Tentative ruling on Dec. 17, 2023 in Santa Cruz County, CA - Case no: xxxxx796

22CV02796
BALL v. CUIAB
PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE
Petitioner, David Ball, seeks to overturn the California Unemployment Insurance Appeal
Board (“CUIAB”) decision affirming the ALJ decision that Ball was not entitled to
unemployment benefits due to being fired for misconduct.
Ball, a former police sergeant with the City of Scotts Valley (“City”), was fired in 2021.
The termination was based upon the following violations of City policy: discrimination; sexual
harassment; proper performance of supervisor responsibilities; ethics; relationships;
performance; and conduct. City alleged and was successful in demonstrating to the City Manager
and City Council that Ball violated these City policies when he sexually harassed a subordinate
(Officer Wowak) and retaliated against her.
Petitioner’s writ is denied. As discussed below, based on this Court’s independent review
of the evidence, the weight of the evidence supports th….....