California Firefighters Sue for Free Speech Rights

Firefighters are suing California City over their rights to talk to elected officials about how to better serve residents. This comes amid a debate over whether to let the County Fire Department take over. The city's firefighters believe City Manager William Way is against merging the city fire department with the county, which is in the planning stages of a potential contract. The California City Firefighters Association said it's suing the city because residents are its top priority. The lawsuit alleges Way is not allowing city employees to talk to elected officials about issue in the public interest. He could not be reached for comment. The current policy does not allow firefighters or city employees to talk to elected officials without Way's consent. The lawsuit is currently in the discovery phase and both sides are preparing to move towards a trial date. California City is one of three cities n the county that has their own fire department are the first responders to calls.