Residents publicly back Council member Ortiz and press council on city manager process amid allegations

Several residents and advocates used the public‑comment period to voice support for Council member Ortiz, criticize elements of the city manager recruiting process, and call for transparency and accountability in response to alleged wrongdoing by unspecified parties.

Dolores Armstead opened public comment saying she came "to support council member Ortiz" and that the allegations referenced in a claim were not new, citing events tied to a prior seventh‑ward election. “Chief Goodman had confirmed that council member, treasurer Ortiz, had been run, her campaign had been run just like she was told,” Armstead said, and added that the review was necessary so that "those who broke the law are held accountable." Armstead urged a restart of the city manager recruitment process, saying the selection should involve the full council and mayor rather than "a hidden few."

Christian Sobrano Thomas Shaughnessy, who said he works with victims of domestic violence, urged the council to consider how long‑term records and misunderstandings can affect victims: "we need to live in a society where if you are in danger, you need to feel comfortable calling the police without having the expectation, without having the possibility that 20, 30, 40 years down the line, a misunderstanding what happened to you could be used against you for the rest of your life." He said more facts were forthcoming and referenced the San Bernardino Police Officers Association withdrawal of an endorsement as context for ongoing developments.

John Shellenberger, identifying himself as from the Seventh Ward, expressed concern about damage to the San Bernardino Police Department’s reputation and defended Ortiz’s character, saying he believed she had evidence to support her position and called her a "champion of truth." Other speakers raised operational concerns about the city manager recruitment timeline and the use of interim managers. One commenter urged the council to rely on the current interim city manager, Mr. Gallardo, noting he can serve through December and arguing for stability until a permanent manager is selected.

Kimberly Calvin, speaking during the public comment period, said she had sat in a conversation with Council member Ortiz and a POA leader in which the leader admitted a retiree had improperly run an action related to Ortiz. Calvin urged the council to consider how the recruitment process has been handled and asked for clarity. Multiple commenters asked for more transparency in the city manager recruitment and for broader council participation.

Other public comments addressed immigrant inclusion and local services. Natalia Saka, regional policy advocate for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), urged the council to include immigrant communities in the budget with funding for legal services, community education ("know your rights" training) and improved translation and interpretation services. Several speakers also pressed for more funding and attention to parks, community gardens and street maintenance.

The council received the comments and proceeded to the scheduled closed session. Staff later continued with the budget and CIP presentation following the public comment period.