A former employee has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation by her previous employer after she raised concerns about fraudulent financial practices. Grace Navarro filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on February 24, 2025, against the City of Ventura and the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura.
The case revolves around Navarro's employment as a Property Manager for the Housing Authority, beginning on August 8, 2022. During a budget review meeting on March 12, 2024, Navarro questioned an expense of approximately $10,000 per month allocated to "Tenant Services" by the Community Services Department. She claimed that these services were not being provided and described this as fraudulent and unfair to investors. Her concerns were dismissed by her colleagues who advised her not to worry as long as investors were satisfied with the explanations provided.
Following this incident, Navarro was placed on paid administrative leave on March 20, 2024. She was informed by Human Resources that she could resign in exchange for a severance payment of $2,000 but was given no reason for her leave or any prior disciplinary actions during her tenure. Ultimately, her employment was terminated effective April 10, 2024.
Navarro claims that her termination was retaliatory in nature due to her whistleblowing activities protected under California Labor Code §1102.5. This law safeguards employees reporting violations of state or federal statutes or regulations. The plaintiff argues there is a direct causal link between her reporting and subsequent termination without lawful cause.
In seeking justice from the court, Navarro demands compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits alongside punitive damages aimed at penalizing the defendants' conduct deemed malicious or fraudulent under California Civil Code section 3294. She also seeks attorney fees and costs incurred during litigation along with pre- and post-judgment interest.
Representing Grace Navarro is attorney Francis A. DiGiacco from Harlan Hillier DiGiacco LLP based in San Diego. The case ID is listed as 2O2SCUyyToOsS9087 with proceedings set before Ventura Superior Court judges.