A package of bawdy photos allegedly showing senior state Lottery leaders carrying on at a Southern California piano bar, with one image showing an official putting his head up a woman's shirt, was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown's office last week in an appeal from an anonymous employee urging the administration to investigate the department.
Brown's office late Thursday said he is asking the attorney general's office to look into the letter and the attached photos.
"The contents of the letter are troubling," Brown spokeswoman Ali Bay said.
It was the second time that the package and an appeal for an investigation was sent to the administration. The similar anonymous package was sent to the administration a year ago.
Local media received a copy at the time, as well as the latest package.
This time, the employee wrote a letter on Lottery stationery. "These types of unprofessional shenanigans have become a regular practice of this management team when they travel to meetings," the letter reads.
Russ Lopez, a spokesman for the California State Lottery, declined to comment on the letter and photos.
One of the images allegedly shows Lottery Director Hugo Lopez at the bar. Another allegedly shows a senior Lottery employee with his head up a woman's shirt.
The scene allegedly unfolded after a 2016 sales conference. Some Lottery employees visited a dueling piano bar in Claremont, where musicians commonly play up bawdy themes.
The three-page letter includes a number of instances in which the author contends senior Lottery leaders disparaged subordinates and used inappropriate language. The author argues that senior leaders are showing favoritism in their hiring and promotions, too.
The Lottery recently has recorded soaring revenue gains, with total annual sales approaching $7 billion. That's up from $5.5 billion in 2015.
Two longtime Lottery employees said they were familiar with the letter's allegations, although they were not at the piano bar. They said the anonymous complaints reflect low morale in the department.
"I feel that it's sad that our co-workers have to go through such great lengths to bring attention to this cronyism, this hiring," said Paulina Ishaya, a Lottery sales representative and shop steward for Service Employees International Union Local 1000.
"People are afraid to come forward," said Bob Medof, who is also a Lottery sales representative and SEIU shop steward. "It's unfortunate. They're just afraid. People tell me something and they say, 'Don't quote me on that.' "
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As long as the California lottery is showing tremendous profits, there will be no stomach to rock the boat. Expect a few slaps on the wrist.
That could be any guy with his head up the skirt. I say Burden of Proof. Don't think this would hold up in court, now if the person was smart, a video of the whole incident would be much different.
As long as profits remain high, a blind eye might be turned to this. Especially considering this is the second time around with the same photos.
Not condoning this behavior @ all, just saying proof is in the pudding.
That guy has his head up her blouse, not gazing at her undercarriage * as the British like to say.This is definitely not the place for this inappropriate behavior. She is having a " good time"- l seriously doubt this is their first rodeo.
* Looks like the patch at her belly button..oh brother.
Why....why...this just can't be happening in the land of political correctness...Oh what are Californians to do ??
Call Governor Moonbeam, Call Nancy Palsey and that bastion of integrity Diane Feinstein.... This is an absolute abomination and needs at least a state investigation if not a federal investigation !!! Affected employees should contact Gloria Allred for legal representation IMMEDIATELY... Better get NOW involved and have the ACLU on stand-by. I strongly recommend that Dr. Phil be brought in to delve into the heinous actions. My biggest concern lies in wondering if this man in the photo is considering a trans gender operation and was looking in depth at the options because he is confused. Perhaps he is already self identifying as a woman OR possibly has excessive masculine toxicity... This is going to be such a travesty.. <big sigh>....Probably should consider suspending the lottery for a few months to conduct an in-depth root cause analysis, allow any/all employees to seek psychological counseling for PTSD and possible alcohol awareness re-training. Hugo Lopez... that sounds like a Hispanic name...so, you better not hold him/her accountable due to sensitivity concerns created by the white privileged, possibly racist lottery rules..... I truly feel for you Californians and hope this can be quickly resolved so you can get back normalcy.
This is why we pay our political leaders the big bucks. They are in charge now and must show leadership.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, and yes marijuana too. Why do we inflict harm to our bodies, souls, and spirit? Isn't life difficult enough?
Sounds to me like someone is jealous..... with sales booming i doubt much will be done. They are letting off steam....they work hard they play hard. If participants are fine with it....... no problem. Rock on.
Of course it’s jealousy. Whoever this was, that sent those pictures in to Jerry, probably wished that they were on the receiving end of that attention.I mean a human head that close to your beating heart, hands holding the small of your back- talk about a drooling moment. This would be truly serious if these folks were smoking marijuana & watching porn. If asked by Jerry “ What the *H was going on?” Simple answer could have been
“Well Gov, both marijuana & porn are legal, plus you tried pot way back Gov!”
JB: Ok, no more of this behavior, l will get this taken care of, by the way, great job out there folks- keep it up!
I am going to name him Lucky...
Hugo Lopez personifies hypocrisy as it pertains to leadership, decision making and being the good moral employee. His senior management team is ineffective and openly displays favoritism. The personnel and purchasing fiascos need to be looked at as well. Millions of dollars have been spent on useless marketing programs, equipment that is not needed and wrongful dismissals. The CSL cash register is cheating the players and the schools and it is about time the Attorney General’s Office opens its eyes.
This is NOT behavior that is acceptable. Work hard and play hard, give me a break. I am surprised so many think this is fitting and appropriate and give it a pass.
I agree with you lejardin. Sexual harassment is illegal. Sounds like an old boys club that needs to be broken up. Such behavior dehumanizes people. And I think there is little doubt that the photo is accurate as stated. Fortunately people like Todd are publicizing this gross behavior so it goes very mainstream.
And it has nothing to do with a political agenda. And by the way, a lot of women do not view the Pelosi's and Feinsteins as being a fan of women or in our corner. Give me a manager with common sense who would fire this employee in 2 seconds. It is a violation of their workplace policies and personal conduct policies as well.
Geez they're in a bar, not a lottery sponsored event. Plus the woman looks thrilled the guy's under her blouse. If that woman in the bar is an employee of the California lottery or a subordinate then it could be classified as fraternization. Which may be a rule or violate their code of conduct.
Public place. Conduct rules apply. And I think the woman looks a bit shocked. Smiling is not acceptance. It also shows his poor judgement. I feel sorry for the women working for him. It must be a terrible hostile environment. I do not work for public officials but if there were photos of any employee in my office engaging in that conduct, they would be fired. If it was a Sr. Partner, he/she would suddenly take an "early" retirement. That conduct reflects on an employer. It is 1000 times worse with a public official.