SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KNX) — An independent investigator has found that San Bernardino Mayor John Valdivia misused staff time and city funds for personal and political purposes, according to The San Bernardino Sun. Valdivia has also been accused of violating state mass-mail laws, and failing to report a $5,000 payment made at his request for a private VIP reception.
Two dozen residents have complained to the San Bernardino City Council about Valdivia’s alleged misuse of public funds to plan the reception, a private event that took place after his annual State of the City address.
The mayor has claimed the event at Hilltop Restaurant — owned by a campaign donor — was “for residents and stakeholders,” to “thank and encourage local residents, community leaders, and businesses for their involvement in helping to build a brighter future for our city,” according to The Sun.
But because the invitations were “non-transferable,” an investigator determined they were not intended for the general public.
The City Council will consider censuring the mayor at a special meeting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1.
An attorney-investigator who compiled a staff report for censure proceedings said that Valdivia broke state law by featuring and referencing himself on a postcard invitation sent for the event. He reportedly spent more than $2,500 of public money on designing and printing the cards, and exceeding mailing-amount limits by at least 41 times.
Valdivia also allegedly failed to report a $5,000 contribution from the INland Empire Health Plan to be paid to the city for the purpose of acquiring tickets to and offsetting the costs of the reception. The failure constituted a violation of California’s Fair Political Practices Commission rules.
The investigator also found that the mayor’s expense receipts indicated frequent trips to Orange County. “The connection to city business for these trips is vague, unexplained, or even overlaps with campaign disclosure forms demonstrating the trips coincided with large campaign contributions,” the staff report stated.
“Valdivia’s reimbursement requests commingled campaign fundraising events with possible city business,” the investigator added.
If censured, Valdivia will not be removed from office. The move is intended to communicate to the public that council members object to alleged conduct on the part of the censured party. Any motion to censure must be supported by a majority vote of the seven-member council.
Related
