California IN BRIEF : CONCORD : Women Add Names to Abuse Charges

Angered by claims that they were hiding behind anonymity, six women have put their names behind their charges that they were sexually harassed by former Mayor Byron Campbell. The women said they had wanted to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, but decided to go public because Campbell, now a council member, continues to deny the harassment charges. “I have a name and I have a face and those things did happen,” said Jean Underwood, executive secretary to the city manager and City Council. “It’s time for the women to come forward and say: ‘We’ve had enough,’ ” she told the Contra Costa Times. The city is investigating charges that Campbell rubbed up against the women, touched some of them on the breasts and buttocks, and made racially charged statements. In the past, Campbell has denied the charges and called them politically motivated. He had apologized “to anybody who may have been offended by my conduct.” He said he will attend a seminar on sexual abuse and consider undergoing therapy.