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*El Chicano 02/27/25

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EL CHICANo Weekly

Vol 62, NO. 13

February 27, 2025

San Bernardino Appoints Third City Manager in a Year, Loses Rochelle Clayton to Barstow, Taps Retired Brea Leader

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Fatal Hit & Run Traffic Collision in Rialto Pg. 3 PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Councilmembers Sandra Ibarra, Kim Knaus, Theodore Sanchez, Dr. Treasure Ortiz, Mayor Helen Tran, Juan Figueroa, Mario Flores, and Fred Shorett conduct city business as community members listen to a city manager update.

By Manny Sandoval

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Nearly 500 Operators Issued Violation Notices for Non-compliance of Warehouse Rule Pg. 4

n yet another shift in city leadership, the San Bernardino City Council has appointed William “Bill” Gallardo as interim city manager, marking the city’s 17th city manager in 16 years–and the third in a year. The move comes just days after former acting city manager Rochelle Clayton was officially named the new city manager of Barstow. During the Feb. 19 City Council meeting, Mayor Helen Tran acknowledged

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Councilmember Dr. Treasure Ortiz echoed that sentiment. “I would like to thank Clayton for her service and time. It’s not always easy, and I appreciate everyone

that steps up to the plate for the city of San Bernardino. I know your affected reach is going to be long-lasting in the city, and the level of integrity and camaraderie that you bring is going to be hard to replace. I wish you the best of luck; we were lucky to have you.” Clayton, who has more than 30 years of government experience, was officially named city manager of Barstow after a unanimous City Council vote there on Feb. 18. The city of Barstow issued a statement City Manager cont. on next pg.

‘We Don’t Want You Here’: San Bernardino Councilman Served Recall Notice Over Allegiances to ‘Powerful Interest Groups’ By Manny Sandoval

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Clayton’s departure, calling it a significant loss for San Bernardino but a gain for Barstow. “I got news that our former acting city manager has been appointed as City Manager to the City of Barstow. It’s a loss for us, but a huge gain for Barstow. Thank you for all of your service,” said Tran. Clayton was present in the audience with her family.

ard 1 Councilman Theodore Sanchez was publicly served with a notice of intent to recall during the Feb. 19th San Bernardino City Council meeting, as community members accused him of prioritizing "powerful interest groups with financial backing" over the needs of residents. The announcement, made before an audience of approximately 100 people and streamed online, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to remove Sanchez from office. The recall campaign, spearheaded by The People of San Bernardino, cited Sanchez’s failure to engage with constituents, support small businesses, and address key community concerns. However, Sanchez did not respond to the notice—nor did he accept the document in person. Instead, he was seen leaving the meeting a couple minutes early, prompting organizers to state the letter was already mailed to his home.

Community Leaders Condemn Sanchez’s Leadership Arthur Anderson, director of The People of San Bernardino, delivered a scathing rebuke of Sanchez’s tenure, arguing that the councilman was disconnected from those he was elected to serve. “For Ward 1 Councilmember Sanchez, voters in your ward did not participate in the election. So few people voted for you—who are you representing?” Anderson said. “You don’t represent the average voter in your ward, and I have the signatures to prove that. When I knock on a door for a councilmember, I expect pushback. But in your case, nine out of ten voters signed the petition without hesitation.” Anderson outlined long-standing community grievances, saying Sanchez had ignored demands to establish a homeless committee, improve public infrastructure, and engage meaningfully with small businesses and residents. “You only have support from the powerful interest groups with their financial backing,” Anderson said. “But no one else

out of your circle wants you here.” Business Owners Back the Recall Effort David Friedman, co-owner of Realicore Real Estate and a member of The People of San Bernardino, emphasized the contributions of local business owners in revitalizing downtown San Bernardino, contrasting their efforts with Sanchez’s leadership. “Realicore has fixed up enough dilapidated buildings downtown to rent out spaces to 30-plus new small businesses, nonprofits, and artists,” Friedman said, which was met with audience applause. “The $720,000 grant that we helped the city obtain to reimagine a dilapidated alley in downtown proves that we could be a good partner to the city and vice versa.” Friedman acknowledged that while progress had been made, deeper structural issues remained. “These days, San Bernardino is on a positive path. It’s much better today than when I first came up to speak on this dais eight Sanchez Recall cont. next pg.


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