California City’s Only Female Firefighter Files Suit

Daly City’s only female firefighter has filed a lawsuit claiming her superiors retaliated against her after she complained about the women’s restroom at the firehouse.

Fifty-year-old Fire Captain Barbara Lewicki says the bathroom had no lock and was often used by her male colleagues, who she claims left it a mess.

She says she suffered retaliation when she complained, including being accused of insubordination. She was placed on paid leave last year after her superiors raised concerns about her fitness for duty.

Lewicki maintains she is fit. Her suit, filed June 16 in San Mateo County Superior Court, seeks unspecified damages.

Kathy Maylin, the attorney representing Daly City, told the San Mateo County Times the city disputes Lewicki’s allegations.