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Civics & Democracy

DWP worker told staffer to run personal errands and buy Snoop Dogg tickets, Ethics Commission says

dwp-consultatng-controversy.jpg
The LADWP headquarters in Downtown L.A.
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Omar Omar via Flickr
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Topline:

A longtime employee at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is being accused of misusing her city position by the L.A. City Ethics Commission.

More details: The commission alleges Renette Anderson misused her position for personal benefit. A written determination of probable cause was issued in October.

  • Anderson is accused of asking a subordinate to take care of personal errands on city time, such as booking a flight and physical therapy appointments. 
  • In one instance, Anderson allegedly asked a staffer she supervised to purchase Snoop Dogg & Friends concert tickets at the Hollywood Bowl and then later asked for help seeking a refund when the concert was rescheduled. The ethics commission’s accusation, dated earlier this month, alleges the ticket requests were made on city time using city resources.

What’s next? She faces seven counts against her and potential fines.

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Response from Anderson’s attorney: In a statement to LAist, Anderson’s attorney, John W. Harris, said she “has an unblemished, exemplary record of service at DWP for over 23 years. The finding of probable cause doesn't constitute a finding that the alleged violations occurred.”

Harris added that the “baseless accusations” originated from a “former disgruntled subordinate.”

LAist's Gillian Morán Pérez contributed to this story.

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