Ex-Parks District GM files explosive claims alleging retaliation, gender discrimination
Former East Bay Regional Park District GM alleges male board director said 'women shouldn't be gardeners,' while another doubted a board colleague's effectiveness because she's a single mom
☕️MORNING BUZZ
Vol. VI, No. 1,197
—Former East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth has filed a tort claim accusing board directors Dennis Waespi and Colin Coffey of harassment, retaliation and gender discrimination that she says forced her to resign.
The claim, filed Wednesday, names the park district and several board members, including Waespi and Coffey. A tort claim is typically a precursor to a lawsuit.
Landreth, who became the district’s first female general manager in 2021, alleges she was pushed out after addressing complaints from female staff who, in late 2024 and early 2025, accused Waespi and Coffey of harassment, bullying and treating male employees more favorably.
After reviewing documentation, Landreth determined anti-harassment training was necessary. An outside attorney conducted the training in March 2025. According to the claim, retaliation followed.
Landreth alleges Waespi, Coffey and allied board members refused to meet with her, ignored emails, removed her from internal communications and “openly laughed” while she spoke. She further claims the board launched a “pretextual performance review process” designed to manufacture allegations of poor performance and undermine her record.
—The claim details a series of alleged sexist remarks attributed to Waespi, including statements that “‘the boys’ would have done the right thing,” praise for “macho men,” and a comment that “only women should be gardeners.”
Landreth also alleges Waespi raised his voice, puffed his chest and entered her personal space when she refused to steer a lobbying contract to his preferred consultant.
Waespi, who represents Castro Valley, nearby unincorporated areas, along with portions of Hayward and the Tri-Cities, declined to comment, citing pending legal action.
Landreth further alleges she was paid less than her male predecessor and was criticized by Waespi and Coffey for not being “aggressive” enough or “crushing” like the former general manager. She claims she was labeled emotional and overreactive during her evaluation.
—The filing also accuses Coffey, who represents parts of Contra Costa County, of telling her that fellow Board Director Elizabeth Echols was ineffective because “she’s a single mom.”
Landreth additionally alleges Coffey admitted conducting a “highly sophisticated” effort to “take advantage of Director [Olivia] Sanwong’s mental health issues.”
Coffey strongly denied the allegations. “This is Trumpian in making up things that never happened,” Coffey said. “I have always believed that Director Echols is an extraordinary and effective board member. I never, ever, said she is ineffective, full stop. And I never, ever, referred to Sabrina as not being ‘crushing’ like her predecessor. I have no clue what she is talking about. She is making up stuff to support some kind of money reward after resigning.”
Landreth also named former Board President John Mercurio, alleging he asked her to “slow down this work in DEI.” Mercurio also represents portions of Contra Costa County.
Landreth contends the alleged conduct created intolerable working conditions that amounted to constructive termination. She is seeking damages for lost income and benefits, reputational harm, emotional distress and legal expenses.
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