Eisenberg

Filed 12/31/

CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER H052913

DISTRICT, (Santa Clara County Super. Ct. No. 24CV436448) Plaintiff and Respondent,

v.

REBECCA EISENBERG,

Defendant and Appellant.

In January 2024, appellant Rebecca Eisenberg, one of seven directors of respondent Santa Clara Valley Water District (Water District), was given access to review at its facility two printed investigation reports (Confidential Reports or Reports). They had been prepared by a law firm at Water District’s request. The Reports related to separate investigations of complaints by Water District staff of alleged misconduct by Eisenberg, and of a complaint by Eisenberg of alleged misconduct by her complainants. Shortly after commencing that review, Eisenberg—allegedly without Water District’s permission—removed the Confidential Reports from the facility. After Eisenberg failed to return the Reports in response to the Board’s request, and after she was censured by Water District’s board of directors (Board), Water District filed this…