HomeMy WebLinkAboutMelvin,Harold_Public Comment_redactedFrom:Harold Melvin
To:D-SBCityClerk; PublicComments
Cc:Mario Flores; Kimberly Knaus; Fred Shorett; Juan Figueroa; Sandra Ibarra; Theodore Sanchez; Dr. Treasure
Ortiz; Council; Helen Tran
Subject:Public Comment to be Read Aloud
Date:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 1:18:27 PM
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Honorable Mayor and Council,
We speak today regarding the Closed Session for Ortiz v. City of San Bernardino.
St. Thomas Aquinas taught that 'Justice without wisdom is impossible.' A foundational principle of natural justice is
that no one can be a judge in their own case. Yet, tonight, this Council faces a grave moral and legal conflict.
First, regarding Councilmember Dr. Treasure Ortiz:
You are actively suing this City for $2 million in federal court. Simultaneously, you are casting decisive votes to
protect Commissioner Victor Suarez, whom you have publicly called your 'Truth Teller' and witness. Under
California Government Code Section 87100, a public official cannot use their position to influence a decision in
which they have a financial interest. You cannot act as the City's 'Judge' on Monday while suing the City as a
'Plaintiff' on Thursday. To protect the City from liability, you must recuse yourself immediately.
Second, regarding the 'Valdivia Standard':
In 2021, this body censured the Mayor for creating a hostile work environment. Today, Commissioner Suarez uses
City resources to harass residents. The hostility has escalated to the point where sitting Councilmembers have
reported being 'bullied' and requiring police escorts to safely leave City Hall following the February 2nd meeting. If
the Council punishes a Mayor for hostility but protects a Commissioner for the same behavior, you are proving your
rules are arbitrary and biased.
Third, regarding Censorship:
The Supreme Court ruled in Lindke v. Freed (2024) that officials cannot censor critics on social media pages used
for government business. Commissioner Suarez has placed the 'City Hall Tracker' page under 'Post Approval'
lockdown to silence dissent. This is a clear First Amendment violation.
The Demand:
San Bernardino Transparency Watch formally demands that Councilmember Ortiz recuse herself from this Closed
Session and that the 'Post Approval' censorship on City-affiliated pages be lifted.
The City is now on notice. Govern yourselves accordingly."
— San Bernardino Transparency Watch