Villaraigosa’s acceptance of tickets raises political issues
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has argued for weeks that his acceptance of free tickets to concerts, awards shows and athletic events is not subject to state gift disclosure law because his attendance is part of his official duties.
Yet beyond the thorny legal issues, Villaraigosa faces a political question: Can he drive a hard bargain with entities that do millions of dollars in business with the city if they are also giving him access to pricey entertainment?
Villaraigosa has been spotted in a box behind home plate singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” with Frank McCourt, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, at one of 15 games he says he attended free of charge since 2005. Yet he and his appointees are also charged with addressing issues involving the stadium and the McCourt-owned Los Angeles Marathon.
Anschutz Entertainment Group confirmed recently that it welcomed the mayor into its own luxury suites at Staples Center and Nokia Theatre — two venues that it owns — during an unknown number of games and concerts. Villaraigosa supported AEG in a recent dustup over billboards and backed its 2005 request for at least $246 million in tax breaks for a hotel at L.A. Live.
