City Council to Consider Censure Resolution at April 1 Meeting
San Bernardino, California (Inland Empire News Online) – San Bernardino City Councilmember Treasure Ortiz has received a formal cease-and-desist letter from the city, accusing her of a “pattern of conduct” that allegedly violated professional standards and created a hostile work environment. The city’s letter, dated February 27, 2026, comes as officials prepare to consider a resolution of censure against Ortiz at their upcoming April 1 council meeting.
Top Areas Covered:
Cease-and-desist letter allegations
Legal and ethical concerns raised by the city
Background on prior legal disputes involving Ortiz
Upcoming City Council censure hearing
City’s historical friction with councilmembers over conduct
City’s Cease-and-Desist and Allegations
According to city officials, the February 27 letter accuses Councilmember Ortiz of engaging in unprofessional behavior toward staff and using her position to make unsubstantiated claims of corruption within the city and its police department. The letter calls on Ortiz to refrain from any conduct that could be interpreted as harassment, retaliation, or misuse of authority.
City leaders have scheduled an April 1 hearing at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library, where councilmembers will consider a formal resolution censuring Ortiz. The proposed resolution outlines multiple alleged violations, including public disparagement of employees, misuse of city property for personal matters, and participation in what officials describe as retaliatory actions against city personnel.
Legal and Political Context
Ortiz, a frequently outspoken member of the City Council, is currently involved in ongoing legal disputes with both the city and the San Bernardino Police Officers Association. In February, she pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges related to recording a phone conversation without consent, a violation of California’s privacy laws.
Separately, Ortiz has filed a $2 million lawsuit against the police union, alleging defamation and interference during her 2022 city council campaign.
Censure Process and Public Hearing
Under the San Bernardino Municipal Code, the City Council has authority to censure members who fail to meet standards of conduct or act in ways that undermine public confidence. If approved, a censure resolution would represent the city’s strongest formal rebuke short of removal from office.
The April 1 meeting will allow Ortiz to present her response either in person or through written submission before the council takes action. City officials have said the process is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in city governance.
A History of Conflict in City Politics
Disputes between San Bernardino elected leaders and city staff have been a recurring feature of local politics. The city, which emerged from municipal bankruptcy in 2017, has faced years of turnover in leadership positions and public disagreements among councilmembers. Efforts to strengthen ethical standards and professional conduct have been a key focus of reform measures introduced in recent years.
The outcome of the April 1 hearing could influence not just Ortiz’s political future, but also the city’s ongoing efforts to reinforce public confidence in its governance and operations.
