Attorneys for the City of Carson are seeking dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a former aide who alleges he was fired after raising concerns about being asked to perform personal errands for a city councilwoman. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by Justin Battle, alleges a violation of the state Labor Code.
City Disputes Claims
The city’s legal team argues that Battle’s termination was based on legitimate, performance-related issues, specifically his limited operate availability. Court papers state that the case “is not about whistleblowing,” but rather about the city’s right to terminate an employee for performance reasons. They contend that the law does not protect employees from termination based on “routine workplace complaints.”
According to the city, Battle held a second job as a student supervision aide at Stephen M. White Middle School, working 30 hours weekly. This schedule overlapped with the demands of his position as aide to District 4 Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas, which required availability after 3 p.m. Battle’s six-month probationary period ended in November 2023, at which point the city determined he had not met performance standards and was terminated.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
Battle’s suit, filed in July 2024, details a series of personal tasks he was allegedly asked to perform for Councilwoman Bocatija Rojas. These included picking up her daughter from school, monitoring the daughter’s email and phone calls using an LAPD tool, picking up dry cleaning, driving her to events, servicing her car, planning vacations, mowing her lawn, and transporting her sister. The suit claims Bocatija Rojas instructed him to avoid using the office while completing these tasks to avoid detection.
The lawsuit likewise alleges that Bocatija Rojas requested Battle to monitor the activities of District 2 Councilman Jim Dear, specifically to observe his “comings and goings” and to report on his girlfriend or wife. Battle reportedly refused this request and reported the demand to Assistant City Manager Robert Lennox multiple times, but the suit states “the conduct never stopped.”
Battle believes his termination was directly linked to his complaints about the alleged improper requests and his refusal to participate in them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of Justin Battle’s lawsuit?
Justin Battle’s lawsuit alleges a violation of the state Labor Code.
When did the city terminate Justin Battle’s employment?
The city terminated Justin Battle’s employment in November 2023, following the conclusion of his six-month probationary period.
What specific tasks was Justin Battle allegedly asked to perform?
According to the suit, Justin Battle was asked to pick up the councilwoman’s daughter from school, monitor her daughter’s communications, handle personal errands like dry cleaning and car service, plan vacations, and perform other personal tasks.
As the case proceeds, it remains to be seen whether Judge Stephen Pfahler will agree with the city’s argument that You’ll see no triable issues, or if the case will move forward to a full hearing on August 27.
