State investigation clears coastal commissioner of improperly voting for a Pismo Beach housing project
State investigators on Monday cleared California Coastal Commissioner Erik Howell of allegations that he improperly voted for a housing project in Pismo Beach after receiving a $1,000 campaign donation from someone with an interest in the development.
The Fair Political Practices Commission announced that it found insufficient evidence to conclude that Howell, who is also a Pismo Beach city councilman, violated a state law prohibiting elected officials from receiving political contributions of more than $250 from someone with a financial stake in business that comes before them.
At issue was a $1,000 donation Howell’s City Council campaign received in September 2015 from Antoinette DeVargas, the operations manager for Susan McCabe, a consultant and lobbyist who represents many clients with developments requiring Coastal Commission approval.
Pismo Beach residents complained that Howell changed his position on the 19-home Silver Shoals project two months after he received the donation from DeVargas. At the time McCabe was representing the developer.
Howell had voted no on the project when it came before the City Council but later approved it at the Coastal Commission, where he joined with the majority after the project was modified.
The Fair Political Practices Commission, which enforces the state’s political reform laws, concluded, however, that DeVargas, McCabe’s domestic and business partner, did not represent clients before the commission, made the donation with her own money and was not reimbursed by McCabe or her firm, McCabe & Co.
Howell could not be reached for comment.
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