FLASH FLOOD WATCH ISSUED: DEBRIS FLOWS ALSO LIKELY IN AREAS BURNED BY RECENT FIRES
August 24, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for mountain and desert areas in East County. A flash flood watch has been issued from Sunday morning through Monday evening. In addition, debris flows may occur in areas burned by recent wildfires including the Banner, Chariot, Chihuahua, Eagle, Felipe, and Vallecito fires. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding and debris flows. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Have a plan of action ready to shelter in place or move to higher ground when warnings are issued. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. The flash flood watch is also in effect in mountains and deserts of San Bernadino and Riverside Counties as well as San Diego County.
MAYOR FILNER STEPS DOWN FROM OFFICE EFFECTIVE AUGUST 30
By Nadin Abbott Photos by Tom Abbott “The hysteria ended up playing into the hands of those who wanted a political coup–the removal of a democratically elected Mayor, purely by rumor and innuendo.” – Mayor Bob Filner “I have never felt prouder of the people of San Diego.” — Michael Pallamary, leader of the recall effort “It is time for San Diego to come together. It is time to heal.” — Todd Gloria, who will serve as Interim Mayor until a special election August 24, 2013—Mayor Bob Filner will step down from office effective at 5 p.m. on Friday August 30, under a deal that will have the City pay limited legal fees to defend Filner against sexual harassment allegations. Councilman Todd Gloria will serve as interim Mayor and a special election will be held 90 days after the mayoral seat is vacated to fill the seat. The Mayor apologized for his “personal failings” and to those who have been hurt, but insisted that he believes he will be ultimately cleared of legal wrongdoing and further, contended that he is being forced from office by the city’s power brokers in a “political coup” based on unproven allegations. Hear his full resignation speech. Eighteen women have claimed inappropriate behavior by Filner over the years ranging from sexual harassment to unwanted flirtation. But only one (city employee Irene McCormack-Jackson) has filed a lawsuit. The City Council approved the agreement 7-0 in a closed door session; Council members Scott Sherman and Myrtle Cole were absent. Councilmember Sherri Lightner (photo, right) will run Council meetings after Gloria takes the City’s helm as Acting Mayor. Prior to the vote, Council heard public testimony from speakers split nearly evenly between those speaking in support and against the Mayor. The Mayor’s support came mostly from poor and ethnically diverse communities south of I-8. Opponents mainly came from wealthier communities. Forty people signed up to speak, though some ceded time to other speakers. Many supporters spoke of the good the Mayor has done for minorities and the disadvantaged. For example, Maria Ochoa (who spoke in Spanish through a translator), said that Filner sought justice for those with little or no power. She asked why those seeking to force Filner out “ who know the laws of the state of California, why now?” Rosa Placencia said she is “sorry” over what’s happened. “I have spent time with Mr. Filner. When we needed help he was always there to help us.” Lani Lutar, a conservative and past head of the San Diego Taxpayers Association, opposed having the City cover any of Filner’s liabilities. “I come before you as a concerned citizen and an advocate of victims. The decision has to be the in the community’s best interest. There has to be no payment.” Carol Eastman urged Council not to accept the resignation deal and pay any legal fees for the Mayor. Instead, she wanted to allowthe recall effort to continue. “We will recall him, do not sell us out.” A resident of the Alpha Project, a shelter for homeless people, said that while the Mayor personally helped her, because of what he did, “You should resign.” ECM also talked with Enrique Morones before the vote was taken. He told ECM that this “was a sad day for the city,” and that we should not forget Filner’s 40 years of working for the disadvantaged. After the public comment period was done, the City Council went into chambers to discuss matters with Jan Goldsmith, City Attorney. Under the Brown Act this matter can be discussed behind closed doors, since it is a personnel issue. The mood was tense, like waiting for a jury to come back with a verdict. After an hour and a half, Council came back to announce the decision on the settlement. They decided to accept the agreement as negotiated during the early part of the week. The Legal Explanation of the Agreement The City Attorney, Jan Goldsmith, explained why the City will agree to “provide a joint legal defense through the City Attorney’s office for the City and Filner.” This is only for those cases that involve City employees and City contractors. He also said that under California Law “the City is strictly liable for sexual harassment of City employees by City supervisors, including the Mayor. The City cannot avoid liability by claiming lack of knowledge of the conduct.” Moreover, there will be a cap of how much the city will cover for any private legal counsel Filner will get, if he decides to keep counsel. The cap is $98,000. Goldsmith also said that the Office of the City Attorney has recused itself on any criminal investigations that might be coming down the pike, though they will have to help defend the Mayor on civil charges. Complaints made to the Sheriff have been referred to the state Attorney General, since District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis has recused herself, having previously ran against Filner for mayor. Filner’s Farewell Address Filner entered the chamber, and took a seat waiting for Goldsmith to end, and then took to the microphone for his farewell address. As he entered his supporters rose to their feet and gave him a round of applause. “I offer a deep apology, to certainly all the citizens of San Diego, and to you, and the citizens that you represent,” he said, his tone contrite. “The City should not have been put through this. My own personal failures were responsible and I apologize.” He also apologized once again to the women he hurt. For his former fianée, he added, “I love you very much. You came to love San Diego as much as I did and you did wonderful things in the short time you were the first lady and I personally apologize for the hurt I caused you.” He was in tears as he read that part of the statement. He choked back tears as he also apologized to the women he offended, to whom he