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Residents raise ethics concerns about Councilmember Romero during public comment
Summary
Multiple residents used public comment to call for review of alleged political activity by Councilmember Danielle Romero within nonprofit veterans organizations and to raise other accusations about council appointments; no formal action was taken by the council at the meeting.
Montebello — During the public‑comment period residents raised ethics concerns and requested official review regarding Councilmember Danielle Romero’s conduct and related appointment practices.
Patricia Saltero Sanchez, speaking as a constituent of District 4, told the council she personally witnessed what she said was conduct that "blurs required separation between her role as an appointed official and the nonpartisan mission of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary," and asked that the appropriate authority review whether the conduct violated federal or California rules on political activity by tax‑exempt organizations.
Other commenters made related allegations: Bill Poliso accused Councilmember Scarlett Peralta and an identified campaign manager of coordinating to discredit him and of making false reports; Linda Nicholas urged that complaints be filed with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office of Public Integrity and asserted that an appointment (Alonzo to District 5) was made without a quorum. Raul Hurtado raised concerns about aspects of the police hiring process and related administrative actions.
None of these matters resulted in formal council action during the meeting. The council allowed the speakers their public‑comment time; the city clerk closed the non‑agenda public comment period and the council proceeded to regular business.
What was requested: Patricia Saltero Sanchez asked the council or 'appropriate authority' to determine if Councilmember Romero’s actions constituted improper activity or electioneering under California law; she asked that any necessary corrective action, guidance or sanctions be considered.
Council response and status: The transcript records the public comments and the requests for review but does not record the council referring the matter to staff, to the city attorney for investigation, or to any outside enforcement agency during the meeting. No investigation, referral or disciplinary action was announced by the council at adjournment.
The comments are part of the public record; any subsequent formal complaint, staff review or external filing would produce further public updates.
