I would like the following to be post agenda material for item # 6. 22-1133
This has reference to the false propaganda being launched against myself and Councilmember Karen Hardy by a blogger regarding taking illegal gifts and the ongoing FPPC complaint.
We visited the stadium in the authority of being board member on an operational tour of the stadium and not to watch the NFL game.
At this stage FPPC has also informed us the following:
"Please note that although a case has been opened, we have not determined the validity of the allegations made against you or the culpability of anyone identified in the complaint."
Again, as Stadium Authority Board members, we did not go to the stadium to watch the game but we went there on an operational tour. While the game was going on we were with different operational teams like public safety, fire department, traffic management team, temporary holding facility, public safety staging area etc. Post attendance, we also took advice from the city attorney's office full reply is attached.
Some highlights of the City attorney's office as opined:
"I think that the 18942.1(c) exception applies here. I have found two FPPC advice letters that suggest that free admission to an event could qualify as informational material if the purpose of the admission is to assist officials in performance of their official duties.
I think the councilmembers have a strong argument that 18942.1 applies. The tour was primarily designed to convey information because stadium staff and PD provided council members a tour specifically highlighting issues relevant to the governing body for the stadium. The tour was specifically designed for the councilmembers/SA members evidenced by the fact that they accessed areas of the stadium that are not open to the public such as the temporary holding facility. The tour was also intended to convey information about stadium operations and security procedures. Lastly, free admission to the stadium during a game was arguably necessary to accurately assess the operation of the stadium in real time.
The FPPC advice letters make clear that the informational material exception applies to the cost of admission and the value of any information provided. However, meals and beverages received would be considered gifts."
Please note, we did not take any meals during this operational tour except for bottle of water.
Please note all this info was provided to the blogger multiple times and he did not publish it - as he has an agenda and spreads false information.
It is pity that Ms Lee Broughman wants to reprimand us for doing our official duty as stadium board members.
Raj Chahal