Ethics Commission adopts stipulation in David Wasserman case after staff finds disclosure violations

The San Francisco Ethics Commission voted unanimously to adopt a stipulated decision in an enforcement matter involving David Wasserman, a member of the rent board, after staff said a review of his Form 700 filings identified multiple disclosure errors.

Staff told commissioners that investigators reviewed four years of Wasserman’s Form 700 filings and identified 28 violations that were consolidated into a single count alleging he “failed to report the names of certain sources of income $10,000 or more,” and that Mr. Wasserman “acknowledged his mistake and took full responsibility for the violations and also amended his Form 700s,” the commission’s presenter said.

Commissioners praised staff for bringing the matter. One commissioner said, “I think this is a great enforcement action, so I want to thank you and the staff for their work,” and asked for clarity on the nature of the undisclosed income. Staff confirmed the sources derived from rental properties and tenants rather than securities.

A commissioner asked about precedent for the penalty amount; staff said the recommended per‑violation penalty mirrors amounts the commission has ratified in prior cases and reflects the consolidated count in the stipulation. After brief discussion a commissioner moved to adopt the stipulation, the motion was seconded and the clerk called the roll. Chair Finlive, Vice Chair Flores Fang, Commissioner Salahi and Commissioner Francois all voted “aye.” The motion passed unanimously.

The commission’s formal action adopts the proposed stipulation, decision and order and records the respondent’s amended filings. The commission did not further modify the penalty at the meeting.