Ethics panel says no to gifts

Prompted by the scores of free tickets Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa received to high-profile events, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission adopted a ban Tuesday on accepting or soliciting gifts from sources that do business with the city. Daily News.

In a series of votes, the commission decided that elected officials should be able to perform ceremonial functions at events hosted by sources that do business with the city but would have to leave once they complete their official duties. They could remain at the event if they pay for their ticket.

The commission also agreed to require officials to publicly disclose details about the event and the source of the ticket and to maintain the records for four years.