(a) Liability for violations. In the case of any violation of this chapter by a committee, the treasurer and any principal officers or, in the case of a controlled committee, the candidate may be liable for violations as provided herein. If two (2) or more persons are liable for any violation, they shall be jointly and severally liable.
(b) Misdemeanor violations and fines. Any person or candidate for elective office who knowingly or willfully violates any provision of Sections 1-13.03(a) through (g), inclusive, Sections 1-13.04(b) through (d), inclusive, Section 1-13.05, or Section 1-13.06 is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine not exceeding One Thousand and no/100ths ($1,000.00) Dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Allegations that such violations have occurred shall be referred directly to the Ventura County District Attorney for investigation and prosecution.
(c) Civil injunctive relief and civil penalties.
(1) Any person residing in the City may sue in Ventura County Superior Court to enjoin violations of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions of this chapter. Any person who is found by a court of competent jurisdiction in such an action to have intentionally or negligently violated any provision of this chapter may be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three (3) times the amount in controversy. In determining the amount of a civil penalty, if any, the court shall take into consideration the seriousness of the violation and the degree of culpability of the defendant. The prevailing party in any such action shall be entitled to seek and be awarded its attorneys fees and court costs. Any action for civil injunctive relief and/or civil penalty must be filed within one year of the date of the alleged violation.
(2) Complaints for violations of this chapter and the Political Reform Act may also be referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission for investigation and enforcement.
(§ 3, Ord. 1592-NS, eff. December 21, 2013)