Facts

Dana Camarillo was a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department sergeant who applied for an open position as a County liaison for the City of Hawaiian Gardens. The County had previously contracted with the City to provide law enforcement services for the City and used a liaison to act as a go-between the City and County. Camarillo, along with at least four other Sheriff's Department personnel, decided to pursue the liaison position when the County Sheriff's Department announced that the liaison position was open and needed to be filled. Camarillo was not selected for the position and, after she felt that she was retaliated against for complaining about not being selected, she sued the County and the City. The County obtained summary judgment following the City's dismissal from the case, however, the judgment was reversed.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendant intentionally withheld the position from plaintiff because she was female and not born in Mexico. Plaintiff contended further that defendant admitted that a Mexican man was the preferred candidate. Plaintiff further contended that defendant demoted plaintiff in retaliation for plaintiff complaining about the discriminatory treatment towards plaintiff.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied the contentions.

Injuries

Dana Camarillo claimed that, following her demotion, she developed severe respiratory and other medical issues.

Result

The parties entered a $2 million settlement agreement.