First, the West Covina Democrat made his official Twitter account private sometime in July, and then on Monday he went on medical leave for a week or two to start the last month of the legislative session.

A spokesperson for the West Covina Democrat did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but both his office and the office of Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount, confirmed to The Sacramento Bee on Monday that Hernandez requested medical leave that would likely extend through this week and much of next week.

What it means

The legislative session ends with August, meaning Hernandez could have potentially cast his last vote, depending on how much time the termed-out legislator ultimately misses.

But as it stands now, he’ll make it back for the end-of-session flurry of votes where his vote could make the difference between success and failure on either liberal priorities or bills requiring a two-thirds majority, like a Democratic transportation package.

Hernandez is running against Rep. Grace Napolitano for the Norwalk Democrat’s seat in Congress, although the protracted scandal has likely hurt his chances in a race that was always going to be difficult. Since the domestic violence allegations began to surface, his fundraising has struggled and many of his allies fled.

Hernandez was accused by his wife, Baldwin Park City Councilwoman Susan Rubio, from whom he is getting divorced, of assaulting her 20 times over a three-year period, which included choking her with a belt, beating her with a broom while she lay on the ground and threatening her with a knife after accusing her of an affair. 

Tweeting beyond the curtain

A small band of the Twitterati ripped Hernandez for making his official Twitter account private (it was done within the last month or so).

Why would a public official running for Congress have a protected Twitter account? Shame on @Roger_Hernandez pic.twitter.com/rgTyF4HBGF

— Carol Dahmen (@sactotrixie) August 1, 2016

@sactotrixie @Roger_Hernandez Because it's no longer about what he's running FOR, but what he's running FROM….

— Ryan Endean (@ryanendean) August 1, 2016

Past allegations

Hernández has been accused of wrongdoing before. In 2012, an ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic violence, although charges were never filed due to insufficient evidence. 

That same year, Hernández was arrested for drunk driving in a state vehicle, but was acquitted by a jury on one charge, while the jury was hung on another. 

And in 2015, allegations of political money laundering against Hernández were dropped by the Fair Political Practices Commission after two key witnesses were unable to testify — one had serious medical issues while the other had passed away. 

The Paramount Democrat’s move follows a court order for Assemblyman Roger Hernández to stay away from his wife for three years from whom he is getting divorced early Friday, as well as a particularly harsh editorial by the Sacramento Bee that same day.

Hernández, a West Covina Democrat, had been under slowly increasing pressure since mid-April when the allegations of domestic violence surfaced.

Days after the allegations surfaced, members of the women’s caucus, led by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, called for Hernández to step down. Rendon had been reluctant to take action until the allegations were “more fully validated.”

“Today, after a thorough process, the judge reviewing the allegations against Assemblymember Roger Hernández stated that she found those allegations credible,” Rendon said in a statement. “Assemblymember Hernández has problems in his personal life that need to be addressed, and he should focus on resolving them.”

Hernández was ordered to stay at least 100 yards from his wife, Susan Rubio, her home and her workplace until 2019, and 15 feet away from her at public events, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Following Rendon’s announcement, the women’s caucus vice chair, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens, expressed her gratitude for the move.

@AssemblyDems @Rendon63rd TY for your leadership.

— Cristina Garcia (@AsmGarcia) July 2, 2016

Sac Bee Editorial

On Friday morning, the Sacramento Bee Editorial Board called it a “low blow” when Hernández killed a bill sponsored by Jackson last week to help new parents for what seemed to be retribution for the women’s caucus’ demands that he step down.

The Bee echoed what observers at the time alleged when Hernández, the Labor and Employment Committee chairman, killed a scaled-down version of a bill he previously supported by abstaining to vote and bringing enough others along with him.

The bill would have expanded access to family leave, a program funded by automatic deductions from the worker’s paycheck, explained The Bee, adding its skepticism of Hernández’s explanation of his change of heart — that he now needed to be “cognizant of the cumulative burden of these provisions, particularly of small businesses.”

“Whatever that means,” wrote The Bee.

Rendon too

The Bee also aimed at Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood, a Hernández ally who, as speaker, determines committee assignments and failed to assign any women to the committee. 

“Vote-ducking is cowardly and political payback should be reserved for politicians,” wrote The Bee. “But blame also goes to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon who oversees committee assignments. How can a committee that handles every piece of workplace legislation in California have not one woman?”

Rendon did not immediately announce who would take over the chairmanship or if a woman would fill Hernández’s seat on the committee.

Allegations against Hernández

Rubio, Hernández’s wife and a Baldwin Park City Council member, previously accused him of assaulting her 20 times over a three-year period. In divorce court last month, Rubio detailed eight alleged incidents that included being choked with a belt, being beat with a broom while on the ground and being threatened with a knife after having been accused of an affair. 

No charges have been filed against Hernández.

Hernández is termed out of the Assembly. He had hoped to win a seat in Congress held by fellow-Democrat Grace Napolitano, but failed to advance from the primary. Hernández recently blamed his primary failure on Rubio. 

Past allegations

Hernández has been accused of wrongdoing before. In 2012, an ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic violence, although charges were never filed due to insufficient evidence. 

That same year, Hernández was arrested for drunk driving in a state vehicle, but was acquitted by a jury on one charge, while the jury was hung on another. 

And in 2015, allegations of political money laundering against Hernández were dropped by the Fair Political Practices Commission after two key witnesses were unable to testify — one had serious medical issues while the other had passed away. 

The perceived retaliation came two months after the West Covina Democrat was asked to step down by the bill’s sponsor amid domestic violence allegations (that he’s denied) surfaced and after being placed under a temporary restraining order from his wife.

Background

The bill, SB1166, was a priority of the Legislative Women’s Caucus and especially its chairwoman, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, who had called for Hernández to step down along with other members of the women’s caucus.

The bill previously passed three Senate committees and the Senate floor along party lines, making it a measure widely supported by Democrats.

Outside the Capitol, it was supported by women’s rights activists like Sandra Fluke, who made national news in 2012 after being called a “slut” and “prostitute” by Rush Limbaugh for advocating for women’s access to birth control at a Congressional hearing while a law student at Georgetown University.

Join me & my fellow #StrongerCA coalition mbrs to urge @Roger_Hernandez stand w/#CA families & supprt @SenHannahBeth #SB1166 #NewParentLeave

— Sandra Fluke (@SandraFluke) June 22, 2016

Another group, the Equal Rights Advocates, which describes themselves as “civil rights champions, fighting since 1974 to expand and protect the opportunities of all women and girls,” also urged support earlier in the day.

.@Roger_Hernandez we urge your 'aye' vote on #SB1166 in Assm. Labor today! All new parents & children need bonding time. #StrongerCA

— EqualRightsAdvocates (@EqualRightsAdv) June 22, 2016

Abstain = No

There were other liberal activists and groups tweeting support, but when the bill came up for a vote in the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, four of the seven members abstained from voting, including Hernández, the chairman.

Bill was priority of@CaWomensCaucus Jackson had called on committee chair @Roger_Hernandez to step down following domestic abuse accusations

— Katie Orr (@1KatieOrr) June 22, 2016

Hernandez gave no indication at the hearing as to why he abstained from voting, and his office didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment later in the day from CalWatchdog.

.@Roger_Hernandez did not comment on the bill or explain way he abstained during committee hearing.

— Katie Orr (@1KatieOrr) June 22, 2016

How others “voted”

The other members who abstained were Democratic Assemblymen Kansen Chu of San Jose, Patrick O’Donnell of Long Beach and Eric Linder, a Republican from Corona.

Chu and O’Donnell’s offices did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CalWatchdog. A spokesman for Linder told CalWatchdog that Linder supported expanding family leave and the main thrust of the bill, but had concerns over certain provisions.

Democrats Tony Thurmond of Richmond and Kevin McCarty of Sacramento voted in favor of the measure, while Republican Jim Patterson of Fresno voted against. 

Hmm. An all-male committee kills a bill that was priority of the women's caucus. #SB1166 @1KatieOrr @SenHannahBeth

— Laurel Rosenhall (@LaurelRosenhall) June 22, 2016

.@Roger_Hernandez, abstained on #SB1166, preserving the right for employers to threaten new parents with termination if they take #paidleave

— jenya cassidy (@oneunionmom) June 23, 2016

Since the domestic violence allegations surfaced, Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount, has chosen not to take action against Hernández, including removing him from the Labor and Employment chairmanship. Rendon did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the hearing. 

Allegations

Hernández’s wife, Baldwin Park City Councilmember Susan Rubio, previously accused him of assaulting her 20 times over a three-year period. In divorce court last month, Rubio detailed eight alleged incidents that included being choked with a belt, being beat with a broom while on the ground and being threatened with a knife after having been accused of an affair. 

No charges have been filed against Hernández.

Hernández is termed out of the Assembly. He had hoped to win a seat in Congress held by fellow-Democrat Grace Napolitano, but failed to advance from the primary. Hernández recently blamed his primary failure on Rubio. 

Past allegations

Hernández has been accused of wrongdoing before. In 2012, an ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic violence, although charges were never filed due to insufficient evidence. 

That same year, Hernández was arrested for drunk driving in a state vehicle, but was acquitted by a jury on one charge, while the jury was hung on another. 

And in 2015, allegations of political money laundering against Hernández were dropped by the Fair Political Practices Commission after two key witnesses were unable to testify — one had serious medical issues while the other had passed away. 

• Assemblymember’s wife worries about retaliation
• Lawmakers streamline water-to-pot process
• Garcetti says no to VP gig
• Pharmaceutical industry sighs relief
• Another IT failure for the state

Good morning. TGIF.

The wife of Roger Hernandez — the Democratic Assemblyman from West Covina against whom she has successfully sought a temporary restraining order for domestic violence allegations — said in court Thursday she is worried that he’ll blame his poor showing in his congressional race on her and “try to retaliate,” reports the Los Angeles Times.   

In fact, Hernandez, who is currently in a tight race for a top-two finish, did blame the results on his wife, Susan Rubio, saying she played “a significant role,” according toThe San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Hernandez is currently only 1,178 votes behind the second place finisher in the race to unseat Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Norwalk, who finished first in the primary with 51 percent of the vote. Hernandez is termed-out of the Assembly. 

In other news:

• State lawmakers approved a measure that would make it easier for marijuana growers to divert water from nearby rivers and streams, according to Capital Public Radio.
• Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti proactively turned down being the running mate of Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate. Garcetti was responding to a recent Wall Street Journal article that floated his name as a possible VP candidate. The Los Angeles Times has more.
• “Los Angeles County supervisors have decided against establishing a program in the nation’s most populous county that would have required the makers of common products to be responsible for the cost of their disposal,” writes CalWatchdog, noting the decision was a big relief to the pharmaceutical industry.  
• “California’s state auditor has labeled yet another California government technology project an expensive failure,” writes The Sacramento Bee. This time, it’s the nearly $28 million system for the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs, which is years late, wastes staff time and is not fully implemented.

Assembly:

• Gone ’til Monday.

Senate: 

• Gone ’til Monday.

Gov. Brown:

• No public events scheduled.

Tips: matt@calwatchdog.com

Follow us: @calwatchdog @mflemingterp

New followers: @BiblicaIIsrael @keithlowell

The two leaders of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus demanded in April Hernández, a West Covina Democrat, step down from his committee assignments (including the Labor and Employment Committee chairmanship) and take a leave of absence from the legislature while under a temporary restraining order from his wife. 

Last week, calls against Hernández intensified following testimony from his wife during divorce proceedings, which detailed eight alleged incidents: One of Hernández choking her with a belt, another of Hernández dropping her to the ground and beating her with a broom and another of Hernández threatening her with a knife after accusing her of having an affair, according to the news reports.

But Asm. Nora Campos, D-San Jose, said the outrage from the women’s caucus has been unevenly applied.

“I want to know why the women’s caucus is so quick to take position on Asm. Hernández, but when it comes to Sen. Jim Beall and the bullying of women in San Jose they’ve been quiet,” Campos said. “I called on the Women’s Caucus leadership to take an equally aggressive position with Sen. Jim Beall.”

A spokesperson for the women’s caucus said the group would not be responding to Campos’ allegations regarding either Beall or the manner with which the group responds “at this time.”

What’s going on?

Campos is termed-out of the Assembly and challenging Beall, a fellow San Jose Democrat, in the Senate. She previously alleged that Beall “bullied” both her and the woman vying to replace her, and alleged Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León did as well.

De León was accused of trying to discourage Campos from challenging Beall and for sending another senator to do the same. The alleged other senator allegedly said he or she was “concerned” for Campos’ safety, according to The San Jose Mercury News. 

A de León spokesman called the allegations “irrational” and “outrageous,” according to The Mercury News. 

As for the allegations against Beall, it’s complicated.

What (allegedly) happened with Beall?

In April, Campos’ husband, Neil Struthers, was kicked in the genitals by entourage members of union leader Enrique Arguello, a Beall ally, at a union fundraiser. Arguello claimed Struthers called him a gay slur, threatened him physically and made racist remarks, all of which Struthers denied.

Campos told The Mercury News that this related to Beall because of his political connection to Arguello, adding that Beall had endorsed Arguello for a position on a Democratic central committee. Campos also alleged that following the fight, two union members came by her house to “intimidate” her.

More allegations?

The Mercury News also reported that Darcie Green, the Democrat running to replace Campos in the Assembly, is alleging Beall used his influence with Kaiser Permanente officials to get Green forced an unpaid leave of absence from her job.

Beall endorsed Green’s opponent.

Back to Hernández

The original statement by the two leaders of the women’s caucus about Hernández was conspicuously from them and not from the caucus as a whole. CalWatchdog followed up with Campos to see if she had a position on Hernández and asked her to clarify her response, as it seemed she was putting political intimidation on the same level as domestic violence.

“The Women’s Caucus position is clear and I stand behind (sic),” Campos said. “I demand consistency from caucus leadership and expect that they give the same type of response to Senator Beall. If they do not, it is clear to me they are simply playing politics.”

History

It’s not the first time Hernández — who is challenging Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Norwalk, for her seat in Congress — has been accused of wrongdoing. In 2012, an ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic violence, although charges were never filed due to insufficient evidence. 

That same year, Hernández was arrested for drunk driving in a state vehicle, but was acquitted by a jury on one charge, while the jury was hung on another. 

In 2015, allegations of political money laundering against Hernández were dropped by the Fair Political Practices Commission after two key witnesses were unable to testify — one had serious medical issues while the other had passed away. 

The state posted its best numbers in December, with statewide water conservation increasing 22 percent, according to the State Water Resources Control Board. By comparison, state water officials said conservation by roughly 400 water agencies was up only 10 percent in November.

The good water conservation numbers were largely due to an early December downpour, which brought an average of 2.5 inches of rain to the parched landscape. In the first three weeks of December, Sacramento enjoyed 13 rainy days, according to News 10.

“This was a wet December in most of the state, and people got the message not to water on top of the rain – that is good news,” State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus said in a press release. “Our challenge will be to keep outdoor irrigation to a minimum as we move into the warmer spring months.”

Gov. Jerry Brown: No drought sound-byte

At a Friday press conference, Gov. Jerry Brown declined to back mandatory water restriction and urged Californians to continue voluntary efforts to conserve water.

“Even though it’s starting to rain, unfortunately, there’s not a sound-byte or a glib sentence that can put all this together,” Brown told reporters. “California is facing a very severe drought.”

Last summer, the state began tracking water savings by large retail suppliers. Since then, California has conserved more than 134 billion gallons of water compared with the previous year. Water officials say that is enough to supply 1.8 million California residents with water for a full year.

The good news from December, however, was matched by equally disappointing news in January, when California experienced one of the driest months on record. The state remains on track for a fourth consecutive dry year.

In February, the pendulum appears to be swinging back to more rain. This past weekend, the “Pineapple Express” drenched the Pacific Northwest. Reported NBC News, the storm drenched “Northern and Central California with up to 3 inches of rain through Monday morning, and accompanying winds could produce small tornadoes in the region.”

According to the National Weather Service, the atmospheric river of rain called the “Pineapple Express” occurs “from a ribbon of moist air moving across the Pacific Ocean.”

ACWA analyzing water use data

The state’s fluctuating rainfall is creating work for the Association of California Water Agencies, a coalition of 430 public agencies responsible for 90 percent of the water delivered to cities, farms and businesses in California. The association is working with state water officials to review the state’s water data and emergency drought regulations, which are scheduled to expire in April. Officials will meet next month to consider extending those regulations.

“We were pleased about December, but obviously, January was pretty worrisome,” Dave Bolland, a special projects manager with the Association of California Water Agencies, told the San Jose Mercury News. “It’s obvious at this point that the drought emergency is still with us.”

In December, the Central Coast reported the greatest water conservation in the state, decreasing its water use by 29 percent compared to the previous year. According to the newly released data, the San Francisco Bay Area’s water use decreased by 21.6 percent in December, while Sacramento’s water use declined by 21.4 percent.

“CA is doing its part to #SaveOurWater, but the drought is far from over,” Brown tweeted this week. “Careful stewardship & conservation must be our way of life.”

Congressional delegation more active on water policy

California’s ongoing drought has encouraged the state’s congressional delegation to take a more active role in crafting water policy. This week, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives hosted a joint hearing on how state and local governments would cope with a proposal to amend the federal Clean Water Act.

“We must do all we can to protect these water resources, because this is all we have,” Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-El Monte, said in a statement about the proposed regulatory changes. “When the water dries up, our way of life and our local economies will dry up with it.”

More action from the federal government is unlikely to be welcomed by farmers in the Central Valley, who routinely point to state and federal regulations for making the state’s water problems worse.

“The most severe restrictions are often triggered when water is abundant,” lamented the Families Protecting the Valley, a coalition of farmers, agriculture providers and community leaders in the San Joaquin Valley. “When storms came through in mid-December, water agencies worked closely with fish and wildlife agencies to comply with endangered species regulations while trying to capture some water for people, businesses and farms. Despite these efforts, we still lost nearly 200,000 acre-feet of water.”