Lt. Gov. declares support for rule of law and due process but OKs summarily suspending accused senators from positions

Article here. Excerpt:

'Both Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg spoke out Monday about the pervasive culture of sexual harassment permeating the Capitol, as two legislators felt the consequences of the allegations facing them.

State Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, who’s been accused by at least six women of sexual abuse, announced he will resign effective immediately. Monday the State Senate Rules Committee stripped State Senator Tony Mendoza of his leadership roles temporarily. Mendoza is accused of acting inappropriately by two former female staffers, including a 19-year-old who says he gave her alcohol and invited her to his hotel room.

“The decisions today were correct decisions. The resignation and stripping the senator of his committee assignments were appropriate. Needs to be zero tolerance. I believe in due process, but I also believe that when women have the courage to step forward, we need to listen to them and believe them,” said Steinberg.

While Steinberg, former President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, addressed the Senate Rules Committee’s decision head on, Newsom spoke more broadly about the issue.'