In February 2017, plaintiff Christopher Trimble, a man in his 40s, was laid off from his position as director of food services for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Trimble claimed that the school district was soliciting students to re-apply for subsidies under the Free and Reduced Meals Program, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the California Department of Education. He claimed that the district was targeting students who had previously applied for subsidies, to obtain sufficient funding for the program and that he was fired when he complained about the district’s actions. Trimble sued the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, alleging that the district’s act of firing him constituted whistleblower retaliation in violation of California Labor Code § 1102.5. Trimble claimed that after he was hired by the district in November 2015, he oversaw food service for seven high schools and implemented programs to improve food service. He also claimed that he received no criticisms about his performance until early December 2016, when he was put on paid administrative leave for alleged performance issues. Two months later, in early February 2017, Trimble was advised of the decision to eliminate his position, claiming that it was no longer necessary. However, Trimble claimed his position was advertised with a different title, but had the same functions as his. Defense counsel denied there was any retaliation, and asserted that Trimble’s layoff was appropriate because he was not performing his duties and the position needed to be eliminated., Trimble claimed he was devastated by his termination, as the position was his life dream, as he previously worked in the financial services industry as well as in food service. He claimed that he anticipated staying in the position until his retirement, at least 20 years later, and that he tried to obtain a position with other school districts, but no one hired him. Although Trimble was able to find another job, it paid less and did not have the retirement benefits of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. Trimble sought recovery of lost wages and damages for his emotional distress.