6
Susana Barrios
From:Ryberg, Erinn <Erinn.Ryberg@asm.ca.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, February 13, 2024 5:55 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Letter to the City of Anaheim
Attachments:AV Ltr to Anaheim Council RE Audit Report 2.13.24.pdf
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Hello,
Please see the attached letter from Assemblymember Valencia. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Erinn Ryberg
Chief of Staff
Office of Assemblymember Avelino Valencia
th
68 California Assembly District
Capitol Office: 916-319-2068
1021 ‘O’ Street, Suite 4120
Sacramento, CA 95814
Erinn.Ryberg@asm.ca.gov
68th Assembly District Website
1
February 13, 2024
Anaheim City Council
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
RE: Release of Audit Report 2023-133 – City of Anaheim
Dear Anaheim City Council Members:
The audit I requested of the City of Anaheim (City) unveiled a prolonged lack of oversight
and accountability of assessment funds. I am deeply troubled by these findings as this
neglect has allowed contractual agreements to be exploited by bad actors, taking advantage
of our City’s hard-earned tax dollars.
The unallowable use of tourism district assessment funds by Visit Anaheim and the
Anaheim Chamber of Commerce undermines the trust that the residents of Anaheim have
placed in the City to monitor tourism contracts. Furthermore, the Chamber’s misuse of
public dollars to engage in lobbying and to support candidates through a Political Action
Committee is a direct threat to the very fabric of our democracy.
Proactive steps by the City to invoke new ethics reforms show our residents a commitment
to change. Furthermore, I support the City’s action plan to implement all of the
recommendations made by the State Auditor which will ensure better contract management
and oversight practices, and will prevent the abuse of taxpayer dollars in the future. In
addition, future contracts between the City and outside entities should contain nepotism
clauses requiring at least a disclosure when a family member of a sitting member of the
council stands to financially benefit from a contract. This change will enable the Council to
make informed decisions and ensure the disbursement of public dollars is merit-based.
Finally, I encourage a reform of the assessment fund distributions. The amount of unspent
assessment funds has continuously increased since its inception. Excess funds could be used
to bolster city services, expand our green space, and finance housing projects. Our residents
deserve transparency, accountability, and the commitment to reinvestment in our
communities.
In Service,
AVELINO VALENCIA
Assemblymember, 68th District