Daly City Council Member Accused of Assault Defends Her Italian-American Upbringing

Daly City Council member Pamela DiGiovanni is facing renewed scrutiny and calls for her resignation ahead of the November 3 general municipal election, stemming from a pattern of alleged misconduct spanning over a decade. DiGiovanni, 70, has been accused of harassment, intimidation, and assault, with critics pointing to specific incidents as evidence of her unsuitability for public office.

Among the most prominent allegations is an incident from 2022, where Council Member Juslyn Manalo accused DiGiovanni of assaulting her before a virtual city council meeting. Manalo reported that DiGiovanni slammed a heavy door on her back, causing a bruise and requiring hospitalization. Manalo subsequently obtained a restraining order against DiGiovanni. IMAGE1

Following this incident, Daly City commissioned an external investigation that resulted in a formal censure of DiGiovanni in October 2025. The council member was directed to complete an anger-management class and anti-harassment training. However, DiGiovanni has reportedly failed to meet these requirements and has stated she has no plans to step down or attend the mandated classes, asserting she will not admit guilt for actions she denies.

DiGiovanni has publicly attributed the criticism to her Italian-American upbringing, suggesting her directness may be perceived negatively by some Californians. She has characterized the ongoing investigation as a "witch hunt" and an attempt by political opponents to embarrass her before the upcoming election. "I have a strong faith and belief that if I’m to serve in that seat, it will be the will of the people," DiGiovanni stated. "I don’t give up."

Concerns about DiGiovanni's conduct extend beyond the incident with Manalo. Residents have also raised allegations of violent behavior. Luis Landos recounted an incident in 2016 where DiGiovanni allegedly slapped him shortly after he learned of his mother's death, stating he was preoccupied and inadvertently ignored her attempt to speak with him. IMAGE7

A 2024 report detailing the censure also found that DiGiovanni allegedly used city cars for personal errands, including attending golf tournaments. Furthermore, the report stated that in 2018, she borrowed $500 from a city employee for a tablet and initially refused to repay the full amount. She allegedly returned $200 in crumpled bills to the city clerk's counter and later threw the remaining $300 through the employee's car window. DiGiovanni has denied this account, calling it fabricated.

Daly City Mayor Glenn Sylvester expressed concern over DiGiovanni's continued presence on the council, stating, "This person should not be a council member. We are dysfunctional with her. The community wants something done, and I'm concerned she's a liability to the city." IMAGE4 IMAGE5 IMAGE6

DiGiovanni, who has served on the council since 2018, is one of seven candidates vying for three seats in the November 3 election. Despite the controversies, she has reportedly raised nearly $20,000 from individual donors and unions.