San Jose’s city manager sent a memo to the mayor and other leaders Thursday regarding planned changes to the city’s Gift Ordinance in the wake of scrutiny of the city’s relationship with the San Francisco 49ers.
SJPD Chief Larry Esquivel accepted free tickets to a 49ers game on what the city calls “Public Safety Appreciation Day” at Candlestick Park last season, NBC Bay Area first reported Wednesday. City policy limits gifts to a value of under $50, and free tickets to professional sporting events are specifically not allowed.
Esquivel reimbursed the 49ers for the ticket, he told NBC Bay Area through a spokesperson, and acknowledged he made a mistake in violating the city policy.
The assistant chief and a deputy chief also admitted getting free tickets.
Thursday’s memo from city manager Ed Shikada confirms the people involved “erred” in accepting the tickets and that he has talked to them about it. The memo outlines a plan for new employee orientation and other instructional sessions designed to train and remind workers about the policy.
Shikada is still reviewing the policy with the city attorney’s office, he said, and plans changes to the ordinance and related policies to make the policy more “clear,” “unambiguous” and “practical.”
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There was no word Thursday on the Internal Affairs investigation already underway.
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