College hit with age suit

A woman who worked 28 years for the Yuba Community College District says in a lawsuit that she quit because college police chief Christopher Wilkinson sought to force out long-time employees — and said he wanted "new blood" and to get rid of the "old wood."

Lynda Lara said the chief was her direct supervisor in the office job in which she earned favorable evaluations for more than 25 years until Wilkinson arrived.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Yuba County Superior Court, said Lara could not understand the conduct she asserts Wilkinson displayed "and was ultimately forced to quit under the threat of being wrongfully terminated." The suit does not indicate when she left the department.

"He only acted in this fashion toward female and older employees," the suit states.

Lara said she complained to district officials but that they took no action. She seeks damages that include back and future pay.

Adrian Lopez, spokesman for the community college district based in Linda, said the district policy is not to comment on pending legal matters.

Wilkinson's office said he is involved with law enforcement-related training and would not be available for until the middle of September.

A case management conference is scheduled for Dec. 29 in Yuba County Superior Court.