Lifeguard chief misled city on harassment probe

Three weeks after leaving his post, former San Diego Lifeguard Chief James Gartland was found to have misled city officials about a sexual harassment complaint, according to newly released internal records. The city’s Equal Employment Investigations Office concluded in September that Gartland, along with Sergeants Dana Vanos and Eric Care, violated Equal Employment Opportunity policy. The violation stemmed from how they handled a complaint filed by a lifeguard in June 2023. The report, dated September 16, 2026, details how the chain of command suppressed the original allegation.

The incident began when a lifeguard reported receiving unsolicited explicit photos and messages from a former romantic partner. The employee told investigators the coworker offered money for sex and continued messaging after receiving no response. On June 28, 2023, the employee reported the issue to Sergeant Vanos. Vanos initially described the situation as common and said the employee’s job was safe, a claim she later disputed during her investigation interview.

The next day, Vanos requested a written statement and scheduled a meeting with Sergeant Eric Care. The employee emailed a detailed statement on June 29. The meeting took place on June 30 and lasted two to three hours. Instead of discussing an investigation, the sergeants presented the employee with two choices: resign or face an investigation that would lead to termination. The employee said requests for more time or a Human Resources review were denied.

Sergeant Care drew a diagram during the meeting to explain the options. The employee described the chart as showing an arrow connecting investigation to termination. Care admitted drawing the diagram but argued it indicated investigation could lead to termination, not that it would. Care stated the employee appeared shocked and needed a visual aid to understand the process. Both sergeants denied pressuring the employee to resign, though Vanos acknowledged the employee looked scared.

Gartland was held responsible for directing the meeting and knowing resignation was an option. In a separate finding, investigators determined Gartland misled city officials about the nature of the allegations. On July 3, 2023, Gartland emailed officials describing the case as a dispute between two former partners who exchanged inappropriate photos. He omitted the allegation that one employee offered money for sex and the employee’s written statement.

Based on Gartland’s email, the Professional Standards Unit and Equal Employment Investigations Office closed the matter without a full probe. One official wrote on July 5 that if photos were only exchanged between the two employees, there was no need to investigate. Gartland replied that the paperwork was processed and the matter closed. He then thanked the sergeants for their work. Care responded the next day, calling it a big assignment and thanking Gartland for trusting them.

The investigation raised questions about department practices. Gartland told investigators that similar meetings had occurred since he was a sergeant. Care admitted that offering resignation saved the city time and expense. Employment attorney Brennan Kahn noted these factors suggest a larger problem where other employees may have been pushed to resign. The city’s report substantiated policy violations but did not prove other employees were similarly pressured.

Gartland recommended both lifeguards not be rehired by the city. For the reporting employee, the reason listed was 'Contact Lifeguard Chief.' A personnel employee later asked Gartland for more details. He claimed the information was protected by HIPAA, though he disputed that explanation later. The reporting employee tried to return to lifeguarding in September 2023 but was designated an alternate in December after the Fire-Rescue Department recommended against hiring them.

In a September 14, 2026 memo, investigators recommended the Personnel Department remove the no-rehire designations. They also advised reviewing city procedures for such recommendations. The investigation ended on September 16, 2026, with letters sent to Gartland, Vanos, and Care. Gartland left the city weeks later, ending a three-decade career. City spokesperson Nicole Darling confirmed his departure but declined to comment on personnel matters.