Allegations of Retaliation, Nepotism Roil East Bay Parks District

Former general manager Sabrina Landreth files legal claim against elected officials over harassment, contract steering

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The former top administrator of the East Bay Regional Park District has filed a legal claim alleging that several elected officials retaliated against her after she pursued harassment complaints, and that they engaged in repeated 'unlawful conduct' that included nepotism and steering public contracts to favored consultants.

Why it matters

The allegations raise concerns about governance and transparency issues at one of the largest regional park systems in the country, which oversees 73 parks and 126,000 acres of open space across Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

The details

Sabrina Landreth, who resigned as general manager in November 2025, accused the board of failing to exercise 'appropriate governance' and operating 'without adequate checks and balances.' She alleged a pattern of sexist behavior, claiming she was paid less than her male predecessor and subjected to disparaging remarks. Landreth also said female employees had reported discriminatory treatment by board members Colin Coffey and Dennis Waespi, and that she responded by implementing workplace training on harassment and bullying. In her legal claim, Landreth accused Waespi and Coffey of 'unlawful conduct' in trying to steer lucrative lobbying contracts to their preferred consultants.

  • Landreth resigned as general manager in November 2025.
  • Landreth received complaints from female staff in December 2024 and January 2025 alleging harassment and bullying by board members Coffey and Waespi.
  • In September 2024, the district opened a competitive bidding process for its federal lobbying contract, which Landreth says Waespi and Coffey tried to steer to their preferred consultants.

The players

Sabrina Landreth

The former general manager of the East Bay Regional Park District who resigned in November 2025 and has filed a legal claim alleging retaliation and unlawful conduct by the district's board members.

Colin Coffey

An elected board member of the East Bay Regional Park District who Landreth accused of engaging in 'unlawful conduct' and trying to steer lobbying contracts to preferred consultants.

Dennis Waespi

An elected board member of the East Bay Regional Park District who Landreth accused of engaging in 'unlawful conduct' and trying to steer lobbying contracts to preferred consultants.

Houston Magnani and Associates

A lobbying firm that had represented the East Bay Regional Park District's interests in Sacramento for years before the district moved to phase out the contract.

E2 Strategies

A lobbying firm that had represented the East Bay Regional Park District's federal interests since around 2012 before the district opened a competitive bidding process to replace the firm.

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What they’re saying

“I'm surprised by and refute the allegations of gender bias and retaliation.”

— Dennis Waespi, East Bay Regional Park District Board Member (sfchronicle.com)

“I am especially appalled at the suggestion that I was ever subject to a meritorious or credible gender bias claim. I have never been subject to such an investigation or determination.”

— Colin Coffey, East Bay Regional Park District Board Member (sfchronicle.com)

“I believe what is happening is that Ms. Landreth, now an obviously disgruntled former employee, is seeking to monetize what is otherwise an uncompensated voluntary resignation. To do so she is grasping at the proverbial straws.”

— Colin Coffey, East Bay Regional Park District Board Member (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The East Bay Regional Park District said it 'takes all claims of harassment and discrimination seriously,' but declined further comment because the matter is pending litigation.

The takeaway

The allegations of retaliation, nepotism, and contract steering at the East Bay Regional Park District raise serious questions about governance and transparency issues at one of the largest regional park systems in the country. The outcome of Landreth's legal claim could have significant implications for the district's leadership and operations going forward.