"You are showing that he is more important than the rest of us. The building roared with applause when Callender's first accuser, employee Velia Mariscal, spoke during public comment. She filed her complaint in November 2024 and sat for multiple interviews with investigators, alleging Callender made inappropriate comments toward her and sent her inappropriate messages."
"I can't help but wonder, if the second woman hadn't come forward, whether (Callender) might still be here. I continue to experience retaliation and isolation after reporting misconduct. No woman or employee should have to choose between their livelihood and well-being. We come to work to do our jobs and support our families. I understand speaking here today may place a large target on my back, but continuing to remain silent is no longer an option."
Santa Clara Valley Water faced significant employee backlash after its board approved a separation agreement allowing former CEO Rick Callender to retain $700,000 in total pay and benefits despite investigators finding he sexually harassed employees. Dozens of workers attended a board meeting to protest the decision, demanding the resignation of six directors who approved the agreement. Employees accused the board of prioritizing Callender's interests over organizational integrity. Velia Mariscal, Callender's first accuser, spoke publicly about her complaint filed in November 2024 and the sustained allegations against him. She described experiencing retaliation and isolation after reporting misconduct, emphasizing that employees should not have to choose between their livelihoods and well-being.
#sexual-harassment #corporate-accountability #employee-protest #separation-agreement #workplace-misconduct
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