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A letter to the City sent earlier this month by Community Development Director Darlene Mataâs attorney, states Mata will voluntarily resign from her position for a settlement of $1.25 million, after two years of unsuccessful attempts to resolve inappropriate behavior by Councilman Art Brieno. Attorney Rachele Berglund outlined a nearly two year period where Mata made complaints about Brienoâs behavior to the City, with little action. Berglund writes an investigation into Mataâs allegations found 14 out of 16 allegations were sustained, including the following: Harassed based on gender; harassed based on actual or perceived disability; subjected to a hostile work environment; suffered invasion of privacy; suffered unlawful disclosure of confidential personnel information; suffered unauthorized disclosure of medical records; and suffered retaliation. ....
HANFORD â Art Brieno stepped onto the dais inside council chambers Tuesday evening and reclaimed his council seat, rescinding the resignation that he announced three weeks ago. The move prompted several members of the public to ask the Council for an explanation, including attorney Rachele Berglund, who is representing Hanfordâs Community Development Director, Darlene Mata, in a claim against the city. The claim alleges Brieno subjected Mata to a hostile work environment and unlawful workplace conduct, including gender harassment. Mata is seeking a settlement payment of $1.25 million from the city, among other demands. âI am a bit perplexed about how a council member who resigned, unequivocally, is now back on the dais,â Berglund said, during the meetingâs public comment portion. ....