Attorney Recommends Arcata Pursue a Restraining Order Against Councilmember Watson After Harassment Report

This story is kindly shared with us by the Mad River Union.

City Councilmember Brett Watson

In the wake of a damning investigator’s report documenting alleged sexual harassment against a staff member by City Councilmember Brett Watson, the City Council will this week consider the limited remedies available to it.

States a staff report, “The purpose of the meeting is to consider Corrective, Preventative, and/or Remedial Actions the City may take in response to the April 12, 2022, Investigation Report Concerning Allegations of Sexual Harassment made against Councilmember Brett Watson.”

The 600-page report, based on an investigation by Karen Kramer of Kramer Workplace Investigations, included damning testimony by an unnamed staff member, reporting the councilmember pleading for affection and threatening the staffer’s job. In response, Watson stated, “I’ve never harassed anyone in my life and I’ve worked tirelessly for the residents of Arcata.”

Watson declined to comment on the coming meeting.

While a staff report states that “the City is duty bound to take corrective, preventative, and/or remedial action(s) in response to the results of the Investigation, its options are limited. As an elected official, Watson can’t be dismissed by anyone other than voters via a recall or replacement via the ballot box, and his term of office runs through December.

But, continues the staff report, an employment attorney consulted by the city “recommends, at a minimum, that the City pursue a restraining order against Councilmember Watson.”

Watson has reportedly been asked to “immediately cease: (i) meetings with any staff outside of City Hall,” including in-person or other communication outside of council meetings and after working hours. He has also been admonished against “physical contact (i.e., hugs) with any staff members.”

However, states the staff report, Watson has declined to execute the acknowledgement and has declined to stop engaging in the aforementioned communications or interactions with staff.”

Brett Watson Arcata City Council [Photo from the Mad River Union]

Brett Watson Arcata City Council [Photo from the Mad River Union]

While “under normal circumstances

,” the staff report states, the city could require corrective training, reprimands, or suspension, demotion, transfer, pay cuts or termination, those options are off the table with a sitting councilmember.

Instead, the city may specify training, censure and limitations on Watson’s activities, including removal from committees and other assignments, and/or eliminating access to City facilities except during regular business hours.

The report describes in detail the lawful procedures for conducting a censure hearing. The city is treading very delicately in relating to Watson, given the potential – if not likelihood – of legal action. Watson has repeatedly claimed, during council meetings and other public statements, that he is not receiving “reasonable accommodations” from the city with regard to his cognitive disability.

Another option recommended by the employment counsel is a Workplace Violence Restraining Order (WVRO) to protect staff.

At a a minimum, Watson seems likely to lose his council liaison assignments to Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RDDEC); Humboldt-Del Norte Hazardous Materials Response Joint Powers Authority; Humboldt County Local Community Benefit Indian Gaming Committee; COVID-19 Economic Recovery Collaborative; Homelessness and Housing Working Group; and North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District.

The staff report projects TRO cost to the city as between “$7,500 and $15,000 to prepare and argue.” Continues the report, “It is difficult to ascertain the remaining fees and costs associated with an action seeking a permanent restraining order at this time as numerous circumstances related to this matter may affect the fees and costs (i.e., Watson’s opposition to the order or mootness of the requirement of the injunctive relief if Watson is not reelected). At this time, Employment Counsel estimates that the remainder of the injunctive action will cost between $40,000 and $80,000.”

The special council meeting takes place  Tuesday, May 17  at 6 p.m. as a hybrid meeting, in person and via Zoom. The public may attend at City Hall, 736 F St., Arcata, or via Zoom at us06web.zoom.us/j/81322327714 or by phone at  *67 1-669-900-6833. Enter Meeting ID: 813 2232 7714

Note: This story has been edited for accuracy regarding witness testimony. 

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Permanently on Monitoring
Guest
Permanently on Monitoring
1 year ago

Sounds reasonable…

Permanently on Monitoring
Guest
Permanently on Monitoring
1 year ago

And I’m pretty sure that a guy who makes so little money and who is known to be messed-up all the time and who has mental health disorders and is not real “attractive” and who is from Arcata, would be a conscious choice for a married woman, or women in general…

Men in Arcata probably get all stirred up by the presence of University Women, who are sort of hot…

Brett, you would have been fired, from a real job, long ago…

Guys, it doesn’t pay to go after a woman who didn’t choose you, and you are better off, these days, just leaving the whole “mating thing” to the women. And if you are over 40, nobody wants to shag you, anyway…

OH, and remember, guys, you should be young, skinny, handsome, *high-earning*, and, single, in order to play in this game… As for pursuing married women: don’t waste your time, and it could get you killed…

If a lady likes you, you will know. Other than that, leave them be!

Leaving a trail of texts and emails, is about the stupidest way a guy could go, in the current state of male/female relationships…

https://www.cityofarcata.org/DocumentCenter/View/9881/1531-Council-Salaries-PDF

Permanently on Monitoring
Guest
Permanently on Monitoring
1 year ago

This went on for 3 YEARS?

Brett’s MARRIED?

WTF man…

Contemptible, unprofessional, unethical, bad manners, and, why didn’t the harassed employee CALL HIS WIFE?

Oh, Arcata… I forgot…

The Appalachia of California…

Donald Trump syndrome strikes again…

All this and $735/month…

Last edited 1 year ago
Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago

Bro, I’m 41 and you would fuck me.

Permanently on Monitoring
Guest
Permanently on Monitoring
1 year ago
Reply to  Nick

Now you’re harassing me…

I want you to stop it…

What!?D
Member
What!?
1 year ago

I wasn’t there, so I don’t know any more about the specifics then the rest of you. That said, I think that any male elected official would have the same allegations leveled at them in the current climate of the city Council. It looks like a haters’ club. Just sayin’.

Last edited 1 year ago
Mr. BearD
Member
Mr. Bear
1 year ago
Reply to  What!?

Just read his emails and I believe you will think otherwise

Actually
Guest
Actually
1 year ago
Reply to  What!?

Haha what? A haters club? How so please be more specific? Oh wait you mean women…

I dunno what kind of males you hang out with but reading the emails shows some pretty creepy behavior bro.

grey fox
Member
1 year ago

I think he should be required to stay at least 100 yards away from Cocaine..

Permanently on Monitoring
Guest
Permanently on Monitoring
1 year ago
Reply to  grey fox

I think he should, maybe, you know, like, resign…

As a Husband/Father/and a fellow person with a Y chromosome,

Brett, you screwed up royal…

Do the right thing, for a change.

willow creeker
Member
1 year ago

Good advice. Save some face, if nothing else. I am sure it’s a tough to be a cisgender white man (tongue firmly in cheek) in Arcata City Hall, but you messed up pretty bad in quite a few distinct ways. I was taught, ‘when you find yourself in a hole, stop diggin’

Larry Jetski
Guest
Larry Jetski
1 year ago

“cognitive disability”. Not long ago we just called it being an asshole. Goes to show, the suit doesn’t make the man, the man makes the suit. Then usually an asshole buys it, and wears it.

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago
Reply to  grey fox

It’s not for everybody!

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago

How ironic that Arcata demand it’s own councilman to Stop Hugging! Lol!!

Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago
Reply to  Farce

Dude, Farce. If lean any more to the right you’re gonna tip over. Welcome.

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago
Reply to  Nick

It was right there in the article…”He has also been admonished against “physical contact (i.e., hugs) with any staff members.” I just think it’s funny coming from the Town of Hugs. No doubt there will be some hugging jokes going around…

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago

Made me think of good old ragman Pete. He’d try to hug all the girls. They didn’t all like it…But he never tried to pull rank like this official creeper. I can still hear him say “You silly monkeys”! Pete had a lot more class and was way more entertaining. Come to think of it-he also probably did more for this town!

Alf
Guest
Alf
1 year ago

We have a guy charged with DUI and possession of Cocaine. When is the DA going to prosecute? The BOS and Sheriff spoke against SF DA for not prosecuting drug crimes. Where is their outrage against the failure of the local DA to prosecute this clearly hideous POS? Stop the hypocrisy you self righteous idiots. Get your own house in order before going after a much larger, more powerful house. Honsal is running for Sheriff unopposed. I suggest writing in any random person and voting for anyone but Honsal.

Thesteve4761
Guest
Thesteve4761
1 year ago
Reply to  Alf

Brett for Auditor Controller ‘22.

Plarvidy Glimptious
Guest
Plarvidy Glimptious
1 year ago
Reply to  Alf

The case was settled months ago. Fine, community service, counseling.

Alf
Guest
Alf
1 year ago

That’s not prosecuting, that’s making a deal with a scumbag government leader. That’s my point. He got a deal instead of prison time, now we find out he was causing a hostile work environment that was sexual in nature. That is a serious crime, at least that’s what they teach in mandatory yearly harrassment training. He should have the book thrown at him just because of his abuse of position. This is exactly why we need to be extremely careful who we put in as DA this term.

Thesteve4761
Guest
Thesteve4761
1 year ago

Brett for Prez. ‘24.

William Harmon
Guest
William Harmon
1 year ago

dude, it’s called RISK management, not FRISK management.

1646589233373.jpg
Actually
Guest
Actually
1 year ago
Reply to  William Harmon

I’m not sure what that comic is trying to get at? Please explain it to me. Pretty please?

Smoky OG again
Guest
Smoky OG again
1 year ago
Reply to  Actually

Looking like William Harmon is a blame the women type of misogynist as well as a thrower of red herrings…as this comic is just a fucking stupid distraction from the point in fact…that Brett”hungry nose” drunk driving Watson is a first class fuck up and needs to STFU and resign immediately after a Public Apology and if there was justice a public flogging by female survivors of abuse and predation!
And both of my daughters approve of this message!
Face it Brett- you are a total loser scumbag.. And stop whining about your bullshit handicap or condition. You deserve no sympathy from anyone. Now GTFO.

suspence
Member
suspence
1 year ago
Reply to  Smoky OG again

survivors? like they almost died? I guess having daughters makes you this way. wow, smoke some OG and chill.

suspence
Member
suspence
1 year ago
Reply to  Actually

If you don’t get a joke, someone explaining it isn’t going to make it funny.

William Harmon
Guest
William Harmon
1 year ago
Reply to  suspence

right? with the down vote and negative comments over my posted image, you’d think i’d just cited some statistic on female orgasms reached during rape or something….

AnonD
Member
Anon
1 year ago

Loco headlines tonight,”Kamada and why he was fired , yet running for D.A.”,” KPD, “utter mess,and yet running again.And this dude,Jesus, bc he won’t resign, just recently broke the law and went to rehab, and now these allegations? And he has the audacity to stay?
Where are these folks getting their lack of utter shame at letting the community down, or taking responsibility, or just going away. Christ I’m old. I never would have the nerve.

Actually
Guest
Actually
1 year ago
Reply to  Anon

What’s up with his cases for dui/coke blah blah blah? Oh wait…

Moral of the story become a local politician?

AnonD
Member
Anon
1 year ago
Reply to  Actually

Or simply,”become a politician” sigh.

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago
Reply to  Anon

I recall a certain former President who still won’t accept his defeat at the polls…2 years later! So it’s not just left or right, old or young-everybody’s playing that new game!

Corporate Serfdom
Guest
Corporate Serfdom
1 year ago
Reply to  Farce

Accepting defeat would be wrong, since the decks were STACKED by the mules.

Cmon playa, you cant expect shit for justice from the small time crooks lookin for the next shot at the big time.

Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago
Reply to  Farce

Ok, Jesus Christ. Maybe you’re not leaning to the right at all. There isn’t a demographic on the planet that is better off today then a few years ago. You believe 81 million people voted for that all because Big Don hurt their feel-feels? You’re one of the smartest people on here, in my opinion. Start acting like it.

North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
Guest
North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
1 year ago
Reply to  Nick

Farce is covering the gray areas. Politics isn’t black and white. Help the disadvantaged but put rapists and killers and molesters to death. Farce is in the middle on most subjects.

Larry Jetski
Guest
Larry Jetski
1 year ago
Reply to  Anon

Any “Get-tough-on-crime” folks might want to read past the headline in Kamada’s firing. Remember how Flemming was supposed to be sooo effective after the Surfing DA who made everything terrible in Humboldt? Sounds like a ambiguous technicality open to interpretation. Sounds like he was fired more to outline “Who’s da boss”.

Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago

Is there something wrong with my phone? I have to scroll through 30 old articles, then, when I finally get to a new one it refreshes the god damn page so I get to repeat the process??

Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago
Reply to  Nick

HEY KYM! PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!

Thesteve4761
Guest
Thesteve4761
1 year ago
Reply to  Nick

No.

Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago
Reply to  Thesteve4761

Don’t fuckin talk like I’m a troll. I guess I’ll assume it’s a shitty format.

Permanently on Monitoring
Guest
Permanently on Monitoring
1 year ago
Reply to  Nick

Jeeze, dude, re-boot your phone, and clear your apps every day!

When things don’t work, start over…

Like with the City Council of Arcata…

What a troupe of clowns…

Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you very much. Time for a new phone. I guess the pornhub viruses finally caught up with me.

DELLIB
Guest
DELLIB
1 year ago

Local petty politics, while Pelosi asks for 40 Billion to fight a war at the other side of the world. Distractions and manipulation. Meanwhile the corrupt of the corrupt are funneling huge cash printed out of thin air dissolving america, and it’s citizens. The war machine, sponsored by “Pelosi” A highest up corrupt official!

Smoky OG again
Guest
Smoky OG again
1 year ago
Reply to  DELLIB

Yup…what DELLIB said! Plus we’re not uniting to save the Earth but that sounds like hard work and heaping scorn on easy target like this POS Watson is, well….Easy!!!

Not Blind
Guest
Not Blind
1 year ago
Reply to  DELLIB

Bread and circuses. We’re in the fall of Rome. Time to loot the coffers before it all burns down.

AnonD
Member
Anon
1 year ago
Reply to  Not Blind

How does it go? “Nero fiddled while Rome burned?”.. we have a very old man in cognitive decline , in place of Nero. I’ll always think that was by design.

Larry Jetski
Guest
Larry Jetski
1 year ago
Reply to  Anon

Na, it’s cool. Trump is Outa there. He’s out not doin too well with his new social media platform. Do any of you guys think he may be a Democrat plant? Soft hands, a NY tv celebrity, born rich? Now he took Devin Nunes out of the game to manage the five accounts using “Truth”. Every conservative in his orbit goes down the drain…

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago
Reply to  Larry Jetski

Democratic plant? Well…I will never forget that Hilary Clinton’s team helped push him to the top of the heap of Republican contenders in that year’s nomination process. They thought he would be the easiest to defeat. So they helped feed that monster (he media took big part of course) while slandering Bernie and his supporters so…Thanks a lot, Hilary. Your relentless press for power made us what we are today…

Larry Jetski
Guest
Larry Jetski
1 year ago
Reply to  DELLIB

No matter how hard you pretend, nobody on the left is all culted out on Pelosi. When was the last time you saw a Pelosi flag!? You come off like a nut screaming on a street corner.

Al L Ivesmatr
Guest
Al L Ivesmatr
1 year ago

His cherub grin, rosy cheeks, and
black eyes like a great white shark. The eyes are the window. Hmmm.

Don T MattaD
Member
Don T Matta
1 year ago
Reply to  Al L Ivesmatr

Plus, that SEG, on his Fugly Mug, makes me ill!!!

Meemaw
Guest
Meemaw
1 year ago

Why aren’t we recalling this jerk i’ve had the opportunity to speak with him several times in the past five years and he is an arrogant and dishonest and untrustworthy and definitely not on solid ground jerk off who needs at least three years of sobriety substance-abuse support and mental health treatment I would say that going to some kind of a state funded facility would be wonderful for his arrogant and clearly unstable self
Long before the tragedy of losing a family member this guy was a shifty character at best and simply just not motivated for the common good why are we not taking simple steps to make sure he’s not in leader ship responsibility let alone within proximity to a person he has clearly harassed and has weird feelings about this is just another example of how corrupt this area is aren’t there simple legal steps that humans take when people are acting like jerks

Don T MattaD
Member
Don T Matta
1 year ago
Reply to  Meemaw

Too close to the next General Election!!! Plus with the restraining order, in place, he won’t, (Legally) be able to do SH!T!!!

Corporate Serfdom
Guest
Corporate Serfdom
1 year ago
Reply to  Meemaw

Now you understand the nature of the people who feel the need to get into politics.

Now look at the world stage and ask yourself if it’s possible that the current state of affairs is being run by the same kind of predators who feed on the ignorance of others.

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago

Spot on. Sometimes you are spot on…

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago
Reply to  Meemaw

So…why did Arcatans vote him into office? I must say that Arcata voters must take some blame. And they will- when they pay out for the lawsuits…Hey Arcata Voters- you are smug and self-righteous but you’re not supposed to vote for creeps!!

elvis costanza
Guest
elvis costanza
1 year ago

How toxic is THIS guy? His 15 minutes were up a long time ago.

Crazy train rides again.
Guest
Crazy train rides again.
1 year ago

Sadly bad behavior by politicians has become the norm. Trump made it popular and apparently acceptable. Politicians who have no moral compass and who have proven to be a couple bricks shy of a full load need to be voted out. Republicans, democrats whomever! The United States has become a laughing stock to the world because of the apparent tolerance of lying, manipulating and law breaking politicians. Humboldt County is another fine example. All of us need to research who we vote for. Sure, they can still lie and get voted in, but do your due diligence before electing someone.