County L.A. Dept. Pub. Social Svcs. v. Civil Svc. Com. L.A. County

In this case we must determine whether the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission (Commission) has jurisdiction to rule on matters not delegated to it by the Charter of the County of Los Angeles (Charter).  We conclude the Commission’s special and limited jurisdiction does not extend to such matters.

Appellant Linda Hoa worked for the County of Los Angeles (County) for almost 30 years.  As a County employee, Hoa was subject to the County’s Civil Service Rules. In this appeal, Hoa challenges the trial court’s judgment reversing the Commission’s order entitling her to a medical reevaluation under Rule 9.07B.  In pertinent part, Rule 9.07B provides:  “An employee may request, or an appointing authority may, with the consent of the director of personnel, require an employee to have a medical reevaluation.”

The respondents on appeal are the County Department of Public Social Services (Department) and the County Chief Executive Office.  Although respondents argue the trial court correctly construed Rule 9.07B, they contend the trial court erred in finding the Commission had jurisdiction to issue its ruling in Hoa’s favor.

As explained below, although we disagree with the trial court’s ruling on jurisdiction, we agree with the trial court’s interpretation of Rule 9.07B.

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