Days before she suffered a serious stroke, KGO-TV reporter, Heather Ishimaru, was about to file a hostile work-environment lawsuit against the station, according to well-placed broadcast sources close to Channel 7.Ishimaru, who is unable to speak or swallow food is in a SF rehab facility. Her attorney, Angela Alioto, confirmed to me on the phone that Ishimaru had planned to file a lawsuit.
"She, (Ishimaru), wrote three letters to management, (News Director, Tracey Watkowski and Assistant ND, Stephainie Adrouney), about some work-related issues then suddenly she had her medical setback," Alioto said.
Watkowski did not return phone calls requesting comment.
Privately, my sources at KGO, (all requested anonymity due to the nature of the story), told me that Ishimaru, who is a veteran and much-respected reporter, had asked for some time away from the station dealing with a family matter involving one of her kids, a special-needs child. Alioto confirmed this account.
Watkowski balked.
"They were giving her shit," offered one of the sources. "They essentially told her to take care of the 'issue on her time, not the company dime, and that's just bullshit."
Needless to say the Ishimaru tragedy has rocked the KGO newsroom where several staffers are unhappy with the vibe overall. "This has just added to all the angst inside the building--there's a tremendous amount of tension here. They, (management), just don't get it--they're in over their heads."
Added Alioto:
"Heather has an incredible performance record. She was harassed and treated differently by her superiors Stephanie and Tracey concerning medical leave to take care of her son. Heather was very stressed out about the treatment."
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