San Diego Mayor Bob Filner reaches tentative settlement involving sexual harassment lawsuit

SAN DIEGO – Embattled San Diego Mayor Bob Filner on Wednesday reached a tentative deal involving a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him and the city.

City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said a proposed resolution was reached and it will be presented to the City Council during closed session Friday. No details were released, and it was unclear whether a resignation was part of the deal.

Goldsmith told The Associated Press the proposal would be made public if approved by the council.

“I’m sorry I cannot give more information,” he said.

The resolution came after three days of mediation talks over the lawsuit filed by Filner’s former communications director Irene McCormack Jackson.

The talks ended hours after a San Diego businesswoman became the latest woman to go public in accusing Filner of making unwanted sexual advances.

The 70-year-old former congressman has been besieged by similar allegations from at least 17 women, and whether he’ll be able to hang onto his job is in limbo.

A petition drive to recall Filner is in full swing, and calls from his own party urging him to step down were mounting with the Democratic National Committee planning to vote on a resolution Friday.

Dianne York, the latest accuser, said Filner placed his hand on her buttocks while she posed for a photo with him about three months ago.

York told reporters at a news conference in National City that the incident took place after a meeting at his office. She said she reported the incident to the sheriff’s department.

Those at the negotiating table involving the lawsuit said they have been told not to comment. Filner has been attending the talks, along with Goldsmith, City Council President Todd Gloria and Councilman Kevin Faulconer.

Analysts have speculated Filner might have negotiated a deal that would shed his financial liability in the lawsuit in exchange for his resignation.

Gloria would serve as acting mayor if Filner resigns.

Filner’s former communications director, McCormack, as she is known professionally, was the first to go public with allegations against him. Other accusers include a university dean and a retired Navy rear admiral. Some contend he cornered, groped and forcibly kissed them.

Filner announced three weeks ago that he would undergo therapy after acknowledging he has disrespected and intimidated women. He has denied committing sexual harassment.