Press Release – July 11, 2012 – Summary of Actions Taken at June 28 and 29, 2012 Meetings

Contact:
John St. Croix
(415) 252-3100

For release: July 11, 2012

SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT JUNE 28 AND 29, 2012 MEETINGS

At its special meetings on June 28 and 29, the San Francisco Ethics Commission continued the evidentiary phase of the hearing on the charges of official misconduct pending against Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi. The Commission took the following interim actions:

With respect to the declarations filed by the Mayor’s and Sheriff’s witnesses, the Commission preliminarily sustained, modified or overruled various objections by the parties (these rulings will be detailed in a subsequent document);
With respect to the video of Eliana Lopez, the Commission preliminarily admitted the video;
Heard testimony from and asked questions of the following live witnesses: Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, Mayor Edwin M. Lee, and the Mayor’s expert witness, San Diego Chief of Police William Lansdowne;
Approved the following schedule:

Due Date	Item
July 2, 2012	Eliana Lopez to resubmit and re-sign her declaration to attest that the declaration is submitted under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California
July 10, 2012	The Mayor to provide objections to the declaration of Eliana Lopez The Mayor to identify rebuttal witnesses, if any The Sheriff to advise whether Former Sheriff Michael Hennessey will appear for live testimony
July 17, 2012	The Sheriff to respond to objections to the declaration of Eliana Lopez The parties, having met and conferred, to provide stipulation regarding the expert declaration of Nancy K.D. Lemon The Sheriff to identify the portions of allegations in the Amended Charges of Official Misconduct, Bill of Particulars, that he disputes
July 18, 2012	Ethics Commission meeting (5 p.m., Room 416 City Hall): Linnette Peralta Haynes is expected to provide live testimony Eliana Lopez is expected to provide live testimony or appear remotely Former Sheriff Michael Hennessey may provide live testimony
July 19, 2012	Ethics Commission meeting (5 p.m., Room 416 City Hall): Former Sheriff Michael Hennessey may provide live testimony The Mayor’s rebuttal witness(es) may provide live testimony
August 10, 2012	The parties to provide findings of fact and briefing on legal issues
August 16, 2012	Ethics Commission meeting (9 a.m., Room 263 City Hall)

By a vote of 5-0 at the end of each day, the Commission approved the above interim decisions made regarding evidence and scheduling. This special meeting will continue on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 416 City Hall.

The Ethics Commission, established in November 1993, serves the public, City employees and officials and candidates for public office through education and enforcement of ethics laws. Its duties include: filing and auditing of campaign finance disclosure statements, lobbyist and campaign consultant registration and regulation, administration of the public financing program, whistleblower program, conflict of interest reporting, investigations and enforcement, education and training, advice giving and statistical reporting.

S:\Commission\Meeting Summaries\2012\6.28 & 29.12.doc