"With deep gratitude and respect, as Black History Month draws to a close, I write to formally announce my retirement from Valley Water, effective March 1, 2026. His tenure is defined by integrity, transparency, and mission-driven leadership focused on safe, reliable water and responsible stewardship of our resources. At no time was Mr. Callender disciplined or forced to resign or retire due to any reported investigations."
"They agreed they would not say anything that would cast him in a negative light. I will not give up my integrity. District 7 director Rebecca Eisenberg, the lone dissenting vote, told SFGATE that, since she was not a part of the separation agreement that allegedly included a provision restricting board members from publicly disparaging Callender, she was willing to speak out."
Rick Callender, CEO of Valley Water since May 2020 and the agency's first African American leader, resigned effective March 1, 2026. An investigation corroborated multiple allegations that he violated workplace and ethics policies, including sexual harassment. Days before his resignation, the board voted 6-1 to retain him as a special advisor for one year at his $512,886 salary. Board chair Tony Estremera's statement claimed Callender was never disciplined or forced to resign, framing the departure as retirement. Director Rebecca Eisenberg, the sole dissenting vote, revealed a separation agreement restricted board members from publicly disparaging Callender, which she refused to honor.
#workplace-misconduct #sexual-harassment-investigation #executive-resignation #water-agency-governance #separation-agreement
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