EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 62, NO. 28
May 01, 2025
San Bernardino City Council Sparks Outrage Over City Manager Hiring Process After Unusual Closed Sessions Without Full Council sion is well informed and balanced. It is really disheartening to me that this body would go forward without the mayor and other council members present." Alan Stanly, owner of The Enterprise Building in downtown San Bernardino, echoed concerns about representation.
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“You all scheduled this meeting purposefully so that the mayor and Councilmembers Ortiz and Flores could not be here,” Stanly said. “We the people demand our representation. Although I am from Ward 1 and my representative is here—I still don't feel well represented. This needs to be a team effort."
Officers Assaulted While Breaking Up Student Fight at Entrepreneur High School Pg. 3
How Artists of Color Are Reclaiming the Inland Empire Through Art Pg. 4
PHOTO ALAN STANLY
(L to R) At the dais on Friday night, April 25, 2025 includes Councilmembers Sandra Ibarra, Kim Knaus, Theodore Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Juan Figueroa, and Councilmember Fred Shorett.
By Manny Sandoval
I
n a pair of contentious closed-session meetings on April 25 and 27, San Bernardino City Council moved forward with interviewing candidates for the city manager position despite the absence of Mayor Helen Tran and Councilmembers Dr. Treasure Ortiz and Mario Flores, drawing sharp criticism from constituents and some elected officials. Both special meetings, held unusually on a Friday evening and a Sunday evening at the city building on 201 N E Street’s third floor — rather than the customary Feldheym Library — were publicly called on April 24. Many residents criticized the timing, location, and absence of the full
council, calling the process rushed and lacking transparency. At the April 25 meeting, resident Stephanie Liggins urged the council to reconsider proceeding without all eight elected officials present. “It is important for all eight members of the elected body to have a say in interviewing a city manager because the city manager plays a critical role in implementing policies, managing public resources, and overseeing city operations,” Liggins said. “This approach would promote transparency, fairness and accountability and help build consensus and trust in this process. It reduces the risk of bias, favoritism and ensures that the final deci-
David Friedman, co-owner of Realicore Real Estate, warned of potential liability. “I believe you all are creating a liability for the city. The last several city managers sued the city on their way out,” Friedman said. “The lack of leadership starts with you all; this is another situation where you are not being transparent with the community.” He continued, “The Mayor and two other councilmembers should have their opinions and voices heard—so I ask that you cancel this meeting. It is weird that you are hosting this meeting in a different location and weird that three of the other members of this council are not here.” Friedman noted the significance of the public turnout, saying, “A Friday evening normally would not get dozens of residents and constituents to come out and make public comments, but it shows that the City Manager cont. on next pg.
Perris Hill Pickleball Unveils Exciting Vision for a World-Class Pickleball and Tennis Center Community News
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erris Hill Pickleball is thrilled to announce a bold and forwardthinking proposal to transform Perris Hill Park into a premier destination for pickleball and tennis enthusiasts. This state-of-the-art facility promises to enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, while fostering community engagement and bolstering the local economy. The proposed pickleball and tennis center is set to include cutting-edge amenities such as 12 pickleball courts, 4 tennis courts, and a new open-sided shade structure for players and spectators, along with a spectacular grand main entrance featuring a signature sign structure. By creating a shared space for players of all ages and skill levels, the vision for this project reflects the club’s commitment to inclusivity, health, and the growth of racquet sports in the region.
— it will be a vibrant community hub where people can gather, learn, and celebrate the joy of sport.”
“Our vision is to create a world-class facility that inspires connection, competition, and wellness,” said Sam Catalano, spokesperson for Perris Hill Pickleball. “This center will be more than just courts
In addition to enriching the recreational landscape, the center is poised to deliver significant economic benefits. By hosting tournaments, leagues, and community events, the facility is expected to attract
PHOTO PERRIS HILL PICKLEBALL A 3D artist sketch of the proposed Perris Hill Pickleball and Tennis Center.
visitors, support local businesses, and generate revenue for the city. To turn this vision into reality, Perris Hill Pickleball is seeking public and political support to secure the necessary approvals and funding for the project. The club is Pickleball cont. next pg.