Santa Rosa Council censures member after independent workplace investigation
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Summary
The City Council voted to censure Councilmember Diana McDonald's and to direct remedial steps after an independent investigator found she engaged in negative conduct toward employees tied to a consensual relationship and attempted to influence an operational decision; the first resolution passed 6-0 with McDonald's recused.
The Santa Rosa City Council voted this session to publicly censure Councilmember Diana McDonald's and to direct a set of remedial actions after an outside investigator concluded McDonald violated the city's anti-harassment and conduct policies.
Special counsel Jennica Maldonado, retained by the city99s legal team for advice, summarized the investigator99s findings: that McDonald "participated in behavior negative toward city employees due to her consensual relationship," made "unwelcome sexual comments of a sexual nature to city employees about her consensual relationship," and "attempted to influence an operational decision of the city based on her view it would benefit her romantic partner." Maldonado said the investigator concluded those actions violated city policy.
The council99s first resolution, which the body considered while McDonald remained in the room, would impose a public censure and direct remedial steps including: a requirement for McDonald to recommit to obligations under the city's anti-harassment policy and code of conduct; direction to the city manager to implement reasonable operational steps in response to the investigator99s findings; proposals to update the code of conduct and anti-harassment policy; and a directive that additional council training be provided by the end of March 2026.
During public comment, residents and community leaders offered sharply divided views. Several speakers defended McDonald99s record of constituent service, citing specific neighborhood projects and outreach, while others described the report99s findings and urged the council to act. McDonald addressed the council with an apology and a pledge to improve: "I apologize. I have learned from this experience, and I will work hard to be a better person," she said.
Council members debated the language and remedies for both resolutions. The first resolution passed in a recorded roll call with six affirmative votes and McDonald's recorded as recused for the later, follow-up resolution. Council also directed staff to hold a study session to evaluate whether the council should adopt a new policy addressing intimate relationships between council members and city employees.
The council99s action does not remove an elected official from office; rather, it is a formal public reprimand and includes directives to staff for policy updates and training. The city attorney's office said the investigator's report was privileged and confidential; the public presentation summarized the findings and the council's remedial direction.
