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.
She is thrilled. Check this out.
#1- These pics are from 2016. A good 2 years ago.
#2- If she, the Woman in the pic, did not feel at ease in that situation: We would have heard about a LAWSUIT- 2 years ago. The CA lottery would have settled & we would have heard about it. Just as the press went after Judge Roy Moore, this would have been on the evening news. What we have here, are consenting adults. End of story!
Most women do not file lawsuits for sexual harassment or complain for fear of ruining their careers and retaliation. That is the world of today and yesterday. Just the facts. Those of you with daughters, wives, sisters, mothers and friends, know the facts.
From the OP
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.
Doesn't look like the people in the photo are displaying any low morale.
It does not matter if it is a lottery sponsored even or not they represent the Lottery. I wouldnt imagine that is the appearance or impression the lottery would like. Yea, the woman is thrilled, why is that? $$$$
How many people can you count that are snapping photos of the private act in a public place?
Our tax dollars at work.
Hope I dont offend but who cares. Im a man and I do the same stuff. I want to hear about sweet lottery prizes and good stories about winners I dont care about Mke having his head on Sally's boobs. Not one bit
When I was in the Navy do you think I was standing guard launching torpedoes all day and protecting people . No I had downtime where I could spend however I wanted. I could go to bars, drink, do things with my smaller head...ok I'm ranting sorry.
Exactly!
These so called people who are whistleblower sure know how to take pics:
Backs of people’s head, hair hanging down over the women’s face, head concealed under a shirt. Plus Morale is low? Are you kidding me? It seems to me that if you “ want to have a great time” head over to the piano bar. That’s where it’s at. Wanna let your hair out, dance on table, show a thigh- piano bar. I think these and others are tired of hearing Lopez drone on about how much the lottery made, so the great escape is the Piano Bar. *** The CA lottery takes ZERO tax money from it’s citizens.
Did you notice that this woman having a “ good time” has what appears to be a ring on her right hand. Let’s for argument sake say she is “ married”- should her husband see these pics, and it heads for divorce, l hope she goes after these whistleblowers for “ ruining her marriage”, despite what you or l may say. This is a Private function, if these WB didn’t want to be there, they should have left early & relieved themselves of what they thought was mental trauma.
It’s no wonder that out here in CA, you cannot call a hotel or Motel & ask if so & so in booked into the property. A deranged husband called a hotel years ago, found out his wife was cheating on him & killed them lovers. Her family sued the hotel for breach of privacy.. there there.
And the husband who sued for breach of privacy lost. I believe these individuals in this news article were also on business travel. When you are on business travel, public or private employer, you are considered on duty 24/7 in terms of conduct.
California needs a Republican Governor now. Please vote in November.
Another GSA Hot Tub story. Contrary to popular belief here, your actions do matter.
I also agree with Music, CA has been run by liberal democrats for far too long and has been run into the toilet.
I may have to reconsider my future home in Malibu or Laguna Beach should I win the mm or pb jackpot. Lol
I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California then moving north to Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. So I am very well aware of the liberal mindset although it wasnt quite as nuts as it is now. Never got any farther to the San Francisco north lunatic liberals, no thanks.
The one thing I can say good about CA that still exists is the weather, however, it seems to be in a constant state of fire.
Malibu is full of movie industry eletists.
Good luck on PB! Malibu needs someone with common sense !
Hey all today I feeling lucky cash 3 hits: 999, 333, 512
Really Music? I rarely dabble in politics, however l recall the last Republican Gov * Arnold, leaving the State of CA with a $27 billion deficit. It took, yes Jerry Brown to clean up that mess & despite what one may say about him, he will leave office with a $6 billion surplus. Frankly, l don't care who runs for office- just don't screw things up & us in the process.
On a side note, l wonder why my posts go through surgery from time to time? I know l can be forceful at times with bringing my point across.. but, geez.
On another side note, it is good to see that when l post stuff here, some of you will go hunting for verification. That's great. Music did the search for that lottery winner who cut ties with her co workers, and you- dug deep to prove that l was truthful about the killings. I may be a jerk from time to time- but l am no liar. That is far more important to me, than being liked.
Yes this post will be removed and I may get booted but do you have a broken arm from patting yourself on the back? I will agree on one point, you are a jerk. Liar? I wont call you a liar but full of oneself, an astounding yes.
He called Coin Toss a stupid F and wants to express surprise over his posts going through "surgery."
l never said l was perfect, does that count? Yes, l do pat myself on the back from time to time, for stopping and helping those who run out of gas on the freeway. I don't promote my political affiliation. I don't disparage people who live in San Francisco,because they liberal as you just did. Are you a jerk? I will let you decide that.
Coin Toss is smart enough to know that l did not insult him. He was not the one who brought up the " our tax dollars at work" statement.l simply piggybacked that comment onto the rest of the post, and it got deleted.l seriously doubt CT reported me on it, but it is what it is. Have l ever told you that you hilarious?
Wonder what the rest of the pictures look like? I'd acquit in I were a juror since I can't tell who's under that dress.
Lotteries are WAY TOO EASY to win in that state.
How about giving them their own “special” lottery? A 9 + 1 game that has regular balls numbered from 1 to 999,999 and a mega ball numbered 1 to 99,999.
Let’s see them win something like that every drawing lol
.
Lejardin,
I tell you now, should the unthinkable happen, and I win the PB tonight, my next move is to Malibu, Californy.
I vow that I will not be, or at least try not to turn into a "lunatic liberal".
Since Malibu is what I've long perceived to be the ideal place to live, I'll seek out the least expensive house to to buy there, in Malibu.
I sure hope it happens soon, before the whole state goes up in smoke.
But, as I've promised before, some of that prize will be for donation to St. Jude's and Shriner's hospitals, for children.
Again, that is if I win the whole ball of wax. Even if I have to split the prize with 2 or 3 winning tickets.
I would otherwise dole it out like a fool to friends, relatives and such, but I've experienced so much dislike and unfairness against me by them (yes, by my "friends" AND relatives), that I often feel like "why don't they like me?". I'm not being selfish or 'acting out' on paranoia. This is really, truly what is happening. And this has gone on for decades. So, I choose instead to give to the care of the grossly disadvantaged children. Also, some of it would go to the Galen conjoined twins, and others in their situation.
Yet, I keep in mind what The Bible says.
The Bible Says to the effect of: "don't go blaring your horns when you make a donation."
So, I apologize if I am doing just that.
OK, Good luck with tonight's PB, everyone!
Mr. Groppo
On my phone, I could not tell that woman was straddling a man sitting in a chair. It wasn't until later that I could see the photo on my computer that I could make out all the details. Before that, I thought it was just a well endowed three breasted woman, perhaps trying out for the sequel to Total Recall.
This is because the California Lottery has never sold a losing ticket, not once, ever.
Groppo:
I dont know your particular situation but I will say you are not alone. Imagine being a kid in school today with all the bullying? Not all but a lot of people are just horribly rude and smug. In California you are what you drive and wear, it is so superficial.
Malibu is great little enclave along Pacific Coast Highway and the grocery store is there in Trancas. The big money is north along PCH where Streisand and others live. Their entrance is off the top of the road with gates and you drive down to the home. You cant see anything lol. The homes are up on the bluff with areage, not direct oceanfront like the ones in town. In town, there literally is no parking on the street, cars park parallel with the street. Some places do have garages but they are very small, if you have a visitor, well good luck lol. But, the positive is you can walk right out your door and be on the sand and water. That is my little experience with Malibu. Things havent really changed there in all these years because there is only so much land and property! The bad? The prices will shock you lo.
I totally agree, whatever you do or give, do it anonymously. No one needs to know.
The numbers have been drawn, Good Luck Groppo.
@jj,
if the Cal. lottery has never sold a losing ticket where do all the profits come from?
///////////////////////////
I'm not too sure about the Malibu fantasies. You really want to be the noveau riche otherwise known as "Oh the schmuck that won the lottery...they won't be here long."
I lived in Monterey for almost two years, the best 'summers' of all the places I've ever lived ( 3 countries and 8 states). Bordering Monterey is a town called Pacific Grove, that's the kind of place you want to look for.
I lived iin an apartment and the landlord / owner was a guy in his mid 20s. This was in the late 1970s, he owned rental properties in Monterey and Carmel, i.e. he had bucks. One day he saw water under my car and told me I had a leak. I told him I had run the air conditioner and that was just condensation. Here he was with multiple rental properties in prime locations and said he had never owned a car with air conditioning.
Every summer not in Monterey I've kicked myself for leaving but at that time jobs were scarce.
l never heard of this complaint out here in CA until l read it on LP. I seriously doubt it will move the needle either.Who in their right mind has a massive party, and invites whistle-blowers when the company has lost money?* Exactly!
l am no lawyer, but what exactly is the Attorney Gen going to do? Prosecute these adults for having what they see is a " good time?" Whose heads are going to roll, and what for? How do you go about corralling adults? Were signs posted at the Piano Bar stating:
*Under no circumstances will any patron put their heads up fellow guests shirts.
*No straddling of any kind will be allowed on the property. Do some of the other pictures, show lottery employees deliberately falling into the pool or aquarium - fully clothed, hey* Bruce Wayne did it.
*This Brouhaha over adults overindulgence is nothing short of nonsense.
"Geez they're in a bar, not a lottery sponsored event."
We have a winner. If they were at an official lottery event this would be an issue, but unless you're stupid it should be pretty easy to figure that it's very unlikely that they are. I'm sure this is mostly just known by geniuses that have done months of research, but lottery employees don't work 24/7. Unless it turns out that drinking at a bar is part of their job or that both people in the photo are lottery employees then they're just going about their private lives while not working.
"what exactly is the Attorney Gen going to do?"
A pretend investigation to make the blue-nosed whiners think their complaints have been taken seriously? These are public employees and they're employees who live and work in CA and are protected by CA law. Many states, including CA, have laws that prohibit job-related actions against employees based on lawful conduct they engage in while not on the job.
Yea, Malibu is moving down my list. I was choosing based on the beaches but have no interest in celebs. Laguna beach would be a better fit for me. Far more to do there. Lots of artists. I could ride that trolley all over and avoid driving most of the time. I will add Pacific Grove to my Redfin list.
The coastal community did it again:
NY: Powerball winner
FL: Powerball with Powerplay $2 million
GA: Powerball no Powerplay $1 million
I know that area fairly well. From Monterey to San Simeon, it is all beautiful. Big Sur has lots of mountaintop bluff properties and Highway 1 on the water side. Not many you can get to the water but the views are perfect. PCH/Highway 1 is one of the most beautiful drives in CA. Bixby Bridge, some little businesses along the way but not commercialized.
Totally agree Monterey et al is perfect weather. So Cal can get pretty hot at times but it sure beats where I live. I too kick myself for moving away but you are right, jobs in certain areas were not plentiful. Now they commute to work I dont think would be too bad you dont have ice and snow to contend with lol.
Anything south of Calabassas is too congested with people, traffic and smog, no thanks. That is why my family kept moving north.
So PB was just won, there go my plans and dreams for awhile but congrats to the winner.
Excellent point Bleudog101, I agree.
l have been saying it for years-" It's the water! " The close promixity to the ocean, but will anyone believe me, no! Pull out a map of the continental US & see if you do not agree. Let the head nodding begin.
Sooo I went down through the winners list on the PB site for the last 50 months starting in June 2014....no doubt about it,states that have ocean borders are the majority of winners. In fact, there have only been 11 non ocean bordering states that have won in that time frame.....
CA - 5 wins & FL - 4 wins
** tied for 2nd place and being a NON-COASTAL state...... Tennessee - 4 wins <---- Getcha summa THAT !!
What about this?
Indiana still has the lead and Pennsylvania is the only one in the top 6 that borders the ocean.
Indiana
Wins: 39
Year started: 1992
Missouri"
Wins: 31
Year started: 1992
Minnesota"
Wins: 22
Year started: 1992
Kentucky"
Wins: 18
Year started: 1992
Pennsylvania"
Wins: 17
Year started: 2002
Wisconsin"
Wins: 16
Year started: 1992
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/states-most-powerball-winners-194511389.html
Here's Mega Millions. 3 border the ocean, 2 do not....unless you're inclusing the Great Lakes but doesn't sound like it
True Coin Toss, but the majority of those States had the lottery long before CA joined the fray.MM & PB arrived here in the 2000's.We started late, but made up ground since.
It should come as no mystery, it has always been about water. It gives life & hope. Check this out.
Genesis 1:2- speaks about Water.
Revelation 22:1- speaks about Water.
We sent the Mars Rover up to the planet to search for......* anyone, anyone?
I may sound crazy & may not be right, but I'm never wrong.
OK I'll give you Ca, NY and FL but what about ME, NH, MA, CT, RI, NJ, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, WA and OR?
Those guys will have to " wait their turn." Many of these States you talking about,will win, but not in our lifetime, but they will.
Are you saying NJ has never won?l find that a little odd.As for Oregon, didn't they just win in 2018?
lejardin,
You know the Monterey area well.
///////////////////////////////////
noise-gate
Of course NJ has won and Oregon too but not as often as NY, CA and FL. A previous post of yours king of sounded like If you live near a salt water beach you will win. That makes me wonder if Greenland has a lottery!
If that's the case Hawaii should be full of winners. I'm talking about native Hawaiians, not people who moved there after winning some where else.
Hawaii doesn't have a lottery.
CT, only because I was born and raised in CA and it is such a huge state with so much to see. From San Diego to Corning lol (altho I only drove through Corning) headed north. There are many areas of the state I havent seen.
You should have said Puerto Rico instead G. Oh, l forgot, they have won too!
Exactly. The whole state is being pot blocked from even getting a lottery. Because with them being surrounded by water, if they had it, no one else would win. It is rigged, there's your proof.
Hawaii doesn't have any kind of legalized gambling because of some very large, heavily tattooed bouncer looking types with Japanese backgrounds.
You could say they are potblockers from the Dick Butkus school of blocking.
California needs a Republican Governor now. Please vote in November.
music*
This is pathetic. Do not vote republican.
Republicans do not care about anyone but themselves.
Just look at the government.
The allow a "president" to commit treason on a daily basis yet they should have impeached him long ago.
The impeached a president becasue he lied about an affair. They also tried to impeach obama because he wore a tan suit.
So vote Democrat or third party but do not vote republican.
I also agree with Music, CA has been run by liberal democrats for far too long and has been run into the toilet.
lejardin
This is pathetic. Do not vote republican.
Republicans do not care about anyone but themselves.
Just look at the government.
The allow a "president" to commit treason on a daily basis yet they should have impeached him long ago.
The impeached a president becasue he lied about an affair. They also tried to impeach obama because he wore a tan suit.
So vote Democrat or third party but do not vote republican.
Excuse me? I stand by my words. We have a President that is doing exactly what he was voted in for i.e. cleaning up the cesspool of DC.
I wish Obama had been impeached for wearing a tan suit, we would not have had to endure years of his destroying the U.S. which also includes HIS giving away $150 BILLION in CASH in the middle of the night on a pallet in addition to his disastrous Iran deal. That $150 billion dollars could have been used right here in America.
So YES, VOTE REPUBLICAN.
Amen.
Isn't it just because people have settled more in Ocean facing states(Population wise) that just ended selling more tickets?
And as a result of these more people tend to win.
If that were true thamiz- how is it that Puerto Rico has more than one jackpot winner. Their population is a little more than people working the flea markets in Nigeria.
I understand. Still that could be due to number of visitors( > 3 million). Visitors buying tickets along with native population might also show difference. Lot of factors to consider.
Yes, you're right by all the above, as a State Worker myself we are held to a higher standard, on and off duty, which can be a reason to be fired. Sexual harassment alone would come to mind, and yes she is a subordinate.