Facts

Peter Bakotich, Debbie Guerrero, and Michael Fanning sued the City of Los Angeles, under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs alleged that they worked for the L.A. Police Dept. in various positions. Plaintiffs alleged that the Fugitive Warrants Section was renamed Gang and Narcotics Division around January 2009, and that Lieutenant I Natalie Cortez became the supervisor. Plaintiffs alleged that Cortez exhibited favoritism and favored females in the workplace. Plaintiffs alleged that when they pointed this out, Cortez retaliated against them and they suffered adverse employment actions. Bakotich claimed he was removed from his command or position, and was denied reinstatement to his former night watch supervisory position because Cortez preferred women in that position. Fanning claimed that he was forced out of his position because of Cortez's clear bias.
Plaintiffs asserted causes of action for sex and gender discrimination in violation of FEHA and retaliation in violation of FEHA.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The city denied plaintiffs' allegations and asserted various affirmative defenses.

Result

The jury rendered a verdict in favor of plaintiffs and awarded them damages. Bakotich was awarded $502,523 in total damages, Fanning $880,000, and Guerrero $1,085,000, for a total sum of $2,467,523.