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Residents praise Chief Valdez as council faces questions over abrupt retirement
Summary
Public comment at the San Fernando City Council meeting centered on Police Chief Fabian Valdez’s unexpected retirement: residents and the Police Officers Association praised his community work while some speakers asked for transparency about the circumstances of his departure and alleged prior misconduct—questions the council did not resolve.
The San Fernando City Council meeting on June 8 featured prolonged public comment and council discussion after Police Chief Fabian Valdez announced his retirement to accept an out-of-state police training director position.
Residents, community leaders and the San Fernando Police Officers Association publicly thanked Valdez for rebuilding trust between police and the community and for his outreach to schools and neighborhood events. Paul Ventameia, identified in public comment as president of the San Fernando Police Officer Association, told the council, “we want to congratulate our chief of police on his retirement” and pledged the department’s continued service during the transition.
Other residents urged transparency about the chief’s sudden departure and raised allegations that prompted calls for disclosure of relevant records. Julio Martinez said he had heard reports of misconduct and internal investigations and asked, “Why was the chief asked to leave at such short notice?” Martinez specifically referenced allegations involving internal investigations and asked the city to release documentation if there was nothing to hide. A caller who identified themselves by the last four digits of their phone number (9712) echoed parents’ concern about how the retirement was handled and said, “If it is true that certain council members pressured or pushed him out, then I believe that residents of San Fernando deserve answers.”
Several council members and staff responded directly in the meeting. Mayor Joel Fardo and other council members publicly thanked Valdez for his service. One council member disputed assertions that the council orchestrated the chief’s departure; another acknowledged they had heard of a single council member privately asking for the chief’s removal months earlier and invited that member to address the council. Council member Solorio said, “what I’ve said is true,” when allowed to speak on the record about past discussions.
Chief Valdez addressed the council and residents, reading a prepared statement that cited Ecclesiastes and expressed gratitude for his time in San Fernando. He said he was accepting an appointment to a training post and expressed confidence in the department’s future. Commander Chason and other commanders spoke at the meeting, praising Valdez’s mentorship and the improvements instituted under his leadership.
No formal investigation report or new documentary evidence was released at the meeting, and no final council action was taken on the allegations. Council members said staff and the department would continue planned transition and organizational assessment work. Several speakers asked the city to clarify any disciplinary records or documents related to allegations; council members said they would follow up with staff to gather and, where legally permissible, disclose additional information.
Next steps: City staff did not announce the release of any personnel files at the meeting. Council members said they would continue planned transition activities and return with additional follow-up as appropriate. The council’s public record will include the written comments that were submitted and made part of the minutes.
