FPPC Enforcement Decisions, April 20, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2023
For More Information Contact:
Jay Wierenga (916) 322-7761
Additional information on each of the enforcement cases listed below can be found in the March agenda on the FPPC website at www.fppc.ca.gov. FPPC agendas are distributed and posted on the agency website at least 10 days prior to each monthly meeting.
The web version of the agenda includes links to the stipulations agreed to between the FPPC Enforcement Division and the individuals and organizations subject to the fines, or the default decisions proposed to the Commission. Exhibits in support of the stipulations and proposed default decisions are also available on the website. If you or need further assistance, please contact the FPPC communications office at (916) 322-7761 or press@fppc.ca.gov.
I. The following are enforcement decisions approved by the Fair Political Practices Commission at its regular monthly meeting held on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Decisions are listed by category and include a brief summary of each case and the total amount of any administrative fine in each case.
Campaign Late Reporter
In the Matter of Dave Jones for Attorney General 2018, Dave Jones, and James Santos; FPPC No. 21/641. Staff: Alex Rose, Commission Counsel. This matter arose from an audit performed by the Franchise Tax Board’s Political Reform Audit Program. Dave Jones was an unsuccessful candidate for Attorney General in the June 5, 2018 Primary Election. Dave Jones for Attorney General 2018 was Jones’ candidate-controlled committee. James Santos served as the Committee’s treasurer. The Committee, Jones, and Santos failed to timely report subvendor information for expenditures totaling $958,652 on pre-election campaign statements for the reporting periods of January 1, 2018 to April 21, 2018 and April 22, 2018 to May 19, 2018, in violation of Government Code Sections 84211, subdivision (k), and 84303 (1 count). Fine: $4,000.
II. The following are enforcement decisions approved through the streamline penalty process and were executed by the Chief of Enforcement per Regulation 18360.2 following the April 20, 2023 meeting. Decisions are listed by category and include a brief summary of each case and the total amount of any administrative fine in each case.
Advertisements
In the Matter of Santa Monicans for Change, to Support Negrete and Melkonians for City Council 2022, and Dominic Gomez; FPPC No. 23/058. Staff: Christopher Burton, Acting Chief of Enforcement and Tara Stock, Intake Manager. Santa Monicans for Change, to Support Negrete and Melkonians for City Council 2022 is a local primarily formed committee to support local candidates. Dominic Gomez is the Committee’s principal officer. The Committee and Gomez failed to include the proper disclaimers in the correct format on yard signs to support Negrete and Melkonians distributed prior to the November 8, 2022 General Election, in violation of Government Code Sections 84502, 84504.2, and 84506.5 (1 count). Fine: $429 (Tier Two).
In the Matter of Citizens for a Stronger Chaffey College, Yes on P, and Kim Erickson; FPPC No. 19/314. Staff: Alex Rose, Commission Counsel. Citizens for a Stronger Chaffey College, Yes on P is a local primarily formed committee. Kim Erickson served as the Committee’s treasurer. The Committee and Erickson failed to include the proper advertising disclosures on two websites prior to the November 6, 2018 General Election, in violation of Government Code Sections 84502 and 84503 (2 counts). Fine: $200 (Tier One).
Campaign Late Filer
In the Matter of William Resnick; FPPC No. 22/334. Staff: Christopher Burton, Acting Chief of Enforcement and Amber Rodriguez, Political Reform Consultant. The respondent was represented by Sarah Lang of Bell, McAndrews & Hiltachk, LLP. William Resnick, a major donor committee for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 calendar years, failed to timely file seven 24-hour contribution reports, in violation of Government Code Section 84203 (7 counts). Fine: $5,988 (Tier One).
In the Matter of Michael Stubbs; FPPC No. 22/333. Staff: Christopher Burton, Acting Chief of Enforcement and Amber Rodriguez, Political Reform Consultant. The respondent was represented by Sarah Lang of Bell, McAndrews & Hiltachk, LLP. Michael Stubbs, a major donor committee for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 calendar years, failed to timely file five 24-hour contribution reports, in violation of Government Code Section 84203 (5 counts). Fine: $4,436 (Tier One).
In the Matter of Hardy Brown for San Bernardino County Board of Education Area D 2018 and Hardy Brown; FPPC No. 20/357. Staff: Alex Rose, Commission Counsel and Lance Hachigian, Special Investigator. Hardy Brown was a successful candidate for San Bernardino County Board of Education Area D in the November 6, 2018 General Election. Hardy Brown for San Bernardino County Board of Education Area D 2018 was Brown’s candidate-controlled committee. Brown served as the Committee’s treasurer. The Committee and Brown failed to timely file four semi-annual campaign statements, in violation of Government Code Section 84200 (4 counts). Fine: $816 (Tier One).
In the Matter of Sonia Alvarado and Alvarado 4 School Board 2022; FPPC No. 23/007. Staff: Christopher Burton, Acting Chief of Enforcement and Vanessa Greer, Staff Services Analyst. Sonia Alvarado was a successful candidate for Ontario-Montclair School District Member, Governing Board Area 5 in the November 8, 2022 General Election. Alvarado 4 School Board 2022 was Alvarado’s candidate-controlled committee and Alvarado served as the Committee’s treasurer. The Committee and Alvarado failed to timely file three 24-hour contribution reports, in violation of Government Code Section 84203 (3 counts). Fine: $630 (Tier One).
Statement of Economic Interests Late Filer
In the Matter of Mark Hohne; FPPC No. 19/1629. Staff: Marissa Nash, Commission Counsel. Mark Hohne, former Committee Member for the Veterinary Medical Board, failed to timely file the 2018 Annual Statement of Economic Interests, in violation of Government Code Section 87300 (1 count). Fine: $200 (Tier One).