Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-14), whose district includes Hayward, has resigned from Congress in the wake of allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staff member and engaged in other misconduct with other women. After the initial allegations were published by the San Francisco Chronicle on April 10th, CNN also reported that three more women had come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.

By Sunday April 12th, Swalwell had suspended his bid for Governor, and on Monday April 13th he resigned from Congress.

Multiple Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct

The anonymous victim told the San Francisco Chronicle that, after she was hired in 2019 at age 21, Swalwell--among other things--tried to kiss her in her car, asked her to perform oral sex, and had intercourse with her while she was so intoxicated she couldn't remember what happened afterwards. She also alleged that in 2024, while no longer working for him, they met for drinks and he allegedly forced himself on her.

Swalwell's attorney, when confronted with the allegations, sent a cease-and-desist letter, and Swalwell himself has consistently denied the allegations.

Shortly after the Chronicle story was published, CNN reported that three other women came forward with sexual misconduct allegations. One connected with Swalwell online and ended up extremely drunk in his hotel room after a night out with him, alleging that he kissed her and touched her leg without consent. Another received unsolicited nude messages from Swalwell.

CNN reported a pattern of conduct.

The women described a similar pattern of events: Swalwell, who is married and has three children, showed close interest in their lives when they were in their twenties and finding their footing professionally, making them feel special and even starstruck. Then, they said, he would send them increasingly sexual messages. Many said they reciprocated and engaged with him in part because of his position of power. In some cases, those inappropriate exchanges escalated to alleged unwanted physical touch or sexual assault, often tied to episodes of heavy drinking.

Swalwell and his attorney have insisted that the allegations are false and ordered them to retract their statements, warning of potential legal action if they continue.

A Political Collapse

Within hours of the allegations becoming public, members of the Democratic party and endorsers of his gubernatorial campaign called for him to step down and/or withdrew their endorsements. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi called for him to drop out of the race and high-ranking democrats like Adam Schiff withdrew their endorsements. Powerful unions that had chosen to back Swalwell like California Teacher's Association and SEIU quickly pulled their endorsements and closed Independent Expenditure committees.

Locally, the backlash has been just as swift. Mayor Mark Salinas withdrew his endorsement and Supervisor Elisa Marquez--who received substantial funding from Swalwell during her bid for County Democratic Central Committee--posted a video supporting the victims. HUSD Trustee Austin Bruckner-Carrillo also spoke in support of the victims and called for accountability and investigation. Chabot-Las Positas Community College Trustee Harris Mojadedi resigned as Swalwell's alternate on the DCC and called for him to resign from Congress.

Some commentators attribute the quick backlash to Swalwell's lack of deep relationships in the region.

Criminal investigations are currently being considered both in Alameda County and Manhattan, and House Democratic leaders have called for an investigation into Swalwell's conduct. However, once Swalwell officially leaves office, the House will no longer have jurisdiction to investigate.

What Happens Next

With Swalwell's resignation CA-14 will be unrepresented in the House, though that may not change much practically speaking. Swalwell's name will remain on the June Primary ballot, but the race for Governor has become more uncertain. It will be up to voters to decide who should fill the multiple voids left by Eric Swalwell's downfall.

Storybook Impresses With Atmosphere And Menu

Written by Philip McDonald

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I decided to visit the new restaurant, Storybook, on B Street, in downtown Hayward. It is located in the former Spitzer Music Building. Later the building became a country music dance place and—more recently—a pizza place. 

When you enter the first impression is that of a modernly furnished cafeteria. There is a long bar along the western side of the building where you can order their cleverly named and expertly concocted cocktails. However the bar is immediately overshadowed by the expansive dining room which consists of a large room with tables, and a few booths on the eastern wall. Between the main room, and the front of the building, is a couch area with European style windows that open onto B Street. 

The back wall is the kitchen which is visible through a large window. Against the back—behind the window—is a huge stone pizza oven, and I enjoyed watching them throw the pizza dough. If you walk along the bar, past the restrooms, you will find a large room with a video arcade, and walking through that you get to the back patio with booths for dining and drinks. 

The service was good and they have a full bar. I started with a cocktail, as did Janet, and then I had the burrata salad with anchovies. This was very good. I just discovered burrata and I love it. If you’re not familiar, burrata is a creamy soft cheese that comes in a ball like real mozzarella, but when I say creamy I mean creamy. When you cut into it it is almost liquid. Burrata isn’t usually salted so the anchovies added that dimension. Janet shared my salad.

Then I had the duck tagliatelle and Janet had the chicken breast over faro. The tagliatelle was made in house and was very good. Janet makes her own pasta and it is fatter than store bought, these were like hers. As for the faro, I’d never had it before, never even heard of it, but it’s on my radar now. It’s a Mediterranean grain related to wheat, but larger and has a hominy feel and taste to it. I liked it. We finished by splitting a Meyer lemon tart. 

We went back the other evening and sat in the open window area, near the couches. There is one drawback, but it is not unique to them, and that is that every restaurant nowadays is noisy. At Storybook the back patio has music piped in, as does the main room, and we’d hoped that our front area would be quiet, but then there is street noise including a guy on a motorcycle going the wrong way up the sidewalk. What can you do?

The second night we went with our friend Lenore. Lenore had the pork chop, Janet and I both had the Turkish Lamb which was delicious and spicy. It comes with fingerling potatoes and grilled—till crispy—broccolini. Lenore’s pork rib was, reportedly, very good but both of the meals were, in my opinion, overcooked. Lamb should be pink, not brown, inside. They also have 5 personal pizzas varying from Margherita ($23), to Funghi ($27).

It’s great to have a new place in town, and within walking distance for me. A local restaurateur warned me, ‘never judge a restaurant before it has been open for a year’. But I will anyway. My judgement is that the atmosphere is nice. It’s clean, and as a friend would say, “perfectly functional”; there is some nice art on the wall and the food and service were excellent.

This is a fresh food place, 100% farm to table. They are open Wednesday through Sunday. I’m looking forward to a return visit.

Philip McDonald is a local food writer who frequently posts to Facebook about his forays into the Hayward food scene.