49ers lobbyist fined $133,500 for donation violations

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Sacramento -- The state's political ethics watchdog on Monday announced a $133,500 fine against a prominent Capitol lobbyist following an investigation that ensnared some of California's most powerful politicians, including Gov. Jerry Brown and his former Republican adversary Meg Whitman.

The Fair Political Practices Commission said Kevin Sloat and his firm, Sloat Higgins Jensen and Associates, whose clients include the San Francisco 49ers and Pacific Gas and Electric Co., agreed to the fine as part of a settlement over 30 counts of violating the Political Reform Act by giving gifts to dozens of elected officials. The commission is scheduled to approve the settlement on Feb. 20.

Most of the violations stemmed from lavish fundraisers Sloat threw for politicians and candidates at his upscale Sacramento home. State law prohibits lobbyists from making or arranging gifts to elected officials and candidates worth more than $10 a month.

Stevan Allen, spokesman for the Sloat firm, said Monday that the matter is being taken seriously and that efforts have been taken to prevent future violations.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/49ers-lobbyist-fined-133-500-for-donation-5221597.php