Following pressure by the media, the California State Senate and Assembly released documents on nearly 20 sexual harassment cases that have been investigated over the last decade.
Four current lawmakers are named in various complaints, which range from sexual conversations to unwanted touching.
In 2013 two women complained that Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen, who is running for governor, made them feel uncomfortable by asking for a hug, squeezing one’s shoulders and “petting” the other’s hand. Assembly HR spoke with Allen about his conduct and no further action was taken.
“The release of this unsubstantiated complaint is a political attack by a Democrat led committee," Allen said in a statement. "I'm sure I've shaken many people's hands, tapped many people on the shoulder, and have even tapped people's feet accidentally. But there has never been anything in any of my actions that has been inappropriate, and nor will there ever be. I was actually shocked 6 years ago that any friendliness I displayed was in any way misconstrued. Everyone deserves to work in an environment free from inappropriate behavior.”
In 2015 Sen. Bob Hertzberg was accused of pulling an employee close to him and beginning to dance and sing to her. Hertzberg was told his actions made the employee uncomfortable and was reminded about the Senate's sexual harassment policy. He is currently under a separate Senate investigation after being accused by a former legislator of giving unwanted hugs.
"This instance, a settled matter from several years ago, involves a single occurrence with a family member of someone I knew, and I'm sorry to her and anyone else who may have ever felt my hugs unwelcome," Hertzberg said in a statement.
"The integrity and timeliness of HR records is critical, and the fact that some records were written today and others were handwritten proves the point that the Legislature's HR practices are problematic. I remain committed to working on solutions that will instill faith in the Capitol as a safe and accountable workplace for all."
In 2017 Assemblywoman Autumn Burke was accused of taking part in an inappropriate conversation regarding anal sex with her Capitol office staff. Assembly HR spoke with Burke about the need to maintain a professional environment in her office.
"This claim involved an after-hours conversation in which my staff member shared a personal story about his experiences as a young gay man with me and a group of co-workers," Burke said in a statement.
"The claim was filed by a disgruntled former staff member who participated in the conversation. When this claim was brought to my attention, I took full responsibility for my part. As a leader, I recognize my obligation to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment for everyone in my office and I think every claim needs to be taken seriously. However, I believed then and still believe, that the complaint was motivated by the former staff member’s anger over being terminated.”
A previously reported complaint against Sen. Tony Mendoza was also included in the documents. It involved accusations of flirting and unwanted attention from a staff member while Mendoza was in the Assembly. He's currently on leave from the Senate while it investigates sexual harassment charges against him.
California's Capitol has been dealing with fallout from sexual harassment allegations since last fall, when more than 140 women signed an open letter condemning an atmosphere of sexual harassment in the Capitol community. Former Assemblymen Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) and Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills) resigned following accusations against them.
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