Sacramento councilwoman’s staffer’s firm nearly received a public grant, violating city code
A business co-owned by a Sacramento councilwoman’s staffer was set to get a city grant to hold a festival — an apparent violation of city code.
The Natomas Oktoberfest event was canceled on Friday, one day after after a reporter from The Sacramento Bee asked a city spokesperson about this relationship.
Misty Alafranji, chief of staff for Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, is co-owner of Rozalski Skoville LLC, which does business as “Beers in Sac,” according to a “statement of economic interest” form she submitted Thursday, about three months late. Alafranji owns 49% of the business, and receives between $10,000 and $100,000 annually, she wrote on the form.
City employees are not eligible for city grants, city spokesman Tim Swanson said.
“No city employee shall contract on his or her own individual behalf as an independent contractor with the city or any city department to provide services or goods,” city code states.
Alafranji, who was hired by the city in December, said she was unaware of the conflict when her business partner applied for the $5,000 grant.
“My business partner applied for a grant, not realizing that my new position as a city employee created a conflict,” Alafranji said in an email Tuesday. “Once made aware of that, my partner withdrew the application. The event was canceled for unrelated reasons. Brewery cancellations, ticket sales and infrastructure issues with some of our vendors were the deciding factors in canceling.”
Kaplan did not immediately return messages seeking comment for this story.
An email sent to ticket holders Friday did not state the reason for the cancellation.
“Unfortunately, with heavy hearts, we have decided to cancel this year’s event scheduled for Sept. 30, 2023 in Westlake Community Park,” the email stated. “After considering several unforeseen factors, we are saddened to have to make this call and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause.”
The LLC submitted an application for a City of Festival grant, Swanson said. City staff and a Visit Sacramento representative ranked the applicants.
“The grants are not awarded by a Councilmember. Councilmembers are notified after awardees are selected,” Swanson said.
It’s possible council members have unofficial influence however.
A sign that was stuck in the ground in Westlake Community Park earlier this month advertising the event stated “City of Festival Awardee Councilmember Lisa Kaplan.”
The city had selected the LLC to receive the grant but had not yet sent the money, Swanson said.
Alafranji is still an employee of the city, Swanson said.
This story was originally published September 29, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
