Politics

Year In Review 2013: Mayor Filner's Sexual Harassment Scandal

By Marissa Cabrera / News Producer, KPBS Midday Edition, Claire Trageser / Public Matters Editor, Amita Sharma / Investigative Reporter, Thomas Fudge / Science and Technology Reporter

Published December 20, 2013 at 10:23 AM PST

This story was published more than 10 years ago.

Year in Review 2013: Mayor Filner's Sexual Harassment Scandal

No doubt the biggest story in San Diego in 2013 was the sexual harassment scandal that lead to the political demise of Mayor Bob Filner.

Filner resigned his post as mayor nine months into his term after 19 women accused him of making sexually inappropriate advances.

Before he exited the mayor’s office, Democrat Bob Filner spoke before the San Diego City Council in way that was both apologetic and defiant at times.

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Last week, he was more contrite as he addressed a judge while being sentenced to three months of home confinement for charges, including battery, for his behavior toward three female victims.

Filner’s resignation has meant a special election to replace him in San Diego.

Republican Kevin Faulconer, a member of the City Council, and first-term Democratic Councilman David Alvarez will face off in the Feb. 11 special election.

For further reading:

Former Communications Director Sues Filner For Harassment (July 22, 2013)

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San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Resigns (Aug. 23, 2013)

Disgraced San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Sentenced To 3 Years Probation (Dec. 9,2013 )

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Politics San Diego Government

Marissa Cabrera

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Marissa Cabrera worked as a producer for KPBS Midday Edition and had previously served as a Newscast Producer for KPBS' Morning Edition. Before joining KPBS she reported on Vatican affairs, social, and cultural issues in Rome, Italy. She also contributed to a documentary on sex abuse in the Catholic Church. Marissa has worked as a multimedia journalist at various news stations in San Diego and Monterey as well as Columbia, Missouri. Marissa graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.

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Claire Trageser

Claire leads the KPBS Public Matters initiative, a content hub that will provide news stories on politics and governance; facilitated, in-person discussions around important issues that often divide us; and helpful resources and explainers to ensure all San Diegans understand and act upon their opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Claire leads the KPBS initiative and its partnerships with news organizations Voice of San Diego and inewsource.

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What is a story that is going on in San Diego that people should know about?

Amita Sharma

As an investigative reporter for KPBS, I've helped expose political scandals and dug into intractable issues like sex trafficking. I've raised tough questions about how government treats foster kids. I've spotlighted the problem of pollution in poor neighborhoods. And I've chronicled corporate mistakes and how the public sometimes ends up paying for them.

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What issues need to be exposed in your community? Who should be called to account? When and how will long-festering problems be solved?

Thomas Fudge

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A journalist with 30 years of experience, Tom covers science and technology stories for KPBS' platforms. He has received recognition for his outstanding work in hosting and public affairs reporting from the Unity Awards, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, and the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

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