Forstner v. City & County of San Francisco

The principal question is whether there was reasonable cause for the dismissal of respondent from his position as a permanent civil service employee, a probation officer of the juvenile court. The cause for dismissal was his refusal to shave his beard on order of the chief probation officer. The chief probation officer, acting as hearing officer, decided that the charge of insubordination was sustained by the evidence. On appeal to the Civil Service Commission, the decision was upheld. The superior court granted writ of mandate restoring respondent’s position and directing payment of back…