In a recent development, a long-standing employee of the Kauaʻi court system has agreed to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against a judge. Leanne Rosa, who had worked under Judge Randal Valenciano for nearly two decades, alleged that she endured inappropriate behavior from 2015 until 2023. The case was set to go to trial this August but was resolved with a settlement. State taxpayers will cover a $90,000 payment to Rosa as part of the agreement. This case highlights ongoing issues within the judicial system and raises questions about workplace conduct and accountability.
Details of the Settlement
In the heart of Hawaii’s serene island of Kauaʻi, a troubling chapter in the life of Leanne Rosa has come to an end. Rosa, who served as an assistant to Judge Randal Valenciano for approximately 18 years, found herself facing uncomfortable and unwelcome advances starting in 2015. According to her claims, these included sexually suggestive behavior and inappropriate physical contact within the courthouse. Rosa finally took action in 2023 by filing a federal employment claim followed by a lawsuit. Initially, the case was scheduled for trial in August, but both parties have now agreed to dismiss the claims.
The settlement, approved by House and Senate committees at the request of the Attorney General’s Office, involves a $90,000 payout to Rosa. This amount is part of a larger package of 17 claims totaling $5.9 million recommended for payment by the state. Rosa's relationship with Valenciano began in 1997 when he hired her for his law office in Līhuʻe. When Valenciano became chief judge of the Kauaʻi Fifth Circuit Court in 2007, Rosa joined him there. Previously, Rosa had filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which concluded its investigation without findings and issued her a "Notice of Right to Sue."
Rosa has since been reassigned to a new position within the Kauaʻi court system, ensuring minimal interaction with Judge Valenciano. Her attorney, Eric Seitz, acknowledged that the situation was far from ideal for anyone involved. It is worth noting that Rosa had also sued another court official, Ernest Barreira, for sexual harassment in 2010, which was settled in 2011 with no party declared as prevailing.
From a broader perspective, this case underscores the importance of addressing and preventing workplace harassment, especially in positions of power. The settlement serves as a reminder of the need for stringent policies and proactive measures to ensure a safe and respectful working environment. Rosa's resilience and willingness to speak out highlight the courage required to challenge misconduct and seek justice. This incident calls for greater vigilance and support for victims, fostering a culture where such behaviors are not tolerated.
Business leaders in San Antonio have pledged to advocate for increased state funding for public education and oppose expansive school voucher programs during the current legislative session. The city's economic stakeholders recognize the critical need for well-funded schools, especially as districts grapple with post-pandemic financial challenges. Despite a record state budget surplus, public schools have not seen increased funding since 2019. This episode of the podcast "bigcitysmalltown" delves into the reasons behind Texas's poor ranking in public school funding and explores the efforts by business leaders to improve educational investment. Through interviews with key figures like Mario Barrera and Luis Rodriguez, the discussion highlights the importance of a well-educated workforce for economic development and the potential negative impacts of voucher programs on public schools.
The significance of public education has become increasingly apparent to San Antonio's business community. According to Mario Barrera, a local attorney and former chairman of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, investing in public education is one of the most effective tools for economic growth. Barrera, who initially chose private schooling for his child due to underperforming local public schools, now advocates strongly for better public education. He emphasizes the need for stricter eligibility requirements for families seeking benefits from voucher or education savings account (ESA) programs. Earlier this month, the state Senate approved a bill that would provide up to $10,000 per family for private school expenses, a measure currently under review in the Texas House.
Luis Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also underscores the importance of equitable education opportunities. He questions why the quality of education should be determined by ZIP codes, noting that failing to invest in public schools means undermining the future workforce. Rodriguez, who sends his children to public schools, believes that the state's high business rankings do not align with its poor performance in education. With over 5.5 million students enrolled in Texas public schools compared to approximately 350,000 in private institutions, the stakes are high for ensuring adequate funding and support for the majority of students.
Business leaders plan to take their concerns directly to state legislators in Austin on March 26 during an event called ¡VIVA SAN ANTONIO!. Organized by the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, this gathering aims to address issues crucial to San Antonio and Bexar County. By engaging with policymakers, these leaders hope to influence decisions that will positively impact public education and, by extension, the city's long-term economic health. The advocacy effort reflects a growing recognition that robust public education is essential for sustainable economic development and social equity.
In a surprising turn of events, Brady Corbet, the director behind the critically acclaimed film "The Brutalist," reveals that he has not profited from his masterpiece despite its numerous accolades. This thought-provoking revelation sheds light on the often-overlooked financial struggles faced by filmmakers in Hollywood, even those who achieve significant recognition. The film has garnered four BAFTAs and three Golden Globes, along with ten Academy Award nominations, yet Corbet finds himself in a precarious financial situation. His dedication to promoting the film during the awards season has left him without income for months, highlighting the complexities and challenges within the industry.
Financial Hardship Behind the Scenes of an Award-Winning Film
In the heart of the bustling entertainment world, where success is measured in trophies and box office numbers, Brady Corbet's journey with "The Brutalist" offers a different narrative. Since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival last September, the film has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning prestigious nominations and wins. However, Corbet disclosed during an episode of "WTF with Marc Maron" that neither he nor his co-writer, Mona Fastvold, have seen any financial gain from their efforts. The duo had to rely on earnings from projects completed years ago to sustain themselves.
The production of "The Brutalist," which spans over three hours, cost approximately $10 million, and while it has grossed $31 million since its December release, Corbet attributes his lack of income to the relentless promotional tours required during the awards season. "The timing was less than ideal, but it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," he explained. Unlike initial promotions, award-season activities are often unpaid, leaving filmmakers like Corbet without compensation for their extensive efforts. He added that this period also prevented him from taking on new work, further exacerbating his financial strain.
"I haven’t had a day off since the Christmas break, and that was only four days," Corbet shared, emphasizing the grueling nature of the promotion schedule. Only recently did he manage to secure a job shooting advertisements in Portugal, marking the first time he has earned income in years. This candid admission highlights the stark reality faced by many in the film industry, where critical acclaim does not always translate into financial stability.
From a reader's perspective, Corbet's story serves as a poignant reminder that the glamorous facade of Hollywood often masks the underlying financial challenges faced by creators. It underscores the need for better support structures within the industry to ensure that talented individuals like Corbet can thrive both creatively and financially. The tale of "The Brutalist" invites us to reconsider the value placed on artistic contributions and the importance of fair compensation for all involved in bringing these works to life.