Former Grover Beach mayor resigns over sexual harassment allegations

GROVER BEACH, Calif. - The former Grover Beach mayor resigned from his job in the Santa Barbara County Planning Department following an investigation into sexual harassment allegations.

The department's Employee Relations Manager, Carlos Silvas, confirms to KCOY 12 that John Shoals resigned after the investigation was complete.

Silva's department and an Equal Employment Opportunity Manager handle all claims of harassment or discrimination across the county.

Shoals termed out as mayor in 2018 and then went to work for the planning department.

Documents obtained by other media organizations show an investigation into Shoals was first launched in June. A coworker said he made her feel uncomfortable. The documents said he would ask her to stand up and turn around to show off her outfit.

Shoals resigned from his job in August.