LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
"Ticketgate" is once again back. Following a recent L.A. Ethics Commission recommendation to ban politicians from accepting free tickets to events from companies with pending city business, the state's Fair Political Practices Commission ruled Friday that receipt of free tickets to events for official duties must be posted online, according to the LA Times.
Scandal erupted earlier this summer when it was learned that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa had accepted some 80 free tickets to events, ranging from the Oscars to Lakers games to concerts, valued at $100,000. He said he didn't believe he had to disclose under state law because he attended those events as part of his official duty, such as making a speech or giving away a handing out an award.
The ruling will go into effect in 30 or so days with politicians required to list tickets within 30 days of an event. Information listed must include the value of the tickets, who gave them and the purpose of the official's duty.
The FPPC said the new rule would help show what companies may be trying to influence a politician.