Calif. lawmaker and #MeToo advocate accused of sexual misconduct

Two people have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against Cristina Garcia. (RICH PEDRONCELLI/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

A California Democrat featured in Time magazine for championing the “#MeToo” movement is being investigated for allegedly groping a male staffer during a 2014 softball game.

Daniel Fierro, who worked for Assemblyman Ian Calderon at the time, did not immediately report Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia for the incident.

He claimed Garcia — named one of the “Silence Breakers” on sexual harassment alongside the likes of Taylor Swift and Tarana Burke — drunkenly stroked his back and tried to squeeze his buttocks. He also accused her of attempting to grab his crotch as he tried to walk away.

Spurred by Garcia’s outspokenness in the anti-sexual harassment campaign, Fierro in January decided to report Garcia to Calderon. He in turn took the allegations to assembly leaders, who have since launched an investigation.

“If the person leading the charge isn’t credible it just ends up hurting the credibility of very real stories,” Fierro said.

A spokesman from Garcia’s office, Teala Schaff, said the assemblywoman was told about the complaint on Jan. 23, but learned of the details of the allegation in a Politico report.

A prominent Sacramento lobbyist, who didn't wish to be identified, has also come forward with sexual harassment allegations against Garcia.

He told Politico the lawmaker cornered him at a political fund-raiser in May 2017, where she made a “graphic sexual proposal” and attempted to grab his crotch.

Garcia, who was elected in 2012, was one of hundreds of Sacramento women who signed an anti-sexual harassment letter — which included the hashtag “#WeSaidEnough.” During her years in office she’s stood as a fierce advocate for women and environmental health issues for poor communities.

The Silence Breakers are named Time Person of the Year on Dec. 6, 2017. (TIME MAGAZINE)

The Democrat also recently voiced strong support for legislation to protect legislative staff members who report sexual misconduct — which was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday.

When Time magazine included her in their December Person of the Year issue she tweeted it was “an awkwardly humbling experience. I’m proud of this work, and proud of the company I’m in.” She finished the note off with “#MeToo” and “#WeSaidEnough.”

Garcia previously told the New York Times she was a victim of sexual harassment at the capital throughout the course of her entire legislative career.

“Multiple people have grabbed my butt and grabbed my breasts,” she said. “We’re talking about senior lobbyists and lawmakers.”

Garcia in a statement to Politico on Thursday said she has “zero recollection of engaging in inappropriate behavior,” adding “such behavior is inconsistent with my values."

She did confirm she attended the legislative softball game in 2014 where one of the incidents allegedly occurred.

“Every complaint about sexual harassment should be taken seriously and I will participate fully in any investigation that takes place,” Garcia said.

- ny news