Santa Ana Councilmember Jessie Lopez is being investigated by the California Fair Political Practices Commission for an allegedly accepting a gift (or gifts) in excess of what is allowed by law.
Lopez, a left-winger who is supported by the Democratic Socialists of America, is locked in an expensive Assembly race with fellow Santa Ana councilmember David Penaloza.
What stands out is that the complaint was filed by an FPPC staffer – not a member of the public or outside organization. It looks like the FPPC reviewed Lopez’s Form 700s – where gifts are supposed to be disclosed – and found a violation.
On her Form 700 covering the 2024 calendar year, Lopez reported receiving $1,580 worth of free tickets from the Orange County Soccer Club.
Under state law, Lopez can accept a maximum of $630 per source per calendar year – putting Lopez $950 over the limit in this instance. Lopez had been on the city council for four nearly years at this point.
Lopez would have to pay that back out of her personal funds.
That could be problematic.
It is unclear what Lopez does for employment. She has been filing Form 700 financial disclosures since 2020, and since then has reported a total of between $2,000 and $4,000 in income:
- $1,000-$2,000 as a part-time district representative for OC Supervisor Vince Sarmiento in 2024 and 2025.
- $500-$1,000 as a contractor to the United Way of Orange County in 2021.
- $500-$1,000 as a “promodora” for Latino Health Access in 2020.
She is also paid $12,000 a year as a city council member.
Form 700 filers are not required to disclose government income, yet Lopez did disclose her income as a public employee.
Leaving the valid question of how Councilmember will pay back the $950 in illegal gifts she received?
