A former employee of the Santa Clara Valley Water District has filed a lawsuit alleging that the district's former CEO, Enrico Callender, made sexually harassing remarks, retaliated against her after she rejected his advances, and subsequently thwarted her career progression. The complaint, filed by Jessica Collins, claims Callender made a vulgar comment about her appearance and created a hostile work environment.
Collins, who was hired as a legal analyst in 2006, alleges that Callender, then her supervisor, told a colleague he liked it when she entered his workspace because she "jiggled as she walked." According to the lawsuit, after Collins rejected Callender's advances, he became overly critical of her work and obstructed her attempts at promotion.
The lawsuit further details allegations of a false rumor, which Collins claims supervisors were aware of, that Callender was the secret father of her child. Collins first reported Callender for alleged sexual harassment in 2008. Her current complaint states that internal investigations upheld several of her complaints, including unwelcome sexual conduct and intrusive inquiries into her personal life, along with insinuations that career advancement was contingent on a closer working relationship.
Callender, who was appointed CEO in 2020, allegedly used his position to block Collins from a promotion to assistant officer at the Office of Integrated Water Management in 2022. Collins was a finalist for the position, but her performance score was reportedly "manipulated" during the final interview stage, where Callender was part of the panel. The lawsuit claims that when Collins complained, she was informed Callender would soon retire, implying her opportunities would improve afterward.
Callender resigned from his position in March of this year, following an external review that reportedly found he had sexually harassed two other women. However, the lawsuit states he was subsequently given a one-year contract extension as a special adviser at the same salary, with the district agreeing to cover $65,000 in legal fees and indemnify him from claims related to his employment.
An earlier lawsuit filed by Collins in 2009, which was later abandoned, also detailed allegations of sexual harassment by Callender. These included claims that Callender kissed her after a 2007 work dinner, made unwelcome compliments about her attire, and attempted to invite her on trips, later claiming messages were sent in error when she did not respond.
Velia Mariscal, Callender's former assistant, has also accused him of sexual harassment, with her claims being upheld by an external review. This review found that Callender had sent inappropriate photos and pressured staff into non-work-related activities, engaging in conduct that violated the district's prohibition on sexual harassment.
Callender has denied the allegations in both lawsuits, describing them as "categorically false" and an attempt to damage his reputation. He has also contested the findings of the external reviews, citing investigative bias and racial stereotypes.
Melanie Robertson is currently serving as the interim CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The district has not yet filed a response to Collins's lawsuit.