For the past several years, I have served the Town of Los Gatos as a volunteer commissioner and code enforcement hearing officer. Throughout that time, my goal has been to contribute constructively, help resolve problems, and support the town I call home.
Nothing in that service prepared me for the ordeal I would face over the past several months. It was a period during which I have been the subject of repeated accusations, online attacks, abusive emails and even a threatening voicemail message from a stranger. The experience has taken a personal toll. More broadly, it has been a sobering reminder of how quickly civic engagement can be met with hostility, and how vulnerable volunteers in public life have become in an overheated and often misinformed public sphere.
A complaint triggered a cascade
The situation began when a resident filed complaints against me with the Town of Los Gatos. She accused me of various forms of misconduct relating to my volunteer work. These allegations were, in my view, entirely unfounded. However, once raised, they triggered required Town investigations: a review of my communications in a code enforcement matter, and a review of whether I needed a business license for my home-based mediation practice.
I cooperated fully by providing emails, background, context, and answering questions. Once the finance staff clarified the rules and indicated I needed a business license for my remote mediation work, I promptly applied for and obtained one. Beyond that, I stood by my actions and was confident the facts would speak for themselves.
Recently, the Town formally notified me that I had been cleared of wrongdoing. Except for the business license requirement, the investigations found no violation of the code of conduct, no misuse of position and no impropriety.
In any healthy civic environment, that should have been the end of the matter.
Attacks continue outside the Town process
Unfortunately, the public accusations did not stop. While the Town completed its review, the complainant continued to post videos and make statements implying that I was corrupt or engaged in illegal activity. These claims have no basis in fact. The Town formally investigated and rejected them. The escalation became more concerning when I received a threatening voicemail from an individual I do not know, who appeared to be influenced by those online posts. This threatening voice mail message was preceded by several abusive emails.
No volunteer should be subjected to such abusive, threatening and harassing behavior.
The personal toll of public misinformation
When someone publicly makes false allegations against someone who is in a volunteer public role, it can damage reputations, undermine trust in local government, and chill public participation. Many people would hesitate to volunteer if they knew they might face unfounded accusations, amplified online, and accompanied by harassment from strangers.
It is important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of government and targeted personal attacks. Constructive accountability improves institutions; baseless accusations undermine them. The past several months has shown me how thin the line can be, and how easily misinformation can spread in a small community.
Why I’m speaking out
I am writing this not to re-litigate the complaints. Those are resolved. Instead, they highlight the human cost when discourse crosses the line into harassment. Local government depends on residents stepping forward: to serve on commissions, participate in hearings and volunteer their expertise. When the environment becomes hostile or unsafe, fewer people will be willing to serve.
I am not seeking sympathy. What I am seeking is awareness. Online attacks can whip up anger and misunderstanding quickly, often by people far removed from the facts. Public servants, especially volunteers, have limited tools to respond. I believe it is important for the community to understand how easily reputations can be damaged, and how essential it is to protect those who step up to serve.
Looking forward
I am proud of the work I contributed to the Town of Los Gatos. I remain committed to the community I care about, even if my time as a commissioner and code enforcement hearing officer has ended.
We all share responsibility for maintaining a civic environment that is respectful, fact-based, and safe. Healthy debate strengthens democracy. Harassment, misinformation, and intimidation do the opposite.
I hope my experience will serve as a reminder of what is at stake, and an encouragement to all who continue to serve despite the challenges.
