Hello,

My name is Catherine (Cathy) Nichols. I’m reaching out to ask for your help. My sweet and feisty 8-year-old rescue cat, Maisy-BK is sick and urgently needs medical attention. That's her photo on my GoFundMe. A dear friend and co-worker, James Tate, made this poster and it was proudly displayed in my City Attorneys Admin office. Sadly, James passed away on Easter Sunday, 2024. Maisy's poster always created an aura of humor and levity to an otherwise 'staid and ho-hum office' - sometimes employees were called to Admin for disciplinary reasons - so when they saw Maisy's poster Front and Center at the front desk, they would always ask if BK stood for Baby Kitty or Bitty Kitty.

I said 'No - she's 'Bi-ch Kitty' - and that would always 'lighten-up' their mood.

I first met Maisy in 2018, as I was walking to my car in the apartment parking lot, on my way to work. Maisy appeared out of nowhere and followed me to my car. She was adorable...and feisty...even getting underneath my car and refusing to come out. I was going to be late for work, so had to spritz her with water to scurry her out. I have a video of this first encounter. When I returned 10 hours later, there was Maisy- waiting for me in that same parking spot and we have been inseparable ever since. Her antics have been a constant source of laughter, for me and my co-workers - who would always ask, "What has BK been up to lately?"

I first noticed Maisy was not feeling well on Mothers Day. At the time she was displaying symptoms of diabetes: excessive thirst, constantly drinking water/frequent urination and extreme lethargy. There were weird, scary moments when I could not rouse her from napping and her entire body went limp when I picked her up - for a moment, I thought she had died. I was alone and frantic without a car. (I had to sell my car on January 27, in order to pay rent.) My son and my brother-in-law donated $200 apiece so I could get Maisy to her veterinarian. Dr. Nishida ran lab tests that ruled out diabetes, but possibly pancreas-related-more testing was required. I had spent the $400 on the diabetes labs. Dr. Laurel Nishida is very kind and empathic. She tried to find ways to make it affordable. I've taken my pets to Dr. Nishida for 15 years, and always managed to pay whatever was needed for vet care...however, now I was unable to afford veterinarian care for my Darlin' Kitties.

Maisy's condition has worsened significantly in recent days and now has weakness in her lower spine and hind legs. I know she is in pain because when I try to pet or comb her back and lower portion of her body, she quickly reacts and bites me. Also, something really strange..she will be resting and suddenly bolt up and run like

hell-fire and attempt to climb up my wicker dresser, as if she's trying to escape from danger. Her eyes are wild and her tail becomes super bushy, like when cats get 'all riled-up'. My son thinks it may be caused by a sudden jolt of pain, because he had experienced the same behavior with his rescue dog, Princesa.

Afterwards, Maisy is weak and struggles to jump onto my bed and falls. In the last few days, I've noticed there is blood on her bedding. She is noticeably thinner.

I have always been able to provide excellent veterinary care for both of my Rescue Kitties - Maisy and Tuffy McFeeley. It is heartbreaking that I can't provide the potentially life-saving Veterinary care for Maisy. Hopefully, it's not life-threatening and maybe just a 'simple fix' for her to fully recover....just need to know for certain how to help her. Beyond any doubt, I would (and have) put Maisy's healthcare needs before my own. I couldn't bear the thought of losing Maisy due to my inability to pay. She has been at my side, and in my lap, providing emotiontal support and comfort, especially during these last 2 very difficult years.

UPDATE October 5, 2025

I first posted this GoFundMe a few weeks ago and since then, my other rescue kitty, four-year old Tuffy, has become seriously ill with a digestive blockage....he has a history of urinary and digestive blockage. It can be fatal if not quickly diagnosed and treated.

Four weeks ago Tuffy had an x-ray that indicated a 'mineral and/or metal object is identified in the stomach-gastric foreign object is present. Consider endoscopy versus abdominal ultrasonography for further evaluation of the stomach and small intestines.'

Since I could not afford the $600 for an ultrasound, we've been treating Tuffy with laxatives, and other meds. However, he has returned to the Vet office 5 times in the last month. A week ago he started vomiting blood-had to make another urgent return visit to his Vet. After every visit, Tuffy will appear to be better...but within a couple days, he reverts to the debilitating illness and distress- unable to poop/pee, very lethargic, hiding away (cocooning) and poor appetite. I am very worried about Tuffy's condition and don't know where to turn. He is the sweetest little guy. When he first started vomiting blood- the little fella' ran to his litter box to vomit, each time, because he didn't want to make a mess on the floor.

My dire financial situation is entirely the result of my 'doing the Right Thing' - and exposing the fraud, deceit, misappropriation of Taxpayer Funds, bullying, egregious overreach of authority, unpaid overtime, withholding my emails which would prove fraud, intimidation, croneyism, favoritism,violation of Civil Service Hiring regulations, Elder Abuse (I'm 74 years old) and creating a hostile workplace - by the most powerful people in the Office of the San Diego City Attorneys:

Former City Attorney - Mara Elliott

Asst. City Attorney - Jim McNeill

Program Director-Carol Pollock

Principal Legal Secretary- Anna Lonergan

Program Manager-Jonathan Ferreras

Former Director of Employee Relations- Gina Coburn

As a result of my Whistleblowing, I was wrongfully terminated in Retaliation-effective March 21, 2023. At the time, I was in the process of filing an internal grievance.

My Whistleblowing is the sole reason for my dire financial situation at 74 years of age. On my last day of City Employment, March 21, 2023, I had ZERO debt, pristine credit, one low-interest credit card with $200 balance, and had just paid off my car after five years of steady, on-time payments. I was living frugally and responsibly, paycheck-to-paycheck — always managing to cover my rent, utilities, and basic needs... especially providing responsible veterinary care for both Maisy-BK and my other rescue kitty, Tuffy McFeely.

As of today, October 5, 2025 - I’ve had to cash-out my retirement savings of $25,000 and exist since March 2023 on $620/monthly from Social Security - most discouraging and disheartening of all, I had to sell my 'sweet' little Hyundai Elantra for a mere $6,000 in January 2025 - just to be able to 'get by' til now. At my age, I will never be able to restore my good credit...and the stark realization that I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO BUY ANOTHER CAR, is daunting and demoralizing.

#1 I am 2 months behind on rent and on the verge of eviction. Thank you to my Brother-In-Law, Keith, who loaned me the May rent that I paid on June 2nd. Keith works 6 days a week, long hours on his feet, and like most of us in San Diego, struggles to make ends meet. I promised to re-pay him and I keep my promises. Thank You to Christine. the Property Manager, who 'went to bat' for me and was able to waive the $70 Late Fee for May rent of $1,171.00. My dearest friend, Ron D. has paid my rent for 2 months, however, I now owe for September and October. After more than (7) years of tenancy and never paying late until now, I shared with Christine, the reason for my delinquency.

#2. SDGE bill ($800) and 3 months overdue will be 'turned-off ' if no payment is received.

#3. Verizon phone and Cox internet are both 2 months overdue and will also be 'shut-off' within the next week...

#4. MOST DISTRESSING OF ALL: My Storage unit -American Eagle-Santee- that contains treasured, irreplaceable, Family heirlooms and photo albums - has been overdue for 2 months and with overdue penalties, I owe $400. As of last Friday, October 3 @ 5pm, an 'Owners Lien' was imposed and everything will be auctioned. I had to put all my belongings into this storage unit in March 2008 when I downsized from a 4 bedroom home, and have paid $30,000 in storage fees.

#5. I now have more than $50,000 in credit card debt on 5 high-interest cards - all maxed-out and unable to pay minimum monthly payment - everything has been sent Debtor Collection agencies. My Excellent Credit rating has been decimated.

I have had to ask Best Friends of 40 years -both are retired City of San Diego engineers- to assist and they have kindly 'rescued me' earlier this year. My son, who lives in Northern California has also 'helped-out', even though he, too, is struggling financially.

I never gave up that I would find another job. After my unlawful termination, I immediately started applying for jobs with benefits and submitted more than 60 applications. I received only 5 requests to interview. Even though Age Discrimination is illegal, when 'they' see that I have more than 50 years work experience, who is going to hire anyone who should be retired? I want to Work!

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The following is an excerpt from my July email to San Diego Union-Tribune, Watchdog and Accountability journalist, Jeff McDonald, who broke the story of City Attorney Jean Jordan - Bon Voyage - Top San Diego lawyer collecting full pay during 4-month sea-cruise.

I contacted Mr. McDonald re: fraud, deceit and paying a retired City Attorney Admin employee, Gina Coburn (a long-time friend of City Attorney Mara Elliott) who moved to Arizona in 2019 and was still receiving monthly salary as Director of Employee Relations. I also reported extreme bullying within the City Attorneys Civil Division and Admin. My letter to Jeff McDonald, also explains the devastating, emotional trauma (PTSD) of Bullying in my life, and how I've learned to stand-up to Bullies, especially in the Workplace.

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Thank You Mr. McDonald, for exposing the fraud and deceit of the San Diego City Attorneys Office. Your reporting validates and confirms my exposing yet another high-salaried City Attorney employee - Gina Coburn- who retired in 2019, moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and still receives full salary and benefits.

Note: Former Assistant City Attorney, Marlea Dell' Anno recently informed me that Gina left City Attorney employment when City Attorney-Mara Elliott 'termed out' at the end of 2024.

In March 2019, Gina officially retired as Director of Employee Relations- had a big department-wide retirement celebration, and moved to a Life of Leisure and Pickleball Courts in Scottsdale, Arizona.

IT WAS ALL DECEPTION... AND A RUSE!

Gina had been working as Director of Employee Relations from

2019-2024 from Scottsdale, and had her San Diego office telephone transferred to her Arizona home so that CAO employees were led to believe she was still in her Civic Center Plaza -13th floor office. I asked Tanya Tomlinson, 'What was going on?' - she was evasive and said, "Oh Gina is just helping us out for awhile." Gina ordered all office supplies- everything she needed for her Arizona home-office, from COSD vendors and all at San Diego taxpayer's expense. I would then have to package into large, expensive clasp envelopes and mail to her Scottsdale address-again at Taxpayers expense. She even ordered me to send the official City Attorney Admin stationery and envelopes so it would appear that she was working from her San Diego Admin office. I would also have to scan every piece of interoffice and US mail to her Scottsdale residence.

I'm attaching Gina's Transparent California records. She actually received a promotion in 2021 as Assistant to City Attorney, Mara Elliot - $128,202 and was working 'half-time' 4-hours a day. This gave her 4 more hours a day for Pickleball. Nice gig'.

In February 2023, I was the 'Whistleblower' who asked my supervisor, Jonathan Ferreras, 'Who paid for Gina's air-fare when she had to fly from Scottsdale to San Diego to testify in the Marlea Dell' Anno trial?' If it was 'The City', then it came directly from the 'pockets of San Diego taxpayers.' If Gina actually lived in San Diego County, it would be 'just another day at the office.'

My last day of CAO employment was March 21, 2023, as retaliation. I did not resign or retire. I was wrongfully terminated for being a Whistleblower re: the fraud, deceit, bullying, intimidation, favoritism, misappropriation of taxpayer funds, withholding my emails that would confirm the deceit, unpaid overtime, violation of Civil Service hiring regulations, egregious overreach of authority, and 'cronyism'.

And bullying by Asst. City Attorney - Jim McNeill and Program Manager-Carol Pollock, As the Office Support Specialist for City Attorneys Admin- I was responsible for Professional Development Requests for 180 attorneys. Each attorney has $2,000 per fiscal year, to spend for Seminars, Conferences, Hotel/Travel/Training expenses, and involves detailed, precise tracking of all expenditures onto 3 separate spreadsheets. Seamless Docs is a digitized platform that converts PDFs into a fillable document that can be submitted, and e-signed by all Approvers. I would be the first approver-then it's electronically sent to the next Approver with Final Approval to Payroll for reimbursement via the attorney's paycheck. NO MORE PAPER DOCUMENTS -and there would then be an electronic record stored/accessible to every Approver and I would be able to review all submittals.

#1. Jim McNeill allowed Atty Mark Ankcorn to be fully-reimbursed for a First-Class airline ticket to Sacramento, when Admin Regs specifically states...All City Employees must travel Coach air fare- NEVER FIRST CLASS! If an employee chooses First Class- they will only be reimbursed for the cost of a Coach Fare- and they are

'out-of-pocket' for any additional costs. So Mark Ankcorn is traveling First Class towards the front of plane... while his (3) Team members followed regulations and traveled 'waaayyy in-back'. When Ankcorn submitted for reimbursement of First-Class via Seamless Docs, I flagged it as First Class not refundable and forwarded thru approval signatories....but McNeill ignored my comments and approved a full reimbursement. I was forced to explain to Financial Management that I did my job correctly...and it was McNeill who blatantly ignored regs.

#2 Attorney Mark Ankcorn has side-stepped me altogether and submitted his Reimbursement for an expensive Spa-Hotel at a Las Vegas conference, directly to Carol Pollock as a paper document, because it would be 'untraceable' and I'd never be aware of his deceit. Once again, the rest of his Team followed regulations and stayed at the less expensive Conference Hotel reserved block-of- rooms, and submitted expense reimbursement via electronic Seamless Docs. The only reason I discovered Mark's deceit is that Carol Pollock 'screwed-up'. Mark had intentionally submitted the 'old' way of reimbursement to Carol Pollock, by using a paper form because it would not be traceable/tracked via the Seamless Docs platform. So Carol processed and placed the hand-written paper document in Payroll's in-box for a full reimbursement to Ankcorn's paycheck. Payroll office was just (3) steps from my desk, and I was always putting something in Payroll's in-box... and there it was placed facedown, so it would be hidden to a 'passer-by'. Of course, I turned it over. Carol Pollock, not surprisingly, was complicit in the deceit, fraud and blatant misuse of Taxpayer Dollars.

#3. Jim McNeill (Asst. City Attorney) came to my office. I was standing behind my desk and he stood directly across from me. He ordered me to take my City of San Diego P-card ($10,000 credit card) to Attorney George Schaeffer's office so he could cover hotel expenses for a Palm Springs conference. I had already paid for George's pre-approved 2- night lodging for this Conference, however, he stayed an extra day/and 2 nights after the conference ended. I adamantly refused McNeill's order to pay, and firmly stated that I would absolutely adhere to the stringent protocol/procedures of Financial Management. TO NEVER GIVE P-CARD INFO TO ANYONE, OR I WOULD LOSE MY JOB! I CONTINUED TO 'STAND FIRM'.

I am 4ft 11 in and with my 3-inch heels, Jim and I were eye-to-eye. He continued to bully and intimidate me and angrily said that if I did not pay, he, himself would have to pay, and THAT WAS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! I was bullied into taking my P-card to George Schaeffer's office - handed him my P-card - and watched as he copied down the Credit Card info. I could, and should be fired for this breach of trust. It did not matter to McNeill. TYPICAL BULLY BEHAVIOR.

__________________________________________________________. Mr. McDonald- I am a very shy, private person and cringe at the thought of drawing attemtion to myself, but I feel the 'need' to share something that I've never even told my son. I was 14 years old, 9th grade, painfully shy, nerdy, bookish, 4ft 11in. Honor student, and I was viciously bullied and tormented by the Mean White Girls..and sexually assaulted by their boyfriends.. I was traumatized, embarrassed and ashamed...but simply could not tell anyone, especially my Grandparents, why I was suddenly terrified to go to school. When my Grandmother (Sophie Emily Nichols) realized I was having suicidal ideations, she fiercely protected me from harm...and every night, my Grandmother would hold me in a firm embrace as I slept, so she would be awakened if I was to get out of bed.

For the last 3 years of High School, I was tutored by certified, experienced teachers who were paid to come to my Grandparent's home, 4-days a week, so I could continue my advanced studies. I am forever grateful for educator, Kathryn Mereness, who died in 2018 at 99 years of age...she nurtured my passion for Art, Literature and the poetry of Langston Hughes. Also very grateful to Child Psychologist, Dr. Patricia McIntyre- who assured me that the 'Mean Girls' were wrong...and that I was NOT an 'ugly, midget-freak of nature'...and most importantly that TRUTH IS POWERFUL AND LIBERATING, so Cathy...FIND YOUR VOICE! and that is exactly what I am doing - as I continue to tell the truth of the insidious, pervasive bullying, deceit and abuse of authority by the most powerful people in SD City Attorneys against the Clerical/Secretarial support staff.

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PROOF OF EGREGIOUS OVERREACH OF AUTHORITY,

UNPAID OVERTIME, AND BULLYING BY EXECUTIVE STAFF

In early March 2022, Covid restrictions were lifted and everyone was returning to work in the Office. I was elated because for the first time in 2-years, I was able to hug my son, who visited over the weekend from his home in Northern California. Most of us in Admin had already been working in the office for weeks because we were considered Essential Employees. As soon as I entered the office, my Supervisor, Jonathan Ferreras, said he needed to speak with me in his office. So I took the book I had bought for Jonathan's 2-year old son (my favorite Sophie Blackall illustrated for Children, IF YOU VISIT EARTH) and met with Jonathan. He seemed nervous and uncomfortable. He then plopped down a sheet of paper onto his desk and informed me that I had been 'ordered' to work the 16th floor Reception Desk, on a full-time basis and still work on my heavy workload as Office Support Specialist.

The 16th Floor is where the offices of City Attorney, Mara Elliott, Chief of Staff, Gerry Braun and Asst. City Attorney, Jim McNeill, are located. This Reception Desk has ALWAYS, been assigned to the Clerical Staff Team members, which I promoted out of in March 2019. I had always agreed to be available to work the Reception Desks for lunches and breaks, whenever the Clerical Team was short-staffed. It's my nature to want to 'help-out' and I enjoyed being able to see my Friends and Co-Workers...BUT NEVER FULL-TIME ON THE 16TH FLOOR! The Clerical Team was fully staffed with 5 experienced employees, who were all familiar with 16th Floor Reception - which is open/accessible to the public, walk-in customers and citizens, and very busy phones. It would be impossible for me to conduct my own busy workload at this desk. It just did not make any sense. I am responsible for Professional Development Requests for 180 attorneys and process all Travel and Training expenditures. It involves working from (3) different spreadsheets, calculating account balances and reimbursements. I also need to speak directly with vendors, airlines, hotels, etc. and cannot be interrupted to answer the phones. I'm also a P-Card holder and responsible for submitting a very detailed monthly P-Card Report, with hard deadlines, to submit to Patricia Duenas, Associate Admin Analyst...and was proud to always complete on time so she could meet her deadline to Financial Management.

In addition to my primary duties as Office Support Specialist, I was also assisting my Supervisor, Jonathan Ferreras and the Payroll Specialist, Lentor Nash, with payroll duties.

So when Jonathan gave me this outrageous directive, I simply could not understand Why/What was happening. When I asked him who made this stupid decision, he was evasive and just said 'Management'. I was stunned, distraught...and very emotional and tearful when he had me sign a copy of the orders. I was unable to read what I was signing. Jonathan would later deny that he even had me sign this copy in the first place. I missed the next day of work because I still had not 'grasped' why/who ordered such a stupid directive....and how it made me feel that I was, once again, that 14 year-old girl who had been viciously bullied and tormented by the MEAN GIRLS/BOYS. The PTSD was debilitating. In my email to Jonathan that next morning, I specifically mentioned his having me sign the orders...and not really know what I was signing. When I later asked for my emails that would prove he had me sign 'the Orders...I was told it did not exist. Talk about your 'Gaslighting'! I will submit a PRAR to access ALL my emails within the last 5 years.

As I worked the 16th floor- full time, I worked every 15-minute break and 30-min. lunch at my own desk in Admin 13th floor. When I clocked out at 5pm on Mara's floor, I would work a couple hours at my own desk in Admin Office, then go home and continue working til 10-11pm. When I informed Jonathan that I had to work overtime to complete my own assignments, and that I should be paid for Overtime, he said it was not possible because Management had to always pre-approve anyone having to work overtime! I told Jonathan, that it was necessary to get my work done and that 'They' were just setting me up to fail. Jonathan then replied, "Well then 'They' will know that if Catherine couldn't 'do it' - that it was NEVER possible in the first place."

Instead of contacting MEA to report 'bullying' I simply could not, under any circumstances, continue working with 'these Bullies and Betrayers' ... I had lost all respect and feared having to work with them - so I submitted a Request for a Lateral Transfer to another Department within 'The City'. I was quickly hired by Public Utilities-Environmental Chemistry Services-Quality Assurance at Alvarado Filtration, near Lake Murray. I had worked at the Water Department-Employee Training and Development Center on Kiowa Dr. for 8 years and loved it. Since I lived in East County, it would be a 15 minute commute and free parking.

However, on my first day of work at 'The Lab' I immediately became ill with a migraine. A few years ago, I had a near-fatal head injury....was in a coma and had an Advance Directive in place- the doctors told my son to 'gather the family'. Obviously, I survived, but as a result of the head trauma, I have dibilitating migraines with extreme nausea/vomiting, dizziness, impaired balance, vision and depth perception, and very loud ringing in ears. Over time, I have learned to avoid certain 'triggers' and can function normally. The triggers are flourescent lighting, especially in offices/buildings without windows, extreme hot weather, strobing/flickering lights, poor ventilation, and extreme stress. Since I had interviewed at a different location, near the SD airport, in a building that had sunlit offices with windows and open spaces, I thought the Alvarado Lab location would be similar

However, it was a building with the old-style fluorescent lighting, and not a single window, poor ventilation...it was summer -105 degrees- and the air-conditioning was intermittent and at times, not even working. With all the triggers 'in place' the migraine hit hard..and I was unable to even get thru my first day. I'm prescribed a migraine medication but it is not always reliable/effective. I kept trying to work at the Lab..my co-workers were Chemists/Biologists and very kind....when I told them why I was missing work, Julie who I had quickly bonded with...had all the fluorescent lights removed above my desk and brought in fans. However, it became apparent that I would physically be unable to work at Alvarado. Absolutely devastating!

When a City of San Diego employee laterally transfers to a new job, the employee has 60 days to decide if they want to stay...or return to previous job. As I was approaching my 60th day, it was obvious that I had no choice but to return to my position at City Attorneys....and then the 'bullying' really geared up. It seems that Management had been 'grooming' the Payroll Specialist for my position..and I was not welcomed back. Seven months after I returned, I was 'let go' by Management in Retaliation for Whistleblowing. The Payroll Specialist was given my position ....but now, that same position as Office Support Specialist is classified as an Admin Aide II grossing $81,252 per year. My gross earnings never exceeded $48,000...and should have been classified as an Admin Aide II from the very beginning of my first day- March 2019.

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My Whistleblowing is also to expose the pervasive and insidious bullying, intimidation, torment and mental abuse inflicted upon the Clerical Support/Seretarial staff by City Attorneys Executive Staff:

Asst. City Attorney - Jim McNeill

Director of Employee Relations - Gina Coburn

Program Director - Carol Pollock

Principal Legal Secretary - Anna Lonergan

Executive Director of Operations - Tanya Tomlinson-left CAO to work for City of Chula Vista in 2021.........

1. In 2018 - (JS), a long-time Legal Secretary II - in addition to her own assignments - was ordered to push a mail cart and hand-deliver the mail to each individual attorney in Civil Division. The mail had always been delivered by Auto Messenger to a centralized reception area located on each floor. The Receptionist would sort/place mail in an alpha-file for each attorney - then the Legal Secretaries would pick-up and deliver to their attorneys. NEVER WAS MAIL HAND DELIVERED TO EACH ATTORNEY BY A LEGAL SECRETARY II PUSHING A MAIL CART!

JS is a proud, accomplished Black Woman, who also happened to be the MEA Steward/Representative for Classified employees in the City Attorneys Office. JS and I had become friends - she was always very kind and empathetic during the time my Little Sister, Judy, was battling cancer. JS shared with me that she would NEVER 'shuffle along' with a mail cart to hand-deliver mail to anybody. It just so happens that the Attorneys are pre-dominantly white. It was blatant racism, with an extra dose of 'Bullying'.

Not long afterwards, on a Monday morning, the Principal Legal Secretary and Senior Legal Secretaries were in a 'tizzy'....seems JS had packed up her personal belongings on the weekend and left behind her Notice of Retirement that she had privately been processing with SDCERS ever since she was ordered to 'cater and serve' attorneys. I was over-the-moon HAPPY for JS. It was a stellar CLASS ACT! JS- You are a Hero!

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November 2018- Prior to my promotion to Admin Section, I was the Receptionist on the 11th floor-the busiest Reception area in the entire CAO. I called Grossmont Hospital early in the morning, to see how my Little Sister, Judy, had fared through the night. I was informed that she was lapsing into unconsciousness and would be transferred to a Palliative Care-Hospice. DEVASTATED! I called my Supervisor, James Tate, to let him know...and to tell him I would not be at work that day. James had been wonderfully kind and empathetic the entire time Judy was ill. After I left Judy for the last time she was able to be aware of my presence, I drove directly to my Credit Union to apply for a loan to help with Judy's final good-bye...and as I sat across from the Loan Officer, I felt my phone vibrate with a text. When I left the credit union, I read the text. It was from Anna Lonergan telling me I would need a note from Judy's doctor, confirming that it was necessary for me to be at the hospital for my sister. I went to work the next day - immediately went to Anna's office to let her know where I was when I got her text. "First of all, you are, thankfully, NOT my Supervisor... and your text was the most REPUGNANT THING EVER SAID TO ME! DESPICABLE!"

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Mr. McDonald, I will proudly include my 6 years of Performance Evaluations and emails from co-workers who praised my cheerful demeanor and 'willingness to always help-out and without any complaints. The City Attorneys office should be grateful that you are on their team'. My sincere gratitude to Associate Management Analyst- Antoinette (Toni) Jackson and Supervising Management Analyst- Elsa Ulloa, for recognizing my work ethics and eagerness to 'help-out'. I was awarded a Discretionary Leave Day, a mere 2 weeks before I was terminated.

Please, Mr. McDonald...would you be able to meet with me in-person to discuss? My phone # is ---------I have so many documents to prove the deceit, fraud and BULLYING. I started this email weeks ago and I'm mentally exhausted....and very worried about 'what am I going to do?'

My youthful experience with bullies, is the reason I'VE LEARNED TO STAND-UP TO BULLIES! I am a very kind-hearted person, the avatar on my City email account was Mister Rogers. I'm a vegetarian of 31 years because while caring for my Darlin' Mother in Home Hospice, I just couldn't bear the thought of any 'living soul' having to suffer and die. Every month I posted a Kindness Calendar at my office from a UK website RAK. My birthdate - November 13th - is International Kindness Day!

It is my nature to want to like people, because it 'feels natural' for me - so I give everyone (3) chances for me NOT to like them....unless they are a Bigot, a Bully or a Betrayer, and I have proof that this exists within the Office of the City Attorney-Civil Division- Admin Section.

I've had to reach-out to San Diego Municipal Employees Union - MEA on (2) separate occasions and each time, the Stewards told me that The City Attorneys office, by far, has the most employees reaching out for Representation... and bullying, intimidation and mental abuse was pervasive and insidious, by Management upon the Clerical Support/Secretarial staff.

THE BULLIES IN CITY ATTORNEYS HAVE MISTAKEN MY KINDNESS AS WEAKNESS!

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I was a small business owner (a deli called the Sandwich Factory) in my native Grand Junction, Colorado. Also, was employed by the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel newspaper as Assistant to the Ad Director - responsible for creating/recording radio ads and Display advertising. James Cox Kennedy of Cox Enterprises, was the Publisher. He gave me his wife's brand new Nordica ski boots because they were too small for her. I was also the Operations Manager of the San Diego Chargers Football Weekly. ..then back to Salida, Colorado, to work with the Chaffee County Emergency Medical Services as the Office Manager/Scheduler for 3 shifts of Paramedics/EMTs for Salida and Buena Vista. I returned to San Diego when my son had a serious health issue. He has recovered and I want to return to Salida.... to live the rest of my life in the glorious Colorado mountains..Feels like Home.

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To provide more context and proof of Whistleblowing - Retaliation, the following is extracted from my Exit interview with DCA Christina Rae, on my final day of employment, March 21, 2023...

Hi Christina, I'm so sorry, this will be my last one...Wanted to explain what I meant by 'cronyism, favoritism, bullying'.. In this meeting with Jonathan, I asked 'who paid for Gina's air-fare, per diem, when she had to travel from her home in Arizona to testify in the Marlea Dell' Anno trial..was it 'The City? If so, City of SD taxpayers footed the bill. If she actually lived in SD county..and not Arizona...it would be just 'another day at the Office'.

Since April 2019, Gina has physically been in San Diego office only 10 days..who paid for her hotel room, gasoline etc?

And finally on a personal note, since returning to CAO 2022, I had to get back onto the 3-year waiting list for Civic Center Plaza parking and pay $10 per day = $200 out-of-pocket on WPO salary. After living 4 years in AZ, Gina still holds onto her CCP parking pass...the greed and entitlement is glaring. There have been days when I couldn't afford the gas/parking to work in office (from East County) and had to miss work. Management allows every other employee in Admin office to telework...except for me.

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The following is my first communication in 18 months to a Dear

co-worker, explaining why I had just disappeared.. and why they had not heard from me.

October 31, 2024

Hi XXXX.Dear Friend..

I've been worried about you. I sent a Happy Birthday text and pics on Tuesday and when I didn't receive a response, I was concerned...so I texted XXXXX.

Have I done anything to upset you? I've had a very tough year and half. As a direct result of the non-stop bullying and torment of Executive Management in Admin, I've been in a profoundly deep and isolating depression...unable to function. Just now starting to emerge. Hope all is well with you, and XXXX and XXXXX....

Love and Hugs from Cathy, Maisy and Tuffy.

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And...The following text is from another Dear Co-worker who I also texted as to why he had not heard from me in 18 months

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Thank you Catherine for sharing some of what you've been going through. So Sorry to hear that it happened to you and had such a lasting impact. I and I'm sure your other friends you made here are rooting for you to get better because you've been a positive light for us. Catherine Turner and others keep asking me how you're doing so we are still thinking about you. We miss hearing about BK too haha

and your other pets. I hope your son is doing okay.

________________________________________________________

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THE WORD TRAVELED FAST THROUGHOUT THE CITY ATTORNEY DEPARTMENT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO CATHERINE -AND IT PUT THE BULLIES 'ON-GUARD'. IN THE LAST 19 MONTHS, NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THESE MGMT BULLIES TRIED TO CONTACT ME. BUT NOW THEY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED AND TRYING TO COVER-UP THEIR EGREGIOUS BEHAVIOR - AS IF TO SAY, 'HOW COULD WE POSSIBLY BE BULLIES? WHY, WE EVEN SENT CATHERINE AN INVITATION TO INTERVIEW FOR A POSITION.

AND EXACTLY 3 WEEKS AFTER THE NEWS THAT CATHERINE HAS EMERGED - AND, 'SHE HAS FOUND HER VOICE', I RECEIVE AN INVITATION TO INTERVIEW FROM BULLY- CAROL POLLOCK. .

PLEASE SEE THE EXCERPT BELOW:

From: Carol Pollock

Date: November 21, 2024 at 3:15:07 PM PST

To: catnichols

Subject: Office Support Specialist

Reply-To: cpollock

The Civil Division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office is seeking qualified candidates to fill a full-time limited Office Support Specialist position. A limited position is one that is tied to a specific funding source. A limited position offers the same benefits and compensation as the permanent position in the classification.

The work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional overtime may be required. Teleworking may be available after successful completion of a probationary period. The work location is 1200 Third Avenue, Suite 1100, San Diego California 92101.

Salary information for this position can be found here. This position will receive these general salary increases:

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I want add a bit of positivity and an uplifting message to this GoFundMe...

I refer to Genuinely Kind People, as the 'Rainbows in my Clouds'.. the people who have befriended me and have graced my life with Light, Laughter and HOPE.

I especially want to thank Paul Stevens - a young, brilliant computer pro who helped with the technical aspect of setting-up this GoFundMe....and would not accept a single dime for his work. Paul - I am very grateful for your genuine 'Spirit Boost' and for sharing the delightful stories of your Darling Family.

TO RON D'ARGENTO - SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND FRIENDSHIP OF 38 YEARS...and for being there for me'- also a Cat Person, as well!

Dr. Tommy Korn-Opthamology Surgeon- and his entire Team (especially Donna) - Thought my failing eyesight meant I just needed glasses. Nope! Legally Blind - after surgery I now have 20/20 vision in right eye. THE GOOD NEWS IS - NOW I'M ONLY HALF-BLIND!

And to my Dear Co-Workers, who have become my Family of Friends... I have missed you beyond words. If you wish to donate anonymously, believe me, I understand. Many of you have my personal phone number, so please do not hesitate to contact me....and since I have no Social Media accounts, I hope you will forward my GoFundMe. I'm having a bit of a problem getting it circulated and 'out-there'. Thank You!

Wishing you Love, Light and Laughter...and KINDNESS to infinity..

Catherine/Cathy

I want to assure that all donations will be used for Veterinary care, overdue household/utilities expenses/rent and paying-back the Family and Friends who helped me out - and because I had to sell my car, I will need to use Lyft transportation for appointments and grocery shopping. THANK YOU!