California Strategies LLC, Jason Kinney, Rusty Areias, and Winston Hickox

Lobbying Firm Registration and Reporting

Fine: $40,500 (California Strategies LLC - $10,500; Jason Kinney - $12,000; Rusty Areias - $6,000; and Winston Hickox - $12,000).

FPPC No. 11/850

Respondent, California Strategies LLC, is a full-service public strategy firm dealing with topics including California’s political, regulatory, legislative, and media environment. Respondents, Jason Kinney, Rusty Areias, and Winston Hickox, are partners and principals of Respondent California Strategies LLC. Respondent California Strategies LLC violated the Political Reform Act by failing to register as alobbying firm, in violation of Government Code Sections 86100, subdivision (b), and 86101 (1 count); failing to file quarterly lobbying firm reports during calendar year 2012, in violation of Government Code Sections 86114 and 86117 (1 count); and failing to maintain records to support the information required to be disclosed on lobbying reports, in violation of Government Code Section 86110 (1 count). Respondent Jason Kinney qualified as a lobbyist but failed to complete and file the Lobbyist Certification Statement, in violation of Government Code Section 86100, subdivision (a) (2 counts); and failed to file quarterly lobbyist reports, in violation of Government Code Section 86113 (2 counts). Respondent Rusty Areias qualified as a lobbyist in 2012 but failed to complete and file the Lobbyist Certification Statement, in violation of Government Code Section 86100, subdivision (a) (1 count); and failed to file quarterly lobbyist reports, in violation of Government Code Section 86113 (1 count). Respondent Winston Hickox qualified as a lobbyist in 2012 but failed to complete and file the Lobbyist Certification Statement, in violation of Government Code Section 86100, subdivision (a) (2 counts); and failed to file quarterly lobbyist reports, in violation of Government Code Section 86113 (2 counts).