Court Overturns $2.9M Retaliation Verdict Against Santa Ana

The trial court ruled in favor of the city, finding insufficient evidence to support the plaintiff's claims.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:19pm

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A cinematic painting of a municipal building in warm sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the legal battle between the city and a former employee.The City of Santa Ana's legal victory in overturning a $2.9 million retaliation verdict reflects its commitment to defending taxpayer interests and fair employee treatment.Santa Ana Today

The City of Santa Ana has secured a significant legal victory in the case of Rita Ramirez v. City of Santa Ana. The trial court issued a ruling overturning a prior $2.9 million jury verdict awarded to the plaintiff and entering judgment in favor of the city on all claims. The court found that the plaintiff, Rita Ramirez, did not present sufficient evidence to support her claims of retaliation while working at the Santa Ana Police Department.

Why it matters

This ruling is a major win for the City of Santa Ana, which has faced a pattern of similar lawsuits filed by the same attorneys targeting the city. The court's decision affirms the city's defense and its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of all employees while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

The details

The lawsuit, originally filed in the fall of 2022, arose from allegations of workplace retaliation. Rita Ramirez claimed she was pressured to align with one of two 'competing cliques' within the Santa Ana Police Department. However, the court found that her claims of adverse employment actions began well before she engaged in any legally protected activity, undermining the foundation of her retaliation claims. During the trial, Ramirez testified she was treated with respect by her colleagues and did not allege sexual harassment or gender discrimination.

  • The lawsuit was originally filed in the fall of 2022.
  • The trial court issued its ruling overturning the $2.9 million verdict on April 17, 2026.

The players

Rita Ramirez

The plaintiff who filed the lawsuit against the City of Santa Ana, alleging workplace retaliation.

City of Santa Ana

The defendant in the lawsuit, which has secured a significant legal victory by having the $2.9 million jury verdict overturned.

Sonia Carvalho

The Santa Ana City Attorney, who stated that the court's ruling reflects a careful review of the evidence and confirms the city's defense was well-founded.

Everett Dorey LLP

The outside counsel that worked with the Santa Ana City Attorney's Office to defend the city in this lawsuit.

Horvitz & Levy LLP

The additional outside counsel that worked with the Santa Ana City Attorney's Office to defend the city in this lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“The court's ruling reflects a careful review of the evidence at trial and confirms the City's defense was well-founded in both fact and law. We are pleased with the outcome and remain fully prepared to defend the City's interests in any further proceedings, including the additional matters still pending.”

— Sonia Carvalho, Santa Ana City Attorney

What’s next

The plaintiff may appeal the ruling, and the City of Santa Ana is prepared to defend its position through any further proceedings. As the prevailing party, the ruling allows the City to recover certain fees and costs from the plaintiff, as permitted by law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the City of Santa Ana's commitment to defending itself against a pattern of similar lawsuits filed by the same attorneys. The court's decision affirms the city's defense and its efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of all employees while responsibly managing taxpayer resources.