California Lottery workers demand top resignations

SACRAMENTO — Five veteran California Lottery employees on Thursday demanded that senior department executives resign amid investigations into hiring practices and alleged misconduct on a work-related trip two years ago.

They addressed the state Lottery Commission one month after an anonymous writer sent a letter to officials in Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration that included pictures of senior Lottery leaders carrying on at a Southern California bar. It also included anecdotes describing disparaging treatment of employees.

“This is unacceptable in state service. It is not who we are and it is time for these people to go. We are here today to demand resignations,” said Paulina Vasquez, a lottery sales representative and union shop steward.

Lottery Director Hugo Lopez and Lottery Commission Chairman Gregory Ahern did not call for discipline at the commission meeting, but each in prepared remarks outlined unfolding investigations.

“Please be aware that these matters are being addressed,” Ahern said when the employees concluded their remarks.

Brown’s office in August requested the Department of Justice review the anonymous letter’s allegations, and Lottery employees say agents are beginning to interview workers. Separately, the State Controller’s Office is conducting an audit of Lottery expenses.