In September 2017, plaintiff Adriana Ruelas, the legislative director for Senator Tony Mendoza, was terminated from her position. Ruelas claimed she previously informed her supervisor and Senate officials about a pattern of discrimination, harassment and inappropriate behavior on the part of Mendoza toward a recent college graduate working in his office through a Sacramento State fellowship program. She claimed that she was fired in retaliation for making the complaints and that Mendoza disparaged her in the press. Ruelas sued Mendoza; her employer, the California State Senate; and Senate staff members Daniel Alvarez and Jeannie Oropeza. Ruelas alleged that the defendants’ actions constituted whistleblower retaliation and wrongful termination. Defense counsel contended there was no relation between Ruelas’ reporting the alleged behavior and Ruelas’ termination., Ruelas claimed she suffered a loss of income as a result of her termination. However, she was eventually able to find new employment, and Ruelas now works as a chief of staff to Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland). Ruelas also claimed that she suffered emotional distress as a result of the events. Ruelas sought recovery of lost earnings, and damages for her emotional pain and suffering.