LAFD Cheating Is Tip Of The Iceberg

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport - Last week, The Guss Report got its second-highest readership traffic since moving to the Substack platform, when I exclusively exposed a recent test cheating scandal at the Los Angeles Fire Department.  But the readership traffic title still belongs to the LAFD sexual harassment story I exclusively kicked off last October that resulted in the abrupt retirement of Chief Deputy Armando Hogan, who was likely going to be Mayor Karen Bass's next Fire Chief.

By staying silent on these and other issues, Bass, LA City Council president Paul Krekorian and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who chairs the council's Public Safety Committee, our elected officials tip their hand that they prefer that the scandals - and this journalist - just go away so nobody would be the wiser.

But would you believe that there's an even deeper, darker scandal brewing over at the LAFD?  

Stay tuned.

To read today's entire column, jump on over to DanielGuss.substack.com, and sign up for my free publication.  Also, follow me on The Twitters @TheGussReport.

EXCLUSIVE: Top Bass Candidate For LAFD Chief Retires Amid Sexual Harassment Investigation

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport - Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Deputy Armando Hogan has abruptly retired from the agency during an ongoing investigation into sexual harassment allegations that keep plaguing the LAFD.

2021 Firefighter of the Year, Armando Hogan Source: Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association

Hogan, who newly elected mayor Karen Bass had considered for the LAFD Chief's job, was both a donor and fundraiser for her.

Well-placed City Hall sources say that footage from several of City Hall's thousands of security cameras, may have led to incriminating evidence of the allegations against Hogan by a high profile and married LAFD civilian.

For the full story, jump on over to my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter.  Also follow me on The Twitters @TheGussReport.

City Hall Censoring Sexual Harassment Reporting on High-Ranking LAFD Karen Bass Fundraiser

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport - Well that didn't last long.

Despite syrupy promises of transparency and integrity by newly-minted interim City Council President Paul Krekorian in the wake of an ongoing City Hall racism scandal and stalemate with the two remaining Councilmembers who refuse to resign, ongoing efforts to relentlessly censor and retaliate against this column are in full bloom.

It's amazing what good inside sources and three recent appearances on "The John and Ken Show" on KFI AM 640 will do to stoke City Hall paranoia as it loses its grip on its secrecy habits just a few weeks ahead of a general election.

The rest of my free column is over on Substack.  While you're there, sign-up for my free newsletter and follow me on The Twitters @TheGussReport.

EXCLUSIVE: FROM LAFD

By Daniel Guss - In response to my Substack column last night, and specific questions submitted since then, LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley issued this statement:

"The Department was made aware of allegations of misconduct and directed an investigation be conducted.  The subject member is currently on paid administrative leave during the course of the investigation.  As this is an active investigation, the Department will not comment further."

                                                                 - LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley

NEW YORK MAGAZINE: "The Mayor Knew: Eric Garcetti's Top Aide Was a Serial Harasser, According To Multiple Accusers. The Mayor, They Say, Ignored it."

By Daniel Guss

@TheGussReport - Don't count on LA Mayor Eric Garcetti making his way to Bombay.

The city's beleaguered chief executive, who was nominated by President Joe Biden to be the next U.S. Ambassador to India, allegedly knew about, but ignored, serial sexual harassment by his right hand man Rick Jacobs.

That's at least according to a slew of people as described in New York Magazine.

The article says that Garcetti and Ana Guerrero, his disempowered former Chief of Staff, repeatedly ignored horrendous behavior by Jacobs, who is the subject of a sexual harassment lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles by the Mayor's former LAPD bodyguard.

"'He crushes me against his body, pulling me in with all his strength,' she says now, telling her story for the first time. 'I'm like a rag doll.  He's pulling me into him and kisses me on the lips for some long, uncomfortable period of time. He kisses me on the lips.  I'm trying to pull back, but he has my arms pinned down against the sides of my body so I have no leverage to push back.'"

That's from Naomi Seligman, Garcetti's Director of Communications on April 14, 2016, describing an encounter with Jacobs in front of a slew of witnesses in an excerpt from the article.

"'I'm surrounded by my entire team, and they've seen this act of dominance over me,' she recalls."

Yesterday, this column was first to predict that LA City Attorney Mike Feuer's mayoral campaign is DOA due to a federal corruption plea deal by Paul Paradis, a legal hire of his who admitted to a $2.2 million kickback scheme.  We now predict that Garcetti's nomination to become Ambassador will soon be down for the count, as well.

So when, exactly, does Guerrero get fired and the LA City Council take a vote of No Confidence, in Garcetti?  

At any rate, we look forward to Biden pulling Garcetti's nomination before too long.  If not, look to Senator Ted Cruz to deliver the knockout blow.

The story by Alissa Walker can be found here: 

(Daniel Guss, MBA, was runner-up for the 2020 Los Angeles Press Club journalism award for Best Online Political Commentary and was a runner-up in 2021 too. He has contributed to CityWatch, KFI AM-640, iHeartMedia, 790-KABC, Cumulus Media, KCRW, Huffington Post, Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Magazine, Movieline Magazine, Emmy Magazine, Los Angeles Business Journal, Pasadena Star News, Los Angeles Downtown News, and The Los Angeles Times in its Sports, Opinion and Entertainment Sections and Sunday Magazine among other publishers. Tell your friends to follow him on The Twitters @TheGussReport, and DM him there to join his distribution list for early story notifications, tips and more.)

A "Halloween Legal Treat (in the Form of another Ex Huizar Staffer Lawsuit)" for Team Huizar

The Los Angeles City Council District # 14 Duo known as "Team Huizar", was the recipient of a "Halloween Legal Treat (in the Form of another Ex Huizar Staffer Lawsuit)" as former City Hall Office Manager (and Mother of the Councilman's Nephew) Pauline Medina, becomes the latest to cite Workplace Misconduct ..........., that included the Princeton Graduate's Affair with another Staffer.

Kudos to the Princeton Graduate regarding his Halloween Legal Treat (errr, latest Lawsuit).

** Blogger's Notes: The truth exposed, again .........., by family.

Former CD-14 City Hall Office Manager Pauline Medina became the latest Ex Huizar Staffer to go Public (via Legal Documentation) regarding multi-forms of Workplace Misconduct by City Councilman Jose Huizar (and top underlings).

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A Rare Opportunity to "Ask a CD-14 Officeholder about ........, about Multiple Claims of Workplace Misconduct".

The Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council's Monterey Hills Local Issues Committee presents a planned, Rare Chance/Opportunity to "Ask a CD-14 Officeholder (and Council Candidate Wife?) about Issues ........ pertaining to Multiple Claims of Workplace Misconduct (or maybe not?)"  

Will embattled CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar (with Candidate Wife) follow-through on his/her planned (in advance) ASNC Monterey Hills Meet and Greet? 

** Blogger's Notes: For the Love of Political Timing.

Just two days after the disclosure of the Third Claim of Workplace Misconduct against CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, the ASNC Monterey Hills Local Issues Committee, in cooperation with the MICRO-managed Staff of "Team Huizar (comprised of Jose and #Richellary2020)", present Stakeholders the Rare Opportunity/Chance to .........., "Ask a CD-14 Officeholder (and Candidate Wife?) about "Issues".

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Third Claim Filed Against The Office of CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar alleging Workplace Misconduct

"Team Huizar (both Jose y #Richellary2020)" is in full denial mode (despite some contrary evidence pictured below) after former Staffer Mayra Alvarez, goes public with the Third-documented Workplace Misconduct Claim, filed against the Office of the CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, in the last six months.

"Team Huizar (minus the latest Paramour)" in full denial mode regarding multiple Workplace Misconduct Claims via three former (or current?) Staffers.

** Blogger's Notes: Now there are three ............, and the silence from the #MeToo Enablers of CD-14 (names forthcoming), is a gender (plus ethical) betrayal.

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Mayor Gar-SOFT-ee's "MyVoiceLA Website" lacks Muscle of Objectivity

As Mayor (and 2020 Presidential Aspirant) Eric "Gar-SOFT-ee", stands with an unsubstantiated accuser of Sexual Assault, he can only express mere "Disappointment" over the lack of staff follow-through, in Giving Voice to those "Discriminated-against" .........., in a CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar Workplace (allegedly). 

Speaking up is an incredible act of bravery, for Dr. Ford and anyone with a story. I believe you. #BelieveSurvivors 11:36 AM - 27 Sep 2018

** Blogger's Notes: A "Mayoral Disappointment" ........., in Yoga Pants. 

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Mayor Sam Confirms Second Claim Filed Against The Office of Councilman Jose Huizar

As the Mayor Sam Blog confirms that Multiple Claims of Workplace Misconduct, have been filed against the Office of CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, local observers are pondering what response the #MeToo Movement (including a certain Women's March Participant), will have as more details on Councilman Huizar's latest (and alleged) Scandal, are made public.

 Declared 2020 CD-14 City Council Candidate Richelle Huizar (aka. #Richellary2020), and the Boyle Heights contingent at the Los Angeles Women's March.   

** Blogger's Notes: In a Mayor Sam Exclusive, we can confirm that in lieu of the Los Angeles Times Report on the latest Complaint filed against CD-14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, that multiple Ex. Staffers have now filed Claims against the Office (and Officeholder) for Workplace Misconduct. 

As noted in the David Zahniser by-lined LA Times Missive, the Complaint on the new reporting Site, created by Mayor Eric Garcetti, was made around the same time period that this Blog noted the "Disapperance" of multiple staffers from Councilman Huizar's Staff Contact List. 

This latest Blog Exclusive (regarding the alleged misconduct of Councilman Huizar)  is made public as the embattled Councilman's Wife (and declared 2020 City Council Candidate) Richelle Huizar, promotes her upcoming first Fundraising Event (noted below). 

A reliable source has told Mayor Sam, that the Richelle Huizar Campaign, unlike her Husband, will not, allegedly use the consulting services of Parke Skelton's S G & A Consulting Firm (with Derek Humphrey being the Consultant of choice), for reasons unknown at this time----Scott Johnson.   

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Mayor Sam Exclusive: Ex. CD-14 Staffer Statement Regarding Alleged Councilman Huizar's Workplace Conduct

In a Mayor Sam Exclusive,  we have received, and given permission from a "Former CD-14 Council Office Staffer", to post a Statement regarding alleged Workplace Misconduct involving current Chief of Staff Paul Habib ............,  along with City Councilman Jose Huizar.   

\

City of Los Angeles CD-14 City Councilman observes as Wife Richelle Rios Huizar greets, then Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton.

** Blogger's Notes: In the last couple of months, the Mayor Sam Blog been made aware of the departure of numerous CD-14 Staff Members (mostly females), as the speculation regarding a very-possible Richelle Rios Huizar 2020 CD-14 City Council Campaign nears reality. The political aspirations of the loyal Wife of the "past occasional-straying Officeholder", is predicated on her Husband's Power of Status on the City Council (as noted in the recent Downtown News Editor Jon Regardie Missive) and most important ........., his workplace/personal conduct. On Monday, we received a Statement from an Ex. Staffer, that if true, has dire implications for the continuance of the "Team Huizar Brand" (and those other Former Staffers, who seek to politically-benefit on their silence).  For the record, the identity of the Ex. Staffer remains anonymous at their request .........., and we accord the Office of Councilman Huizar the respect to respond (redspotincd14@yahoo.com) ......... if they choose-----Scott Johnson. ** Afternoon Update: Richelle Rios Huizar announces her campaign.

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BREAKING NEWS!! Assemblyman Matt "Da-PERV-neh" to Resign

Former "Shermanator (Congressman Brad Sherman Staffer)", turned Assemblyman Matt "Da-PERV-neh", announces his Resignation from the California Legislator, affected at the end of the Month.

Another "Shermanator" announces his intentions to walk away from Public Office.

** Blogger's Notes: Surprise, surprise (NAUGHT), another San Fernando Valley State Democrat Officeholder of ILL-REPUTE, has announced his RESIGNATION. 

West San Fernando Valley Assemblyman Matt "Da-PERV-neh", joins former Northeast San Fernando Valley Assemblyman Raul "PERVY-negra", in cutting short their appointed term in office ......., after MULTIPLE allegations of Sexual Harassment/Inappropriate Conduct, as reported by the Sacramento Bee.

The Los Angeles Democrat was accused Monday of pushing Sacramento lobbyist Pamela Lopez into a bathroom at a Las Vegas hotel last year and masturbating in front of her. Jessica Yas Barker, a former employee who worked under Dababneh in U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman’s district office, said he created a hostile work environment full of sexual and derogatory remarks. Dababneh denies the allegations. In an interview, he said he took the charges personally and was leaving office to focus on clearing his name. He added that he did not feel pressured to resign, but said the claims against him had knocked him off his feet. After spending more time with his family this week, he said, he realized that “the passion to serve in a public capacity isn’t there” and “I’m ready for a change in my life.”

Can you say D-E-N-I-A-L? 

What is NOT in denial, is the fact that soon-to-be EX Assemblyman Da-PERV-neh's "extra-curricular conduct", was a subject of speculation (and concern) by those within local Democratic circles, from the VERY beginning of his Officeholder tenure, as reported previously here at Mayor Sam.

We should note that the OFFICIAL HAZER of Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (and fellow SHERMANATOR), announced the TERMINATION of his 2018 State Treasurer Campaign two days ago-----Scott Johnson.

HOT Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine (and Beyond) for Monday, 12-4-17

The recent sale (and slashing of staff positions) at the LA Weekly, is the latest example of a rapidly-changing "State of Journalism" in Los Angeles, as longtime Print Mediums and Cyber Entities are forced to either evolve ..........., or continue to devolve into irrelevancy as "Objectivity in Local Reporting (especially on political issues)" becomes secondary ......., to the Agenda of the Establishment. ** BREAKING NEWS!! Assemblyman Matt Dababneh outed by Lobbyist Pamela Lopez as the "Bathroom Officeholder".  

Is a once "Weekly of Record", now merely a Weed Leaf Directory? 

** Blogger's Notes: With NO apologies to "The Old Gray Hag Resister on Spring Street (aka. Los Angeles Times)", we must declare that the "State of Journalism" in Los Angeles, is now in crisis mode. As the LA Times continues its devolution into a merely a Fishwrap of Disinformation (and alleged UNDERTAKER of Inconvenient News) , the once "LA Weekly of Record", is providing the latest "Guttings for future Wrapping", via the slashing of a majority of Staff Positions at the longtime Culver City Print Entity. There was a recent time, when the local Political Establishment would cringe in waiting for the latest damning Exclusives from the likes of Alan Mittelstaedt (who moved on to the, NOW-defunct City Beat), Jeffery Anderson, Christine Pelisek, Patrick Range McDonald, David Zahniser, Jill Stewart and Hillel Aron, but the recent sale and gutting of staff .........., leaves Aron as the only Staff Writer to lament on a VERY possible "Weed Leaf Directory Future".  The Weekly's tribulations, is the latest saga playing out withing the local Print and Cyber News Community following the Unionization-induced Demise of LAist , the pending sale of the Eastern Group Publications and the CONTROVERSY afflicting the litigious Hews Media Group (as objectively reported by Aron).   

What latest News (involving Sacramento Politicos engaging in Sexual Misconduct) has the LA Times hidden away (again) within its Imploding Catacombs of Subjective Reporting?

BREAKING NOONTIME UPDATE!!: Lobbyist Pamela Lopez reveals Assemblyman Matt Dababneh as the "SITTING OFFICEHOLDER in question regarding her Bathroom Encounter.  

** As we reported on Friday, the "Sacramento Whispering Network" is divulging the alleged IDENTITY of another "SITTING  OFFICEHOLDER" who was the subject of Lobbyist Pamela Lopez's GRAPHIC Bathroom Testimonial. Another Website (with a LEFTIST bent), has gone on the record in naming the Politico .........., but for questionable reasons, as excerpted below. 

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TGIF Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine ........ and beyond

In the wake of the graphic,"Bathroom-based Testimony" from Sacramento K Street Lobbyist Pamela Lopez, regarding Sexual Harassment/Inappropriate Behavior via State Officeholders and Staff, the Mayor Sam Blog has received a reliable TIP on the identity of the "Sitting Officeholder of Interest". 

Sacramento K Street Lobbyist Pamela Lopez testifying before Assembly Sub-Committee on Sexual Harassment. 

** Blogger's Notes: Dreading the whispers .........., we respect the stance of Sacramento K Street Lobbyist Pamela Lopez , who showed GENUINE courage in testifying about her alleged, Bathroom Encounter with a "Sitting Elected Official" last year, in NOT revealing the Identity the Politico involve .........., after all, the Whispering Network is multi-directional. Just by her testifying before the Assembly Sub-committee entrusted with vetting the past indiscretions, and hopefully, the entity that gives birth to needed reforms. Lopez will always be the "FACE (and voice)" that hopefully raises the decibel level of the Whispering Network (that has provided this blog with alleged IDENTITY of Lopez's Harasser), that should not be the recipient of a similar "Retaliation Network" .........., when EXPOSING those engaging in Sexual Harassment/Inappropriate Conduct-----Scott Johnson. 

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HOT Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine (and Beyond) for Hump Day

As First Term 43rd Assembly District Assemblywoman Laura Friedman presides over a Sub-committee investigating Sexual Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct in the State Political Workplace, we repost the INFAMOUS "Break a Rib Video" of her predecessor (and 2018 State Treasurer Candidate) Mike Gatto, hazing colleague Matt Dababneh in 2014.

Will newly-elected 43rd AD Assemblywoman Laura Friedman investigate the "Background" of her predecessor Mike Gatto's "Hazing/Jock Talk Video"?

From the Late Michael Higby on August 13, 2014: The little SFVYD kids can't keep from talking and emailing us. Sounds like some pretty interesting "extra-curricular" activities may have lead to the breaking of ribs. Do the voters know they've got a bunch of frat boys in office?

** Blogger's Notes: On the morning where NBC's Matt Lauer and PBS's Garrison Keillor became the latest purged for Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace, we offer this TIMELY Video Flashback to 2014 when a, NOW 2018 California State Treasurer Candidate (and then Assemblyman) Mike Gatto, engage in "BREAK A RIB JOCK TALK (link here for further background)" on the Floor of the Legislature. If anyone needed a visual example behind the dysfunctional mentality that created the hostile environment for women in Sacramento, they only need to view the facial expression of the former Assemblyman ..........., not fit for State-wide Office in 2018.

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BREAKING NEWS!! Assemblyman Bocanegra to Resign Immediately

Embattled 39th AD Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra has announced his immediate RESIGNATION after mounting pressure from his fellow Politico Bosses within the Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine (and female Democratic colleagues) ............, who seek to screen and control the selection of the next Officeholder.

The VERY soon to be, Ex. Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra.

** Blogger's Notes: In honor of Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra's "Act of Falling on the Sword (in preserving the Northeast San Fernando Valley Democratic Machine)". Its time for a "Bloggin Deconstruction (below)" of the VERY soon to be .........., Ex. 39th AD Assemblyman's Resignation Statement-----Scott Johnson.

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Breaking News!! Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra TERMINATES Re-Election Campaign

39th Assembly District (AD) Officeholder Raul Bocanegra has announced the termination of his Re-election Efforts, in lieu of a Los Angeles Times Exclusive on another Six Women, with accusations of Sexual Harassment/Inappropriate Conduct directed at the soon-to-be Ex. Assemblyman. 

The vacating 39th AD Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra.

** Blogger's Notes: In Breaking News (with NO apologies to CD-6 City Council person Nury "The Denier" Martinez), 39th AD Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra announced this morning, the TERMINATION of his re-election efforts ........., and timing will be of paramount interest to many. 

Any chances that Councilperson Martinez's husband Gerry Guzman could garner some future supplemental campaign work from his Day Job Boss, went out the door in a Turkey Trot, ahead of a Los Angeles Time Exclusive which details an additional SIX WOMEN, targeting "Pervynegra" with allegations of Sexual Harassment/Inappropriate Conduct ........, and Councilperson Martinez may NOT be happy with what Gerry knew or not (allegedly).

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HOT Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles (and beyond) Political Machine for Monday

Its Official!! State Senate President (and US Senate Candidate) Kevin Alexander (de or of) Leon has taken flight from the Sacramento House he shared with embattled State Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) as a SECOND woman comes forward with allegations of Inappropriate Conduct targeting the EX "O.G. Assemblyman (pictured below)".

The former "O.G. Assemblyman": The photo above was taken by an Ex. Staffer.

Not Again!! Time for a new crash pad.

** Blogger's Notes: Does anyone in Sacramento (with NO political baggage) have a spare room for a State Senate President (and floundering US Senate Candidate)? As the National Media took notice on the growing Sexual Harassment Scandal in Sacramento and opined on how its handling would affect the US Senate Campaign of State Senate President Kevin Alexander (de or of) Leon, the challenger to Senator Dianne Feinstein vacated his embattled colleague's house and announced new Sexual Harassment Reporting Protocols.

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Breaking News (again)!! State Senator Tony Mendoza Subject of Second Inappropriate Conduct Allegation

State Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) is a NO SHOW at a Veteran's Day Event in the City of Downey as a Second Woman (former Intern) comes forward with allegations of Inappropriate Conduct targeting the Sacramento Housemate of State Senate President (and US Senate Candidate) Kevin Alexander (de or of) Leon.

State Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) is now the subject of a SECOND allegation of Inappropriate Conduct directed at a, THEN 19-year-old Intern.

** Blogger's Notes: One of the tell-tail signs when an embattled Elective Official switches into CRISIS MODE, is the dodging of confirmed public appearances and for State Senator Tony Mendoza ........., the CRISIS is now. State Senator Mendoza was a NO SHOW at a City of Downey Veteran's Day Event on Saturday as the Sacramento Bee reported that a SECOND woman had come forward with allegations of Inappropriate Conduct by the former Educator, NOW State Senate Colleague (and Sacramento Housemate) of State Senate President Kevin Alexander (de or of) Leon. The new allegations by a, THEN 19-years-old Intern, mirrored the more recent complaints of a a early-twenties, Post-Graduate Fellow, who was assigned to State Senator Mendoza's Sacramento Office. Below, we excerpt pertinent paragraphs from the Sacramento Bee story-----Scott Johnson.   

Parking Spot for a State Senator in CRISIS MODE.

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Breaking News!! State Senator Tony Mendoza latest Democrat Officeholder Facing Sexual Harassment Allegations

In an expansive exclusive from the Sacramento Bee, State Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) is the LATEST Male Democrat State Politico to come under scrutiny for Inappropriate Conduct directed at a Female Staffer (a early-twenties, post-graduate Fellow), for repeatedly INVITING her to his Sacramento Home (to allegedly, review her resume) ........., that he shares with State Senate President (and current US Senate Candidate) Kevin Alexander (de or of) Leon.  

California State Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia).

** Blogger's Notes: The Politics of Personal Destruction (coined in the 1990s during the, THEN President Bill Clinton Sex Scandals), is continuing its California Incarnation as State Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) becomes the second Southern California State Officeholder to face scrutiny (and investigation) for Inappropriate Conduct directed at Female Staff ......., and the FIRING of three Staffers with knowledge of the incidents (allegedly). 

From the Sacramento Bee ............, 

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