Camarillo Pays Former Worker $175,000 in Age Discrimination Settlement

A longtime Camarillo employee settled his lawsuit with the city for $175,000 after accusing city management of age discrimination and retaliation.

Here is the rundown 👇

Read this especially if you follow labor disputes, employment law, or local government accountability in Ventura County.

📍 What Just Happened

In November 2022, 59‑year‑old John Fraser filed a lawsuit against the city of Camarillo alleging age discrimination and retaliation. Fraser said that when Carmen Nichols, the new Assistant City Manager came on board, the manager reassigned his duties to younger staff, cancelled meetings with him and described his years of service as a liability. His performance review reportedly criticized his “longevity.”

Fraser also claimed that when he objected and reported the treatment, the city’s human resources department failed to investigate. Later the assistant city manager recommended his demotion. Fraser resisted, raised concerns with city council members, and filed a complaint with California’s civil rights department. He was then locked out of his office before he planned to retire.

On July 31, 2025, the city and Fraser reached a settlement. The settlement required the city to pay Fraser $175,000. He officially requested dismissal of his lawsuit last month. The city declined to comment on the agreement.

📋 Key Details

• Fraser had worked for the city for roughly 20 years before the dispute.
• His complaint cited reassignment of responsibilities, exclusion from projects and negative performance remarks tied to his age.
• After he reported alleged discrimination, HR reportedly did not investigate.
• The proposed demotion was recommended in September 2021 with a reduced salary.
• Fraser said he retired instead of accepting the demotion, but found himself locked out of the office before his final day.
• Settlement was reached a few months before a trial was scheduled.

🔍 Why This Matters

• Age discrimination in public employment can erode trust and morale among long-term employees.
• The size of the settlement and the city’s willingness to pay signal that such allegations are taken seriously even by local governments.
• The case may encourage other employees who feel targeted to speak up and seek justice.
• It raises questions about institutional practices, oversight and fairness in municipal workplaces.

🧠 The Bottom Line

After years of service, a veteran city employee says he was pushed aside because of his age. The $175,000 settlement may not erase the personal toll, but it shows that government entities can be held accountable for workplace discrimination and retaliation.