North OC Times

Anaheim has expanded its ethics training program to include more than 830 city employees, marking a significant step in the city's ongoing governance reforms. Previously, only City Council members and top executives were required to undergo such training. This expansion now encompasses assistant managers, middle managers, supervisors, and others who are form 700 filers—individuals who file annual state-required forms detailing income and economic interests.

The initiative was recommended by Artin Berjikly, Anaheim’s assistant city attorney and ethics officer since August. Berjikly has been instrumental in overseeing the ethics division within the City Attorney's Office and enhancing public calendar reporting by key city officials.

This move is part of broader reforms following challenges faced by Anaheim in 2022 when a mayor resigned amid concerns over undue influence and conflicts of interest. Other reforms include campaign lending limits for City Council candidates, stricter lobbyist regulations, online meeting calendars, extended email retention periods from three months to two years, and mandatory use of city phones for official business.

Anaheim stands out as the first city in Orange County with an appointed ethics officer. The city's efforts aim to establish it as one of the most transparent municipalities in California.

"Ethics training is now expanded to include all who are what are known as form 700 filers," said a statement from the city. "The expanded ethics training goes beyond what’s required by the state of California."

Anaheim continues its commitment to good governance with these comprehensive measures.