The Los Angeles Ethics Commission Tuesday approved a $15,000 fine for a prominent real estate developer, whose wife used to sit on the panel, over allegations that he gave political contributions that exceeded the allowable limit.
According to stipulation agreement unanimously approved by the commission, developer Chris Pak exceeded the allowable amount by donating both personally and by having companies he controlled donate money, although by law donations made by a company that an individual controls is counted toward that individual’s legal limit.
The donations were made between 2014 and 2016 to officeholder accounts of Councilman Gil Cedillo and City Controller Ron Galperin, and to the reelection campaigns of Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilman Bob Blumenfield, according to the stipulation.
The donations were made by both Pak personally and by one of two companies he controls, Datum Development Group or Archeon Group International, LLC. The total in excess donations was $4,000.
Pak signed the stipulation and admitted wrongdoing.
His wife, Erin Pak, served on the Ethics Commission for three years. Her 2012 appointment to the civilian oversight panel — she was nominated by City Council President Herb Wesson — drew some criticism. The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board wrote in 2012 that Pak should not serve on the commission due to her husband’s political and fundraising activities, which had included raising money for former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and for multiple City Council candidates seeking office, as well as representing businesses seeking city approvals.