"Callender, who has led the Santa Clara Valley Water District since 2020 and serves as president of the California-Hawaii NAACP State Conference, announced Friday that he would leave his $520,000-a-year post March 1. He had been on paid administrative leave since December 2024, when the allegations first surfaced."
"The district's board, following a closed session meeting on Tuesday, released a 30-page executive summary of a 10-month-long investigation completed last September by Cerritos-based law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. The firm interviewed dozens of witnesses, Callender and three women who filed complaints against him alleging misconduct."
"Under a separation agreement approved by a vote of 6-1 Friday by the district's elected board, he will remain on the public payroll for another year with the same salary and benefits, this time as an adviser to board chair Tony Estremera."
Rick Callender, CEO of Santa Clara Valley Water District since 2020, was found to have sexually harassed two female employees over multiple years according to a 10-month investigation completed by law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. The harassment included sending inappropriate photos, making comments about sexual activities, and pressuring employees for after-hours activities. Callender announced his resignation effective March 1, though he will remain on the public payroll for another year earning his full $520,000 salary and benefits as an adviser. The board voted 6-1 to approve the separation agreement. Callender's attorney denied all allegations, claimed the investigation was flawed, and threatened legal action against the district.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]