Unusual Tasks Test Job Boundaries (Image Credits: Ca-times.brightspotcdn.com)
Carson — A former aide to Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas has accused the city of wrongful termination after he refused orders to perform personal chores and spy on a colleague.[1][2]
Unusual Tasks Test Job Boundaries
Justin Battle worked as Rojas’ council aide from March to November 2023. He alleges the role quickly expanded into private responsibilities far removed from city business. Demands included routine household help that consumed his time.
Battle claims Rojas instructed him to avoid using the office for these errands to evade notice. He raised objections multiple times with Assistant City Manager Robert Lennox. Still, the requests persisted, according to the lawsuit.
Among the specific duties listed in court filings:
- Mowing her lawn
- Picking up her daughter from school
- Collecting dry cleaning
- Arranging family vacations
- Transporting her sister
- Fetching food and servicing her car
Battle also says Rojas asked him to track her daughter’s phone and email activity using a Los Angeles Police Department tool.[3]
Surveillance Allegations Target Fellow Councilman
The most serious claim involves political intrigue. Battle asserts Rojas directed him to monitor Councilman Jim Dear’s movements. Instructions reportedly called for watching when Dear’s girlfriend or wife left home, then videoing or recording the councilman.
He refused to comply with this spying request. Battle informed Lennox of the directive on several occasions. No action followed, he contends in the suit filed against the City of Carson.[1]
Rojas, a longtime resident and Los Angeles Police Department veteran, serves as Carson’s District 4 councilwoman. She holds the distinction as the city’s second Filipina council member since 1993 and its first female Filipino American officer.
City Counters with Performance Concerns
City attorneys reject the narrative of retaliation. They argue Battle’s dismissal stemmed from legitimate employment issues. His probationary period ended in November 2023 without meeting full-time standards.
A key factor was scheduling. Battle held a second job as a student supervision aide at a Los Angeles Unified School District middle school, logging 30 hours weekly. Hours overlapped with needs after 3 p.m., when Rojas required availability.
"This case is not about whistleblowing," the attorneys stated in recent court papers. They maintain routine complaints do not shield employees from standard reviews. The city seeks dismissal, citing no triable issues.[2]
Lawsuit Timeline Points to Lengthy Resolution
Battle joined the city in 2019 as a recreation assistant. Promotions followed in 2022 and 2023 before his council role. Termination came months later, prompting the July 2024 lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Recent filings by the city precede an August 27 hearing before Judge Stephen Pfahler. A jury trial remains scheduled for June 2026. The case draws attention to boundaries in small-city government operations.
| Key Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2023 | Battle hired as aide |
| November 2023 | Termination |
| July 2024 | Lawsuit filed |
| March 2026 | City seeks dismissal |
Key Takeaways
- Allegations center on personal errands and spying refusal, disputed as performance issues.
- City emphasizes scheduling conflicts from Battle’s dual employment.
- Trial set for June 2026 after ongoing motions.
This dispute underscores tensions between elected officials’ needs and staff limits. Observers await court developments. What do you think about the claims? Share in the comments.
