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Residents urge Fontana council to remove parks commissioner after medical examiner rules death a homicide
Summary
Two public commenters asked the Fontana City Council to remove Commissioner Benjamin Alba, alleging his role in the death of Diego Rios and citing a Los Angeles medical examiner homicide determination; the council did not take formal action during the meeting.
John Perroza and other residents told the Fontana City Council at today’s meeting that Commissioner Benjamin Alba should be removed from the Parks, Community and Human Services Commission following a Los Angeles County medical examiner ruling.
“Mr. Alba violated California police policies and his actions caused Diego’s death,” Perroza told the council, urging members to "agendaize the removal of Mr. Alba" and to open the position for new applicants. Perroza cited a February 5, 2026 medical examiner determination that the death of Diego Rios was a homicide by prone physical restraint and said the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department homicide bureau and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division are investigating.
Carolyn Ambrose, who identified herself as a Claremont resident, repeated the call and said, “The agony and terror Diego felt in his last moments of life are undeniable,” and urged council members to view video evidence she described as unambiguous.
Both speakers referenced Fontana municipal code (chapter 2, article 8, section 2-341) about the mayor’s authority and the council’s role in removing commission members. Perroza asked the council to put removal on a future agenda and to direct staff to begin accepting new applications for the commission seat.
Council members did not respond with a motion to initiate removal during the public-comment period. The mayor moved on to scheduled staff reports and public hearing items after time for public comment ended.
No city official provided a statement from Commissioner Benjamin Alba during the meeting, and the council did not announce any immediate investigatory or personnel action before adjourning. The council’s formal agenda advanced to staff presentations and a separate public hearing on liens.
What happens next: The meeting record shows only public comments requesting action; the council did not vote or direct staff in open session on the request to remove Commissioner Alba. If council members or the mayor choose to act, the transcript indicates the relevant municipal code cited by speakers would be the statutory route for removal.
Sources: Public comments at the Fontana City Council meeting (John Perroza; Carolyn Ambrose).
