She's back

The city has settled a harassment lawsuit filed by Staff Sgt. Paula Schonauer, a twelve-year veteran of the OCPD, who had claimed she was persecuted by fellow officers and banished to desk duty after her sexual-reassignment surgery in 2002.

The OCPD has already returned her to her beat; the city will pay her $4000 and will reinstate some lost days of sick leave. Schonauer, who has been instrumental in the Department's community-outreach programs, says she's just happy to be back at work.