Filner Victim Gets Her Day, Literally

The City Council today is scheduled to honor a female employee who alleged sexual harassment by former Mayor Bob Filner.

A claim filed by Peggy Shannon, a great-grandmother who worked at the Senior Services desk in the lobby of City Hall when Filner was mayor, was resolved last week.

Shannon will receive an apology from the city at today's meeting. Also, today will be proclaimed “Peggy Shannon Day”' in San Diego.

“All of the parties agreed with Ms. Shannon that this was the way to resolve her claim,” said City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. “Receiving an apology is important to Peggy Shannon, and honoring her allows us to express our respect for her and her courage.”

Goldsmith said state law holds the city as an employer strictly liable for sexual harassment conduct of a supervisor, including the mayor, directed at a city employee.

Shannon alleged that Filner repeatedly asked her out and one time grabbed her and kissed her on the lips. She also contended that he walked by her after the first sexual harassment allegations were lodged and put his finger to his lips.

Her lawyer, Los Angeles-based civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, is expected to accompany Shannon to the City Council meeting.

On Feb. 10, the City Council approved a $250,000 outlay to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former communications director, Irene McCormack Jackson. It was negotiations over her litigation that led Filner to step down on Aug. 30.

McCormack Jackson, also represented by Allred, alleged the then-mayor told her she should work without her panties on, that he wanted to see her naked and that he was eager to “consummate”' their relationship.

She also contended that Filner demanded kisses and put his arm around her and dragged her along in a headlock while making sexual remarks.

Filner pleaded guilty to one felony count of false imprisonment and two misdemeanor counts of battery and was sentenced in December to three years’ probation, including three months of home confinement.

Two other lawsuits regarding Filner are pending.

Stacy McKenzie, a city employee like McCormack Jackson, contends the ex-mayor grabbed her from behind, put her in a headlock and rubbed her breasts at an event at a city park.