Grand Jury Finds No Favoritism Towards Former Colton Council Members by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Grand Jury Finds No Favoritism Towards Former Colton Council Members

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
July 9, 2015 at 04:44pm. Views: 103

In its 2014-2015 Final Report published July 1, a San Bernardino Grand Jury stated it found no evidence of favoritism exhibited toward two former Colton City Council members accused last October of benefiting from separate alleged off-the-books public works projects. A complaint alleging violations of various state and city laws, policies and procedures in the Public Works Department accused former Councilman Frank Gonzales of benefiting as a council member from the installation of two speed humps on the 700 block of Canary Street, where he lives, and accused former Councilwoman Susan Oliva of benefiting from the removal of a utility pole and the subsequent filling of the gap in the fence left on her private property. After investigating concerns including the city's records keeping in the Public Works Department related to Capital Improvement Project (CPI) including Measure I funds, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax to help fund transportation projects; the documentation and approval process for Public Works projects; and city council members' interactions with the city manager and city departments, the Grand Jury report said it reviewed how Public Works projects are prioritized and whether city staff is complying with city guidelines and procedures. "The Grand Jury specifically reviewed the approval process for the construction of speed bumps on city streets," the report reads, adding that findings show the project in question was "completed consistently" with established procedures. According to the report, "The Grand Jury uncovered no evidence to support allegations that favoritism was given to elected officials in the decision to approve construction of the speed bumps. There were concerns regarding city work performed on private property of a council member. The work was found to have been completed consistently with city policies and procedures. A city owned utility pole was removed and resulted in damages to a block wall on private property. The block wall was repaired to its original state, as required by city policy." Interviews conducted by the Grand Jury "failed to support concerns that individual city council members were unduly involved in day-to-day city operations," the report said. An investigation conducted last summer by San Diego-based attorney Ron Ball of Best Best & Krieger found similar results, as the Colton City News reported. At an Oct. 7, 2014 council meeting, Ball concluded, “Neither council member had a conflict of interest, broke any criminal or civil laws or resulted in a gift of public funds to that individual.” The complaints levelled at the city were made by six local residents and business owners who told the Colton City News last October that the complaints against Oliva and Gonzales were "a side issue," and their request was for an investigation into the Public Works Department. As such, the recent report also shows that the Grand Jury investigated claims regarding the Public Works Department. For more on those findings, please read the article titled, "Public Works Department Investigated."

Related Articles

JW North High School Athlete of the Week: Escess Coony
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 417

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Your Home-Grown, “Budget Watchdog,” Councilman Doug Wilson, Is Still On The Job!

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 464

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

As Corporate Restaurants Retreat, Timber Ridge Bets on Local Ownership, Hospitality and People
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 387

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 252

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Business Summit Brings Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders Together
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 419

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrates the Culture, History and Contributions That Help Shape the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 568

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

County Library readers make waves during 2026 Summer Reading Program
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 542

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Moreno Valley Expands Volunteer Opportunities for Residents Ready to Give Back
Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 572

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Moreno Valley Begins Fall Fire Hazard Inspections
Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 397

Pet of the Week: Lady
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 337

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Kaiser Permanente Helps Give New Life to Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service
Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 591

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Walmart and Sam's Club Help Strengthen Food Access Across the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 284

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->