Public bidders raise conflict-of-interest and transparency concerns as council approves police towing contract

The San Fernando City Council approved the item to award the police towing and storage contract after public comment and staff briefing about the procurement and site inspections.

During public comment, Adriana Gomez, representing Mid Valley Towing, urged the council to reconsider awarding the contract to Black and White Towing. Gomez said the city faced “a serious conflict of interest” because “for over a decade, the same company owned by a former San Fernando Police Chief has maintained a monopoly on this police contract.” She also told the council that Black and White had been sued by the federal government for towing practices directed at active-duty military service members.

Police staff and detectives told the council they had reviewed the written qualifications and performed unannounced site inspections of both firms. Sergeant Peter Aguirre said the federal lawsuit the staff reviewed involved one lien sale of a vehicle belonging to an active-duty service member, that the issue is resolved, and Black and White agreed to training to prevent similar occurrences. Sergeant Aguirre also described that during the Mid Valley site visit an on-site supervisor declined access to a warehouse and adjacent property referenced in Mid Valley’s statement of qualifications.

Commander Jason Chase (last name recorded in transcript as Commander Chase on) said the city promoted the solicitation within a 10-mile radius and extended outreach to attract bidders; two statements of qualifications were received: Mid Valley Towing and Black and White Towing. Chase acknowledged a communication lapse notifying Mid Valley that council would consider the item at the meeting and said he took responsibility for that oversight.

After staff briefings and questions from multiple council members, the council moved to approve the consent calendar item that included the towing contract. Roll-call approval was recorded as Councilmember Patty Lopez—Yes; Councilmember Victoria Garcia—Yes; Councilmember Joel Fajardo—Yes; Vice Mayor Mary Salodio—Yes; Mayor Mary Mendoza—Yes.

City staff told the council they considered allegations, inspected facilities where possible, and reviewed litigation records and that the recommended award reflected their procurement review. Members of the public who raised concerns were told by staff how the review was conducted and that audio and documentation of the procurement would remain available.