California Ethics Panel Targets ‘Ride-Alongs’ With Public officials

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California’s political watchdog panel voted Thursday to change state rules in an attempt to limit the practice of so-called “ride-alongs” in which people who are not registered lobbyists tag along to meetings with public officials.
But some say the move will do little to curb the ongoing problem of unreported lobbying.
People who are paid more than $2,000 a month to directly communicate with public officials about legislation are required to regi