Grasha Faces FPPC Fine for Alleged Noncompliance

Water District Director Could Receive Hefty FPPC Fine

SACRAMENTO — Steve Grasha, a former director on the Mission Springs Water District Board, faces an FPPC fine of $40,000 if the California Fair Political Practices Commission finds he violated its rules.

Grasha, who ran successfully for both the Mission Springs Water District in 2018 and the Desert Water Agency in 2022, failed to timely file an amended statement of organization; five 24-Hour Reports; two pre-election campaign statements, and two semi-annual campaign statements, in violation of Government Code, according to the FPPC.

His 2018 Committee also failed to establish a designated campaign bank account and include the proper advertisement disclosure on mass emails, in violation of Government Code.

The FPPC does not comment on specific persons, cases, or situations.

Grasha, as a then-candidate, is also accused of failing to timely disclose reportable income on the Candidate Statement of Economic Interests, in violation of Government Code. The 2022 Committee and Grasha also allegedly failed to timely file an amended statement of organization, four 24-Hour Reports, two pre-election campaign statements and one semi-annual campaign statement, all in violation of Government Code.

The 2022 Committee and Grasha also failed to include the proper advertisement disclosures on social media advertisements and on mass mailings, in violation of Government Code, according to the FPPC.

Total Proposed Penalty: $40,000.

Grasha told Uken Report that he pledges his “full cooperation” in this matter and provided “some context” for the circumstances surrounding the campaign.

“Due to the timing of the 2022 election, which occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many experienced professionals in campaign reporting were not available, as they were declining new clients at the time,” Grasha wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately, this made it impossible for my campaign to retain a qualified individual to fill the critical role of campaign treasurer, despite my best efforts.

“Despite these challenges, I have made every effort to comply with the applicable regulations and fulfill my responsibilities as the elected Director of Division 1,” he wrote. “I remain focused on the essential public interest of providing safe, clean, and affordable drinking water to all residents of Division 1.”

The FPPC meets at 10 a.m. Sept. 19 at 1102 Q Street, Suite 3800 in Sacramento.