A former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging multiple violations of labor laws. The complaint was submitted by Lizette Espinoza on October 15, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Vasona Management, Inc., Terry Maas, and unnamed defendants referred to as DOES 1-50.
Lizette Espinoza worked for Vasona Management as a community manager from November 2013 until March 2023. During her employment, she claims that the company failed to pay regular and minimum wages as required by Labor Code §§ 1194 and 1197. Espinoza alleges that she often worked more than eight hours per day or forty hours per week without receiving appropriate overtime compensation. She also accuses the company of not providing mandated meal and rest periods according to Labor Code §§ 226.7 and 512. “Despite Defendants’ awareness of Plaintiff’s failure to take a meal or rest break,” the complaint states, “Defendants failed to pay Plaintiff the premium pay in lieu thereof.”
Furthermore, Espinoza claims that Vasona Management did not reimburse her for business expenses incurred during her employment. This includes costs related to using her personal cell phone for work purposes and traveling between properties using her vehicle without adequate reimbursement. According to Labor Code § 2802, employers are required to indemnify employees for necessary expenditures incurred in their duties.
Espinoza is seeking various forms of relief from the court. She demands compensatory damages for unpaid wages and penalties for statutory violations under several sections of the California Labor Code. Additionally, she requests preliminary and permanent injunctive relief prohibiting Vasona Management from continuing their alleged unlawful practices. The plaintiff also seeks reimbursement for attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing this action.
The case is being handled by Justin Lo from Work Lawyers PC representing Lizette Espinoza. The case number is identified as 25CV477622 with Judge M. Arechiga overseeing the proceedings.
Source: 25CV477622_Lizette_Espinoza_v_Vasona_Management_Complaint_County_of_Santa_Clara_California..pdf
