BOARD OF ETHICS
PRE-CONFERENCE
STATEMENT OF FINDINGS AND DECISION
Pre-Conference Date: November 2, 2023
Complainant: Ben Clymer, Jr.
Public Official: Clarissa Cervantes (Councilmember)
Filed Date: October 10, 2023
Alleged Violation Dates: July 1, 2023, and September 22, 2023 Alleged Violations
of Prohibited Conduct: Riverside Municipal Code Sections 2.78.060(F) Violation of Government Code §87100 et seq., prohibited; and 2.78.060 (M) Violations of federal, state, or local law prohibited.
Board of Ethics Members
Present: Chair Newman, Vice Chair Vega and Members DeMont, DeHerrera, Foley, Foreman, and Dr. Benson Parties Present: Clarissa Cervantes (Councilmember)
Parties Absent: Ben Clymer, Jr.
Findings and Decision
Following review of the Code of Ethics and Conduct complaint by Ben Clymer, Jr. against Councilmember Cervantes, it was moved by Chair Newman and seconded by Vice Chair Vega to defer action on the alleged violation of Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) Section 2.78.060 (F) Violation of Government Code §87100 et seq., prohibited pending the completion of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) action. The motion carried with Chair Newman, Vice Chair Vega, Members DeHerrera, DeMont, Foley, Foreman, Hill-Skinner, and Dr. Benson voting aye, and Member Garcia absent.
The pre-conference proceeded and following further discussion, it was moved by Member Foley and seconded by Member Foreman to determine that the evidence provided by the complainant failed to show it is more likely than not that there may be a potential violation of the Riverside Municipal Code Section 2.78.060 (M) Violations of federal, state or local law prohibited. The motion carried with Chair Newman, Vice Chair Vega, Members DeHerrera, Foley, Foreman, Hill-Skinner, and Dr. Benson voting aye, and Members DeMont and Garcia absent.
Attest:
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk
Dated this 21st day of November, 2023.