"Callendar engaged in severe or pervasive conduct that violated the District's prohibition on sexual harassment. In spite of that, the district's elected board voted 6-1 to keep Callandar on public payroll for another year as an adviser at a salary of $520,000. In addition, the board has paid legal fees of $577,926 and crisis communication fees of $275,000."
"As a 'ratepayer,' I am more concerned with the ethics of the agreement and the lack of concern regarding harassment of women in the workforce. Isn't everyone? The settlement agreement is 'designed to save the district and its ratepayers money over the long term,' and he warns of future litigation."
"From what is reported, it doesn't look like the harassment case against Callender is open and shut by any means. Continuing litigation could cost the district into the millions. Far better to spend the money on improving infrastructure and service."
The Santa Clara Valley Water District's board voted 6-1 to retain former CEO Rick Callendar on the public payroll for one year as an adviser at $520,000 annually, despite an investigation concluding he engaged in severe or pervasive sexual harassment. The district also paid $577,926 in legal fees and $275,000 in crisis communication costs. Board Chairman Tony Estremera justified the settlement as cost-saving compared to potential litigation expenses. A ratepayer expressed concern that the agreement prioritizes financial considerations over ethical accountability and workplace harassment prevention. Another perspective argues the settlement prevents potentially more expensive litigation while allowing resources to focus on infrastructure improvements.
Read at The Mercury News
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