April 14, 2015

Ms. Susan Brazeau

Director, Human Resources
County of San Diego

1600 Pacific Highway, Room 203
San Diego, CA 92101

Dear Ms. Brazeau,

This letter is my official resignation from the County of San Diego, effective upon
close of business today, Tuesday, April 14, 2015.

I have reached this decision with great reluctance, though after serious
consideration of what has transpired to date, I stand firm that have

acted responsibly, and within the course and scope of my employment in my role as
Chiefof Staff, to bring forth a County employee to our Human Resources

Director who reported legitimate concerns regarding Supervisor Dave Roberts'
unprofessional conduct involving the alleged misuse of government resources

and other questionable behavior, including alleged staff intimidation, coercion, and
the creation ofa hostile work environment. The initial allegations were provided
through in-person interviews, and additional supporting documentation was
provided by me in emails and text messages. While unknown to me before I was
hired, through the course ofthis process 1 came to learn that some of the reported
questionable behavior was not new. Rather similar behavior had already been the
subject of concern to the County prior to my employment.

As recommended by the County Counsel at the time, I hired outside legal advice and
accepted paid administrative leave as County Counsel conducted its

investigation and negotiated my separation from the County. During this 5 week
period, I refrained from speaking to my staff, the media and my professional
contacts, to ensure the utmost confidentiality and professionalism was upheld and
in order to reach an amiable resolution. Even then, my attorney and I received
emails from others who somehow came to learn I was represented by counsel, who
advised me that the Supervisor intended to lie publically about the concerns raised,
and who otherwise used language that appeared to be an attempt to intimidate me if
I held my ground.

I have spent over 20 years working to serve the general public with integrity and
honesty and am dismayed to see my trust and confidence in the Board of
Supervisors fade. Today the Board denied any wrongdoing by the Supervisor of
District 3 by ultimately dismissing my request for a reasonable severance package.
I'm told that, regardless of what has occurred, I am expected to return to my
position tomorrow.

Since my leave in early March, the office deputy director has submitted her
resignation and the office scheduler has also taken a paid leave of absence and is
potentially seeking outside legal counsel. I have been told that the Supervisor has
asked others to be untruthful about what was reported and about me. No
objectively reasonable person could return to this hostile, politicized work
environment, nor should I be required to endure the retaliation that took place
before 1 went on leave and while I was on leave. The decision by the County Board
of Supervisors and the County today has forced me to resign.

It is unfortunate that an employee of San Diego County government who attempts

to bring forward reports of abuse and perceived ethical misconduct is left to
defend herself at the expense of protecting the interests of County residents.

Sincerely,

((21/24/41: Z?Ma/z

Vaughan