Costa Mesa councilwoman cleared of wrongdoing by state agency after complaint about campaign fundraising and charity event

Costa Mesa Councilwoman Katrina Foley was cleared of any wrongdoing by the California Fair Political Practices Commission following a complaint that she solicited campaign donations under the pretext of charitable giving.
In a Friday letter to former Planning Commissioner Colin McCarthy, who filed the complaint against Foley last week, the state agency disclosed its decision to not open an investigation into the matter.
“After review of the complaint and the evidence obtained, we found no evidence of a violation of the (Political Reform) Act by Ms. Foley,” said Galena West, chief of the FPPC’s enforcement division.
Foley maintained the complaint was dirty politics.
“As expected, I was cleared of any campaign law violations,” Foley said Friday. “These political games are wasteful for taxpayers.”
McCarthy could not be reached for comment Friday and Saturday.
His complaint took issue with Foley’s annual Holiday Soiree & Charity Drive, a campaign fundraising event that includes a silent auction that benefits the Costa Mesa Fire Association charitable fund.
McCarthy alleged Foley was being deceptive about the soiree and that guests paying to attend the function may not know the money goes to Foley’s campaign war chest.
Foley said it’s widely known that the soiree, in its ninth year and scheduled for Dec. 14 at the Holiday bar at 719 W. 19 St., is a political fundraiser.
McCarthy also voiced concerns about the use fire stations and Costa Mesa High School as designated drop-off locations for Foley’s toy and coat drive, saying she was using public entities for political fundraising.
“The holidays provide an opportunity to be kinder to others,” Foley said. “I hope we can enjoy the rest of the holiday season without all the political divisiveness.”
Source: Oc Register