Bernson Pays $1,500 Ethics Panel Fine

Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson has ended a two-year battle with the city’s Ethics Commission by paying a $1,500 fine levied against him for spending funds from his officeholder account to buy Hollywood Bowl tickets.

City ethics officials confirmed Friday that Bernson paid the fine about two weeks ago instead of appealing the fine to a Superior Court judge, as was his option.

Bernson declined comment but in the past has expressed frustration over the case, saying he believes the Ethics Commission has unfairly targeted him.

By paying the fine, Bernson puts an end to the first case of its kind brought against an elected official since the Ethics Commission was created in 1990.

The commission charged that Bernson violated ethics laws by spending $1,140 in officeholder account funds to buy season tickets to the Hollywood Bowl. The account is funded by lobbyists and supporters and can only be used on expenses related to serving and communicating with constituents.

Bernson argued he often brings constituents to Hollywood Bowl concerts to discuss city business while listening to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

He also described the ticket purchases as a contribution to a civic organization--the philharmonic--which is permitted by ethics laws.

But the Ethics Commission ruled Bernson could not claim the tickets as a donation unless he deducted the actual cost of the entertainment benefit he received, which he did not.

The fine was ordered after the commission held an unprecedented administrative hearing in March that proceeded much like a criminal trial, with witnesses, evidence and lawyers for both sides. The commission members served as the judges.

Laurie Tabachnik, director of enforcement and legal affairs for the Ethics Commission and the prosecutor in the administrative hearing, said she was relieved the case was finally over.

“We are pleased that he paid the fine,” she said.