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Orange County supervisors approve multimillion-dollar mediator settlements and delegate settlement authority
Summary
In a closed-session public report, the Orange County Board of Supervisors said it unanimously approved mediator proposals totaling $8.7 million for multiple claims and delegated limited settlement authority to Risk Management and outside counsel for other cases; several approvals remain subject to final sign-off.
The Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors reported that the board met in closed session under Government Code sections 54957(b), 54957.6 and 54956.9 and announced several settlement actions and delegations.
The board "unanimously delegated limited settlement authority to Risk Management and outside counsel Myers Nave to resolve and settle" family claims in a September 2020 matter and "unanimously approved a $2,000,000 mediator proposal to settle" a claim by William Nichols, the Chair said. Those delegations and approvals cover claims arising from alleged abuse tied to foster care in the 1970s.
The board also "unanimously approved a proposed $700,000 settlement" in Barbara Nicholson v. County of Orange; Nicholson alleged she suffered harassment by a former senior assistant district attorney, Gary Legalbo. The Chair said the settlement agreement remains subject to final approval by others and that copies will be made available through the office of County Counsel when finalized.
Finally, the board "unanimously approved a $6,000,000 mediator's global settlement proposal" in the matter of Robert Santoyo et al v. Doe 1, involving two siblings who alleged abuse by a foster parent in the 1970s; the alleged abuser was later convicted of lewd and lascivious conduct. That agreement is also subject to final approval and will be made available through CEO Risk Management and County Counsel to those who inquire, the Chair said.
The Chair said the board took no reportable action on several other items (SCS 1, SCS 2, SCS 4, SCS 6 and SCS 7); the item categorized as SCS 4 was noted as proceeding to trial. The Board announced that copies of finalized settlement agreements will be available through County Counsel and other offices identified by the county.
The public report concluded with the Clerk confirming the next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. and the Chair adjourning the meeting.
