UPDATE: Former East Bay parks general manager Sabrina Landreth has filed a bombshell legal claim against the East Bay Regional Park District, alleging a hostile workplace rife with gender discrimination and retaliation. The shocking accusations come just days after her resignation in early November 2023, raising urgent concerns about workplace culture in the agency.
Landreth’s legal claim paints a disturbing picture of an agency led by a culture of nepotism and misconduct. According to her attorney, Bobby Shukla, the hostile environment was perpetuated by top officials, making it nearly impossible for Landreth to fulfill her role effectively. “This culture came from the top, and was maintained from the top,” Shukla stated, emphasizing the challenges Landreth faced while trying to implement necessary changes.
In her claims, Landreth detailed instances of retaliation, particularly following her efforts to address harassment issues within the district. Multiple female staff members reported discrimination by directors Colin Coffey and Dennis Waespi, who allegedly favored male employees. In March 2025, Landreth initiated workplace training aimed at combating such issues, but faced backlash as Coffey and Waespi reportedly rallied other board members—John Mercurio, Olivia Sanwong, and Lynda Deschambault—against her.
The claim suggests that Landreth endured a barrage of hostility, including ignored emails and false allegations about her performance. She argues that her refusal to participate in unethical practices, such as improperly awarded contracts and undisclosed board meetings, led to her untenable working conditions.
The legal filing alleges that board members engaged in numerous violations, including bypassing legal protocols for awarding contracts and promoting employees inappropriately. They also reportedly held secret meetings about land acquisitions, violating the Brown Act, and provided preferential treatment to family members within the district.
Landreth’s experience at the park district, which manages 73 parks and over 1,300 miles of trails across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, took a downward turn over her final year. Allegations of sexist remarks and discriminatory practices were rampant, with Landreth claiming she earned less than her male predecessor while enduring derogatory comments from board members.
In response to the claims, Coffey expressed disappointment at the allegations, asserting that he maintained a “cordial and professional relationship” with Landreth. He refuted the accusations, stating, “Nothing in the government claim attributed to me is true,” and labeled Landreth’s actions as attempts to monetize her voluntary resignation.
Sanwong also disputed the characterizations of her conduct but refrained from further comment due to the active legal matter. Waespi and Deschambault did not respond to requests for comments.
Shukla underscored the gravity of Landreth’s situation, stating the work environment became “intolerable” for the first woman to serve as general manager of the district. “While there was a desire to have a woman there as a leader, the underlying culture revealed reluctance to accept her leadership,” he said.
The East Bay Regional Park District issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to addressing claims of harassment and discrimination but did not comment on the ongoing litigation.
As this story develops, the implications for workplace culture and gender equality in leadership roles remain significant. Observers are closely watching this case as it unfolds, with potential broader consequences for similar organizations facing allegations of workplace misconduct.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent and developing situation.
