An aide to a San Francisco supervisor is on leave after it was revealed today that she was romantically involved with her boss.
Supervisor John Avalos, 50, who represents the city’s District 11, including the Excelsior and other neighborhoods, is married with children. He reportedly had a relationship with top legislative aide Raquel Redondiez.
Avalos wrote in a text message today, “It’s a hard time for my family and I’m very grateful for all the people who have been actively supporting us through this difficult time with their love and counsel.”
On the supervisor’s website, Redondiez is listed as “currently on leave.”
She also helped with Avalos’ 2011 bid for mayor, in which he finished second to Mayor Ed Lee.
Avalos was elected to his District 11 seat in 2008 and re-elected to a second four-year term in 2012.
San Francisco Ethics Commission executive director John St. Croix said there is no restriction against a relationship between supervisor and aide as long as there is no favoritism displayed based on that relationship.
St. Croix said there have been no allegations of inappropriate conduct in Avalos’ office in connection with the relationship.
He said the apparent affair should not affect the supervisor’s office and any legislative and policy work submitted while Redondiez was working.
The employee handbook from the city’s Department of Human Resources states, “You may not make, participate in making, or seek to influence any employment decision involving a person with whom you have a familial or romantic relationship.”
The rulebook continues, “You must notify your supervisor if you are, or become related to or romantically involved with another employee in the workplace over whom you have the authority to impose or recommend an employment action.”
The guidelines also state, “Supervisors and managers should avoid any appearance of favoritism or nepotism in the workplace.”
Sasha Lekach, Bay City News
