First LGBT woman to take top role in California Senate

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- History will be made in Sacramento this week. Toni Atkins will become the first woman and first lesbian to hold the top job in the California state Senate.

RELATED: Southern California assemblywoman accused of sexual harassment in complaint

The San Diego Democrat takes over as Senate president pro tem from Kevin de Leon.

Among the big issues she will face as Senate leader is the ongoing fallout from sexual misconduct in the capitol.

RELATED: The growing list of powerful men accused of sexual misconduct

Atkins says she will go to work on a process to deal with allegations of harassment.

Click here for a look at the latest sexual misconduct allegations.