BREAKING: Ex-East Bay parks general manager Sabrina Landreth has filed a shocking legal claim against the East Bay Regional Park District, alleging rampant gender discrimination, nepotism, and retaliation by her former bosses. This urgent development, filed this week, follows her resignation in early November 2024 and paints a disturbing picture of a workplace hostile to women, according to her attorney, Bobby Shukla.
Landreth claims her efforts to combat workplace harassment were met with retaliation from board members, exacerbating an already toxic environment. “This culture came from the top, and was maintained from the top,” Shukla stated, emphasizing the immense pressure Landreth faced while trying to uphold ethical standards. The allegations detail a troubling pattern of behavior among board members, including secretive meetings and improper contract awards.
The Park District, which oversees 73 parks and more than 1,300 miles of trails across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, responded with a statement affirming their commitment to addressing claims of harassment and discrimination, but noted they do not comment on pending litigation.
Landreth, who joined the agency in 2020 after five years as Oakland’s city administrator, was reportedly shocked by the backlash she faced following her recent contract extension. Her legal claim, which often precedes a formal lawsuit, outlines a series of troubling incidents that allegedly began in December 2024, when female staff reported discriminatory practices by directors Colin Coffey and Dennis Waespi.
In response to these reports, Landreth initiated workplace training aimed at combating harassment and micro-aggressions. However, she claims that Coffey and Waespi led a retaliatory campaign against her, involving other board members such as John Mercurio, Olivia Sanwong, and Lynda Deschambault. Their campaign allegedly included ignoring her communications, publicly challenging her competence, and fostering a hostile work environment.
The legal filing also accuses unnamed board members of violating district policy by improperly awarding contracts and promoting family members, alongside engaging in unethical practices such as giving gifts to public officials and supporting personal political campaigns with public resources.
Landreth’s experience at the district included enduring sexist remarks, with Waespi reportedly praising “macho men” and suggesting “only women should be gardeners”. Coffey has been accused of making disparaging comments about female board members, arguing their personal lives made them unfit for leadership roles.
In response to the allegations, Coffey expressed disappointment, claiming that he maintained a “cordial and professional relationship” with Landreth. He firmly rejected the claims against him, labeling them as untrue and suggesting Landreth’s recent departure stems from her dissatisfaction rather than credible grievances.
Shukla highlighted the dire working conditions Landreth faced, stating that the culture within the district became “intolerable” for the first woman to serve as general manager. “While there was a desire to have a woman there as a leader, the culture that was brewing beneath came to the surface,” he explained.
As this situation continues to unfold, the implications for the East Bay Regional Park District and its leadership remain profound. Authorities will have to address these allegations through the legal system, with Landreth’s claims spotlighting critical issues of workplace culture and gender equality in public service.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
