Schwarzenegger invites lawmakers to closed-door lunch, as questions are raised about legality

Governor invites lawmakers to closed-door lunch

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has invited California’s lawmakers to lunch after his State of the State address, but his office is refusing to allow reporters to attend.

Legal experts say the meeting constitutes a violation of state law if a quorum of the 120-member Legislature is present and business is discussed.

Schwarzenegger invited all members of the Assembly and Senate to a Wednesday lunch at the private Sutter Club near the state Capitol. An Associated Press reporter who showed up and asked to be admitted was turned away by a California Highway Patrol detail that guards the governor.

The officers said the affair was private.

The governor’s spokesman, Aaron McLear, says the gathering is a social function and not subject to California’s open meetings laws.

Associated Press Writer Judy Lin contributed to this report.