A former employee has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer, alleging severe workplace discrimination and harassment. On December 30, 2024, David Navarro filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against CIDA Sleep Systems doing business as Natural Latex Company, along with Michael Hughes and Naren Jhala.
David Navarro's lawsuit details numerous allegations against his former employer and its management. Navarro claims that during his tenure as an HR Generalist at CIDA Sleep Systems in Camarillo, California, he was subjected to racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. He accuses Naren Jhala of making derogatory comments about Mexicans and Hispanics, labeling them as "lazy" and "criminals," despite knowing Navarro's Mexican descent. These comments were allegedly made in front of witnesses on multiple occasions. Navarro also contends that CIDA's CEO, Michael Hughes, ratified this behavior by failing to take corrective action. As a result of these actions, Navarro claims he suffered emotional distress and was ultimately wrongfully terminated after raising complaints about the discriminatory practices.
Navarro's complaint includes ten causes of action: discrimination based on race in violation of Government Code § 12940(a), hostile work environment under Government Code § 12940 et seq., failure to prevent discrimination and harassment per Government Code § 12940(k), retaliation under Government Code §§ 12940 et seq., race harassment under Government Code § 12940(j), wrongful termination in violation of public policy according to Government Code §§ 12940 et seq., retaliation under Labor Code § 98.6 and Cal. Lab. Code § 1102.5, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
In seeking judgment from the court, Navarro requests compensatory damages for lost earnings and benefits due to wrongful termination, damages for physical injury and emotional distress caused by the alleged discriminatory conduct, punitive damages for the defendants' malicious actions, attorneys' fees pursuant to applicable laws including FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act), prejudgment interest, reasonable costs of suit, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
The case is represented by attorneys Jeremy D. Smith and Daniel L. Reback from Krane & Smith APC law firm. The case ID is 2024 CUYYT 034988.