A former disaster recovery coordinator, Kendra Bowyer, has filed a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s appointee, Ryan Buras, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation according to the report of POLITICO. The lawsuit, unveiled in Sacramento Superior Court, contends that Buras’ alleged actions jeopardized emergency services. The complaint suggests a pattern of harassment by Buras, ignored by the agency’s leadership, leading to Bowyer’s resignation and hindering her ability to provide essential recovery services.
Photo from Sacramento Bee
Allegations of Systemic Dysfunction
Bowyer’s lawsuit unveils disturbing allegations of sexual harassment by Buras, pointing to a broader dysfunction within the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The complaint highlights a failure to address Buras’ alleged misconduct, emphasizing the impact on workplace dynamics and emergency response operations.
The lawsuit indicates that Buras’ behavior, previously raised in a 2020 complaint by another former Cal OES employee, Steven Larson, was not adequately investigated. Bowyer contends that her ordeal persisted due to the lack of action on Larson’s complaints, raising questions about the state’s handling of such matters.
Buras’ alleged creation of a “DTM list” for individuals who were “dead to him” underscores the culture of fear and retaliation within Cal OES. Bowyer’s legal representation suggests that the vulnerability of disaster recovery workers is exacerbated by their isolation in remote areas and dependence on work-related support.
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Impact on Emergency Response
The lawsuit emphasizes that Buras’ actions, including alleged retaliatory measures against Bowyer, hindered her ability to deliver crucial emergency recovery services. This, in turn, put disaster victims at risk and compromised the efficiency of Cal OES in responding to emergencies.
Cal OES spokesperson, Brian Ferguson, stated the department’s commitment to a workplace free from harassment but refrained from commenting on personnel matters. He mentioned an independent investigation, and the department’s subsequent actions, suggesting steps taken upon concluding the investigation.
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