LOS ANGELES -- The California State Athletic Commission unanimously adopted a “strict no-gift” policy Monday that will apply to its commissioners, office staff, as well as its licensees and potential licensees.

In a memorandum distributed by the state agency Friday, a “gift” is defined as “any item having a cost or financial value, including, tickets, food or beverages, entertainment, or travel, as well as licensee-sponsored meals or parties.”

Commissioners and approved licensees can still attend events as credentialed attendees on “official business.”

California’s ethics agency, the Fair Political Practices Commission, opened an investigation in September regarding CSAC members using their positions to secure free tickets for family and friends to MMA and boxing events the CSAC regulates.

The Los Angeles Times, which first reported about the probe, also published multiple internal email communications between numerous commission members and CSAC staff requesting free tickets for guests. In one email, a commission member offered up his state-issued credential to a friend to use in his place.

Following the Times’ initial report, State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg announced that he would not hold confirmation hearings for commission chairman Timothy Noonan and commissioner Peter Lopez.

Noonan resigned shortly after, citing the Department of Consumer Affairs failure to approve CSAC-approved executive officer candidate Patrick Russell.

Meanwhile, the Senate Rules Committee appointed Dr. Van Lemons last week as a new commission member. Lemons, who has served as a ringside physician for boxing and MMA events in the state, replaces former commissioner Howard Rose, who recently resigned.

Commissioner Mario Rodriguez, formerly vice-chairman, has assumed the role of chairman, vacated by Noonan.

Finally, the DCA and CSAC have re-opened their search for a permanent executive officer for the CSAC, after a previous interview process did not yield an appointee. Armando Garcia abruptly vacated the position in November 2008 and Davis T. Thornton has served as the interim executive officer for the last five months.

The final filing date for applications is Nov 2.