WeHo whistleblower continues to fight for job

Since my last article, I, Jeff Jones, a City Hall employee who has been bullied and deprived of my rights, have reflected on how City Hall has changed. The phrase “Do as I say, not as I do!” came to mind as I read West Hollywood’s Top 20 List, particularly the part about providing exceptional social services, including to people with disabilities. The City claims to spend millions on community services, which is commendable, but it should also look inside its own walls. When a city turns its back on employees with disabilities, it’s a warning sign for the community. If the City won’t take care of its own workers, how long before it neglects others? Whistleblowers and I are still fighting for our rights and jobs, as the City continues to ignore the regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On August 27, 2024, I met with the City to continue the Interactive Process Meeting (IPM). In attendance were Janet Jimenez, Director of Administrative Services; Vyto Adomaitis, Neighborhood and Business Safety Manager; Raelynn Napper, Human Resources Manager; Rani Luther from Return-to-Work Partners; Jenny Lu, Human Resource Analyst; Hernan Molina, Union President; and Angel Chiriboga, a witness. Notably absent for the first time was Danny Rivas, Director of Community Safety. Rumors reached me that after my last article, Rivas was allegedly furious. I suspect he was hiding away since his cross-training was now complete.

If West Hollywood wants to boast about providing great services, it needs to address its Mission Statement and Core Values. How can the City claim to offer critical support to residents when it discriminates against its disabled employees?

The City’s core values supposedly emphasize respect for people and their dignity, but they should examine the behavior of their Directors and Managers during these IPMs. West Hollywood, shame on you! Either tell the truth or remove these false claims from your website.

I asked for the meeting to be recorded for transparency, but the City refused, which is becoming a clear sign they don’t want to be held accountable. I was asked if there had been any changes, and I mentioned that I am now using a cane and a walker as my health is improving and my Multiple Sclerosis hasn’t worsened. I explained that my condition is still considered temporary, and I expressed my desire to work, which I’ve had since January 2024. I reminded them that I had been bedridden for six months, then progressed to a wheelchair, and now a cane. I also informed them that I would push myself to help with my duties, but for now, I would not be able to visit construction sites.

Vyto Adomaitis, the Neighborhood and Business Safety Manager, repeated what Danny Rivas had said in previous meetings. He brought up three essential duties out of the 25 listed that he claimed I couldn’t do. First, he said I wouldn’t be able to assist with monitoring special events. While he made it sound problematic, I know this task is now assigned to night officers, and I’ve always worked during the day.

The second issue he raised was appearing in court or hearings to assist in prosecuting violators. Adomaitis seemed unaware that no one in the Code Enforcement Division has attended more hearings than I have. Most court duties involve sitting, and courts are ADA-compliant, so this would not be an issue for me.

The final duty mentioned was meeting with property owners and constituents to discuss code violations. I explained that I could handle these meetings through various methods, including on-site meetings, phone calls, or emails.

A concern about footwear was raised due to my sensory issues with MS. The doctor recommended thin-soled shoes rather than boots, which are required for safety on construction sites. I had already stated that I wasn’t able to visit construction sites at the moment.

Adomaitis then mentioned that the division is projected to handle 9,000 service calls this year. Code Enforcement has needed more staff for a while, but Rivas keeps adding tasks to the team without requesting more employees. One example is house parties, which used to be handled by the Sheriff’s Station with Code Enforcement assisting. Rivas shifted this entirely to Code Enforcement, despite them lacking the proper equipment like Kevlar vests, radios, and weapons that deputies carry.

I’ve worked for larger cities before, and it’s common for people to work through Code Enforcement to advance in an organization. Rivas, for example, expressed his goal of becoming City Manager when he first arrived. Other than Janet Jimenez, I’ve never seen anyone climb the ladder so quickly in my 20 years of service.

The purpose of the IPM is for the employer and employee to work together to find a way for the disabled person to return to work. I reminded them that I worked on the short-term rental program successfully for four years and eight months. I asked what the City was willing to let me do. Since December 2023, I’ve been trying to return to work, but City management has continuously put up roadblocks. Despite offering many ideas for accommodation, the City has maintained an all-or-nothing stance. Adomaitis accused me of asking to change essential job functions, which would create a new position. I’ve consistently stated that I am capable of performing the duties I had before my illness.

Union President Hernan Molina spoke up, mentioning that West Hollywood has a history of accommodating employees with disabilities and that my request was for a temporary accommodation while I recover. He pointed out that other employees had been allowed to work from home as they raised children, and my request is only for a temporary arrangement. Napper asked how long they would need to extend my accommodations and suggested looking at other available positions for me.

I expressed that I felt I was being retaliated against. During the pandemic, Rivas became angry when I couldn’t work in the field due to health risks. In a previous meeting, the HR Representative had to stop him from lashing out at me. Napper pressed on how long it would be before I could return to normal work. My next MRI is scheduled for December, and the results will give a clearer picture of my progress. I reiterated that I’m on experimental medication that could surpass current MS treatments.

Adomaitis asked what duties I could perform, and I responded by asking what duties they would let me do. Rani Luther then asked if my doctor had given a timeline for recovery. I explained that the experimental medication would be evaluated every six months and that my doctor still considers my condition temporary.

I reluctantly agreed to look at other positions for fear of being fired but reiterated that my passion is Code Enforcement. Napper brushed aside the fact that I was assigned to the short-term rental program before my illness in 2018, claiming the job had changed. I pointed out that modifying a position to accommodate a disability is something the City is supposed to do under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Adomaitis then claimed that if I were in the field, another officer would need to assist me. I countered that this wouldn’t always be necessary and explained my qualifications, including a degree in architecture and over 20 years of experience in Code Enforcement. Molina added that many complaints could be handled without issues, and not every case would be difficult.

Adomaitis insisted that fieldwork is an essential duty of a Code Officer, but as I’ve pointed out before, I am temporarily disabled, and there are many duties I can still perform.

In a surprising move, Adomaitis brought up the absurd concern of what would happen if someone became abusive toward me because of my disability. Molina immediately shot this down, saying I would do what any other officer does — call the Sheriff. I’ve never heard a similar concern raised about women, people of different ethnicities, or others. It was an ignorant and offensive comment.

The IPM concluded with Luther offering me a list of other positions to review. I expressed frustration but agreed to look at the list. I just want to return to Code Enforcement. However, management keeps pushing me into positions that don’t align with my skills or my doctor’s recommendations. This isn’t about creating new jobs; it’s about accommodating an employee who has worked successfully for the City for years.

After the meeting, I submitted a public records request to gather information about my work on the short-term rental program. I’m confident that the records will show how successful I’ve been in that role. However, Rivas continues to manipulate the situation to push me out of my position. Despite my proven track record, he’s made it impossible for me to return.

West Hollywood is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, and I’m not the only one. Other whistleblowers are facing similar retaliation. The City is playing a numbers game to impress the City Council while disregarding the well-being of its employees.

I’m not giving up. I will continue to fight for my job and expose the unethical behavior of City management. The stress of this situation has worsened my health, but I remain determined to hold the City accountable.