Former Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO Dr. Conrado Bárzaga has filed a claim against the district, alleging he was terminated by the board of directors "without cause and in violation of his contract and California law."
The claim, dated March 25, comes months after Bárzaga's sudden departure from the position, which a number of local elected representatives condemned and advocated for a reversal. No details for the departure were provided by the Desert Healthcare District at the time. The district's board named Chris Christensen, chief administration officer, as interim CEO. A search is being conducted to fill the position permanently.
In the claim, Bárzaga alleges the district's board members and administrators "demonstrated a bias" against him, resulting in his termination.
"Specifically, some personnel and BOD members inaccurately believed Dr. Bárzaga favored Latinos and Persons of Color while Dr. Bárzaga was the CEO," the claim states. "In public and private meetings, DHD officers stated that Dr. Barzaga engaged in favoritism and unscrupulous dealings in DHD's business activities. Such statements were false and defamatory."
The claim continues that the decision made by the district "negatively affected the DHD’s organizational credibility and maligned Dr. Bárzaga's integrity" and "harmed Dr. Bárzaga’s reputation in the Coachella Valley community and medical profession."
Due to his termination, the claim states Bárzaga has suffered lost wages, the loss of future earnings and other damages, including emotional distress compensation.
Christensen said in an email Thursday afternoon that "the District will respond with a denial of the claim." He added that he will not make any additional comments due to legal matter. The Desert Sun has reached out to the attorneys for Bárzaga, Karen J. Sloat and Craig A. Sterling, for comment.
A claim is the first step in filing a lawsuit against the government. The Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency.
Bárzaga held the role of CEO from July 31, 2019, until Sept. 26, 2023. Days before his termination, he was present for a special meeting discussing Tenet Healthcare's proposed 30-year lease for Desert Regional Medical Center.
The claim states he was fired "after receiving excellent employment reviews." District documents received by The Desert Sun show that Bárzaga's employment agreement was amended in July 2023 and that he would receive a 6% cost of living adjustment and a 4% merit increase, for a base salary of $298,496. His original salary was listed as $215,000.
His final paycheck reveals he received a six-month severance totaling $149,250 and a payout of vacation time totaling $34,580. The CEO employment contract states an employee terminated "without cause" would be paid a lump sum severance pay equal to the lesser of six months base salary.
Though little details regarding the matter have been shared from the district, a report from the Sept. 20 special closed session meeting of the board of directors revealed a vote of 4-3 — with Directors Leticia De Lara, Carmina Zavala and Kimberly Barraza in opposition — to "direct counsel to take appropriate action concerning the confidential matter related to the CEO’s contract." The four directors who voted in favor were Les Zendle, Arthur Shorr, Evett PerezGil and Carole Rogers.
Bárzaga's action against the Desert Healthcare District will be an unlimited civil case, according to the claim.
It was announced in January that Bárzaga would be stepping in as vice president and chief project officer for the private nonprofit organization Innercare. The organization, located in El Centro, is a federally qualified health center, meaning it receives funds from the federal government, to provide primary care services to residents in Imperial and Riverside counties.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Former Desert Healthcare District CEO Bárzaga files claim alleging wrongful termination
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