also removed state vehicles assigned to Hispanic employees. Alba faced repeated denials of promotions, even after ranking first on eligibility lists.

In February 2016, DPR served Alba with disciplinary action based on allegations linked to Brody. Later, he was involuntarily transferred. Although a 2016 agreement required purging his disciplinary record and ensuring Brody and Jerry West did not influence future promotions, the terms were allegedly breached.

Alba filed safety complaints with CalOSHA and his labor union, reporting hazardous work conditions. His supervisor, Jerry West, later admitted that DPR leadership was angered by the complaints, further fueling the retaliation against him.

Damages

Angel Alba sought compensation for the harm he endured while working for the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). He requested $200,000 in general damages and $75,000 in special damages, or amounts determined at trial. He also sought $725,000 for lost earnings, along with reimbursement for medical expenses and other related costs.

Alba asked the court to hold DPR accountable by granting declaratory and injunctive relief. He also sought compensation for additional damages, including consequential and incidental losses. He requested interest on any awarded amounts, including prejudgment interest at the legal rate.

Additionally, Alba pursued damages and legal fees under California law, including $1,000,000 in compensation under California Civil Code § 3333. He asked the court to award any other relief deemed fair and appropriate.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s):Angel Alba
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Anderson Michael Dale Esq. | Haroutunian Susan Suzy | Serpik Andrei V.
  • Defendant(s): Lynette Brody | California Department of Parks and Recreation 
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Gomez Anthony William | Logan-Stern Michelle Danette | Okine Kayi Afivi

Claims

The lawsuit involved multiple claims against the Defendants. The Plaintiff alleged breach of contract and workplace harassment based on disability. The complaint also accused Defendant DPR of disability discrimination, retaliation, and violations of the California Family Rights Act. Additionally, Plaintiff asserted that Defendant DPR failed to engage in a good-faith interactive process and did not provide reasonable accommodations for a disability.

The lawsuit further included claims of workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on race or national origin. The Plaintiff sought declaratory relief to clarify legal rights and obligations under the circumstances.

Defense

Defendants argued that Alba’s claims lacked factual support, were filed too late, and bypassed required administrative steps. They denied wrongdoing, stating they took corrective action when concerns arose. They claimed Alba’s lawsuit improperly expanded beyond his original complaints.

Defendants asserted that Alba was not legally disabled, his requested accommodations were unreasonable, and his inability to perform job duties made accommodations impossible. They also argued that workers’ compensation laws barred some claims, prior settlements resolved others, and any emotional distress stemmed from preexisting conditions.

Finally, they stated that third-party actions or payments might reduce any damages owed and reserved the right to add more defenses if needed.

Jury Verdict

On April 19, 2024, the jury found that Plaintiff Angel Alba had rescinded the settlement agreement due to Defendant’s material breach. As a result, the jury determined that Alba was entitled to financial compensation to restore him to his previous economic position. They awarded $34,170 in damages for lost income from his demotion.

Regarding disability-related claims, the jury ruled in Alba’s favor on his claims that the California Department of Parks and Recreation failed to engage in an interactive process and did not provide reasonable accommodations. However, they found in favor of the Defendant on Alba’s claim of disability discrimination.

On claims related to race or national origin, the jury ruled against Defendant Lynette Brody, finding no liability for harassment. However, they found the California Department of Parks and Recreation liable for harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on Alba’s race or national origin.

The jury also determined that Alba had proven his constructive discharge claim. Because they ruled in his favor on multiple claims, they awarded him $41,952 in damages for past lost income and $2.25 million in emotional distress. In total, Alba received $2,291,952 in damages.

Court Documents:

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