SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on sexual misconduct allegations at the California Legislature (all times local):
11 a.m.
Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza has been formally stripped of a committee chairmanship amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Senate Rules Committee voted Monday to remove him as chair of the Insurance, Banking and Financial Institutions Committee and from his appointments to boards and commissions. There was no discussion.
Mendoza, who is from the Los Angeles area, faces allegations of inappropriate behavior toward three women who previously worked for him. The Senate plans to hire an outside firm to investigate.
Mendoza is accused of inviting one woman to his home, offering another alcohol when she was 19, and repeatedly holding one-on-one meetings with another over dinner or drinks. His behavior with two of the women was formally reported.
Mendoza has denied the allegations involving offering a staff member alcohol and otherwise said he wouldn’t knowingly abuse his authority.
Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra resigned Monday following allegations of sexual misconduct.
___
10 a.m.
California Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra is resigning immediately following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Los Angeles Democrat had previously said he wouldn’t seek re-election and would leave office at the end of the next legislative session. He said Monday that he’s decided to leave immediately following reflection over the Thanksgiving weekend and conversations with family, friends and supporters.
Legislative staffer Elise Flynn Gyore says Bocanegra put his hands inside her blouse at an after-work event at a Sacramento nightclub in 2009. Both were legislative staff members at the time.
Several other women told the Los Angeles Times that he groped or kissed them without consent.
Bocanegra’s resignation comes as the Senate Rules Committee was scheduled to meet to strip Sen. Tony Mendoza of his committee chairmanship amid a misconduct probe.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.