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A new storm is brewing at the California Capitol after reports that Terry Schanz, the chief of staff to Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, allegedly interrupted an on‑camera interview with a crude, handwritten sign. KCRA reporter Ashley Zavala has said several formal human‑resources complaints were filed with the Legislature after the stunt — complaints that, if true, deserve a fast and public answer.
What was reported: HR complaints after the Capitol stunt
Video and eyewitness posts show a man identified as Terry Schanz holding a sheet that allegedly read, “Allegedly Nick Shirley Has a Small Penis. Prove Me Wrong,” while independent journalist Nick Shirley conducted interviews about AB 2624. KCRA’s Capitol reporter posted that multiple complaints were filed with the California Legislature’s HR office; the Legislature has not publicly confirmed receipt. Until HR confirms, call it reported — but also call it ugly and unbecoming of anyone on the public payroll.
Taxpayer‑funded staff, taxpayer expectations
Schanz is listed on Assembly payroll records as drawing about $17,319 a month — roughly $207,828 a year — paid by hardworking Californians. Taxpayers should expect professionalism from people in that position, not poster‑board locker‑room humor on the Capitol sidewalk. Whether the sign was a personal stunt or political theater, the person carrying it was still a state employee. That matters.
The AB 2624 backdrop and why this blew up
The confrontation happened while Shirley was asking lawmakers about AB 2624, the bill that extends address‑privacy protections to certain immigrant‑service workers — a measure Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed. Critics have nicknamed the measure the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” saying it could chill investigative reporting. That political heat helps explain why the stunt got eyes — but it doesn’t excuse crude behavior from a senior Assembly aide.
Now is the moment for transparency. The Legislature’s HR office should confirm whether complaints exist, spell out the process, and give taxpayers a timeline for any investigation. Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor should explain whether she condones staffers using taxpayer time or presence to stage personal attacks. If discipline is coming, voters deserve to know what “consequences” look like. Californians pay the bill; they should get accountability, not a cheap distraction.
