East Bay Official Accused Of Making 'Degrading' Comments Resigns

OAKLAND, CA — An Oakland city official accused of making "degrading and unprofessional" comments has resigned.

City Administrator Jestin Johnson resigned over the weekend, according to Oakland city officials.

The resignation came after Oakland's Mayor, Barbara Lee, launched an investigation into the communications involving Johnson, officials said.

"We promptly conducted our own investigation and verified these communications, which are wholly incompatible with the values of this administration and those of the people of Oakland," Mayor Lee said in a statement on Sunday. "Under my watch, I will not tolerate transgressions of this nature."

The nature of the comments made by Johnson remains unclear.

Lee has since appointed Assistant City Administrator Elizabeth "Betsy" Lake to Johnson's former position. Lake has worked within the city administration for eight years and has 30 years of practice as an attorney, Lee said.

"I want to reassure Oakland residents that government services and operations will not be affected during this time of transition," Lee said. "I was elected to represent the values of the Oakland community and that work and commitment continues."