DEMOCRATS FOR EQUALITY STATEMENT CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF MAYOR FILNER

The San Diego Democrats for Equality, after hearing the credible public testimony of a number of women, who have described multiple acts of sexual harassment and abuse of power in the workplace by Mayor Bob Filner, voted 34 - 4 at its July 25 meeting to censure Mayor Filner and demand his immediate resignation from public office. At this point anything less than resignation holds hostage the business of the City and the needs of its residents.

Abuse of power at any level of government by any elected official regardless of their political affiliation is unacceptable and a betrayal of the public's trust. The Democrats for Equality consider Mayor Filner incapable at this point in time of conducting the people's business in a manner commensurate with his role as an elected official. We support the San Diego LGBT Community Center in its call for the leaders of  the City of San Diego, "to take any and all appropriate steps on behalf of the women who have reported being harassed, intimidated and/or blatantly disrespected by Mayor Bob Filner."

The San Diego Democrats for Equality believe that any public official who undermines the dignity and self-worth of anyone has no rightful place in political leadership. We support the advancement of women in all areas of society and expect, at the very least, the fair and equitable treatment of women in every aspect of public life.

Democrats for Equality will now seek to support a candidate that upholds these principles and who is committed to a fair and equitable distribution of City resources for all of its citizens.

The mission of the San Diego Democrats for Equality is  to secure for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people the equal human rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution of the United States; to foster the ideals of the Democratic Party; and to contribute to the Party's growth and influence.

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER ON DECISION BY SAN DIEGO DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO CALL ON MAYOR BOB FILNER TO RESIGN

I applaud the members of the County Democratic Party for making what I know must have been a painfully difficult decision.  San Diego’s Democrats are Mayor Filner’s victims, too.  He has forced us to choose between a woman’s right to work for or do business with the City without fear of unwanted sexual advances and the progressive vision for our city that caused us to support his election in the first place.

Unfortunately, the Mayor is now doing more harm than good to that vision and there is no effective mechanism other than his resignation to remove him from office without further tearing the city apart.  Having spoken with several of the victims personally, and in light of today's stunning revelations from prominent San Diego women, I continue to stand with the women who have been victimized by the mayor.

This is a critical time for San Diego and I will remain actively engaged in protecting the City's interests at the state level and in ensuring our communities are taken care of.

San Diego County Democratic Party Calls on Mayor Bob Filner to Step Down

The San Diego County Democratic Central Committee this evening held its second special meeting in a week to discuss the allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner. Since the last meeting, multiple women have come forward publicly with specific claims of harassment, including one who has filed legal charges. Tonight, 34 members supported a motion for Filner to step down; 6 voted against. Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement:

"With heavy hearts but clear minds, the members of the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee met this evening. We affirm our commitment to a vision of San Diego as a city of diverse, vibrant communities where every neighborhood is a priority; every man, woman, and child is treated with respect; and quality public services enhance the lives of all San Diegans. As Democrats, we are committed to making that vision a reality.

"We have listened to Democrats with strongly held views on all sides of the controversy that has arisen in the past two weeks. The one thing those Democrats have in common is that they continue to support the progressive agenda that we elected Mayor Filner to champion.

"We respect the legal process that is now unfolding and believe that the Mayor and his accusers will have their fair hearing. We are not here to determine guilt or innocence. However, in the best interest of the city, the San Diego County Democratic Party has voted to ask Mayor Filner to step down, seek the personal help that he needs, and allow San Diego to move forward."

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS ON FILING OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT SUIT AGAINST SAN DIEGO MAYOR BOB FILNER

Irene McCormack, who today sued Mayor Bob Filner for sexual harassment, is a respected professional in our community.  I applaud her bravery in coming forward.

I want to encourage any other woman who believes she has been harassed by the Mayor to report their complaints to the hotline established by the San Diego County Sheriff at 619-481-0220.  In addition, any woman who needs assistance and support with sexual harassment or assault can get help from the Center for Community Solutions at their 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-888-385-4657.

Statement by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Against San Diego County Clerk’s Lawsuit Challenging Same-Sex Marriage in California

SAN DIEGO – (Friday, July 19, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement in response to San Diego County Clerk-Assessor-Recorder Ernie Dronenburg’s lawsuit challenging the State of California’s order to county clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

“The Courts have spoken strongly and the State of California has acted swiftly in ensuring the people will never again be discriminated against when it comes to the right of marriage equality. Mr. Dronenburg should reconsider this hurtful lawsuit and walk away from it.

“The lawsuit filed by our County clerk is an affront to residents of San Diego County who have waited too long for their equal rights to marry the one they love.

“We appreciate the clarification from County officials that this is not the official position of the County of San Diego or the Board of Supervisors but rather the action of one rogue official whose duty is to administer the law of the land, not turn back the clock on our residents’ civil rights.”

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents California’s 80th Assembly District, located in southern San Diego County including the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/.