Cup of Chisme: A Congressman’s Hot Take

Last week, Congressmember Scott Peters joined the VOSD Podcast to talk about California’s redistricting efforts and federal issues. He also weighed in on the scandal that brought down one of San Diego’s most powerful politicians.

Grab some cafecito because here’s what you need to know to start your week.

Peter’s Hot Takes

We mentioned on the show that a judge had dismissed Grecia Figueroa’s case against former San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. She accused him of sexual assault and harassment in 2023. He has maintained that their interactions were consensual.

Over the last two years, we’ve learned more details about the allegations, and their interactions. We reported on a batch a messages that Fletcher’s attorneys said proved she “eagerly and aggressively” pursued the former supervisor. Her team responded by explaining that consent can be withdrawn at anytime.

Earlier this month, Judge Matthew Braner said he based his decision on what he viewed as her failure to turn over evidence and her deleting of messages. He said, “… when you look at the record and it’s two plus years, there is delay, alteration and destruction at virtually every phase.”

On the scandal: “I think this woman should be totally discredited,” Peters said, adding that Fletcher was wronged. “She’s not credible and I think it’s really unfortunate that this kind of stain is left with him even though she not only failed to meet her burden of proof but she destroyed evidence.”

But what about power dynamics? Our co-host Jakob McWhinney pointed out that despite how the case has unfolded, it’s important to note how power dynamics played a role in this case. Remember, Fletcher was the board chair of the Metropolitan Transit System and she worked for the agency’s communications department.

“I just think there’s no evidence that … what she said happened, happened,” Peters said. “There are cases where, in theory, a younger woman could really be trying to entice an older person in a power situation.”

He added that “you shouldn’t kiss an employee at work.”

During the recording, I was stunned by his comment. Days later, I’ve had time to process.

I get that this specific case was messy. As time went by we slowly learned more about their interactions, and without a doubt, we did not have a full picture when the case first became public. Still, the judge did not rule that Figueroa lied or that she did not have enough evidence. She failed to produce evidence and deleted messages, the judge said.

Set that aside. The idea that sometimes women just want to entice older, powerful men is a bad and weird take.

I do agree with one thing: you shouldn’t kiss an employee at work.

What do you think? Send me a note at andrea.sanchez@voiceofsandiego.org.

Other Takes

It’s official. In a few months, California voters will weigh in on a measure that proposes temporarily to redraw the state’s congressional districts to give Democrats a leg up. The move is meant to counter redistricting efforts in Texas.

On redistricting: “I think it’s a terrible thing to do, and we absolutely have to do it,” Peters said. He added that under the circumstances, California needs to fight fire with fire.

I was selfishly waiting to hear what he had to say about immigration reform.

On immigration: He described immigration as “the most charged thing.” So, it seems unlikely that Congress will touch it. But he pointed out the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions are falling out of favor with the American people.

Listen to the full episode here.

More Chisme to Start Your Week

• Our Tigist Layne broke some news. Prosecutors have charged an Encinitas councilmember with felony assault and two misdemeanor counts. Read more here.
• Layne also reported that the city of San Diego is being sued for $300 million. The attorney representing the company suing the city is a familiar foe. Read the full story.
• Remember those CEQA reforms that are supposed to make it easier to build housing? Sacramento reporter Deborah Brennan spoke to business leaders who say that’s sort of true. They told her the CEQA reforms will help a little. Read more here.
• Environment reporter MacKenzie Elmer unpacks how the city of San Diego plans to save Sunset Cliffs from sea level rise. Read the story here.
• ICYMI: We wrapped up our 20th reporting project last week. If you missed any of the stories, don’t worry, you can catch up here. Our reporters set out to understand the biggest issues San Diego will have to tackle in the next 20 years.

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