Facts

In 1999, the City of Healdsburg hired Lorie Bock as a meter reader, and by 2007, she made $88,000 (salary and benefits) for working 16 days per month, under an at-will employment contract.

In Sept. 2007, a new assistant city manager informed Bock that either the position would be changed to fit within the pay scale, or she could work as an independent contractor for $80,000. Bock left her employment in Dec., after declining the options.

Bock then sued the City for disability, gender, and age discrimination, harassment, and whistleblowing activity. Her claims of discrimination, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, disability, and whistleblowing were heard by the jury.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that defendant forced her to leave her position due to her age, gender, and disability. She further alleged that she was forced to leave because she did not want to work at the lower pay rate.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant denied wrongdoing, claiming that plaintiff was fired for a justified reason, and was making money beyond the pay scale. Further, defendant claimed that plaintiff refused three different options before quitting.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $950,00, and defendant offered $50,000.

Damages

Plaintiff requested over $1.4 million.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed emotional distress and psychological injury.

Result

The jury found in favor of the defense.

Other Information

A cost memorandum was filed by the City for about $19,000. Bock has filed an appeal.

Deliberation

two hours

Poll

10-2

Length

12 days