Ventura Municipal Code Art. 2 Definitions – Interpretations

For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth as follows unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the content. Definitions are set forth in the California Political Reform Act, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto shall govern the interpretation of this chapter as to those terms defined in this section.

“Candidate” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82007 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82013 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Contribution” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82015 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Controlled committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82016 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Election cycle” means that period commencing with January 1st of an even number year and ending on April 15th of the following year. However, in the event of a special election called for the purpose of filling a vacancy in the city council, “election cycle” means the period commencing with the date the city council adopts a resolution calling the special election, and a date 180 days following the date of the special election.

“Expenditure” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82025 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Independent expenditure” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82031 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Late contributions” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82036 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Person” means an individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, business trust, company, corporation, limited liability company, association, committee, and any other organization or group of persons acting in concert. Two or more entities shall be deemed one person when any of the following circumstances apply:

1. The entities share the majority of members of their boards of directors; or

2. The entities share two or more officers; or

3. The entities are owned or controlled by the same majority shareholder or shareholders; or

4. The entities are in a parent-subsidiary relationship.

5. An individual and any general partnership in which the individual is a general partner, or an individual and any corporation in which the individual owns a controlling interest, shall be deemed one person.

“Political action committee” means any individual other than a candidate for office, and any organization or other combination of individuals or persons, who receives a contribution during an election cycle of $25.00 or more, and who either (1) makes a contribution to a candidate for office during an election cycle that totals $25.00 or more, or (2) makes independent expenditures in support of or in opposition to a candidate during an election cycle that total $25.00 or more.

“Primarily formed committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 82047.5 as the same exists at the time of enactment of this chapter or as the same is hereinafter amended by the state of California.

“Qualified campaign expenditure” means any of the following:

1. Any expenditure made by a candidate for city council, by a committee controlled by such a candidate, or by a committee that supports or opposes a candidate for city office, for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence the actions of the voters for or against the election of any city council candidate.

2. A nonmonetary contribution provided at the request of or with the approval of the candidate, officeholder, committee controlled by the candidate or officeholder, or a committee that supports or opposes a candidate for a city office.

3. That portion of the total cost of a slate mailing or mailing of other campaign literature produced or authorized by more than one candidate which is the greater of the cost actually paid or incurred by the committee or controlled committee of the candidate or the proportionate share of the total cost attributable to each such candidate. The number of candidates sharing costs and the emphasis on, or space devoted to each such candidate shall be considered in determining the cost attributable to each such candidate.

4. “Qualified campaign expenditure” does not include any payment if it is clear from the surrounding circumstances that it was not made in any part for political purposes. (Code 1971, § 9.105.010; Ord. No. 2004-023, § 1, 12-13-04; Ord. No. 2015-013, § 1, 9-28-15; Ord. No. 2021-015, § 1, 12-13-21)

Unless a term is specifically defined in this act or the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the definitions set forth in California Government Code, Section 82000 et seq., shall govern the interpretation of this act. (Code 1971, § 9.105.020)