RSA

Plaintiffs Riverside Sheriffs Association (RSA) and Linda Morelli (Morelli, collectively Plaintiffs) appeal from the denial of their petition for a writ of mandate seeking to void a policy of defendant County of Riverside (County) to deny step salary increases to certain deputies placed on leave pursuant to Labor Code section 4850 (4850 leave) and seeking to obtain a step increase for Morelli. Plaintiffs claim that the undisputed facts required the trial court to grant the petition as a matter of law. Finding no error, we affirm.

Facts and Procedural History

Morelli was a deputy sheriff employed by County, as a helicopter pilot, from December 9, 1993, to June 28, 2000. Her performance evaluations, which she received in June of every year, had always been satisfactory. She had never been denied a step increase in pay on her December 9 anniversary, and was unaware that those increases were based upon a performance review. On January 30, 1999, Morelli was injured in the course of duty when her helicopter crashed. She was immediately placed on 4850 leave. While on leave she continued to receive her regular salary, and to accrue sick time, vacation and other benefits. After…