Ethics Commission moves confidential probable‑cause review to closed session amid broad public support for former environment director

The San Francisco Ethics Commission held a public session to explain a confidential probable‑cause review under Article 3, Chapter 2 of the San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code and then moved the matter into closed session after extensive public comment.

Chair Shirley Lee explained that the item before the commission was a request for review of an Executive Director probable‑cause determination. She described the probable‑cause process and the commission’s obligation to keep investigations confidential prior to ratification of probable cause. Chair Lee said the name(s) of any respondent(s) cannot be publicly disclosed before that determination, but that a respondent and counsel may attend and speak during the public portion as they chose.

Deputy City Attorney Bridal Russi told commissioners that the code and regulations do not supply a precise legal definition of "undue influence" for these proceedings; she said a court would likely look to the plain meaning of relevant provisions and that the commission must make a…