Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Calif. Supreme Court to Hear Case Against Six Former Pension Boardmembers

The California Supreme Court has decided to hear a case brought against six former San Diego City pension board members who are accused of conflict of interest. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Calif. Supreme Court to Hear Case Against Six Former Pension Boardmembers

The California Supreme Court has decided to hear a case brought against six former San Diego City pension board members who are accused of conflict of interest. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The state Supreme Court's decision means more scrutiny of a tricky legal issue that has dogged the city of San Diego pension system since 2002. That's when the pension board voted for pension increases that, combined with underfunding, resulted in a billion dollar deficit.

Advertisement

Professor Bob Fellmeth of USD's Center for Public Interest Law says it will be helpful for the state's highest court to draw clear lines for when a public official can and cannot vote on something that benefits them personally.

Fellmeth: There are not a lot of cases interpreting government code 1090, what is a conflict of interest , it's a very important issue and it occurs all the time, that's an area where we need some line drawing.

The State Supreme court will consider whether the felony conflict of interest charges, brought by San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis in 2005, can go to trial.

Alison St John, KPBS News.