McDANELD
McDaneld v. Eastern Municipal Water District Board
Opinion
Opinion
Gaut, J.
1. Introduction
Ronald McDaneld appeals from a judgment denying his petition for a peremptory writ of mandate, by which he sought reinstatement of his employment with the Eastern Municipal Water District. On appeal, his primary argument is the water district retaliated against him for exercising his rights for family and medical leave as provided by California and federal law.
We affirm the judgment on the grounds that the water district could properly terminate McDaneld when it reasonably believed he was misusing his family leave and then was untruthful during the subsequent investigation.
2. Factual and Procedural Background
We reviewed this matter in a previous appeal (McDaneld v. Eastern Municipal Water Dist. Bd. (Jan. 10, 2001, E027393) [nonpub. opn.]). We repeat the salient facts as described there and in the administrative record.
The water district first employed McDaneld as a mechanic in September 1996. In July 1997, he received a positive annual evaluation.
In October 1997, the water district first denied, then approved, McDaneld’s request for family leave to care for his child. The water district also placed McDaneld on a performance improvement plan.