OCEANSIDE — The former head of a downtown revitalization organization has denied allegations that he sexually harassed and emotionally abused a past employee.
A lawsuit filed in December accuses Gumaro Escarcega, former CEO of MainStreet Oceanside, of creating a “hostile” workplace by allegedly humiliating and sexually harassing former employee Haley Riggi during her tenure with the nonprofit.
Riggi is seeking damages for alleged harassment and wrongful termination.
In a response filed in January, Escarcega denied all allegations.
Riggi, who joined MainStreet Oceanside in August 2022 as a lead events coordinator before transitioning to sales and events coordinator, alleges that Escarcega made inappropriate comments, engaged in unwanted physical contact and publicly humiliated her.
She also claims he made degrading remarks about her appearance, mocked her personal life and encouraged other male employees to join in the harassment.
Escarcega denied these claims, stating that he “acted towards (Riggi) at all times in good faith and for legitimate business reasons.”
Escarcega also said he took “reasonable care to prevent and correct any potentially discriminatory, retaliatory and/or harassing behavior” toward Riggi. The response further asserts that Riggi “failed to take advantage of any preventative or corrective opportunities provided or to avoid harm otherwise” and “failed to take reasonable steps to utilize employer-provided complaint procedures which could have ceased conduct.”
Additionally, Escarcega alleges Riggi “failed to exercise a reasonable degree of skill in performing employment services.”
He is seeking dismissal of the lawsuit and attorney’s fees and costs, while requesting that Riggi receive no compensation.
According to the lawsuit, Riggi was not the only woman at MainStreet Oceanside who allegedly experienced inappropriate behavior from Escarcega, who was promoted to CEO in January 2024 following founder Rick Wright’s retirement.
Angie Leonard, the nonprofit’s former financial chief officer, took over as interim CEO more than five months ago and was officially promoted to the position earlier this month.
The lawsuit also alleges MainStreet Oceanside failed to address Riggi’s complaints despite her reports to human resources.
“We at MainStreet Oceanside take any complaint of harassment or discrimination seriously,” Leonard previously told The Coast News. “Such conduct in any form is not tolerated, and we strive to provide the best possible environment for our employees, partners, and those in the community.”
