Another faction of residents showed up to a public meeting
– this time the City Council – to show support for the requested
dismissal of Recreation Services Manager Robert Ornelas, who is
being sued by six women for alleged sexual misconduct in the
workplace.
Again led by resident Ron Miller, a group of 25-30 residents
showed up and loudly applauded after Miller’s three-minute talk
during the public comment period of Monday night’s meeting. He went
as far as turning to Council members and asking them rhetorical
questions about Ornelas.
Another faction of residents showed up to a public meeting – this time the City Council – to show support for the requested dismissal of Recreation Services Manager Robert Ornelas, who is being sued by six women for alleged sexual misconduct in the workplace.
Again led by resident Ron Miller, a group of 25-30 residents showed up and loudly applauded after Miller’s three-minute talk during the public comment period of Monday night’s meeting. He went as far as turning to Council members and asking them rhetorical questions about Ornelas.
“Scattini, is breast fondling sexual harassment to you? Conroy, is kissing and caressing sexual harassment to you?”
A group of 15 residents, many of whom were present Monday, also showed up to the Nov. 25 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to express the same concern. Miller runs a children’s theater program through the division, while the other residents in attendance at both meetings included parents of kids in various recreation programs, family and friends of the women named in the suit and former division employees.
After about three to four minutes, newly elected Mayor Tony Bruscia finally advised Miller to finish the speech because of time constraints. During the talk, which was more graphic than the one last week, Council members seemed considerably ill at ease.
After Miller sat down, an employee of the Recreation Division spoke in support of Ornelas. She said he has “done great things for the community” and pointed out his involvement in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hollister Heat softball organization.
“It has never been addressed that all the people that are filing this claim against the city and Mr. Ornelas are all close personal friends,” said Brandi Grissom, who said she has worked for the Recreation Division for about 18 months. After she spoke, a smaller crowd than the 25 with Miller also applauded.
Six women filed a suit against the city and Ornelas on Nov. 17 seeking monetary damages. They allege Ornelas’ behavior in the workplace and city functions has included groping, kissing and threats toward job security. The city has until Dec. 16 to respond before a trial process could begin.
After Monday’s meeting, city attorney Elaine Cass said the matter is being handled by a city-hired counsel – the Monterey Bay Area Insurance Fund. Because the matter is in litigation, she and other officials declined comment.
