Bay Area lawmaker accused of catfight and infuriating co-workers says critics are picking on her for being an outspoken Italian-American
Daly City council member Pamela DiGiovanni denies allegations of harassment, intimidation and assault, saying criticism of her reflects her outspoken Italian-American background and political opponents’ efforts to undermine her before an election. Community members have called for her resignation, while the mayor has said her conduct is harming the council and that the city is considering what to do next.
A 2022 allegation by fellow council member Juslyn Manalo that DiGiovanni struck her with a heavy door led to an outside investigation and a formal censure in October 2025. DiGiovanni was asked to take anger-management and anti-harassment classes, but says she will not attend or admit wrongdoing; she has served on the council since 2018 and is one of seven candidates competing for three seats on 3 November. Officials and residents have also raised other complaints about her conduct, including alleged misuse of a city car and unpaid borrowed money.
- Pamela DiGiovanni denies misconduct allegations and says she is being targeted.
- A 2025 censure followed an investigation into a colleague’s 2022 accusation.
- She refuses the recommended classes and is standing for re-election.
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Pamela DiGiovanni has served on the Daly City council since 2018. She now faces allegations of harassment, intimidation and assault, which she denies.
In 2022, fellow council member Juslyn Manalo alleged that DiGiovanni struck her with a heavy door. An outside investigation was conducted and led to DiGiovanni receiving a formal censure in October 2025. She was asked to take anger-management and anti-harassment classes but has refused to attend or acknowledge wrongdoing.
Officials and residents have also raised other complaints about her conduct, including alleged misuse of a city car and unpaid borrowed money. She is one of seven candidates competing for three council seats in an election scheduled for 3 November.
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The case for
These allegations rest on institutional investigation and formal censure, not merely individual complaints. An outside investigation examined the incident involving DiGiovanni striking a fellow council member with a heavy door, resulting in formal censure in 2025. Multiple officials and residents have raised additional concerns about her conduct, including alleged harassment, intimidation, and misuse of city resources. Her refusal to attend mandated anger-management and anti-harassment classes demonstrates unwillingness to address documented concerns, which the mayor has appropriately noted is harming the council's ability to function.
The case against
DiGiovanni challenges the fairness of these proceedings, suggesting her outspoken Italian-American background and willingness to challenge political opponents have made her a convenient target. The incident with the heavy door may have been unintentional or mischaracterised, and she should not be forced to undergo training and admit to wrongdoing she believes she didn't commit. The escalating complaints emerge conveniently before an election in which multiple candidates compete for three seats, suggesting political motives may be driving calls for her resignation rather than genuine resolution of workplace concerns.