Calabasas official accused of sexual harassment
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

A Calabasas city employee has filed a lawsuit against Assistant City Manager Robin Parker alleging nearly two years of sexual harassment.

Kathy Parks, a human resource specialist, charges Parker with committing inappropriate acts against her since 2005.

In addition to her role as second in command at city hall, Parker serves as head of the city's human resources division.

"(Parker's) conduct included, but was not limited to, disturbingly inappropriate discussions and fairly overt sexual advances towards plaintiff (Parks)," the complaint reads.

The suit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that Parker told Parks she was considering becoming a lesbian and that she enjoyed having Parks near her. Parks also discusses several sexual escapades that she alleges Parker told her about. There were also charges of inappropriate touching.

According to the suit, Parks expressed her objections in a professional manner and, in March 2007, filed a complaint with Tony Coroalles, the city manager.

"It's not at all uncommon in these situations for someone who's being victimized by sexual harassment to be afraid to come forward," said Michael Faber, Parks' attorney. "In this case, when she finally did come forward, they didn't do anything."

Parks said the city conducted an internal investigation that determined Parker was engaging in sexual harassment and was creating a hostile work environment for her, but that nothing was done about the situation and that there was retaliation against her.

"Mr. Coroalles took a handsoff approach and basically said, 'You two just work it out,' and that's not what the law requires," Faber said. "As a consequence, he essentially was giving Ms. Parker a green light not only to continue with her behavior, but to retaliate against Ms. Parks."

The lawsuit also names the city of Calabasas as a defendant.

Coroalles said Parks' claims about the internal investigation are false.

"That is not what the investigation concluded," Coroalles said, but did not elaborate.

The suit claims that Coroalles told Parks she could continue working under Parker or accept a demotion.

"We're disappointed that this has gone on to litigation," said Coroalles. "We think we've acted appropriately in this matter every step of the way."

Parks is suing for lost wages, damages for emotional pain and suffering, punitive and exemplary damages, attorney's fees, the cost of the lawsuit and any other relief deemed proper by the court.

Parker and the city of Calabasas have approximately one month to file their response. Coroalles said the city has referred the case to its insurance company.

Parks went to work at the city of Calabasas in April 2001 as an administrative assistant to Parker before being promoted to human resource specialist. She is still working at her position.