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Residents press council on alleged campaign misconduct and urge support for Councilmember Ortiz
Summary
Multiple speakers at public comment urged the council to investigate alleged campaign‑related misconduct, defended Councilmember Ortiz and criticized the city manager recruitment process and meeting timing.
At public comment before the Council of the City of San Bernardino, several residents raised allegations of improper campaign activity, urged an investigation, and voiced support for Councilmember Ortiz.
Dolores Armstead opened the segment by saying she came “to support council member Ortiz,” and claimed that local police had confirmed the campaign conduct allegations she described. “Council member Ortiz, thank you for doing this,” Armstead said, calling Ortiz “a hometown hero.”
John Shellenberger of the Seventh Ward also addressed the council in support of Ortiz. “I stand with you shoulder to shoulder because you're a champion of truth,” Shellenberger said, asserting the allegations have harmed both Ortiz and rank‑and‑file police officers.
Christian Sobrano Thomas Shaughnessy, who identified himself as someone who works with victims of domestic violence, urged the council to take a sober look at the facts and warned against using criminal‑justice systems for political purposes. He said more facts are forthcoming and referenced a prior endorsement withdrawal by an organization he named.
Kimberly Calvin said she had been present for a conversation in which the Police Officers Association president, identified as Mr. Lauria, admitted that a retiree had used KLETS in a way related to the campaign of Councilmember Ortiz. Calvin asked the council to consider restarting the city manager recruitment process, arguing that selections should be made with full council participation rather than by a small group.
Other speakers used the public comment period to press for immigrant‑focused investments in the city budget, improvements to community gardens and parks, and for a permanent city manager rather than multiple interim appointments.
The speakers mixed claims about campaign activity, calls for transparency in the city manager recruitment process, and routine service requests. The council did not take formal action on the allegations during the meeting; the remarks were recorded as part of the public comment period.
