In a compelling legal battle that could reshape employment practices, an individual has taken a stand against a prominent nursery company for alleged labor violations. On April 29, 2025, Alfred Regalado filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Moon Valley Nursery, LLC. The lawsuit accuses the nursery of multiple violations of California labor laws.
Alfred Regalado's case centers around his tenure at Moon Valley Nursery from October 16, 2018, to May 16, 2022. He claims that during this period, the company consistently violated labor laws by failing to pay minimum wage and overtime compensation as required by law. According to the complaint, Regalado was employed as a foreman and was responsible for loading trucks with heavy materials and leading a crew to plant trees at various locations. Despite working extensive hours—averaging over 84 hours per week—Regalado alleges he was compensated only $2,500 bi-weekly without receiving proper overtime pay. "EMPLOYER routinely disregarded its duty to comply with the Labor Code," states the complaint.
The allegations extend beyond unpaid wages. Regalado accuses Moon Valley Nursery of not providing mandatory meal and rest periods during his long workdays. He asserts that he was required to remain on call via an employer-issued cellphone throughout his shifts, which impeded any attempt to take legally mandated breaks. Furthermore, upon severance from employment, Regalado claims he did not receive all due wages within the legally required timeframe.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action including failure to pay minimum wage in violation of Labor Code §1197 and failure to provide meal and rest periods in violation of Labor Code §§226.7 and 512. It also cites violations under Business and Professions Code §17200 for unfair business practices due to these alleged labor infractions.
Regalado seeks substantial remedies from the court: recovery of unpaid wages totaling over $34,000 for minimum wage discrepancies alone; more than $91,000 for unpaid overtime; liquidated damages equating another $34,000; penalties for missed meal and rest periods amounting to nearly $20,000; continuing wages penalties following employment severance worth over $17,000; restitution under unfair competition statutes; interest on all unpaid amounts calculated at approximately $48,917; as well as attorney fees and costs associated with bringing this action.
Representing Alfred Regalado is attorney Seth E. Tillmon from The Tillmon Law Firm based in Encino, California. The case is presided over by Judge M. Arechiga under Case No.: 25CV464733.