Former city auditor alleges retaliation in public comment to Ontario council

Brad Newman, who identified himself as a former city auditor, told the Ontario City Council during public comment that he believes he is being retaliated against and that his signed whistleblower report filed March 18 has not been properly addressed.

"The first time I came up here, I let you know that I'm being retaliated against," Newman said, and he told the council he had submitted exhibits and correspondence to support his claim. Newman said Human Resources delayed the scheduling of his arbitration while reviewing the whistleblower complaint and that he has not received a formal response from the city manager as the policy requires. He named HR investigator Michael Heider as central to several alleged investigative failures and said some exhibits reference Heider's words and conduct.

Council did not take any formal action during public comment. City Attorney Ruben Duran had earlier told the council that the body met in closed session and provided direction to staff with "no reportable action," but Newman’s public allegations were not resolved on the dais. The mayor directed city staff and the appropriate departments to note the comment and follow up; Deputy Chief Lopez was identified to speak with other commenters about police-related concerns during the meeting.

Newman’s statements were presented as allegations in public comment; the council did not provide a contemporaneous, substantive response or a documented outcome in the meeting record. The claims remain unresolved in the meeting transcript.