California Capitol flush with harassment claims

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s Capitol is awash in allegations of sexual harassment, creating an atmosphere that’s affecting how men and women interact.

Holding meetings over drinks or winding down at a bar after a hectic day in the Legislature is a regular part of business in Sacramento, where policymaking and deal-cutting often depend on personal relationships. After-work fundraisers and other events provide opportunities for colleagues to do business and socialize.

Those days may not be gone, but there’s unquestionably a changed sensitivity toward them.

Jodi Hicks, a partner at the women-led Sacramento firm DBHK, said that after she gave a radio interview about the Capitol culture, a man emailed her to say he wouldn’t hire her firm because he’d have to walk on eggshells.

“We’re hearing grumblings, and men are upset” about having to think about where and when they meet women, and if alcohol is involved, Hicks said.

The Senate in 2015 briefly offered free round-the-clock transportation to lawmakers in Sacramento after four lawmakers in five years were accused of drunken driving. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon discontinued the practice after the perk was revealed.

While lawmakers can’t require their office staff to go to after-hours political and campaign events, many see attendance as critical to their jobs. Lawmakers held at least 30 evening fundraisers over a five-day period in August, according to the Capitol Morning Report.

The Legislature has faced criticism over its handling of sexual misconduct allegations since nearly 150 women signed a letter in October outlining a pervasive culture of sexual harassment and a system that does little to stop perpetrators.

On Friday, de Leon recommended fellow Democrat Tony Mendoza be stripped of his chairmanship of the Insurance, Banking & Financial Institutions Committee. De Leon made the move after it was revealed a third woman who worked for Mendoza had alleged inappropriate behavior, including several one-onone meetings over drinks or dinner.

Rich Pedroncelli The Associated Press Jodi Hicks, a lobbyist and partner in a women-led firm in Sacramento, Calif., says at least one male lawmaker said he might stop meeting with female lobbyists over drinks.