Public accuses charter committee chair of bullying; members pledge more outreach and consider chair selection

At a San Bernardino Charter Review Committee meeting, public commenters accused the committee chair of disrespectful conduct during a recent special meeting and urged the body to delay placing charter amendments on the ballot so residents can be properly informed.

Dolores Armstead read a letter saying the June 10 special meetinghad six items that were not discussed and that the chair "yelled at committee members" and repeatedly told the city attorney to "shut up," calling some submissions "garbage" and urging items be placed on a November 2026 ballot. Armstead said she believes the amendments should be delayed to 2028 to allow for community forums and outreach.

"The city charter is too important and vital to be approved without citizen input," Armstead said, adding that the way the earlier meeting was conducted "is a prime example of why San Bernardino is held in such strong disrespect nationwide."

Andy Fuentes told the committee he watched the special meeting and agreed it was "a disaster," saying the chair was rude to the city attorney and other committee members and urging meaningful outreach so voters will understand any charter changes.

Several committee members responded directly. Angela Torres and Leticia Briggs acknowledged public frustration and said the committee faces budgetary and procedural constraints but is committed to improving outreach. Ricky Van Johnson described the committeeas a nine-member body that should be led with "fairness" and neutrality; he asked the committee to consider placing selection of the chairperson on a future agenda.

James Albert thanked the city attorney for disclosing information at the meeting and urged the group to adopt a substantive community engagement plan at this or the next meeting, saying the next months are a critical opportunity amid an election cycle.

Procedurally, members moved to approve the draft minutes; the motion was seconded and the minutes were approved unanimously (specific tallies were not provided in the record).

The committee concluded the meeting by directing staff to help develop outreach materials and an outline for a public education presentation. Committee members said they want to educate residents about the existing charter, hold ward-based and virtual forums, provide translation services, and use neighborhood associations and city events to reach residents who do not travel downtown. The chair selection proposal was left for follow-up via the regular agenda process.

Next steps: staff will prepare an outreach outline and return it for committee review; members signaled support for delaying substantive ballot action until the committee can complete public education and feedback.