Businesswoman Dianne York Becomes 18th Filner Accuser

 A prominent businesswoman came forward Wednesday as the 18th woman to accuse San Diego Mayor Bob Filner of sexual harassment.

Dianne York, president and CEO of The Spa of La Jolla, told CNN that during a meeting with Filner three months ago, he put his hands on her buttocks while a photo was being taken and others were present in the room.

"I was shocked," York said at an early afternoon news conference. "It was inappropriate, and I was startled at the time."

She said she went to Filner to discuss some civic issues and asked for a photo at the end of the meeting. It was the first time they had met, she said.

York said she has filed a complaint with the Sheriff's Department.

The first woman to accuse Filner of unwanted advances, groping or, in some instances, forced kissing, was his former communications director, Irene Jackson McCormack. She has sued the mayor and the city for unspecified damages.

Mediation between Filner, lawyers and city officials regarding his political future began Monday. All parties refused to say whether they would go into a third day of negotiations Wednesday—reported to be dealing in part with the possibility of Filner's resignation.

None of the key players involved in the mediation, like Filner, City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, City Council President Todd Gloria and Councilman Kevin Faulconer, were spotted entering the location of the negotiations before noon Wednesday.

-City News Service