WILLIAMS, v. GENENTECH, INC.,

Filed 5/9/06

CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION FIVE

Plaintiff Rochelle Y. Williams, a receptionist at Genentech, Inc. (Genentech), was criticized by her supervisors for mishandling an incident involving company security. Plaintiff suffered stress and an exacerbation of an existing medical condition following the criticism and began a medical leave that lasted seven months. Ultimately, plaintiff's position was filled during her leave, and, when she returned from the leave, she was unable to obtain a different position at Genentech and was terminated. Following her administrative complaint to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) and the issuance of a right to sue letter, plaintiff filed the complaint in this matter. The trial court granted Genentech's motion for summary judgment, and plaintiff appeals that judgment as to her claims for disability discrimination (Gov. Code, § 12940, subd. (a)) (second cause of action), failure to provide a reasonable accommodation (§ 12940, subd. (m)) (third cause of action), failure to engage in a timely interactive process (§ 12940, subd. (n)) (fourth cause of action), and violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Unruh Act) (Civ. Code, § 51) (fifth cause of action).^[1] We reject her contentions and affirm.

Background

Plaintiff began working for Genentech as a receptionist in August 1990, and her job duties included greeting visitors, answering telephones, directing calls, and distributing security badges. Beginning in 1995, Rona Rios became supervisor of all the receptionists, including plaintiff. At the end of September 2000, Rios was promoted to the position of manager and Patricia Marasco became plaintiff's supervisor. Marasco reported to Rios, who reported to Arlene Thompson, the senior manager of telecommunications and transportation.

Receptionists were given daily â€