See Who Gave Money To Councilmembers/Mayor Officeholder Accounts And To Whom The Incumbents Disbursed Sums
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(Feb. 9, 2015) -- LBREPORT.com reports below sums given to and accepted by Long Beach's voting City Councilmembers' and non-voting Mayor for their officeholder accounts and how the incumbents disbursed sums from their accounts.
The sums below cover the period July 1-Dec. 31, 2014. To jump to our listing below, use the following links:
Our text lists sums and disbursements we found noteworthy; to see all sums collected and disbursed, see the City Clerk's website at this link and enter the filer's last name.
During the filing period, Councilmembers could collect up to $10,000 per year and citwide electeds up to $30,000 per year. Shortly after a new Council majority took office (mid-July 2014), the Council's Election Ovesight Committee (Gonzalez, Uranga, Mungo, all members chosen by Mayor Garcia) proposed to increase the sums. On Feb. 3, 2015, the Council voted to triple the amounts to $30,000 per year for Councilmembers, $75,000 for elected officials. The vote was 5-3, with Price, Mungo, Austin dissenting (after supporting doubling the previous amounts.) [Cynics note that despite voting against the tripled amounts, the dissenters can collect them; the tripled sums apply going forward with disclosure reports due at the end of July 2015.]
In Council discussion accompanying an initial Jan. 20 vote to triple the sums, a number of Councilmembers noted that they can use contributions to their officeholder accounts to provide support for neighborhood and community events. [LBREPORT.com and the PressTelegram separately criticized the Council action editorially, calling the accounts "slush funds."]
During Council discussion prior to votes on Jan. 20 and Feb. 3, no Council incumbents cited LB Proposition M, enacted by LB voters in June 1994 to do the following [Text of Prop M Findings and Declarations]
[LB Muni Code section 2.01.120 (E)] Officeholders are responding to high campaign costs by raising large amounts of money in off-election years. This fund-raising distracts them from important public matters, encourages contributions which may have a corrupting influence and gives incumbents an overwhelming and patently unfair fund-raising advantage over potential challengers.
...The integrity of the governmental process, the competitiveness of campaigns and public confidence in local officials are all diminishing.
Officeholder accounts weren't part of voter-approved Prop M and were added (over the objections of a number of Prop M supporters. who called them "slush funds") by the Council in 1995 without a vote of the people. In 2007, the Council raised the officeholder amounts, which the current Council tripled in Feb. 2015. LB elected officials can use their officeholder accounts to collect contributed sums from basically any persons and entities and then disburse sums to neighborhood groups or for community events OR to politically active groups.
The Abbey Co. is landlord for 3205 Lakewood Blvd., facility leased by LBFD.
BNSF Railway
$500 (Dec. 9)
BNSF gave Gonzalez $450 b/w Jan 1 and June 30. BNSF proposes to build "So. Cal Int'l Gateway" railyard bordering WLB, opposed by WLB Ass'n, NRDC and various enviro/health groups; City of LB has joined several petitioners (plaintiffs) in suing City of LA alleging flaws in project's EIR but City of LB hasn't flatly opposed the project; LB Council will decide whether to settle City's action by accepting "mitigation" of impacts.
CA Teamsters
$250 (Dec. 12)
Sergio Carillo
$500 (Nov. 19)
Campaign consultant to now-4th dist. Council candidate Herlinda Chico, gave Gonzalez $100 b/w Jan. 1-June 30.
CCE Consulting Group
$500 (Nov. 19)
Gave Gonzalez $500 b/w Jan. 1-June 30.
Cerrell Consulting Group
$500 (Dec. 23)
Long-time L.A. based gov't affairs/lobbying group
Celine Maria Cordero
$100 (Nov. 19)
VP Englander, Knabe, Allen L.A. based gov't affairs/lobbying group.
Gloria Cordero
$100 (Nov. 19)
Gave Gonzalez $100 b/w Jan 1-June 30, Independent gov't affairs advocate, currently works with Council-chosen developer/operator for new Civic Center; appt'ed by Mayor Garcia to LB Water Comm'n, previously Deputy Director to Mayor Foster and SCE's LB rep under Foster; spouse of Fed'l Maritime Comm'r (former PoLB Comm'nr) Mario Cordero
Englander, Knabe & Allen
$500 (Dec. 30)
L.A. based gov't affairs/lobbying group.
Int'l Brotherhood Electrical Workers
$500 (Dec. 18)
Gave Gonzalez $750 b/w Jan 1-June 30
LB Firefighters Ass'n PAC
$500 (Nov. 19)
Gave Gonzalez $400 b/w Jan 1-June 30
Long Beach Lambda Democratic Fund
$400 (Aug. 1)
Gave Gonzalez $400 b/w Jan 1-June 30
Long Beach Police Officers Ass'n PAC
$500 (Nov. 18)
Gave Gonzalez $800 b/w Jan 1-June 30
Plumbers Local Union 78 PAC Los Angeles
$500 (Dec. 9)
Gave Gonzalez $400 b/w Jan 1-June 30
Waste Management, Houston TX
$400 (Aug 11)
Disbursed to:
Total
LBREPORT.com text
Adam Carillo
$2,330.99 comprised of seven separate disbursements each marked "OFC" ("office expenses")
Adam Carillo is Councilwoman Gonzalez's significant other and father of her child born Feb. 3, 2015.
Cory Allen
$408.90
Indicated for OFC ("office expenses.") Mr. Allen is Vice Chair Region 6 of the LA County Democratic party.
Democratic Voters Choice
$536.60
Indicated for LIT ("campaign literature and mailings")
Democratic Womens Study Club
$100
Indicated for CVC ("civic donation")
Emerge California
$350
Indicated for CVC ("civic donation") [Website text = "Emerge California is the premier training program for Democratic women."]
HOPE
$540
Indicated for CVC ("civic donation") [Website text = "Hope for LA mobilizes people to serve the poor and marginalized through community organizations in Los Angeles"]
Int'l City Theater
$250
Indicated for CVC ("civic donation")
Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club
$1,250
Indicated for CVC ("civic donation")
Long Beach Young Democrats
$100
Indicated for CVC ("civic donation")
One in Long Beach
$250
Indicated for CVC ("civic donation") "In 1997, One in Long Beach became the Gay and Lesbian Center of Greater Long Beach. In 2014 we became The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach." [text source: LGBTQ Center website]
Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation
$1,750
Indicated for CVC
Silissa Uriarte-Smith
$442.06
Indicated for TRC "Lodging -- HOPE Alumni Weekend." Ms. Smith is Councilwoman Gonzalez's Chief of Staff
Silissa Uriarte-Smith
$240.55
Total for three disbursements each marked "OFC" ("office expenses"). Ms. Smith is Councilwoman Gonzalez's Chief of Staff
Exec. Producer/Host Straight Talk, appointed by Mayor Foster to LB Water Comm'n.
So. Cal. Veterinary Medical Ass'n PAC
$250 (Dec. 3)
Laborers Int'l Union of North America, Local 1309 PAC
$500 (Sept. 29)
Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters PAC
$500 (Dec. 30)
TMSI
$500 (Dec. 30)
In Jan. 2004, then-3rd dist. Councilman Gary DeLong identified himself as President/CEO of TMSI in contributing $300 to support then-8th dist. Council candidate Terry Jensen. In August 2006, TMSI gave $1,000 to Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal (elected to Council in June 2006.) TMSI was the initial contributor, and gave $5,000, to an independent committee (about which Mayor Foster said "you don't see my name on it") backing Foster-endorsee Robert Garcia for Mayor.
BNSF gave Mungo $450 b/w Jan 1 and June 30. BNSF seeks to build/operate "So. Cal Int'l Gateway" railyard bordering WLB; Proposed project is opposed by WLB Ass'n, NRDC and various enviro/health groups; City of LB has joined in suing City of LA alleging flaws in project's EIR but City of LB hasn't flatly opposed the project; LB Council will decide whether to settle City's action by accepting "mitigation" of impacts.
Sergio Carillo
$500 (Dec 11)
Campaign consultant to now-4th dist. Council candidate Herlinda Chico
Curt Castagna
$500 (Aug. 15)
President/CEO Aeroplex Aerolease Group
Cerrell Associates
$500 (Dec. 30)
Long-time L.A. based gov't affairs/lobbying group
Englander, Knabe & Allen
$500 (Dec. 30)
L.A. based gov't affairs/lobbying group.
JetBlue Airways Crewmember Good Gov't Fund, Washington DC
$500 (Aug. 15)
LB Firefighters Ass'n PAC
$400 (July 11)
Laborers Int'l Union of North America, Local 1309 PAC
The Abbey Co. is landlord for 3205 Lakewood Blvd., facility leased by LBFD.
Southern CA Edison
$400 (July 17)
.
Taki Sun
$200 (July 17)
Owns Seaport Marina Hotel site (2nd/PCH)
Disbursed to:
Total
LBREPORT.com text
Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club
$200 (Sept. 18)
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
$220 (Sept. 15)
Ishmael Archuletta
$200
Son of Irma Archuletta, appointed to serve remaining term of Roberto Uranga on LBCC Bd of Trustees. Listed as CVC ("civic donation")
Boracho Tacos, Buena Park
$432
Catering service. Listed as OFC ("office expenses")
Centro Shalom
$250
Listed as CVC ("civic donation")
Comprehensive Child Development
$150
Listed as CVC ("civic donation")
Delius Restaurant
$500
Two disbursements ($200 + $300), both listed as OFC ("office expenses")
Los Angeles County Young Democrats
$150
Laurel Awards
Success In Challenges
$100
Listed as CVC ("civic donation")
Emiliano Uranga
$500
Two disbursements ($200 + $300), listed as OFC ("office expenses") Son of Roberto Uranga
Roberto Uranga
$332.27
Listed as OFC ("office expenses")
Roberto Uranga
$568.83
Listed as OFC ("office expenses")
Tonia Uranga
$602.32
Spouse of Roberto Uranga. Listed as OFC ("office expenses")
LBREPORT.com asked Councilman Uranga via email for information regarding some of the items above and he replied via email:
Officeholder accounts are designed to allow Councilmembers to fundraise to cover expenses not covered by City funds. All of my expenditures have been for a community benefit, the planning of events or costs associated with public office.
Given that I do not receive a salary, and do not receive any reimbursement of City funds, my officeholder account covers basic office expenses such as a cell phone, postage, internet and mileage reimbursement.
[Details provided below]
Ishmael Archuletta was paid as part of a local group that works with children in the community and covers the cost of a performance at a health and music fair at Silverado Park. (Other performers not listed above were also paid out of the account.) Not paid from city funds.
Boracho Tacos was paid for catering at the Daisy Lane Christmas Parade day. Not paid from city funds.
Delius restaurant was paid for dinner during holidays/reimbursements to staff. Not paid from city funds.
Emiliano Uranga was paid for work in the office until all staff were hired and on board. He performed office work in the Council office and helped with planning the health and music fair. Not paid from city funds.
Roberto Uranga was paid for items such as phone and postage; he does not receive a car allowance or phone allowance and does not receive a salary as a Councilmember (meaning he pays his own expenses. Not paid from city funds (although taxpayers pay phone, auto and other expenses for other Councimembers.)
Tonia Uranga was paid for items such as phone and postage (above for Councilman Uranga.) Not paid by city funds.
[Website text] "The Mobile Game Lounge is a self powered, 26 foot video game truck with plush leather seating, five 46 inch, Hi-Def, flat panel televisions, limo lighting and a state of the art sound and lighting system. We bring a self powered, customized, climate-controlled mobile video game theater right to your front door ready to take you and your guest on a gaming journey that is perfect for all ages." Listed as OFC ("office expenses")
Why'd You Stop [Me]?
$300
[Website text as of Feb. 7, 2015] "Our Mission Is To Reduce Acts of Violence Between the Police and the Community." Group's founder/exec. dir is Jason Lehman, an LBPD officer. Listed as CVC ("civic donation")
2H President is Sean Hitchcock. In March 2009, Mr. Hitchcock angered wetlands advocates and nearby residents by using bulldozers to clear/strip vegetation from a parcel south of Loynes Dr., west of Studebaker Rd. without obtaining required coastal zone permits (in response to a city staff weed abatement directive sent to the previous landowner, Tom Dean.)
Becky Blair
$500 (Nov. 17)
Commercial realtor
Blair Realty
$500
Kirste-Ripley Public Relations
$250 (Nov. 17)
Commercial realtor
Art Levine
$250 (Nov. 17)
Exec. Producer/Host Straight Talk, appointed by Mayor Foster to LB Water Comm'n.
The Long Beach Project Owner, LLC (Newport Beach 92660)
$500 (Nov. 17)
Frank Suryan
$500 (Nov. 17)
CEO, Lyon Capital Ventures [Lyon Communities owns "pumpkin patch" parcel on PCH south of 2nd St., has joined with Synergy Oil and Gas in proposal to restore Los Cerritos Wetlands north of 2nd St. by removing oil pipes and tanks and move oil drilling to pumpkin patch.
Synergy Oil & Gas
$500 (Nov. 18)
Firm is leading proponent of proposal to restore Los Cerritos Wetlands north of 2nd St. by removing oil pipes and tanks and moving oil drilling operation to pumpkin patch.
Craig Manchester (Newport Beach)
$500 (Nov. 18)
Principal, Integral Partners.
City Light and Power
$250 (Dec. 1)
Cerrell Associates
$500 (Dec. 9)
Long-time L.A. based gov't affairs/lobbying group
Alex Cherin
$350 (Dec. 9)
Attorney; EKA [Senior VP Englander, Knabe, Allen/L.A. based lobbying firm]
Nancy Cherin
$350 (Dec. 9)
Samuel ("Skip") Keesal, Esq.
$500 (Dec. 20)
Long Beach Collective Ass'n
$500 (Dec. 20)
Andy Perez
$500 (Dec. 20)
Gov't Affairs, Union Pacific RR. In Oct. 2014, Mayor Garcia appointed Mr. Perez to LB's Planning Comm'n.
Brian Russell
$500 (Dec. 20)
Comm'l Real Estate, Coldwell Banker Comm'l Blair Westmac
Plumbers Local Union 78 PAC Los Angeles
$500 (Dec. 10)
Oxbow Carbon
$500 (Dec. 10)
In Aug. 2014, Council voted 8-0 to deny appeal by a number of environmental advocates of the LB Harbor Commn's approval of extended contracts -- without conducting updated environmental review -- which will Oxbow contine to export petroleum coke through facilities at the Port of LB.
BNSF Railway
$500 (Dec. 13)
BNSF seeks to build/operate "So. Cal Int'l Gateway" railyard on Port of L.A. property bordering WLB; The proposed railyard is opposed by the WLB Ass'n, NRDC and various enviro/health groups. The City of LB has joined in challenging the project's EIR in court but the City of LB hasn't flatly opposed the project; the LB City Council will decide whether to settle City of LB's challenge by accepting "mitigation" of impacts.
Int'l Brotherhood Electrical Workers
$500 (Dec. 15)
Englander, Knabe & Allen
$500 (Dec. 23)
L.A. based gov't affairs/lobbying group.
Laborers Int'l Union of North America, Local 1309 PAC
$500 (Dec 23)
Doctor Crants, Nashville, TN
$450 (Dec 31)
Co-founded and heads Corrections Corporation of America (private prisons operator.)
Disbursed to:
Total
LBREPORT.com text
Laura Gresham Events & Retreats
$3,750
Listed as FND ("fundraising events"). As previously reported by LBREPORT.com, Ms. Gresham was a member of Garcia's "inaugural committee."
TGIS Catering Services
$1,266
Listed as FND ("fundraising events"). [We presume this item is related to the "inaugural" events]
ETA Advertising
$339.11
Listed as CMP ("campaign paraphrenalia/misc").
Doug Otto
$2,009.08
Listed as OFC ("office expenses"). Mr. Otto was chair of Mayor-elect Garcia's "transition team" and the lead person on Garcia's "inaugural committee."
Sharon Weissman
$2,266.58
Listed as OFC ("office expenses"). Ms. Weissman was Vice Mayor Garcia's Chief of Staff and separately had a paid role [we presume during non-work time] in his Mayoral campaign. After his election she was named Garcia's "Senior Advisor" and then tasked by Garcia to oversee the vacant 4th district Council office until an April special election fills the vacancy.
Democratic Women's Study Club
$100
Listed as CMP ("campaign paraphrenalia/misc.")
Musical Theater West
$500
Listed as CVC ("civic donation")
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates
$10,000
Listed as CNS ("campaign consultants") Conducts polling/public opinion surveys
