This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Reports detail cultures of racism, bullying at 2 Riverside County departments
The Riverside County Waste Management Department covers a landfill. A grand jury report describes in-fighting between two Riverside agencies – including one department where bosses have allegedly targeted black workers with racial slurs.
(
CSACCounties/YouTube
)
Listen
0:50
Reports detail cultures of racism, bullying at 2 Riverside County departments
A grand jury report describes a hostile work environment inside a pair of Riverside County agencies – including the Waste Management Department where bosses have allegedly targeted black workers with racial slurs.
One former African American employee says a supervisor called him the "n-word" and ordered him to take meal breaks in a trailer allegedly “crawling with rats, cats…and insects.” Other workers singled out a boss for his hostility towards black workers.
A second grand jury report details a pattern of “pervasive” bullying and intimidation inside a division of county human resources.
The report alleges that supervisors unfairly target one group of workers with harsh performance reviews, and purposely excludes documentation supporting their good work. Employees have lodged more than a dozen complaints against the department in recent years.
The grand jury recommends corrective actions including the establishment of a county wide anti-bullying policy. Riverside County officials say they're reviewing the reports and will submit a formal response by September.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
