Robert Rivas aide files lawsuit alleging corruption and harassment
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert.
On Thursday, Sept. 4, the Sierra Northern Railway is unveiling the first-ever hydrogen-powered freight locomotive in West Sacramento. The project would eliminate 50,000 gallons of diesel annually.
With that, let’s dive into today’s stories.
THE TALE OF TWO BROTHERS Via Lia Russell….
Sacramento woke up to the news Wednesday that a recently fired communications aide for Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas is suing him and his brother, American Beverage Association executive Rick Rivas, alleging the two illegally intermingled campaign and state resources and fired her as retaliation after she reported being sexually harassed by another Rivas aide.
The Assembly terminated Cynthia Moreno last month after Legislature investigators said she had made sexually charged remarks to colleagues. Moreno denied it and said the investigation was meant to discredit her for reporting the Rivas brothers for corruption, citing violations of a federal racketeering law that prosecutors use to pursue charges against organized crime.
In turn, Rivas’ campaign denied the allegations, calling them false and defamatory, and saying they will fight Moreno in court. The first hearing is set for Oct. 30, 2026 in Sacramento Superior Court.
At the center of Moreno’s complaint, which KCRA first reported, is that Rick Rivas has used his position as his brother’s closest political advisor to funnel money from groups he has advised to his own consultancy and to sway the speaker on certain causes. That includes a recently passed legislative deal that will allow independent contractor Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize, which was previously barred under labor law.
Questions about Rick Rivas’ influence and proximity to his brother’s office have dogged the two Hollister natives since Robert Rivas was elected speaker in July 2023. Rick, who did not respond to requests for comment, is the younger by a year.
Rick Rivas is not a registered lobbyist. Robert Rivas’ campaign said the Fair Political Practices Commission has found no issues with the brothers’ relationship, citing other siblings who work together in the Capitol.
ON GAVIN NEWSOM’S DESK Via Kate Wolffe...
California lawmakers are moving forward on their response to the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
The Legislature sent a package of four bills Tuesday to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk that would add protections to places like schools and healthcare facilities.
“I think these are really strong steps, individually and as a package, to protect immigrant families in California and make sure that people can go about their daily lives,” said Shiu-Ming Cheer, deputy director of immigrant and racial justice with the California Immigrant Policy Center. The center co-sponsored one of the bills — Senate Bill 81 — which would add barriers to ICE access to healthcare facilities.
Since January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested over 100,000 immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, including thousands in California. The administration has a stated goal of arresting and deporting one million immigrants annually, and removed Biden-era limitations around “sensitive” areas, like hospitals, schools, and places of worship. The ramp-up has led to increased absenteeism in some California schools and reports of people being arrested in healthcare facilities.
Many of the bills were introduced at the start of the legislative session and have marched steadily through the legislative process despite a surge of pressure from the Latino and AAPI caucuses in late June to fast-track the bills. In addition to SB 81, introduced by Sen. Jesse Arreguín, D-Berkeley, the package includes:
- Assembly Bill 49, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, D-Rolling Hills Estates, would require immigration officers to present, among other things, approval from the school district’s superintendent to be there.
- Senate Bill 98, authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Alhambra, would require school campuses, including public K-12, community colleges, UC and CSU campuses to notify the school community when ICE is present on school sites.
- Senate Joint Resolution 9 is a symbolic resolution denouncing the targeting of immigrant workers and families in the region as well as “the engagement of the military in immigration enforcement operations and in response to community protests,” and affirming support for the community.
There was no organized opposition filed for any of the bills. The fate of some similarly intentioned bills is still undecided, including two that would prohibit law enforcement agents at all levels from wearing masks when they carry out their operations. Newsom must sign or veto all bills by October 12.
NEWSOM UNFAVORABLE Via David Lightman…
Gov. Gavin Newsom is viewed more unfavorably than favorably, a new national poll said Wednesday.
The California governor has been in the national news lately thanks to his effort to get the state to redraw congressional districts so that Democrats could gain more seats, countering a similar move by Republicans in Texas. While he has not said he wants to run for president in 2028, he’s taking the sorts of steps that potential aspirants take, such as setting up fundraising committees and staying in the national spotlight.
The Economist/YouGov poll taken August 29 to September 2 found 33% viewed Newsom favorably, 43% unfavorably, and 24% didn’t know him.
Newsom’s chief political nemesis, President Donald Trump, was seen favorably by 41% — but unfavorably by 56%.
Newsom’s support came largely from Democrats, as 63% saw him favorably. About one-third of independents felt that way, but only 7% of Republicans. Forty-two percent of independents gave Newsom unfavorable marks.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Biotechnology offers tremendous opportunities to strengthen America’s food security and spur innovation in agriculture, both of which are critical to our national security.”
— U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, on supporting biotechnology research in agriculture
Best of The Bee:
- Is light rail coming to Elk Grove? Take a look at the city’s plans, via Ariane Lange
- CA Assembly aide claims firing was retaliation for reporting bribery, harassment, via Lia Russell
- CA teams up with Oregon, Washington to offer COVID vaccine recommendations, via Lia Russell