This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Councilmember Jose Huizar Hit With Sexual Harassment Complaint
Jose Huizar in 2011 (Photo by josehuizar via Flickr)
City Councilmember Jose Huizar got hit with a sexual harassment complaint back in June by his former chief of staff, and now, he's denying any wrongdoing.
City News Service reports that 33-year-old Francine Godoy, who was hired on to Huizar's staff back in 2006 and most recently worked as his chief of staff, claims that she was subject to sexual advances by the councilman. She also states in the complaint that she was denied a promotion, forced to transfer, sabotaged and retaliated against after she turned those advances down.
The harassment allegedly took place on or before April 21.
A redacted copy of the report was provided to the LA Times, who note that Godoy wrote in the report that she was "subjected to sexual harassment [quid pro quo and hostile work environment] and retaliated against when I refused advances."
Godoy declined to comment on the case, and her lawyer, Michael Eisenberg, said only that they are currently trying to handle the media surrounding the case.
For his part, Huizar is denying all the claims. In a statement emailed to press, his spokesman, Rick Coca, wrote that the councilman "strongly and emphatically denies the assertions made in the claim sent to the city and intends to fully cooperate with the city in any investigation of this matter."
The Times reports that an independent panel will convene to take a look at the complaint and decide whether it warrants an investigation. The complaint does preserve Godoy's right to file a lawsuit.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
