Piccinini v. California Emergency Management Agency

Appellant Joseph Piccinini was offered and accepted employment as a deputy chief in the California Emergency Management Agency. The Friday night before he was to report for work, he was told not to come because the position for which he was hired had been eliminated. He incurred expenses in reliance on his appointment and sued for damages. The state’s demurrers to Piccinini’s complaints were sustained. Because his first amended complaint stated facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action under Government Code section 19257, we reverse.

BACKGROUND

In his first amended complaint, Piccinini alleged that he responded to a public job announcement for the deputy chief position and participated in the state application process. He was the top candidate for the position and received an offer of employment. He accepted the offer and informed the state he could start in his new position on February 1, 2011. Piccinini completed all the necessary documentation, underwent a physical examination, received a new uniform, signed a two-year lease for a home nearby his new worksite and resigned his position as chief of the Central Calaveras Fire Department. On February 3, 2011,…