San Mateo County sues Cal Coast Orchids over alleged wage theft

San Mateo County has filed a lawsuit against Cal Coast Orchids and Mixtiles USA following allegations of systemic wage theft and labor violations. The legal action concerns approximately 50 workers at a production and fulfillment center in Half Moon Bay that operated until December.

The civil complaint alleges a sustained pattern of violations occurring between 2022 and 2025, including unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, late payments, and missed meal breaks. Specifically, during the 2025 holiday season, roughly two dozen workers reportedly worked long hours and overtime without receiving any pay.

Mixtiles USA, the parent company of the online plant delivery service EasyPlant, is also named in the suit. The county alleges that EasyPlant continued its business relationship with Cal Coast Orchids despite knowing, or having reason to know, that workers were not being paid on time. San Mateo County is seeking back wages, damages, and civil penalties.