FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) \u2014 A Fresno City Council member is urging the city to accept a federal jury\u2019s $15.4 million discrimination verdict and not pursue an appeal, calling further litigation costly and unjust.<\/p>\n
Following the jury\u2019s decision awarding $15 million to La-Kebbia \u201cKiki\u201d Wilson and $400,000 to Charles Smith, both former Code Enforcement employees, Councilmember Miguel Arias announced he will oppose any effort by the city to appeal the verdict.<\/p>\n
Although the events underlying the case occurred before Code Enforcement fell under the direct supervision of the city attorney and City Council, Arias said the conduct happened within the city\u2019s institution and condemned it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conduct described in this case was wrong and reprehensible, and does not reflect the values of our city or the safe, respectful workplace every employee deserves,\u201d Arias said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs leaders, we must acknowledge both the strengths and the failures of the institutions we are elected to serve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Arias also offered a public apology to Wilson and Smith for what they experienced, saying the city has now been held accountable by a federal jury.<\/p>\n
He said the case reflects a broader concern about how the city handles some legal disputes.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo often, the City has been quick to settle claims brought by police officers while prolonging cases brought by members of the public, nonprofit organizations, and civilian employees,\u201d Arias said. \u201cThose decisions ultimately cost taxpayers millions more in legal fees when cases are eventually lost in court or settled after years of litigation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arias said appealing the verdict would repeat that pattern.<\/p>\n