Two more plaintiffs have joined the sexual harassment lawsuit
against Recreation Services Manager Robert Ornelas and the City of
Hollister.
The lawsuit accuses Ornelas of sexual harassment and civil
rights violations, and the city of not taking action to stop the
harassment.
Two more plaintiffs have joined the sexual harassment lawsuit against Recreation Services Manager Robert Ornelas and the City of Hollister.
The lawsuit accuses Ornelas of sexual harassment and civil rights violations, and the city of not taking action to stop the harassment.
Ronald Miller and his 16-year-old daughter were added to the lawsuit Jan. 23. Miller is the wife of plaintiff Jeannette Miller. They, along with both their daughters, Ashley Miller, 18, and the 16-year-old, whose name is being withheld because of her age, make up half of the plaintiffs.
But lawyer William Marder denies that the suit is about a family ganging up on one person.
“I had the same concern and I’m sure the other side will bring it up,” he said, “but there are four other women not related to them involved. There are also additional women who I’ve talked with who don’t want to sue. If you eliminate the Millers, there are still four women complaining.”
The two new plaintiffs add more charges of sexual harassment that included groping, leering, kissing, touching body parts, sexually suggestive language, preferential treatment and threats toward job security, according to the original lawsuit.
New allegations include witnessing leering and flirting as well as exposure to a pornographic leather-clad teddy bear and sexual conversations that involved Ornelas during work-related functions.
Both new plaintiffs have and are working as independent contractors with the city.
City Attorney Elaine Cass was out of the office Friday. In an earlier interview, she said, “… unfortunately, the picture painted in the complaint is not the full picture … Under the circumstances, the city is prepared to defend this lawsuit, which we believe is without merit.”
The city has 20 days to file a response to the suit – 20 days instead of 30 because the city has exercised its right to have the suit transferred to a federal court in San Jose.
The 16-year-old joined the lawsuit because she felt she could handle it, Marder said. Ron Miller joined the suit because he felt he was sitting on the sidelines by not getting involved.
“His concern was that the city isn’t doing anything to protect the community,” Marder said. “He’s doing what he can. He feels it’s better participating than standing on the sidelines.”
The other six plaintiffs are: Stephanie Beltran, office assistant; Lisa Borges, senior support services assistant; Christina Castillo, a youth program coordinator at one time; Jerrisue Wasson, the Veterans Building facilitator at one time; Jeannette Miller, an independent contractor; and Ashley Miller, an independent contractor.
Ornelas began working for the city in January 1984, according to the city’s human resources department. He became manager of Recreation Services in January 1986. From 1984 to 1986, Ornelas served as acting sports supervisor, program manager for sports, community center attendee and playground supervisor, according to human resources.
While it appears Ornelas may be laid off this year with 35 other city employees, Marder said his clients are insistent on following through with the lawsuit even if he is no longer working with the city.
“The plaintiffs are adamant – they want to go to trial,” he said. “The city failed to correct the behavior.”
News of Ornelas’ possible layoff did not surprise Marder.
“The city was in a catch-22 – if they got rid of him after all this, they’re admitting they were wrong,” he said. “Now, they’re killing two birds with one stone – they get rid of a problem employee without having to admit wrongdoing.”
Over the past couple of years, the city and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing completed separate investigations into complaints.
The city’s 2002 investigation found that Ornelas’ “conduct was inappropriate and unprofessional and in violation of city policy.” The city said action was taken against Ornelas.
