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Ethics Commission backs new rules to close loopholes for gifts to city departments
Summary
After a weeks‑long review, the Ethics Commission unanimously approved recommendations to tighten the restricted‑source rule for gifts that flow to city departments and to centralize public disclosure of departmental gifts.
The San Francisco Ethics Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 28 to approve staff recommendations aimed at preventing restricted sources from using department gift channels to confer personal benefits on city officials.
Pat Ford, senior policy and legislative affairs counsel, told commissioners the report analyzed how contractors and other restricted sources — most prominently the Recology case tied to the Department of Public Works — funneled money through nonprofits or departmental gift funds to pay for holiday parties, staff appreciation events and tickets that ultimately provided personal benefits. Ford said those practices "undermine the restricted source rule" and create the appearance of pay‑to‑play.
The staff recommendations approved by the commission would: prohibit city officers and employees from acting as intermediaries for restricted‑source gifts when…
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