HomeMy WebLinkAboutRobles, Sarah - P{ublic Comments_ Treasure Ortiz vs City of San Bernardino_links sanitizedFrom:Sarah
To:PublicComments; Council
Subject:Treasure Ortiz vs City of San Bernardino
Date:Thursday, March 5, 2026 8:28:26 PM
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The cease‑and‑desist letter that the city sent to Councilwoman Dr. Treasure Ortiz was
absolutely disgusting and was more about silencing the one person willing to rightfully
challenge the City. It aimed to intimidate her out of using her First Amendment rights while
she pursues her claims against the City, the Police Chief, and Police Union officials. And for
all its dramatic accusations, the letter doesn’t identify a single false or harmful statement. If
the City’s conduct was proper, why try to muzzle the person in opposition to it? Why continue
to call expensive special meetings to discuss (and strategize) over what you have repeatedly
referred to as a "frivolous" claim.
The City is also still hiding the “findings report” it claims clears everyone. If that’s true,
release the full report. Show who was interviewed, what evidence was reviewed, and whether
any independent investigation actually happened. Keeping it buried only reinforces exactly
what Dr. Ortiz has been saying: transparency is not the priority, just protecting certain people.
To make matters worse, residents have reported how difficult it is to obtain basic public
records. How are we supposed to verify anything when the very City being questioned refuses
to release its own documents, under the direction of City attorney Sonia carvahlo? You cannot
demand trust while blocking access to the truth.
For years, we were hearing about pre‑negotiations on RFPs, where some vendors were
reportedly given different bids on services based on which councilmember they directed their
attention (and money) to. That is unethical and undermines the entire competitive process.
This is exactly the kind of behavior Dr. Ortiz has been calling out, even while she was a
private resident, and exactly why she continues to be the target of some of your ire.
This is election season, and the public is watching. When this Council looks away, people
start asking who is committed to accountability and who is committed to protecting
themselves.
San Bernardino cannot move forward while punishing the one councilmember demanding
honesty. Agree on a settlement or JUST APOLOGIZE and see what that gains you.
Acknowledging mistakes and choosing transparency would allow this City to finally focus on
real progress instead of silencing the people trying to fix it. We wholeheartedly support our
Councilwoman Dr. Treasure Ortiz and we will keep showing up to demand answers for
questions she continues to raise.