Jump to content

Dominic Caserta: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Adding sources from the Foothill College newspaper to add context on the accusations stemming from Foothill College students. Following up on the administrative action after.
m not an orphan (via WP:JWB)
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox Governor
{{Infobox officeholder
|name= Dominic Caserta
|name= Dominic Caserta
|image= Dominic Caserta.jpg
|image=
|caption= Dominic Caserta in 2017
|caption= Dominic Caserta in 2017
|office=Member of the Santa Clara City Council<br>
|office=Member of the Santa Clara City Council
|term_start= November 2014
|term_start= November 2014
|term_end= May 2018
|term_end= May 2018
Line 10: Line 11:
|birth_place= [[San Jose, California]]
|birth_place= [[San Jose, California]]
|residence =[[Santa Clara, California]]
|residence =[[Santa Clara, California]]
|alma_mater=[[Santa Clara University]]<br>[[San Francisco State University]]<br>[[Bellarmine College Preparatory]]
|alma_mater=[[Santa Clara University]]<br />[[San Francisco State University]]<br />[[Bellarmine College Preparatory]]
|profession= Teacher/Educator
|profession= Teacher/Educator
|party= [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
|party= [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
Line 16: Line 17:
}}
}}


'''Dominic Caserta''' (born 1975) is a former member of the Santa Clara City Council and has been a local educator since 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.smartvoter.org/2014/11/04/ca/scl/vote/caserta_d/bio.html|title=Full Biography for Dominic J. Caserta|website=www.smartvoter.org|access-date=2019-03-20}}</ref>
'''Dominic Caserta''' (born 1975) is a former member of the Santa Clara City Council. He resigned on May 15, 2018, one week after reports detailing his alleged history of sexually harassing young women, including minors, was first reported by ''San Jose Inside''. <ref name=":0">{{cite news|last1=Wadsworth|first1=Jennifer|title=More Harassment Claims Surface Against Santa Clara County Supe Candidate Dominic Caserta|url=https://www.sanjoseinside.com/2018/05/08/more-harassment-claims-surface-against-santa-clara-county-supe-candidate-dominic-caserta/|accessdate=15 May 2018|publisher=San Jose Inside|date=8 May 2018}}</ref> Caserta also ended his campaign for Santa Clara County Supervisor, three weeks before the primary election in which he was a front-runner.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Baum|first1=Julia|title=District 4 Santa Clara County supervisor’s race already sees $1 million-plus in donations|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/05/district-4-supervisors-race-already-sees-1-million-plus-in-donations/|accessdate=15 May 2018|publisher=The Mercury News|date=5 February 2018}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
Caserta is of Portuguese and Italian descent and is a fifth generation resident of Santa Clara, where he currently lives with his wife, Malfalda Soares.<ref name=":1" /> Caserta is a graduate of [[Bellarmine College Preparatory]], and in 1997, he graduated [[Magna Cum Laude]] from [[Santa Clara University]] with a Bachelors of Science Degree in [[Political Science]] with a Minor in American History.<ref name=":1" />
Caserta is of Portuguese and Italian descent and is a fifth-generation resident of Santa Clara.<ref name=":1" /> Caserta is a graduate of [[Bellarmine College Preparatory]], and in 1997, he graduated [[magna cum laude]] from [[Santa Clara University]] with a Bachelor of Science degree in [[political science]] with a minor in American history.<ref name=":1" />


In 2009, Caserta completed the State and Local Officials Executive Program at the [[ John F. Kennedy School of Government]] at [[Harvard University]]<ref name=":1">http://santaclaraca.gov/government/council/councilmembers/dominic-j-caserta</ref>.
In 2009, Caserta completed the State and Local Officials Executive Program at the [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] at [[Harvard University]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://santaclaraca.gov/government/council/councilmembers/dominic-j-caserta |title=City of Santa Clara : Dominic J. Caserta |website=santaclaraca.gov |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905122601/http://santaclaraca.gov/government/council/councilmembers/dominic-j-caserta |archive-date=2015-09-05}}</ref>


In 2010, the [[James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation]] awarded Caserta a fellowship. He used the fellowship to attend [[San Francisco State University]], and earned a master's degree in Political Science<ref name=":1" />.
In 2010, the [[James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation]] awarded Caserta a fellowship. He used the fellowship to attend [[San Francisco State University]], and earned a master's degree in political science.<ref name=":1" />


Caserta teaches and serves as department chairperson of the Social Sciences Department at [[Santa Clara High School (Santa Clara, California)|Santa Clara High School]] where he has been consistently accused of sexually harassing his students.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> He also teaches in the Political Science Departments at [[De Anza College]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Political Science Department|url=http://www.deanza.edu/poli/faculty.html|website=DeAnza College|accessdate=21 October 2017}}</ref>, [[Foothill College]], [[San Jose State University]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of Political Science|url=http://www.sjsu.edu/polisci/faculty/americangovpolitics/dominiccaserta/|website=San Jose State University|accessdate=21 October 2017}}</ref>, and [[San Francisco State University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of Political Science|url=https://politicalscience.sfsu.edu/people/25290/dominic-caserta|website=San Francisco State University|accessdate=7 August 2017}}</ref>.
Caserta teaches and serves as department chairperson of the Social Sciences Department at [[Santa Clara High School (Santa Clara, California)|Santa Clara High School]] .<ref name=":1" /> He also teaches in the Political Science Departments at [[De Anza College]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Political Science Department|url=http://www.deanza.edu/poli/faculty.html|website=DeAnza College|access-date=21 October 2017}}</ref> [[Foothill College]], [[San Jose State University]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of Political Science|url=http://www.sjsu.edu/polisci/faculty/americangovpolitics/dominiccaserta/|website=San Jose State University|access-date=21 October 2017}}</ref> and [[San Francisco State University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of Political Science|url=https://politicalscience.sfsu.edu/people/25290/dominic-caserta|website=San Francisco State University|access-date=7 August 2017}}</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==
On November 5, 2002, Caserta won election to Seat #2 on the Santa Clara City Council.<ref>http://www.smartvoter.org/2002/11/05/ca/scl/race/5232/</ref> He was re-elected on November 7, 2006. <ref>https://www.sccgov.org/elections/results/nov2006/</ref> In 2008, Caserta ran for California State Assembly District 22, but lost to [[Paul Fong]] in the Democratic primaries. On November 4, 2014, Caserta won election to Seat #5 on the Santa Clara City Council.<ref>http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/CA/Santa_Clara/54209/149818/Web01/en/summary.html</ref> During his time as Seat #5 Caserta served on multiple committees, including the Ethics Committee.<ref name=":1" /> In January 2017, Caserta announced his candidacy to represent District 4 on the [[Santa Clara County, California|Santa Clara County]] [[County board of supervisors|Board of Supervisors]]. <ref>https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/19/santa-clara-county-candidates-lining-up-for-yeagers-board-seat/</ref>
On November 5, 2002, Caserta won election to Seat #2 on the Santa Clara City Council.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.smartvoter.org/2002/11/05/ca/scl/race/5232/|title=Council Member; City of Santa Clara; Seat 2 Election Information November 5, 2002 Election|website=www.smartvoter.org|accessdate=9 August 2023}}</ref> He was re-elected on November 7, 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sccgov.org/elections/results/nov2006/|title = November 7, 2006 General Gubernatorial Election - Summary Results}}</ref> In 2008, Caserta ran for California State Assembly District 22, but lost to [[Paul Fong]] in the Democratic primaries. On November 4, 2014, Caserta won election to Seat #5 on the Santa Clara City Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/CA/Santa_Clara/54209/149818/Web01/en/summary.html|title=Official final results
|website=clarityelections.com|access-date=9 August 2023}}</ref> During his time as Seat #5 Caserta served on multiple committees, including the Ethics Committee.<ref name=":1" /> In January 2017, Caserta announced his candidacy to represent District 4 on the [[Santa Clara County, California|Santa Clara County]] [[County board of supervisors|Board of Supervisors]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/19/santa-clara-county-candidates-lining-up-for-yeagers-board-seat/|title=Santa Clara County: Candidates lining up for Yeager's board seat|date=19 January 2017}}</ref>


=== Sexual misconduct allegations ===
=== Sexual misconduct allegations ===
Allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct perpetrated by Caserta were first reported by ''San Jose Inside'' on May 8th, 2018, after obtaining personnel files related to Caserta's teaching career that had been leaked after they were mistakenly e-mailed to all staff members of Santa Clara Unified School District.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/05/08/dominic-caserta-faces-explosive-new-sexual-harassment-allegations/|title=Calls for removing or reprimanding Councilman Dominic Caserta after allegations are mistakenly revealed|last1=Deruy|first1=Emily|date=8 May 2018|accessdate=15 May 2018|publisher=The Mercury News}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=|title=SUPERVISORS RACE MARRED BY HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS|last=DeRuy|first=Emily|date=May 11, 2018|work=The Mercury News|access-date=}}</ref> Caserta's personnel file included reports from multiple female students accusing Caserta of unwelcome physical contact and suggestive comments. In 2002, allegations against Caserta were found to have sufficient merit, leading the Assistant Superintendent to issue a stern warning to Caserta that ordered him "to refrain from personal conversation with people in the workplace about yourself or others that have any sexual connotation".<ref name=":0" />
Allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct perpetrated by Caserta were first reported on May 8, 2018, after the Santa Clara Unified School District sent an email to all district employees containing his confidential personnel file.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/05/08/dominic-caserta-faces-explosive-new-sexual-harassment-allegations/|title=Calls for removing or reprimanding Councilman Dominic Caserta after allegations are mistakenly revealed|last1=Deruy|first1=Emily|date=8 May 2018|access-date=15 May 2018|publisher=The Mercury News}}</ref> The allegations were made in early May 2018 by a former 19 year old campaign volunteer, Lydia Jungkind.<ref name=":2" /> Jungkind, a German exchange student, met Caserta while she was studying at Foothill College.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.sanjoseinside.com/2018/05/08/more-harassment-claims-surface-against-santa-clara-county-supe-candidate-dominic-caserta/|title=More Harassment Claims Surface Against Santa Clara County Supe Candidate Dominic Caserta|last1=Wadsworth|first1=Jennifer|date=8 May 2018|access-date=15 May 2018|publisher=San Jose Inside}}</ref> Jungkind has accused Caserta of several instances of unwanted sexual advances during her time as a volunteer for Caserta's Board of Supervisor's campaign.<ref name=":2" /> In response, Caserta posted a statement on his website suggesting that Jungkind's allegations were politically motivated.<ref name=":2" />


⚫
Shortly after allegations against Caserta became public, Caserta told ''[[The Mercury News]]'' that he had no plans to resign his position on the Santa Clara City Council or withdraw from the Santa Clara Country Supervisor race, and that if anyone perceived his actions as inappropriate that he "apologize[s] for their perception".<ref name=":2" /> As a result of the allegations against him, Caserta lost support from the Santa Clara Democratic Party and the South Bay Labor Council.
Unrelated to allegations related to Caserta's career as an educator, additional allegations were made in early May 2018 by a former 19 year old campaign employee, Lydia Jungkind.<ref name=":2" /> Jungkind, a German exchange student, met Caserta while she was studying at Foothill College.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://foothillscript.com/3433/foothill-life/instructor-and-council-member-dominic-caserta-accused-of-sexual-harassment/|title=Instructor and Council Member Dominic Caserta Accused of Sexual Harassment|last=Turchinsky|first=Liza|work=The Script|access-date=2018-10-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Jungkind has accused Caserta of several instances of unwanted sexual advances during her time as a field director for Caserta's Board of Supervisor's campaign, including giving her massages against her will and making inappropriate comments about her appearance and his attraction to her.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> Jungkind also alleges that Caserta attempted to provide her with alcohol, despite being under the legal drinking age.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://foothillscript.com/3433/foothill-life/instructor-and-council-member-dominic-caserta-accused-of-sexual-harassment/|title=Instructor and Council Member Dominic Caserta Accused of Sexual Harassment|last=Turchinsky|first=Liza|work=The Script|access-date=2018-10-10|language=en-US}}</ref> In response, Caserta posted a statement on his website suggesting that Jungkind's allegations were politically motivated.<ref name=":2" /> Previous to Jungkind's accusations, allegations were made by male campaign manager Ian Crueldad, stating that Caserta was often half undressed around campaign helpers,<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://foothillscript.com/3433/foothill-life/instructor-and-council-member-dominic-caserta-accused-of-sexual-harassment/|title=Instructor and Council Member Dominic Caserta Accused of Sexual Harassment|last=Turchinsky|first=Liza|work=The Script|access-date=2018-10-10|language=en-US}}</ref> and that he felt compelled to resign from the campaign after witnessing Caserta walk around in just a bath towel.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=|title=HARASS CLAIMS SINK CANDIDATE - AS ACCUSATIONS MOUNT, MAYOR DERIDES ‘TERRIBLE STAIN' ON CITY, THANKS ACCUSERS FOR ‘COURAGE' COMING FORWARD|last=Woolfolk|first=John|date=|work=The Mercury News|access-date=}}</ref>


On May 9, 2018, the San Jose Police Department released a statement asking for victims to come forward and report misconduct by Caserta.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|title=SUPERVISORS RACE MARRED BY HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS|last=DeRuy|first=Emily|date=May 11, 2018|work=The Mercury News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://santaclaraca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/36664/50|title=News {{!}} City of Santa Clara|website=santaclaraca.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-05-17}}</ref> In the preceding weeks, 9 individuals made reports against Caserta, ranging from allegations of misconduct to allegations of sexual battery.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|title=HARASS CLAIMS SINK CANDIDATE - AS ACCUSATIONS MOUNT, MAYOR DERIDES 'TERRIBLE STAIN' ON CITY, THANKS ACCUSERS FOR 'COURAGE' COMING FORWARD|last=Woolfolk|first=John|work=The Mercury News}}</ref> On August 15, 2018, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced that Caserta would not face any charges, stating “After a thorough review and legal analysis of Dominic Caserta’s behavior...our office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to file criminal charges”.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/15/no-charges-filed-in-dominic-caserta-sexual-harassment-scandal/|title=No charges filed in former Santa Clara city councilman Dominic Caserta sexual harassment scandal|date=2018-08-15|work=The Mercury News|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
Shortly after allegations against Caserta became public, Caserta told ''[[The Mercury News]]'' that he had no plans to resign his position on the Santa Clara City Council or withdraw from the Santa Clara Country Supervisor race, and that if anyone perceived his actions as inappropriate that he "apologize[s] for their perception".<ref name=":2" /> As a result of the allegations against him, Caserta lost support from the Santa Clara Democratic Party and the South Bay Labor Council. Additionally, the San Jose Police Association, San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230 withdrew their support of Caserta, and joined the Santa Clara Government Attorneys Association in a statement calling for Caserta's resignation.<ref name=":2" />


On May 9th, 2018, the San Jose Police Department released a statement asking for victims to come forward and report misconduct by Caserta.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://santaclaraca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/36664/50|title=News {{!}} City of Santa Clara|website=santaclaraca.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-05-17}}</ref> In the preceding weeks, at least 15 individuals made reports against Caserta, ranging from allegations of misconduct to allegations of sexual battery.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4" /> On August 15th, 2018, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced that Caserta would not face any charges.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/15/no-charges-filed-in-dominic-caserta-sexual-harassment-scandal/|title=No charges filed in former Santa Clara city councilman Dominic Caserta sexual harassment scandal|date=2018-08-15|work=The Mercury News|access-date=2018-08-17|language=en-US}}</ref>
On May 15, 2018, Caserta resigned from the Santa Clara City Council and ended his campaign for Santa Clara County Supervisor.<ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/05/14/santa-clara-mayor-calls-on-embattled-councilman-dominic-caserta-to-resign/|title=9 people file police reports against embattled Santa Clara Councilman Dominic Caserta|last1=Deruy|first1=Emily|date=14 May 2018|access-date=15 May 2018|publisher=The Mercury News}}</ref>


On January 21, 2019, Caserta voluntarily participated in a [[polygraph]] examination "in an attempt to dispel all duplicitous accusations” made against him from Jungkind. On the examination he was reported to have scored 99.9 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanjoseinside.com/2019/03/27/accused-sexual-harasser-dominic-caserta-touts-polygraph-test-as-proof-of-innocence/|title=Accused Sexual Harasser Touts Polygraph as Proof of Innocence|date=27 March 2019}}</ref>
On May 15, 2018, Caserta resigned from the Santa Clara City Council and ended his campaign for Santa Clara County Supervisor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://foothillscript.com/3484/foothill-life/dominic-caserta-censured-by-santa-clara-city-council-more-victims-come-forward/|title=Dominic Caserta Resigns Hours Before Santa Clara City Council Censure, More Victims Come Forward|last=Turchinsky|first=Liza|work=The Script|access-date=2018-10-10|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/05/14/santa-clara-mayor-calls-on-embattled-councilman-dominic-caserta-to-resign/|title=9 people file police reports against embattled Santa Clara Councilman Dominic Caserta|last1=Deruy|first1=Emily|date=14 May 2018|accessdate=15 May 2018|publisher=The Mercury News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://foothillscript.com/3473/foothill-life/foothill-instructor-dominic-caserta-resigns-from-public-office-amist-sexual-misconduct-allegations/|title=Foothill Instructor Dominic Caserta Resigns From Public Office Amist Sexual Misconduct Allegations|last=Turchinsky|first=Liza|work=The Script|access-date=2018-10-10|language=en-US}}</ref> On May 18th, 2018, the district superintendent of the Santa Clara Unified School District confirmed that Caserta had been placed on paid administrative leave while they conduct an investigation into allegations against him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ktvu.com/news/santa-clara-teacher-dominic-caserta-on-leave-as-sexual-harassment-claims-investigated|title=Santa Clara teacher Dominic Caserta on leave as sexual harassment claims investigated|last=FOX|work=KTVU|access-date=2018-05-23|language=en-US}}</ref> Caserta was not employed by the Foothill-De Anza Community College District in the following quarter. <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://foothillscript.com/3484/foothill-life/dominic-caserta-censured-by-santa-clara-city-council-more-victims-come-forward/|title=Dominic Caserta Resigns Hours Before Santa Clara City Council Censure, More Victims Come Forward|last=Mamedov-Turchinsky|first=Liza|work=The Script|access-date=2018-10-10|language=en-US}}</ref>

On May 1, 2019, it was reported that Caserta had filed a lawsuit against the Santa Clara Unified School District over the damage caused from accidentally sending an email to all district employees containing his personnel file. Caserta requested an unspecified amount in punitive monetary damages from the court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/05/01/former-santa-clara-councilman-dominic-caserta-sues-school-district-for-releasing-emails-about-sexual-harassment-allegations/|title=Former Santa Clara councilman Dominic Caserta sues school district over 'devastating' email|date=May 2019}}</ref>


==Notable initiatives==
==Notable initiatives==
Caserta successfully led the effort to enact a $15 minimum wage by 2019,<ref>{{cite web|title=Santa Clara Unanimously Votes to Raise the Minimum Wage to $15 by 2019|url=http://thelefthook.com/2017/07/19/santa-clara-unanimously-votes-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-to-15-by-2019|website=The Left Hook|publisher=The Left Hook|accessdate=7 August 2017}}</ref> three years before a minimum wage increase will be mandated by the [[State of California]].<ref>{{cite web|title=State of California Minimum Wage|url=https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm|website=State of California|accessdate=7 August 2017}}</ref>
Caserta successfully led the effort to enact a $15 minimum wage by 2019,<ref>{{cite web|title=Santa Clara Unanimously Votes to Raise the Minimum Wage to $15 by 2019|url=http://thelefthook.com/2017/07/19/santa-clara-unanimously-votes-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-to-15-by-2019|website=The Left Hook|date=20 July 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}}</ref> three years before a minimum wage increase will be mandated by the [[State of California]].<ref>{{cite web|title=State of California Minimum Wage|url=https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm|website=State of California|access-date=7 August 2017}}</ref>


In partnership with Santa Clara [[Mayor]] Lisa Gillmor, Caserta successfully championed a worker retention ordinance for [[Silicon Valley]]. The ordinance, first of its kind, received unanimous support from the Santa Clara City Council and will provide job security for food and building service workers in Santa Clara.<ref>{{cite web|title=Santa Clara City Council Approves Silicon Valley’s First Worker Retention Ordinance for Service Workers|url=http://thelefthook.com/2017/03/23/santa-clara-city-council-approves-silicon-valleys-first-worker-retention-ordinance-for-service-workers/|website=The Left Hook|accessdate=7 August 2017}}</ref>
In 2017, Caserta successfully championed a worker retention ordinance for [[Silicon Valley]]. The ordinance, first of its kind, received unanimous support from the Santa Clara City Council and will provide job security for food and building service workers in Santa Clara.<ref>{{cite web|title=Santa Clara City Council Approves Silicon Valley's First Worker Retention Ordinance for Service Workers|url=http://thelefthook.com/2017/03/23/santa-clara-city-council-approves-silicon-valleys-first-worker-retention-ordinance-for-service-workers/|website=The Left Hook|date=23 March 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references />


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.dominiccaserta.com/about}}
* {{Official website|http://www.dominiccaserta.com/about}}



{{DEFAULTSORT:Caserta, Dominic}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Caserta, Dominic}}
Line 57: Line 60:
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:Santa Clara, California]]
[[Category:People from Santa Clara, California]]
[[Category:Santa Clara University alumni]]
[[Category:Santa Clara University alumni]]
[[Category:Bellarmine College Preparatory alumni]]

Latest revision as of 22:04, 10 April 2024

Dominic Caserta
Member of the Santa Clara City Council
In office
November 2014 – May 2018
Preceded byTeresa O'Neill
Personal details
BornSan Jose, California
Political partyDemocratic
ResidenceSanta Clara, California
Alma materSanta Clara University
San Francisco State University
Bellarmine College Preparatory
ProfessionTeacher/Educator

Dominic Caserta (born 1975) is a former member of the Santa Clara City Council and has been a local educator since 1997.[1]

Background

[edit]

Caserta is of Portuguese and Italian descent and is a fifth-generation resident of Santa Clara.[2] Caserta is a graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory, and in 1997, he graduated magna cum laude from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science with a minor in American history.[2]

In 2009, Caserta completed the State and Local Officials Executive Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.[2]

In 2010, the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation awarded Caserta a fellowship. He used the fellowship to attend San Francisco State University, and earned a master's degree in political science.[2]

Caserta teaches and serves as department chairperson of the Social Sciences Department at Santa Clara High School .[2] He also teaches in the Political Science Departments at De Anza College,[3] Foothill College, San Jose State University,[4] and San Francisco State University.[5]

Political career

[edit]

On November 5, 2002, Caserta won election to Seat #2 on the Santa Clara City Council.[6] He was re-elected on November 7, 2006.[7] In 2008, Caserta ran for California State Assembly District 22, but lost to Paul Fong in the Democratic primaries. On November 4, 2014, Caserta won election to Seat #5 on the Santa Clara City Council.[8] During his time as Seat #5 Caserta served on multiple committees, including the Ethics Committee.[2] In January 2017, Caserta announced his candidacy to represent District 4 on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.[9]

Sexual misconduct allegations

[edit]

Allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct perpetrated by Caserta were first reported on May 8, 2018, after the Santa Clara Unified School District sent an email to all district employees containing his confidential personnel file.[10] The allegations were made in early May 2018 by a former 19 year old campaign volunteer, Lydia Jungkind.[10] Jungkind, a German exchange student, met Caserta while she was studying at Foothill College.[11] Jungkind has accused Caserta of several instances of unwanted sexual advances during her time as a volunteer for Caserta's Board of Supervisor's campaign.[10] In response, Caserta posted a statement on his website suggesting that Jungkind's allegations were politically motivated.[10]

Shortly after allegations against Caserta became public, Caserta told The Mercury News that he had no plans to resign his position on the Santa Clara City Council or withdraw from the Santa Clara Country Supervisor race, and that if anyone perceived his actions as inappropriate that he "apologize[s] for their perception".[10] As a result of the allegations against him, Caserta lost support from the Santa Clara Democratic Party and the South Bay Labor Council.

On May 9, 2018, the San Jose Police Department released a statement asking for victims to come forward and report misconduct by Caserta.[12][13] In the preceding weeks, 9 individuals made reports against Caserta, ranging from allegations of misconduct to allegations of sexual battery.[14][15] On August 15, 2018, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced that Caserta would not face any charges, stating “After a thorough review and legal analysis of Dominic Caserta’s behavior...our office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to file criminal charges”.[14]

On May 15, 2018, Caserta resigned from the Santa Clara City Council and ended his campaign for Santa Clara County Supervisor.[16]

On January 21, 2019, Caserta voluntarily participated in a polygraph examination "in an attempt to dispel all duplicitous accusations” made against him from Jungkind. On the examination he was reported to have scored 99.9 percent.[17]

On May 1, 2019, it was reported that Caserta had filed a lawsuit against the Santa Clara Unified School District over the damage caused from accidentally sending an email to all district employees containing his personnel file. Caserta requested an unspecified amount in punitive monetary damages from the court.[18]

Notable initiatives

[edit]

Caserta successfully led the effort to enact a $15 minimum wage by 2019,[19] three years before a minimum wage increase will be mandated by the State of California.[20]

In 2017, Caserta successfully championed a worker retention ordinance for Silicon Valley. The ordinance, first of its kind, received unanimous support from the Santa Clara City Council and will provide job security for food and building service workers in Santa Clara.[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Full Biography for Dominic J. Caserta". www.smartvoter.org. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "City of Santa Clara : Dominic J. Caserta". santaclaraca.gov. Archived from the original on 5 September 2015.
  3. ^ "Political Science Department". DeAnza College. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
  4. ^ "Department of Political Science". San Jose State University. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
  5. ^ "Department of Political Science". San Francisco State University. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  6. ^ "Council Member; City of Santa Clara; Seat 2 Election Information November 5, 2002 Election". www.smartvoter.org. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  7. ^ "November 7, 2006 General Gubernatorial Election - Summary Results".
  8. ^ "Official final results". clarityelections.com. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  9. ^ "Santa Clara County: Candidates lining up for Yeager's board seat". 19 January 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d e Deruy, Emily (8 May 2018). "Calls for removing or reprimanding Councilman Dominic Caserta after allegations are mistakenly revealed". The Mercury News. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  11. ^ Wadsworth, Jennifer (8 May 2018). "More Harassment Claims Surface Against Santa Clara County Supe Candidate Dominic Caserta". San Jose Inside. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  12. ^ DeRuy, Emily (11 May 2018). "SUPERVISORS RACE MARRED BY HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS". The Mercury News.
  13. ^ "News | City of Santa Clara". santaclaraca.gov. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  14. ^ a b "No charges filed in former Santa Clara city councilman Dominic Caserta sexual harassment scandal". The Mercury News. 15 August 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  15. ^ Woolfolk, John. "HARASS CLAIMS SINK CANDIDATE - AS ACCUSATIONS MOUNT, MAYOR DERIDES 'TERRIBLE STAIN' ON CITY, THANKS ACCUSERS FOR 'COURAGE' COMING FORWARD". The Mercury News.
  16. ^ Deruy, Emily (14 May 2018). "9 people file police reports against embattled Santa Clara Councilman Dominic Caserta". The Mercury News. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  17. ^ "Accused Sexual Harasser Touts Polygraph as Proof of Innocence". 27 March 2019.
  18. ^ "Former Santa Clara councilman Dominic Caserta sues school district over 'devastating' email". May 2019.
  19. ^ "Santa Clara Unanimously Votes to Raise the Minimum Wage to $15 by 2019". The Left Hook. 20 July 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  20. ^ "State of California Minimum Wage". State of California. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  21. ^ "Santa Clara City Council Approves Silicon Valley's First Worker Retention Ordinance for Service Workers". The Left Hook. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dominic_Caserta&oldid=1218298767"