Case Background

Joann Sakurada filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Keyes Community Services District, alleging disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, and violation of her rights under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Stanislaus County. Honorable John Mayne presided over the trial. [Case number: CV-23-000228]

Cause

Joann Sakurada lived in California at all relevant times. She worked for Keyes Community Services District, a special district operating in California with its main office in Keyes, Stanislaus County.

On September 3, 2019, she started working as an Office Assistant I. Michelle Harris, the Administrative Executive, supervised her and reported to General Manager Ernie Garza. On February 4, 2022, Sakurada gave Harris a medical certification stating she needed surgery on March 9, 2022, and would be off work until June 9, 2022, returning without restrictions on July 10, 2022. Three days later, Harris told Sakurada she would lose her medical coverage during leave but could continue it through COBRA. She was also told she would face a 90-day waiting period before reinstatement.

On February 9, 2022, Sakurada contacted the health insurance provider to understand her benefits. Two days later, Harris reprimanded her for violating the “chain of command,” claiming she should have only asked Harris about benefits. This discipline appeared to be a pretext for her termination, motivated by bias against employees with disabilities.

Sakurada faced conflicting and inaccurate information from Harris regarding her benefits. When she asked about CFRA leave, Harris incorrectly said she was ineligible. On March 8, 2022, the day before surgery, Harris