Charamuga

This is an appeal from a judgment of the superior court granting a writ of mandate which was sought to compel the restoration of William Charamuga to the job of farm supervisor in the Sheriff’s Department of the County of Sacramento.

In May 1953 Charamuga qualified for the civil service position of farm supervisor in the sheriff’s office. His function was to supervise the production of crops and the care of livestock at a farm run in conjunction with the operation of the branch county jail. Charamuga fulfilled the position until June 30, 1960, when he was “laid off.’’ His employment was terminated because the position of farm supervisor at the branch county jail was abolished by the board of supervisors.

In May 1960 a reorganization of the sheriff’s office was put into effect by which two road camps were consolidated. The county executive, with the concurrence of the sheriff, determined that certain positions could be abolished, including that of farm supervisor. Other positions were created. It was planned that the farm activities were to be curtailed and that the technical advice on farm operations was to be furnished through another county office—the office of farm…