Four lawmakers accused of misconduct

SACRAMENTO — Four current California lawmakers have faced sexual misconduct complaints since 2006 but none was disciplined, according to documents released Friday by the state Legislature.

Their conduct ranged from inappropriate comments about sex to unwanted touching. The lawmakers were told to watch their behavior, while 11 legislative staffers targeted by complaints were mostly fired or suspended.

The lawmakers sought to minimize the complaints, either calling them blatantly political, a reflection of poor record-keeping or the result of disgruntled former employees.

They are Democratic Assemblywoman Autumn Burke of Los Angeles, Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach, Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza of Artesia, near LA, and Democratic Sen. Bob Hertzberg of LA.

“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,” said Allen, who is running for governor and called releasing the complaint against him about inappropriate touching a “political attack.”

The Senate and Assembly revealed the documents in response to requests from The Associated Press and other media outlets. They offer the fullest picture yet of sexual harassment and misconduct in California’s Capitol, but it may be incomplete.

Many women say they don’t report misbehavior for fear of retaliation, and the documents don’t include allegations when investigations were not completed. In the Assembly, 62 allegations have been made against lawmakers and staff since 2006, according to additional documents given to the Los Angeles Times.