FPPC Enforcement Decisions: April 16, 2015

For More Information Contact

Jay Wierenga, (916) 322-7761

.pdf version of news release

The following are enforcement decisions approved by the Fair Political Practices Commission at its regular monthly meeting held on Thursday, April 16, 2015. Decisions are listed by category and include a brief summary of each case and the total amount of any administrative fine or fines in each case.

Additional information on each of the enforcement cases below can be found in the April 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 by the commission and by 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.

Campaign Reporting

Salud O. Carbajal, Salud Carbajal for Supervisor 2012, and David Peri, Treasurer - This matter arose out of an audit performed by the Political Reform Audit Program of the Franchise Tax Board. Salud O. Carbajal, and his candidate controlled committee, Salud Carbajal for Supervisor 2012 ("Committee"), failed to file three late contribution reports. In addition, Carbajal, the Committee, and its treasurer, David Peri, accepted a contribution in the form of a cashier's check in the amount of $15,000 not drawn on the account of the donor. $7,500 fine.

San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee and Xavier Martinez - This matter arose from an audit performed by the Political Reform Audit Program of the Franchise Tax Board. In 2012, the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee and its former treasurer, Xavier Martinez, failed to file pre-election campaign statements for the reporting periods of January 1 through March 17 and March 18 through May 19 by the due dates of March 22 and May 24, respectively. $2,500 fine.

Steven A. Pappas, Steve Pappas for 3rd District Supervisor 2012, and Trent J. Benedetti -  This matter arose out of an audit performed by the Political Reform Audit Program of the Franchise Tax Board. Steve Pappas, his candidate-controlled committee, Steve Pappas for 3rd District Supervisor 2012, and its treasurer, Trent J. Benedetti, failed to maintain detailed accounts, records, bills, and receipts that were necessary to prepare campaign statements for the reporting periods January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012, in violation of Government Code Section 84104 (1 count). $1,500 fine.

Preserve Liberty and Mark Matta, Treasurer - This matter arose out of an audit performed by the Political Reform Audit Program of the Franchise Tax Board. Committee to Defeat Prop 23, Sponsored by Environment California and Bernadette Del Chiaro as treasurer failed to report receipt of a contribution in the amount of $100,000 from the Sierra Club California No on Prop 23 Committee on a pre-election campaign statement that was filed for the reporting period ending October 16, 2010. $200 fine.

Major Donor Reporting

Sean Fieler - failed to timely file one Major Donor Committee Campaign Statement (Form 461) for the period January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, due on January 31, 2014. $2,400 fine.