Everett Dorey LLP Wins Trial for City of Santa Ana as Court Overturns $2.9M Alleged Whistle Blower Verdict

Santa Ana, CA - In a highly publicized alleged employee whistleblower case filed by former records manager Rita Ramirez against the City of Santa Ana (Case No. 30-2022-01287702-CU-OE-NJC, Orange County Superior Court), after a seven week jury trial, Orange County Superior Court Judge Nathan Vu orders Judgment for Santa Ana. The Court vacated the previously entered $2.9 million jury verdict and ordered that judgment be entered in favor of the City and wrote, "The court orders that judgment shall be entered in favor of Defendant Santa Ana and against Plaintiff Rita Ramirez" and that "Plaintiff Rita Ramirez shall take nothing by way of Plaintiff Rita Ramirez's Complaint."

In July 2022 at the age of 55, after working for Santa Ana for five years, the plaintiff Rita Ramirez retired with full benefits as a Records Manager as part of the California Public Employee Retirement System and her pension included approximately 75% of her highest earning year, including, cost of living adjustments. After purchasing a home in Arizona, retiring, and receiving her benefits, the plaintiff filed her lawsuit against the City and alleged that she was subjected to retaliation in connection to her employment in violation of California Labor Code section 1102.5 and the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

At trial, Everett Dorey LLP founding partner and co-lead trial attorney, Seymour Everett argued plaintiff's claims were not based in law or fact, as the plaintiff and her attorneys failed to present credible evidence that she was mistreated or retaliated against by the City or the Police department. Following post-trial proceedings, the Court entered judgment in favor of the City.

In the ruling, the Court observed that the City "presented considerable evidence that any adverse employment actions against [Ms. Ramirez] were taken in the regular course of operations of the Police Department and were based upon the management and personnel needs of the Police Department."

Trial attorney Seymour Everett commented, "this is a great victory for the brave men and women who protect and serve the people of Santa Ana. The Judgement vindicates the City and the police department, including, retired Police Chief David Valentin and current Police Chief Robert Rodriquez, as there was no credible evidence that demonstrated wrongdoing by the department."

Co-lead trial attorney Kevin Hernandez was asked about the judgement for Santa Ana and added, "Santa Ana Police Officers deserve this victory based on the evidence and the facts presented at trial. We are grateful the City was vindicated by the Court and we will continue to proudly represent the City." The City of Santa Ana will file post-trial motions seeking payment from Rita Ramirez and her attorneys for all costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the City.

Everett Dorey’s Co-Founder, Seymour “Sy” Everett, III is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (“ABOTA”), is Chambers’ Ranked, recognized by his peers as a "Super Lawyer" and included in the 2026 edition of the Best Lawyers in America for his expertise in complex litigation across various sectors, including defense of corporations and public agencies. Kevin Hernandez is a trial attorney with extensive experience representing cities, public entities and corporations in a wide variety of litigation.

Everett Dorey is a full-service civil litigation firm with offices throughout the western United States. For additional information regarding the case or Everett Dorey’s trial team, please contact Seymour Everett at severett@everettdorey.com and (949) 771 9244 and Samantha Dorey at sdorey@everettdorey.com and (949) 771-9250. Please visit EverettDorey.com for additional information about the firm and its range of practice areas.