Yes California, #Calexit, and Russian Funding Allegations

COMPLAINT RECEIVED
The Enforcement Division of the Fair Political Practices Commission received the
enclosed complaint, COM-07102018-01235, on 7/10/2018 7:17:00 AM. The information
filed in the complaint is below and any attachments filed will be included.
The Complaint was formally filed against:
Marcus Ruiz Evans

Respondent
Yes California
Respondent
Louis J. Marinelli
Respondent
The Violations alleged are:
Violation of Rules Regarding Contributions

I write to report laundered political contributions and other violations committed by
Marcus Ruiz Evans and Louis Marinelli via their fraudulent nonprofit, Yes California.
Evans and Marinelli created Yes California on the internet in August 2015, allegedly to
advocate for the secession of California from the United States. They hold out Yes
California to the public as a nonprofit political organization.
However, there is no separation between the personal assets of Evans and Marinelli and
Yes California. Evans and Marinelli have failed to report any and all contributions and
expenditures – and have failed even to register either with the Federal Election
Commission or the California Election Commission as a “non-connected” (single issue)
Political Action Committee, and otherwise have failed to register. Furthermore, they
failed to incorporate in California (and / or qualify to transact business as a foreign entity
in California). Also, Yes California does not have its own Federal Tax Identification
Number / California Tax Identification Number). Finally, Yes California exists only on
the internet – its address and telephone number are the same as Marcus Evans’ personal
residence and telephone number.
Evans and Marinelli have therefore used Yes California as a pass-through false entity to
their personal benefit and have accepted “donations” without reporting – much less
paying tax on any income.
Evans and Marinelli accepted laundered foreign contributions. Marinelli has sought exile
in Russia and is currently living in Ykaterinberg, Russia (Siberia - exact address
unknown).
S TA T E O F C AL I FO RNI A
FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION
1102 Q Street • Suite 3000 • Sacramento, CA 95811
July 24, 2018
Marcus Ruiz Evans
Via Email:
Yes California
Louis J. Marinelli
(exact address unknown)
Via Email:
Re: COM-07102018-01235; Letter of Inquiry and Request for Response
Dear Messrs. Evans and Marinelli:
The Enforcement Division of the Fair Political Practices Commission is considering initiating an
investigation concerning alleged violations of the Political Reform Act1 below. As specified
under Regulation 18360 (f), all investigations that do not result from a sworn complaint are
opened on the initiative of the Committee as provided in Government Code Section 83115. Any
pertinent documents received by the Division will be enclosed.
This information was submitted by:

Anonymously
The following individuals are listed as Witnesses:

Clare Hedin
Witness
1
The Political Reform Act is contained in Government Code §§ 81000 through 91014, and all statutory references
are to this code. The regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission are contained in §§18110 through 18997
of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations, and all regulatory references are to this source. Please note that
under the Act, you are required to retain accounts, records, bills, receipts and other original source documentation.
These records should be readily available for any audit or investigation conducted by the Fair Political Practices
Commission. (§§ 84104, 86110 and 90003; Regulations 18401, 18401.1.)
The violations alleged are:
Violation of Rules Regarding Contributions
I write to report laundered political contributions and other violations
committed by Marcus Ruiz Evans and Louis Marinelli via their fraudulent
nonprofit, Yes California. Evans and Marinelli created Yes California on the
internet in August 2015, allegedly to advocate for the secession of California
from the United States. They hold out Yes California to the public as a
nonprofit political organization.
However, there is no separation between the personal assets of Evans and

Marinelli and Yes California. Evans and Marinelli have failed to report any
and all contributions and expenditures – and have failed even to register either
with the Federal Election Commission or the California Election Commission
as a “non-connected” (single issue) Political Action Committee, and otherwise
have failed to register. Furthermore, they failed to incorporate in California
(and / or qualify to transact business as a foreign entity in California). Also,
Yes California does not have its own Federal Tax Identification Number /
California Tax Identification Number). Finally, Yes California exists only on
the internet – its address and telephone number are the same as Marcus Evans’
personal residence and telephone number.
Evans and Marinelli have therefore used Yes California as a pass-through false
entity to their personal benefit and have accepted “donations” without reporting
– much less paying tax on any income.
Evans and Marinelli accepted laundered foreign contributions. Marinelli has

sought exile in Russia and is currently living in Ykaterinberg, Russia (Siberia -
exact address unknown).
At this time, we are interested in any comments, or response, you may have on the matter. We
would appreciate receiving your response within 14 calendar days from the date of this letter.
Please provide your written response to the attention of Teri Rindahl at the address shown above
or by email at trindahl@fppc.ca.gov. Please include the Complaint Number, COM-07102018-
01235, in your response.
Sincerely,
Enforcement Division
Fair Political Practices Commission
Kimberly Rawnsley
From: Clare Hedin < >

Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2018 9:49 AM
To: Complaint; Tara Stock
Subject: Re: COM-07102018-01235 Marcus Evans, Louis Marinelli, and Yes California
To be clear, this is identity theft and I want to know how it was possible, as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Clare Hedin (the real one)

To help protect y our priv acy ,
Micro so ft Office prev ented
auto matic downlo ad o f this
picture from the Internet.

Clare Hedin, MA
Healing, Music and Consciousness
www.clarehedin.com
www.dynamicemergence.net
www.theArtsforEarth.com
USA Cell:
Skype:

On Tue, Sep 11, 2018 at 7:44 AM, Clare Hedin wrote:
To Whom it may concern,

On July 24,2018, someone illegally, and without my permission, used my name to file a complaint against Evans,
Marinelli and Yes California.

I did not write a letter, nor file a complaint against any one of these three parties.

What can we do to correct the record and is there any way to find out who used my name illegally, and without my
permission, please? I'm very upset about this ‐ I only just got informed of it. I have tried calling Teri Rindahl but she is
out of the office on medical leave. I do not have a single grievance against Evans, Marinelli and Yes California and would
like to see if its possible to strike this from the record.

I attach the document that was filed. And I can be reached on . I hope we can speak today to get clear
that this was not a real filing, but a fake one.

Thank you,

Clare

To help protect y our priv acy ,
Micro so ft Office prev ented
auto matic downlo ad o f this
picture from the Internet.

1
Clare Hedin, MA
Healing, Music and Consciousness
www.clarehedin.com
www.dynamicemergence.net
www.theArtsforEarth.com
USA Cell:
Skype:
2
S TA T E O F C AL I FO RNI A
(916) 322-5660 • Fax (916) 322-0886
October 16, 2018
Marcus Ruiz Evans
Via email:
Yes California
Louis J. Marinelli
Via email:
RE: FPPC No. 2018-1101; Evans, Marinelli, Yes California
Dear Mr. Evans, Mr. Marinelli, and Committee:
This letter is to notify you that the Enforcement Division of the Fair Political Practices
Commission will investigate the allegation(s), under the jurisdiction of the Commission,
of the complaint submitted against the above-referenced persons. However, please be
advised that at this time we have not made any determination about the validity of the
allegation(s) made or about the culpability, if any, of the person(s) identified in the
complaint.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, you may contact Chloe Hackert at
chackert@fppc.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
GWest
Galena West, Chief
GW/ch
Statement of Organization STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION
Type or print in ink
Recipient Committee Date Stamp
CALIFORNIA
Statement Type Initial Amendment Termination - See Part 5

FORM 410
For Official Use only
List I.D. number: List I.D. number:
Not yet qualified or Page 1
# #
Date qualified as committee Date qualified as committee Date of Termination

(If applicable)
1. Committee Information 2. Treasurer and Other Principal Officers

NAME OF COMMITTEE NAME OF TREASURER
YES CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENCE COMMITTEE Sam Chaney
STREET ADDRESS
2638 Portals Avenue
CITY STATE ZIP CODE AREA CODE/PHONE

STREET ADDRESS (NO P. O. BOX) Clovis CA 93611 5593255542
606 27TH ST APT 29
NAME OF ASSISTANT TREASURER, IF ANY

SAN DIEGO CA 92102 6199853585 STREET ADDRESS
MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT)

OPTIONAL: FAX/E-MAIL ADDRESS NAME AND POSITION OF OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICER(S), IF APPLICABLE
info@yescalifornia.org Louis Marinelli
President
COUNTY OF DOMICILE COUNTY WHERE COMMITTEE IS ACTIVE IF DIFFERENT
THAN COUNTY OF DOMICILE MAILING ADDRESS
606 27th Street
Apt. 29
San Diego CA 92102 6199853585
Attach additional information on appropriately labeled continuation sheets.
3. Verification
I have used all reasonable diligence in preparing this statement and to the best of my knowledge the information contained herein is true and complete. I certify under
penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on 11/23/2015 By Sam Chaney
DATE SIGNATURE OF TREASURER OR ASSISTANT TREASURER
Executed on 11/23/2015 By Louis Marinelli

DATE SIGNATURE OF CONTROLLING OFFICEHOLDER, CANDIDATE, OR STATE MEASURE PROPONENT
Executed on By
Executed on By
FPPC Form 410 (Jan/01)

FPPC Toll-Free Helpline: 866/ASK-FPPC
2000139-0
Recipient Committee CALIFORNIA

FORM 410
INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE
Page 2
COMMITTEE NAME I.D. NUMBER
YES CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENCE COMMITTEE 1378942
4.Type of Committee Complete the applicable sections.
Controlled Committee
.
O List the name of each controlling officeholder, candidate, or state measure proponent. If candidate or officeholder controlled, also list the elective office sought or held, and
district number, if any, and the year of the election.
..
O List the political party with which each officeholder or candidate is affiliated or check "non-partisan."
O If this committee acts jointly with another controlled committee, list the name and identification number of the other controlled committee.
ELECTIVE OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD

NAME OF CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER/STATE MEASURE PROPONENT (INCLUDE DISTRICT NUMBER IF APPLICABLE) YEAR OF ELECTION PARTY
Non-Partisan
Non-Partisan
.
O List the financial institution where the campaign bank account is located (controlled "candidate election" committees only)
NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AREA CODE/PHONE BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIPCODE
Primarily Formed Committee Primarily formed to support or oppose specific candidates or measures in a single election. List below:
CANDIDATE(S) OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD ORMEASURE(S) JURISDICTION

CANDIDATE(S) NAME OR MEASURE(S) FULL TITLE (INCLUDE BALLOT NO. OR LETTER) (INCLUDING DISTRICT NO., CITY OR COUNTY, AS APPLICABLE) CHECK ONE
SUPPORT OPPOSE
SUPPORT OPPOSE

2000139-0

FORM 410
Page 3
4. Type of Committee (Continued)
General Purpose Committee Not formed to support or oppose specific candidates or measures in a single election. Check only one box:
CITY Committee COUNTY Committee STATE Committee
PROVIDE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

Support ballot initiatives and candidates advocating California's independence from the United States.
Sponsored Committee List additional sponsors on an attachment.
NAME OF SPONSOR INDUSTRY GROUP OR AFFILIATION OF SPONSOR
STREET ADDRESS NO. AND STREET CITY STATE ZIP CODE
Small Contributor Committee Check box and provide the date this committee qualified as a small contributor committee. If the
committee qualified as a small contributor committee on January 1, 2001, enter 1/1/01.
Date qualified
5. Termination Requirements By sigining the verification, the treasurer, assistant treasurer and/or candidate, officeholder, or proponent certify that all of the following conditions have been met:
. This committee has ceased to receive contributions and make expenditures;

o
. This committee does not anticipate receiving contributions or making expenditure in the future;
o
. This committee has eliminated or has no intention or ability to discharge all debts, loans received, and other obligations;
o
. This committee has no surplus funds; and

o
. This committee has filed all campaign statements required by the Political Reform Act disclosing all reportable transactions.
o
-- There are restrictions on the disposition of surplus campaign funds held by elected officers who are leaving office and by defeated candidates. Refer to
Government Code Section 89519.
-- Additional filing obligations will be incurred if, after terminating, the committee receives or spends any funds, or receives the forgiveness of a loan,
repayments of loans made to others, or any other receipts.

2000139-0
Type or print in ink
Recipient Committee Date Stamp
CALIFORNIA
Statement Type Initial Amendment Termination - See Part 5

FORM 410
For Official Use only
List I.D. number: List I.D. number:
Not yet qualified or Page 1
# #
Date qualified as committee Date qualified as committee Date of Termination

(If applicable)
1. Committee Information 2. Treasurer and Other Principal Officers

NAME OF COMMITTEE NAME OF TREASURER
YES CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENCE COMMITTEE Sam Chaney
STREET ADDRESS
2638 Portals Avenue

STREET ADDRESS (NO P. O. BOX) Clovis CA 93611 5593255542
606 27TH ST APT 29
NAME OF ASSISTANT TREASURER, IF ANY

SAN DIEGO CA 92102 6199853585 STREET ADDRESS
MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT)

OPTIONAL: FAX/E-MAIL ADDRESS NAME AND POSITION OF OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICER(S), IF APPLICABLE
info@yescalifornia.org Louis Marinelli
President
COUNTY OF DOMICILE COUNTY WHERE COMMITTEE IS ACTIVE IF DIFFERENT
THAN COUNTY OF DOMICILE MAILING ADDRESS
606 27th Street
Apt. 29
San Diego CA 92102 6199853585
Attach additional information on appropriately labeled continuation sheets.
3. Verification
I have used all reasonable diligence in preparing this statement and to the best of my knowledge the information contained herein is true and complete. I certify under
penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on 11/23/2015 By Sam Chaney
DATE SIGNATURE OF TREASURER OR ASSISTANT TREASURER
Executed on 11/23/2015 By Louis Marinelli

Executed on By
Executed on By

2000139-0

FORM 410
Page 2
4.Type of Committee Complete the applicable sections.
Controlled Committee
.
O List the name of each controlling officeholder, candidate, or state measure proponent. If candidate or officeholder controlled, also list the elective office sought or held, and
district number, if any, and the year of the election.
..
O List the political party with which each officeholder or candidate is affiliated or check "non-partisan."
O If this committee acts jointly with another controlled committee, list the name and identification number of the other controlled committee.
ELECTIVE OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD

NAME OF CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER/STATE MEASURE PROPONENT (INCLUDE DISTRICT NUMBER IF APPLICABLE) YEAR OF ELECTION PARTY
Non-Partisan
Non-Partisan
.
O List the financial institution where the campaign bank account is located (controlled "candidate election" committees only)
NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AREA CODE/PHONE BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIPCODE
Primarily Formed Committee Primarily formed to support or oppose specific candidates or measures in a single election. List below:
CANDIDATE(S) OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD ORMEASURE(S) JURISDICTION

CANDIDATE(S) NAME OR MEASURE(S) FULL TITLE (INCLUDE BALLOT NO. OR LETTER) (INCLUDING DISTRICT NO., CITY OR COUNTY, AS APPLICABLE) CHECK ONE
SUPPORT OPPOSE
SUPPORT OPPOSE

2000139-0

FORM 410
Page 3
4. Type of Committee (Continued)
General Purpose Committee Not formed to support or oppose specific candidates or measures in a single election. Check only one box:
CITY Committee COUNTY Committee STATE Committee
PROVIDE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

Support ballot initiatives and candidates advocating California's independence from the United States.
Sponsored Committee List additional sponsors on an attachment.
NAME OF SPONSOR INDUSTRY GROUP OR AFFILIATION OF SPONSOR
STREET ADDRESS NO. AND STREET CITY STATE ZIP CODE
Small Contributor Committee Check box and provide the date this committee qualified as a small contributor committee. If the
committee qualified as a small contributor committee on January 1, 2001, enter 1/1/01.
Date qualified
5. Termination Requirements By sigining the verification, the treasurer, assistant treasurer and/or candidate, officeholder, or proponent certify that all of the following conditions have been met:
. This committee has ceased to receive contributions and make expenditures;

o
. This committee does not anticipate receiving contributions or making expenditure in the future;
o
. This committee has eliminated or has no intention or ability to discharge all debts, loans received, and other obligations;
o
. This committee has no surplus funds; and

o
. This committee has filed all campaign statements required by the Political Reform Act disclosing all reportable transactions.
o
-- There are restrictions on the disposition of surplus campaign funds held by elected officers who are leaving office and by defeated candidates. Refer to
Government Code Section 89519.
-- Additional filing obligations will be incurred if, after terminating, the committee receives or spends any funds, or receives the forgiveness of a loan,
repayments of loans made to others, or any other receipts.

2000139-0
S TA T E OF CA L IF OR N I A
September 30, 2019
Louis J. Marinelli Sam Chaney

Individually and o/b/o Yes California Individually and o/b/o Yes California
Independence Committee Independence Committee
c/o Embassy of the Independent Republic
of California
Re: Case Closure Letter, FPPC No. 18/1101
Dear Mr. Marinelli, Mr. Chaney and Yes California Independence Committee:
The Enforcement Division of the Fair Political Practices Commission enforces the
provisions of the Political Reform Act (the “Act”). 1 As you know, the Enforcement
Division opened a case based on allegations that Yes California Independence Committee
(the “Committee”) failed to timely report campaign contributions and expenditures. After
conducting our investigation and review of the matter, we are closing this case without
taking any enforcement action because the allegations have been disproven.
As defined by the Act, a person or group of persons qualifies as a committee when it

receives contributions during a calendar year of $1,000 or more, makes independent
expenditures in a calendar year of $1,000 or more, or makes contributions in a calendar
year totaling $10,000 or more. 2 Our investigation determined that the Committee did not
meet any of these thresholds. Thus, the Committee did not qualify as a committee under
the Act and did not incur any campaign reporting obligations under the Act.
If you have any questions, please contact me at abrereton@fppc.ca.gov or 916-322-5771.
Sincerely,
Angela J. Brereton
Assistant Chief Counsel
1
The Political Reform Act is contained in Government Code sections 81000 through 91014, and all
statutory references are to this code. The regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission are contained
in Sections 18110 through 18997 of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations, and all regulatory
references are to this source.
2
Section 82013 [2015].
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Case No. 2018-01101 ALL RESPONDENTS
Additional To: ; ; info@yescalifornia.org

CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image003.jpg, WWI Letter Sent 10-16.pdf, Form 410 11.23.15.pdf, Form 410 8.5.15.pdf
Subject: FPPC Document Request

Body:
Mr. Evans, Mr. Marinelli, & Mr. Chaney,
Pertaining to an open investigation the FPPC currently has of the committee, Yes California Independence Committee (see attached), I will
need to obtain and review the below records and information. At this point, no determinations have been made as to violations of the
Political Reform Act. Please provide the below items no later than Thursday, March 28th.
1. If the committee has a designated bank account, please provide copies of monthly account statements for the period 6/1/15 to 6/1/17
showing funds received and spent, including copies of all checks to and from the account, withdrawal slips, deposit slips, and all other
documents supporting deposits and expenditures made through the committee account;
2. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if an individual or entity outside of the committee raised or spent money for a political purpose (i.e.
relating to a candidate, ballot measure, or petitioning for a future ballot measure) on behalf of the committee, please provide all related
financial records, including copies of all checks, receipts, withdrawal slips, deposit slips, and all other documents showing funds raised or
spent by the individual/entity;
3. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if the committee, an individual, or an entity paid for any political advertisements (newspaper ads, TV
ads, radio ads, digital ads, signs, shirts, etc.), please provide a copy or picture of each advertisement, as well as all invoices related to each
advertisement and proof of payment of those invoices; and
4. I have the committee's Form 410 filed 8/5/15 and Form 410 filed 11/23/15 (see attached). Please provide all other filings submitted by
the committee.
Thank you,
[Description: Description: FPPC Logo.jpg]Lance Hachigian

Special Investigator, Enforcement Division
1102 Q Street | Suite 3000 | Sacramento, CA 95811
916.322.7760 | Lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov<mailto:Lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov> | www.fppc.ca.gov<http://www.fppc.ca.gov/>
Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain
confidential and privileged information. Any review, use, disclosure, or distribution not authorized by the intended recipient(s) is prohibited.
If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
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Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image002.jpg, WWI Letter Sent 10-16.pdf, Form 410 11.23.15.pdf, Form 410 8.5.15.pdf
Subject: FW: FPPC Document Request

Body:
From: Lance Hachigian
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2019 1:55 PM
To: ' < >; '< >;

'info@yescalifornia.org' <info@yescalifornia.org>
Mr. Chaney,
the committee.
Thank you,

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Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image003.jpg, image002.jpg, image006.jpg

Body:
Following up on my request for Mr. Chaney’s contact information.
Just to be clear, if you are a current treasurer/officer of the committee, you are responsible for responding to the request. I’ll also continue
to follow up with Mr. Marinelli and Mr. Chaney. Either way, I’ll need the docs from someone who has access to the records, which I assume
is you in your role as President?
Something that will help for clarification, is the account shown on the Form 410 the same account used by the Yes California non-profit, or
a separate account for use by the committee?
Thank you,


Sent: Monday, March 18, 2019 1:45 PM
To: 'Marcus Ruiz Evans' < <mailto: >>
Subject: RE: FPPC Document Request
p y , y gp
email address for him?
<mailto: >
Thanks,

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From: Marcus Ruiz Evans [mailto: ]
To: Lance Hachigian <lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov<mailto:lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov>>
Cc: <mailto: >; info@yescalifornia.org<mailto:info@yescalifornia.org>
Subject: Re: FPPC Document Request
* I am not listed on either of the form 410 documents

* Additionally I was not President until after July 4 2017
* Because of this I am not an official officer of Yes California for the period that you are requesting information from.
REFERENCE:
"Earlier this week, the former vice president of the campaign, Marcus Ruiz Evans, announced in an email that he's picking up
where Marinelli left off as president of Yes California. " August 2017 https://www.businessinsider.com/yes‐california‐
independence‐campaign‐launch‐calexit‐movement‐again‐2017‐8
Marcus Ruiz Evans
On Fri, Mar 15, 2019 at 1:55 PM Lance Hachigian <lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov<mailto:lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov>> wrote:

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4. I have the committee’s Form 410 filed 8/5/15 and Form 410 filed 11/23/15 (see attached). Please provide all other filings submitted by
the committee.
Thank you,

Page 3 of 3
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image002.jpg, image004.jpg, image007.jpg, WWI Letter Sent 10-16.pdf, Form 410 11.23.15.pdf, Form 410
8.5.15.pdf

Body:
Following up. if you have Mr. Chaney's contact information, please provide that as well. I'll need the records from one of you.
Thanks,


To:
Mr. Marinelli,
Please confirm receipt of the below email.
Thank you,

Page 1 of 3
CASE CHRONOLOGY

To: ' '< <mailto: >>; '

<l <mailto: >>; 'info@yescalifornia.org'
<info@yescalifornia.org<mailto:info@yescalifornia.org>>
the committee.
Thank you,

Page 2 of 3
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Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image003.jpg, image004.jpg, image005.jpg, image002.jpg
Subject: RE: FW: FPPC Document Request

Body:
I see. Do you have updated contact info for any of the PAC representatives? They’ve been unresponsive to my requests
Thanks,

Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2019 4:52 PM
To: Lance Hachigian <lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov>
Subject: Re: FW: FPPC Document Request
I am NOT a current treasurer/officer of the Yes California Independence committee.

I am not on any form for this committee. I have never been part of this committee.
I am President of the Calexit movement, not the specific Yes California Calexit campaign that is a PAC. It is title without legal meaning.
I do not have access to the records because I was never an officer of the Committee.
On Thu, Mar 21, 2019 at 4:08 PM Lance Hachigian <lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov<mailto:lhachigian@fppc.ca.gov>> wrote:

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CASE CHRONOLOGY
Just to be clear, if you are a current treasurer/officer of the committee, you are responsible for responding to the request. I’ll also continue
to follow up with Mr. Marinelli and Mr. Chaney. Either way, I’ll need the docs from someone who has access to the records, which I assume
is you in your role as President?
Something that will help for clarification, is the account shown on the Form 410 the same account used by the Yes California non-profit, or
a separate account for use by the committee?
Thank you,


I’ve attempted to contact Mr. Chaney via email, but the below address is not active. Do you have a working phone number and alternate
email address for him?
<mailto: >
Thanks,

Page 2 of 5
CASE CHRONOLOGY

REFERENCE:
"Earlier this week, the former vice president of the campaign, Marcus Ruiz Evans, announced in an email that he's picking up
where Marinelli left off as president of Yes California. " August 2017 https://www.businessinsider.com/yes‐california‐
independence‐campaign‐launch‐calexit‐movement‐again‐2017‐8
Marcus Ruiz Evans

1. If the committee has a

designated bank account,
please provide copies of
monthly account statements
for the period 6/1/15 to 6/1/17
showing funds received and
spent, including copies of all
checks to and from the
account, withdrawal slips,
deposit slips, and all other
documents supporting
deposits and expenditures
made through the committee
account;
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CASE CHRONOLOGY
2. For the period of 6/1/15 to

6/1/17, if an individual or
entity outside of the
committee raised or spent
money for a political purpose
(i.e. relating to a candidate,
ballot measure, or petitioning
for a future ballot measure)
on behalf of the committee,
please provide all related
financial records, including
copies of all checks, receipts,
withdrawal slips, deposit
slips, and all other
documents showing funds
raised or spent by the
individual/entity;
3. For the period of 6/1/15 to

6/1/17, if the committee, an
individual, or an entity paid
for any political
advertisements (newspaper
ads, TV ads, radio ads, digital
ads, signs, shirts, etc.),
please provide a copy or
picture of each
advertisement, as well as all
invoices related to each
advertisement and proof of
payment of those invoices;
and
4. I have the committee’s

Form 410 filed 8/5/15 and
Form 410 filed 11/23/15 (see
attached). Please provide all
other filings submitted by the
committee.
Thank you,

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Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image002.jpg, image004.jpg, Yes California

Body:
Louis,
In order to collect the data necessary for this investigation, I need to review the bank records.
Thanks,

Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information. Any review, use, disclosure, or distribution not authorized by the intended
recipient(s) is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of
the original message.

To: ' '< <mailto: >>;

' ' <l <mailto:l >>; 'info@yescalifornia.org'
Page 1 of 2
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Pertaining to an open investigation the FPPC currently has of the committee, Yes California Independence Committee (see
attached), I will need to obtain and review the below records and information. At this point, no determinations have been made
as to violations of the Political Reform Act. Please provide the below items no later than Thursday, March 28th.
1. If the committee has a designated bank account, please provide copies of monthly account statements for the period 6/1/15 to
6/1/17 showing funds received and spent, including copies of all checks to and from the account, withdrawal slips, deposit slips,
and all other documents supporting deposits and expenditures made through the committee account;
2. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if an individual or entity outside of the committee raised or spent money for a political
purpose (i.e. relating to a candidate, ballot measure, or petitioning for a future ballot measure) on behalf of the committee,
please provide all related financial records, including copies of all checks, receipts, withdrawal slips, deposit slips, and all other
documents showing funds raised or spent by the individual/entity;
3. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if the committee, an individual, or an entity paid for any political advertisements (newspaper
ads, TV ads, radio ads, digital ads, signs, shirts, etc.), please provide a copy or picture of each advertisement, as well as all
invoices related to each advertisement and proof of payment of those invoices; and
4. I have the committee's Form 410 filed 8/5/15 and Form 410 filed 11/23/15 (see attached). Please provide all other filings
submitted by the committee.
Thank you,

Page 2 of 2
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image005.jpg, image006.jpg, image007.jpg, image00A7:A668.jpg, image002.jpg, image004.png, Yes
California

Body:
Marcus,
Can you please pass this onto him, in case he does not see my email? In order to collect the information necessary on my end, I
need to review the bank statements. I’ve been unable to reach him via email, but it appears you can.
Thanks,

Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2019 9:32 AM
I called Louis Marinelli ( ) and told him to check his email, and the FPPC had questions.
He text messaged me this letter - and I am forwarding it. (pasted and attach)
I did not draft this letter. This was written solely by Louis Marinelli.
Please note this section:
“Regarding communications between your office and Mr. Evans and Mr. Chaney, we respectfully inform you that they may be of
little assistance to you. Mr. Evans was not an officer of the committee in question and Mr. Chaney had no role within the
committee beyond filing its initial paperwork, declaring himself the committee’s treasurer should it ever qualify as a committee,
which it never did.
Therefore, the only person who can potentially be of any assistance to your office is Mr. Marinelli.”
Page 1 of 4
CASE CHRONOLOGY
[image.png]

Thanks,

From: Marcus Ruiz Evans [mailto: com<mailto: >]


I am President of the Calexit movement, not the specific Yes California Calexit campaign that is a PAC. It is title without legal
meaning.

Just to be clear, if you are a current treasurer/officer of the committee, you are responsible for responding to the request. I’ll also
continue to follow up with Mr. Marinelli and Mr. Chaney. Either way, I’ll need the docs from someone who has access to the
records, which I assume is you in your role as President?
Something that will help for clarification, is the account shown on the Form 410 the same account used by the Yes California non-
profit, or a separate account for use by the committee?
Thank you,
Page 2 of 4
CASE CHRONOLOGY


I’ve attempted to contact Mr. Chaney via email, but the below address is not active. Do you have a working phone number and
alternate email address for him?
<mailto: >
Thanks,



Page 3 of 4
CASE CHRONOLOGY
REFERENCE:
"Earlier this week, the former vice president of the campaign, Marcus Ruiz Evans, announced in an email that he's
picking up where Marinelli left off as president of Yes California. " August
2017 https://www.businessinsider.com/yes‐california‐independence‐campaign‐launch‐calexit‐movement‐again‐
2017‐8
Marcus Ruiz Evans

attached), I will need to obtain and review the below records and information. At this point, no determinations have been made as
to violations of the Political Reform Act. Please provide the below items no later than Thursday, March 28th.
6/1/17 showing funds received and spent, including copies of all checks to and from the account, withdrawal slips, deposit slips,
and all other documents supporting deposits and expenditures made through the committee account;
2. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if an individual or entity outside of the committee raised or spent money for a political purpose
(i.e. relating to a candidate, ballot measure, or petitioning for a future ballot measure) on behalf of the committee, please provide
all related financial records, including copies of all checks, receipts, withdrawal slips, deposit slips, and all other documents
showing funds raised or spent by the individual/entity;
ads, TV ads, radio ads, digital ads, signs, shirts, etc.), please provide a copy or picture of each advertisement, as well as all
invoices related to each advertisement and proof of payment of those invoices; and
4. I have the committee’s Form 410 filed 8/5/15 and Form 410 filed 11/23/15 (see attached). Please provide all other filings
Thank you,

Page 4 of 4
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image005.jpg, image006.jpg, image007.jpg, image008.jpg, image004.png, image002.jpg,
image010.jpg, Yes California
Subject: FW: FW: FPPC Document Request

Body:
Did you have a chance to reach out to Louis? The email I
have, <mailto: >, is unresponsive. If you have one he responds to,
please provide.
Thanks,

Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and
may contain confidential and privileged information. Any review, use, disclosure, or distribution not authorized by the
intended recipient(s) is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message.

Sent: Friday, April 12, 2019 3:54 PM
To: Marcus Ruiz Evans < com>
Marcus,
Can you please pass this onto him, in case he does not see my email? In order to collect the information necessary on
my end, I need to review the bank statements. I’ve been unable to reach him via email, but it appears you can.
Thanks,

Page 1 of 5
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2019 9:32 AM
I called Louis Marinelli ( ) and told him to check his email, and the FPPC had questions.
He text messaged me this letter - and I am forwarding it. (pasted and attach)
I did not draft this letter. This was written solely by Louis Marinelli.
Please note this section:
“Regarding communications between your office and Mr. Evans and Mr. Chaney, we respectfully inform you that they
may be of little assistance to you. Mr. Evans was not an officer of the committee in question and Mr. Chaney had no role
within the committee beyond filing its initial paperwork, declaring himself the committee’s treasurer should it ever qualify
as a committee, which it never did.
Therefore, the only person who can potentially be of any assistance to your office is Mr. Marinelli.”
[image.png]

so I may need to issue subpoenas.
Thanks,

Page 2 of 5
CASE CHRONOLOGY
From: Marcus Ruiz Evans [mailto: <mailto: >]

I am President of the Calexit movement, not the specific Yes California Calexit campaign that is a PAC. It is title without
legal meaning.

Just to be clear, if you are a current treasurer/officer of the committee, you are responsible for responding to the request.
I’ll also continue to follow up with Mr. Marinelli and Mr. Chaney. Either way, I’ll need the docs from someone who has
access to the records, which I assume is you in your role as President?
Something that will help for clarification, is the account shown on the Form 410 the same account used by the Yes
California non-profit, or a separate account for use by the committee?
Thank you,


I’ve attempted to contact Mr. Chaney via email, but the below address is not active. Do you have a working phone
number and alternate email address for him?
<mailto: >
Thanks,
Page 3 of 5
CASE CHRONOLOGY


REFERENCE:
"Earlier this week, the former vice president of the campaign, Marcus Ruiz Evans, announced in an email
that he's picking up where Marinelli left off as president of Yes California. " August
2017 https://www.businessinsider.com/yes‐california‐independence‐campaign‐launch‐calexit‐movement‐
again‐2017‐8
Marcus Ruiz Evans

Pertaining to an open investigation the FPPC currently has of the committee, Yes California Independence Committee
(see attached), I will need to obtain and review the below records and information. At this point, no determinations have
been made as to violations of the Political Reform Act. Please provide the below items no later than Thursday, March
28th.
1. If the committee has a designated bank account, please provide copies of monthly account statements for the period
6/1/15 to 6/1/17 showing funds received and spent, including copies of all checks to and from the account, withdrawal
slips, deposit slips, and all other documents supporting deposits and expenditures made through the committee account;
Page 4 of 5
CASE CHRONOLOGY
2. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if an individual or entity outside of the committee raised or spent money for a political
purpose (i.e. relating to a candidate, ballot measure, or petitioning for a future ballot measure) on behalf of the
committee, please provide all related financial records, including copies of all checks, receipts, withdrawal slips, deposit
slips, and all other documents showing funds raised or spent by the individual/entity;
3. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if the committee, an individual, or an entity paid for any political advertisements
(newspaper ads, TV ads, radio ads, digital ads, signs, shirts, etc.), please provide a copy or picture of each
advertisement, as well as all invoices related to each advertisement and proof of payment of those invoices; and
4. I have the committee’s Form 410 filed 8/5/15 and Form 410 filed 11/23/15 (see attached). Please provide all other
filings submitted by the committee.
Thank you,

Page 5 of 5
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image003.jpg, image005.jpg, image007.jpg, Yes California

Body:
Following up.

contain confidential and privileged information. Any review, use, disclosure, or distribution not authorized by the intended recipient(s)
is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original
message.

To:
Sam,
In order to collect the data necessary for this investigation, I need to review the bank records. I've also placed a copy of the
attachment in the mail, heading to .
Thanks,

Page 1 of 2
CASE CHRONOLOGY
message.

To: ' '< <mailto: >>;
' ' <l <mailto: >>; 'info@yescalifornia.org'
attached), I will need to obtain and review the below records and information. At this point, no determinations have been made as to
violations of the Political Reform Act. Please provide the below items no later than Thursday, March 28th.
6/1/17 showing funds received and spent, including copies of all checks to and from the account, withdrawal slips, deposit slips, and
all other documents supporting deposits and expenditures made through the committee account;
2. For the period of 6/1/15 to 6/1/17, if an individual or entity outside of the committee raised or spent money for a political purpose
(i.e. relating to a candidate, ballot measure, or petitioning for a future ballot measure) on behalf of the committee, please provide all
related financial records, including copies of all checks, receipts, withdrawal slips, deposit slips, and all other documents showing
funds raised or spent by the individual/entity;
ads, TV ads, radio ads, digital ads, signs, shirts, etc.), please provide a copy or picture of each advertisement, as well as all invoices
related to each advertisement and proof of payment of those invoices; and
4. I have the committee's Form 410 filed 8/5/15 and Form 410 filed 11/23/15 (see attached). Please provide all other filings
Thank you,

message.
Page 2 of 2
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Additional To:
CC:
BCC:

Body:
Following up.


To:
Louis,
Thanks,

Page 1 of 2
CASE CHRONOLOGY

To: ' '< <mailto: >>; ' '
<l <mailto: >>; 'info@yescalifornia.org'
ads, radio ads, digital ads, signs, shirts, etc.), please provide a copy or picture of each advertisement, as well as all invoices related to
each advertisement and proof of payment of those invoices; and
the committee.
Thank you,

Page 2 of 2
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Additional To:
CC:
BCC:
Attachment: image001.jpg, image003.jpg, Closure Letter Final 9-30-2019.pdf
Subject: Case Closure Letter, FPPC Case No. 18/1101 - Yes California Independence Committee, Marinelli and Chaney
Body:
Mr. Marinelli, Mr. Chaney and Yes California Independence Committee:
Please see the attached closure letter.
Sincerely,
[cid:image003.jpg@01D577AB.4B992BA0]Angela J. Brereton
Assistant Chief Counsel, Enforcement Division
1102 Q Street, Suite 3000 | Sacramento, CA 95811
www.fppc.ca.gov<http://www.fppc.ca.gov/> | Phone: 916.322.5771 | Email: abrereton@fppc.ca.gov<mailto:abrereton@fppc.ca.gov>
Page 1 of 1
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Additional To:
CC:
BCC:

Body:
Following up.


To:
Louis,
Thanks,

Page 1 of 3
CASE CHRONOLOGY

To: ' '< <mailto: >>; ' '

< <mailto: >>; 'info@yescalifornia.org'
the committee.
Thank you,

Page 2 of 3
CASE CHRONOLOGY
Page 3 of 3

Yes California, #Calexit, and Russian Funding Allegations

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COMPLAINT RECEIVED

The Complaint was formally filed against:

Marcus Ruiz Evans

The Violations alleged are:

Violation of Rules Regarding Contributions

July 24, 2018

Marcus Ruiz Evans

Re: COM-07102018-01235; Letter of Inquiry and Request for Response

Dear Messrs. Evans and Marinelli:

This information was submitted by:

The following individuals are listed as Witnesses:

However, there is no separation between the personal assets of Evans and

Evans and Marinelli accepted laundered foreign contributions. Marinelli has

From: Clare Hedin < >

October 16, 2018

Marcus Ruiz Evans

RE: FPPC No. 2018-1101; Evans, Marinelli, Yes California

Dear Mr. Evans, Mr. Marinelli, and Committee:

Statement Type Initial Amendment Termination - See Part 5

Date qualified as committee Date qualified as committee Date of Termination

1. Committee Information 2. Treasurer and Other Principal Officers

CITY STATE ZIP CODE AREA CODE/PHONE

CITY STATE ZIP CODE AREA CODE/PHONE

MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT)

Executed on 11/23/2015 By Louis Marinelli

FPPC Form 410 (Jan/01)

Recipient Committee CALIFORNIA

4.Type of Committee Complete the applicable sections.

ELECTIVE OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD

NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AREA CODE/PHONE BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIPCODE

CANDIDATE(S) OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD ORMEASURE(S) JURISDICTION

FPPC Form 410 (Jan/01)

Recipient Committee CALIFORNIA

4. Type of Committee (Continued)

PROVIDE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

Sponsored Committee List additional sponsors on an attachment.

NAME OF SPONSOR INDUSTRY GROUP OR AFFILIATION OF SPONSOR

STREET ADDRESS NO. AND STREET CITY STATE ZIP CODE

. This committee has ceased to receive contributions and make expenditures;

. This committee has no surplus funds; and

FPPC Form 410 (Jan/01)

Statement Type Initial Amendment Termination - See Part 5

Date qualified as committee Date qualified as committee Date of Termination

1. Committee Information 2. Treasurer and Other Principal Officers

CITY STATE ZIP CODE AREA CODE/PHONE

CITY STATE ZIP CODE AREA CODE/PHONE

MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT)

Executed on 11/23/2015 By Louis Marinelli

FPPC Form 410 (Jan/01)

Recipient Committee CALIFORNIA

4.Type of Committee Complete the applicable sections.

ELECTIVE OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD

NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AREA CODE/PHONE BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIPCODE

CANDIDATE(S) OFFICE SOUGHT OR HELD ORMEASURE(S) JURISDICTION

FPPC Form 410 (Jan/01)

Recipient Committee CALIFORNIA

4. Type of Committee (Continued)

PROVIDE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

Sponsored Committee List additional sponsors on an attachment.

NAME OF SPONSOR INDUSTRY GROUP OR AFFILIATION OF SPONSOR

STREET ADDRESS NO. AND STREET CITY STATE ZIP CODE

. This committee has ceased to receive contributions and make expenditures;