Lawsuit Silicon Valley water CEO pushed funding his private group

Salena Pryor's lawsuit against Valley Water CEO Rick Callender alleges he improperly used public funds to sponsor the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference, which he manages. The civil complaint, filed in Sacramento County, details how Callender allegedly created a hostile work environment, undermining Pryor during her efforts to organize NAACP events. In May 2023, Callender reportedly instructed Pryor to request a $5,000 sponsorship for an environmental justice roundtable, emphasizing the need for discretion regarding his involvement. He later denied giving this instruction and accused Pryor of trying to create an audit trail. Valley Water has acknowledged the lawsuit but refrained from commenting on personnel matters.

As Callender remains on administrative leave while an investigation into misconduct is ongoing, the lawsuit reveals deeper issues within the NAACP, including allegations of financial impropriety and internal conflicts. Both Pryor and another NAACP leader have faced scrutiny over misuse of funds, suggesting a broader pattern of controversy within the organization. These developments raise significant questions about governance and accountability at both Valley Water and the NAACP.