San Bernardino, CA – The City of San Bernardino has 45 days to accept or deny the two claims filed today by The Law Offices of Pelayes & Yu. The claims outline the details of how Mayor John Valdivia abused his position of power by continuously harassing Mirna Cisneros, a former senior customer service representative, and Karen Cervantes, Valdivia’s former assistant.

Mayor Valdivia’s conduct and the subsequent inaction by city officials, despite their numerous complaints, led to both of their resignations on January 29th. It wasn’t until Ms. Cisneros and Ms. Cervantes retained an attorney that the city was willing to look into the allegations.

During a press conference last week, both victims spoke of the harassment and how it has impacted them mentally, emotionally, and physically. Dozens of incidents were documented, witnessed by coworkers, and captured via text message by both victims. Lewd comments about other women and sexual activity, offering his credit card to buy gifts, bullying, and not reporting or misreporting gifts/financial transactions are amongst the incidents listed in the claims.

“It gets things done.”

Mayor Valdivia told his staff when referencing an elected official who was mistreating his staff.

A copy of the claim by Karen Cervantes can be found HERE. A copy of the claim by Mirna Cisneros can be found HERE.

CLICK HERE to see the original news release.

Karen Cervantes, former assistant to San Bernardino Mayor John Valdivia, left, and former San Bernardino senior customer service representative, Mirna Cisneros, stand in front of San Bernardino City Hall during a press conference in San Bernardino on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. The two employees have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against the mayor, prompting the city to launch an investigation. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)