3384707v1
CITY OF OAKLAND
ONE FRANK H. OGAWA PLAZA x 6 TH FLOOR x OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94612 Office of the City Attorney
Barbara Parker
City Attorney
FAX:
TDD:
(510) 238-3601
(510) 238-6500
(510) 839-6451
December 3, 2024
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
Oakland, California
Subject: Denise Knott, as an individual v. City of Oakland, a public entity, and Does 1 through 10, inclusive
Alameda County Superior Court Case No. 23CV046742
City Attorney File No. 36362
(City Council - Employment Discrimination and Harassment) President Fortunato Bas and Members of the City Council:
Pursuant to Section 401 of the Charter, the C ity Attorney has prepared and requests your approval of a resolution authorizing compromise and settlement of the above-entitled lawsuit for the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($40,000.00), payable to Denise Knott through Knott’sattorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers.
Plaintiff Denise Knott (“Knott”) was employed as a receptionist in the Oakland City Council Office from May 8, 2023 to June 30, 2023 . Knott sued the City alleging employment discrimination based on race, harassment, and retaliation. Knott claims Knott suffered wage loss and emotional distress.
The approved settlement in the amount of $40,000.00, without admitting fault or liability, resolves all of Knott’s claims,avoids further litigation, and is in the City’s best interest.
The City Council authorized settlement of th is case in Closed Session on Thursday, November 21, 2024 (moved by Councilmember Noel Gallo and seconded by Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan - 6 Ayes, 2 Absent – Councilmembers Janani Ramachandran and Treva Reid).
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA J. PARKER
City Attorney
Assigned Attorney:
Courtney O’Brien, Deputy City Attorney
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA J. PARKER