Carrie Gallagher vs. City of West Covina

Case Background

On February 24, 2021, Carrie Gallagher filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the City of West Covina alleging retaliation violating Labor Code Section 1102.5. This case was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Maurice A. Leiter and Michelle Williams Court presided over this case. [Case number: 21STCV07298]

Cause

Plaintiff Carrie Gallagher, also known as Ms. Gallagher, lived in San Diego County, California, and worked in Los Angeles County. She began her role as Assistant City Clerk with the City of West Covina in January 2019, managing the City Clerk’s Office and overseeing its staff. Her duties included acting as the municipal clerk and serving as the City’s Election Official. On December 5, 2019, the City of West Covina terminated Ms. Gallagher’s employment. She believed this was due to retaliation for her refusal to engage in activities she thought were illegal, reporting these concerns to City Manager David Carmany, and directing her staff to comply with a subpoena. Additionally, she stopped researching Mr. Carmany’s financial matters, which she felt interfered with her job. Ms. Gallagher’s role required her to remind City Council members, including Jessica Shewmaker, to complete mandatory Ethics and Harassment training. She faced hostility from Ms. Shewmaker and was later ordered by Mr. Carmany not to contact Cou