In 1996, Cristina L. Talley became the first Latina to serve as city attorney in Anaheim. But sixteen years later, she found herself out of a job, replaced by a younger white male. The former top lawyer sued the city, alleging discrimination over her heritage. Now, Anaheim officials have agreed to pay her $1.45 million.
Anaheim officials announced the settlement Tuesday in a lawsuit stretching back to 2013. Talley says she was forced out by a group of council members around the same time the city was facing a suit over its at-large voting system, which is said to dilute minority votes. They also launched a campaign of harassment against her, Talley claimed, and questioned her ability to be impartial in matters involving the Latino community.
City officials maintain that Talley’s suit had no merit and a city-commissioned inquiry found her claims to be unfounded. However, “the reality of our legal system is that it is more cost effective to settle than to seek our day in court,” said Anaheim spokesman Mike Lyster.
Talley will receive $750,000, while the other $700,000 will go to the law firm that represented her. Though pleased with the agreement, “no amount of money can fully compensate Ms. Talley for the damage caused by her meritless termination,” the firm said.