(VIDEO) Local Leaders Call for Assemblyman to Resign

After allegations of domestic violence surfaced against State Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, a candidate for the 48th Assembly district, which includes Glendora, Baldwin Park Councilwoman Marlen Garcia has called for his immediate resignation.

On Wednesday, Garcia and a group of women gathered in front of the legislator's office to protest the recent allegations of physical abuse perpetrated against a woman in a West Covina restaurant.

"It is an embarrassment to our district and to my community in Baldwin Park,"  "We are here to let you know we have zero tolerance... We demand your immediate resignation," she added during a press conference.

Several Baldwin Park officials, including fellow council members, criticized Garcia for requesting Hernandez' resignation, calling her actions baseless and unfair.

On Sunday night, West Covina Police served Hernandez (D-West Covina) with a restraining order requested by a woman who claimed she had been involved in a fight with him earlier that day.

According to a report by CBS, the woman alleges another incident that happened in July where Hernandez caused her injuries after hitting her with a belt and slamming her against the wall. 

West Covina police Chief  Frank Wills said Tuesday to the L.A Times that he turned over the investigation of Hernandez to the L.A. Sheriff Department "to avoid any appearance of bias."

The allegations of domestic violence are the latest in a recent series of controversial events involving Hernandez. In March he was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, but was subsequently acquitted.

In addition to several inquiries made when he was District Attorney, he has been the subject of two lawsuits for harassment as a councilman in West Covina.

The office of State Assemblyman Roger Hernandez responded to Councilwoman Marlen Garcia with a written:

"“I am saddened to learn and hear that Baldwin Park Councilmember Marlen Garcia has rushed to judgment even before I have been given the opportunity for Due Process as my Constitutional Rights afford me to do so."

Hernandez later in a statement accused his opponent's campaign manager of orchestrating the press conference to damage him ahead of election day on Tuesday.  He is running for re-election against Joe Gardner, a West Covina resident, in the redrawn 48th District.

The need for the Gardner camp to stoop to this level by deceiving voters only makes me question what other tricks or cheats they will use just days before the general election.  I am appalled and saddened with the other candidate’s campaign and for Ms. Garcia to mention my personal dating life not only reflects poorly on her, but proves a personal attack.