The Santa Rosa City Council is set to deliberate on a motion to censure Council Member Dianna MacDonald following findings from an independent investigation. The report, conducted by an external attorney, indicated that MacDonald breached the city's anti-harassment policy through inappropriate comments and actions related to her consensual romantic relationship with a city parks staff member, the City of Santa Rosa reported.
Council Member MacDonald, according to the investigation, engaged in unwelcome sexual commentary involving city employees and attempted to utilize her council position to influence decisions beneficial to her partner. This matter is poised for consideration on December 16, when the council assembles to weigh in on the allegations, confirmed a statement to employees by the city's deputy human resource director and later by a public announcement. In a motion reflective of this controversy, the outcome may result in a formal admonishment but would not lead to MacDonald's ouster from office.
MacDonald, representing the district spanning from the city’s eastern hillsides to Oakmont, was first appointed in February 2022 and secured her spot in the following elections, unopposed for two years and later victorious against a novice contender, as The Press Democrat noted. Her prior roles included serving as a school board trustee in Cloverdale and as president of the California State PTA.
The City Council's action is not a novel saga in Santa Rosa's political landscape, as it harks back to a 2014 censure of Council Member Gary Wysocky for claimed uncivil conduct towards executive staff. The potential sanctions on MacDonald would encompass a broader scope, including calling staff to reassess operational frameworks, enhancing the anti-harassment policy, and conducting additional training for council members. Furthermore, the city envisions airing a dialogue on a policy to address intimate associations between Council Members and City employees. Mayor Mark Stapp expressed the council's stance on the issue, "Council must hold ourselves accountable if a Member violates the City’s Anti-Harassment Policy," as the City of Santa Rosa asserted. Currently, MacDonald has not issued a comment on the forthcoming discussion of censure.
