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CC - (1) Discussion of a Resolution Requesting a State Audit of Alleged Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Retaliation at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.
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Meeting Date: April 12, 2021
Contact Person/Dept: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager's Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Metropolitan Water District; Scott Houston, West Basin Municipal Water District; Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/07/2021).
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar (04/07/2021)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) discuss a Resolution requesting a state audit of alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD); and (2) provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
On February 12, 2021, the Los Angeles Times published an article which recounted the mistreatment of women in MWD's trades apprenticeship program, which gives workers an entree into careers traditionally dominated by men. The article identified the female trainees' allegations of unwanted touching, inappropriate and offensive comments, and the apparent lack of action by MWD (Attachment 1).
About MWD
MWD is a regional wholesaler that provides water for 26 member public agencies to deliver - either directly or through their sub-agencies - to nearly 19 million people living in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps it...
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