In a gripping legal confrontation, an individual has filed a lawsuit against a California restaurant and its owner, alleging wrongful termination and a host of labor violations. Shakhiba Sasanian, the plaintiff, lodged her complaint on January 3, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, accusing YAS Restaurant and its operator Farahood Oregani of multiple breaches of employment law.
The case revolves around allegations that Sasanian was wrongfully terminated from her position as a cashier at YAS Restaurant in San Jose after being subjected to unfair labor practices and sexual harassment. According to the complaint, Sasanian began working at the restaurant on June 20, 2024, and was abruptly dismissed on August 31, 2024. During her tenure, she claims she worked six days a week for up to 48 hours weekly without receiving proper meal breaks or overtime compensation as mandated by California Labor Code §§226.7 and 512.
Sasanian alleges that the restaurant's owner engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her and created a hostile work environment. "Farahood constantly wanted to talk to Plaintiff about personal life," states the complaint. The plaintiff further accuses Farahood of retaliating against her for rejecting his advances by terminating her employment under false pretenses.
The lawsuit also highlights numerous violations of California labor laws including failure to provide itemized wage statements (Cal. Labor Code §§226 et seq.), waiting time penalties (Cal. Labor Code §§201-203), and unfair competition (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17200 et seq.). Additionally, Sasanian charges the defendants with negligent supervision and retention for failing to prevent sexual harassment in violation of Gov't Code §§12940(k).
Sasanian seeks compensatory damages for lost wages amounting to $11,296.00 along with punitive damages totaling $50,000.00 due to the alleged malicious conduct by the defendants. She also demands attorney fees estimated at $13,500.00 and other related costs.
Representing Sasanian is attorney Ali R. Moghaddami from Glendale-based Law Offices of Ali R. Moghaddami. The case is being reviewed under Case No: 25CV455630 by Judge L. Ayala at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County.