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Santa Clara Councilmember Kevin Park Paid Library Foundation for His Ticket, But Not Full Amount

By Robert Haugh

Santa Clara City Councilmember Kevin Park’s check arrived for the Santa Clara Library Foundation Librarypalooza dinner. It was late and it wasn’t the amount expected.

Last month, Santa Clara News Online inquired about why Park had not paid the Library Foundation for attending their May 11 fundraiser dinner and bringing guests. 

Park did not respond, but he quickly sent an email to a Foundation trustee saying the check was in the mail.

Multiple sources associated with the Library Foundation have confirmed that Park has paid. 

But it’s unclear whether Park paid the full amount owed. Tickets were $100 before April 30. The price rose to $125 after that date.

Park also only apparently paid for one ticket, even though he brought two children.  

It’s unclear whether this is considered a gift according to FPPC guidelines and something that Park will have to report on his annual economic interest statement.

This is not the first time Park has attended charitable events without paying.

Numerous volunteers of local nonprofits have complained to SCNO about Park attending their events, eating the food, and not paying anything.

“We feel lucky that he paid us something even if it wasn’t the full amount because he was afraid of getting personally embarrassed,” said a source associated with Librarypalooza.  

“But other Santa Clara charities get stiffed by Park all the time. Maybe they need to start sending Park’s invoices to City Hall and the media.”

Park did not respond to an email sent to him at City Hall for comment on this story.

7 comments

  4. What Kevin park did in DODGING AND AVOIDING PAYING THE CORRECT TICKET PRICE was that he committed petty theft (484 pc). If he entered the library with the INTENT to not pay what he owes and defraud the Library Foundation Kevin Park committed burglary (459 pc), In addition to petty theft. No, he will never be charged with such by our District Attorney. The intent Kevin Park showed was to enter the library and get something for free he was not legally entitled to – no different than a common shoplifter or looter’s intent when they steal. That he is an elected councilmember makes it that much more egregious, especially one who has a habit of this bad behavior.

    Reply

  6. I have an easy solution….
    How would it be if we the resident pull together some money so we can maybe fix this wrong?
    At the end of the day, there are two obvious issues.
    1. The charities lost out on revenue. Why? Kevin Park showed up expecting a free meal. Not just for himself but everyone in his house minus the cat and dog.
    2. Shows Entitlement, expecting special service / favors.

    We can’t save the World, but maybe a Go Fund me account might help some of these Non Profits from having to absorb these cost.

    You all have my email, if not here it is again.
    Enough interest, I’ll start a Go Fund me to help cover these cost.
    Hmmm… who is up for Reelection?
    Register to vote, get others too as well.
    If we are successful and bid goodbye to even a few of The 49er 5, we can run our City again.
    Better Days are ahead.

    Burt Field
    burt.field@gmail.com

    Reply

  7. Hey Robert,

    Is Kevin Park putting the Library Foundation in any jeopardy here? Is it illegal for them to give an elected official a gift when he votes on the library budget?

    Reply

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