Ethics Commission approves $20,000 stipulated decision in Barbara Mumbi case

At its May 13 meeting the San Francisco Ethics Commission approved a stipulated decision and order in the matter of Barbara Mumbi (SFDC case 1920-051), imposing the penalty staff recommended.

Commissioner Finliff praised staff for preparing the stipulated facts and recommended maximum penalties based on the number of charges. During discussion commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about how the case reached the Commission; enforcement director Pat Ford said the matter came to the Commission via a complaint. Commissioners debated the calculation method discussed in the report (tripling ill-gotten gains versus per-charge penalties); staff explained the tripling provision applies only to certain gift cases and that the respondent benefited only in part from a larger grant, producing a lower figure under that method.

After taking public comment (no callers addressed the item), the Commission moved and approved the stipulation by roll call. The clerk recorded five "aye" votes and zero opposed; the motion carried unanimously.

The Commission did not discuss additional enforcement action at the meeting; staff indicated the case resolution and monetary penalty were set in the stipulated decision and order filed with the Commission.