Improprieties found in California panel

SACRAMENTO, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- State auditors have uncovered as much as $2 million in questionable spending by the California Avocado Commission, records indicate.

During a three-year period examined by auditors, employees of the commission -- based in Irvine, Calif. -- used official credit cards to pay for more than $1.5 million in home remodeling, sports tickets, health club memberships and delivery of restaurant meals, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday. The commission's 18 employees also ran up charges for $850 hotel rooms at resorts and apparel from high-end retailers including Nordstrom, Talbots and Ann Taylor that was characterized in expense reports as uniforms.

Commission board members, along with family members, guests and employees received "massages, nail service, facials and body treatments" during meetings at luxury resorts, the auditors found.

The auditors concluded there had been "a significant amount of discretionary expenses that appeared questionable at best and even personal at times." The items and services "may be considered gifts of public funds," the auditors' report said.

Commission board Chairman Rick Shade said some of the auditor's criticism was unwarranted.

"I don't feel it was all that lavish," he told the Times, "but I agree that certain areas had problems."

Shade said most perks at the commission have been cut back and officials are seeking reimbursement from employees for some expenditures.

Shade said the state audit resulted from findings reported by the board's own internal audit.