Local News in Brief : Audit Criticizes Spending

A city controller’s audit has confirmed earlier findings that Marcia W. Hobbs, president of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn., used public funds for personal purchases, automobile costs and political contributions as head of the nonprofit organization.

The audit, which echoes a similar report published a year ago, notes that Hobbs, who has announced plans to resign at the end of the month, in recent years made $3,750 in political contributions, which she then claimed as business expenses and was reimbursed by the association. In using association money in this way, Hobbs threatened its tax-exempt status, the audit said.

The auditors also criticized Hobbs for using association funds to purchase a $5,215 watch while on a business trip and identified $1,875 that it said went for personal gifts Hobbs bought, including tickets to a play, meals, leather goods and men’s wear. In addition, the audit said, the association paid $7,224 for Hobbs’ personal auto insurance and car registration fees. The audit also questioned another $3,910 to lease her personal automobile.

Hobbs could not be reached for comment.