San Bernardino City Council censures Treasure Ortiz amid accusations, lawsuits involving police staff
April 1, 2026-- The San Bernardino City Council censured councilmember Treasure Ortiz after an outside investigation found she violated San Bernardino Municipal Code Section 2.58.050(A), (B), and (B)(1), which require honesty, integrity, transparency, and conduct above reproach from elected officials.
Ortiz is alleged to have used her elected position and City resources to promote false claims against the City and police department for her own political and personal benefit. The investigation began after Ortiz filed a $2 million lawsuit against the City of San Bernardino, claiming that the city and police department unlawfully accessed her arrest records. She alleged that this was done to undermine her political campaign for the 7th Ward City Council seat.
The City's Response
San Bernardino city stated that her lawsuit was filed in bad faith and aimed at personal gain rather than legitimate grievances. The city conducted an independent investigation that found no evidence supporting Ortiz's allegations.
Ortiz is also alleged to have illegally recorded police officials while trying to support a negative story accusing the police department of blackmail, and lied about her arrest history even though documented arrest records exist.
Key details regarding the investigations
- Investigative Findings: The investigation concluded that criminal background searches (CLETS) mentioned in Ortiz's $2 million claim were conducted in accordance with the law.
- Independent Review: The City engaged specialized, independent counsel of Stephen G. Larson's firm Larson LLP to review the accusations.
- Related Investigation: Separate investigations involved the JL Group (Jeff Brouwer and Jason Kravetz) and Attorney Jeff Love, which focused on security of confidential materials and police department communications.
Ortiz has disputed these findings, calling them retaliatory and arguing she was not properly interviewed.
Why a Censure?
When an outside investigation finds that an elected official violated the City’s code of conduct, the council has an obligation to put those findings on the record and act within the authority it has under the City Charter. Censure is the strongest action the council is allowed to take, and it places the council’s findings into the official public record. The censure resolution requests that Ortiz voluntarily resign from her elected seat.
Finally, the censure revoked Ortiz’s discretionary assignments, such as the city’s Homeless Initiatives Ad-Hoc Subcommittee, for one year. Other assignments include the folllowing:
- San Bernardino County Continuum of Care (Alternate)
- San Bernardino County Central Valley Regional Steering Committee (Alternate)
- San Bernardino County Central Valley Network (Alternate)
Despite these removals, she remains the elected representative for Ward 7 and continues to participate in regular City Council meetings.
More about the San Bernardino County Homeless Ad Hoc Committee
The San Bernardino County Homeless Ad Hoc Committee concluded its 15-month tenure on March 11, 2025, after driving major initiatives to address homelessness, including creating county housing guidelines, launching a data-sharing system, and developing encampment trackers. The committee focused on regional collaboration, specifically strengthening partnerships in the West End to create sustainable, long-term housing solutions.
Key Outcomes & Focus Areas
- Housing & Shelter: The committee facilitated the development of county housing guidelines approved on January 23, 2024, and helped advance specific housing/shelter projects.
- Data & Tracking: Launched a data-sharing/integration initiative to improve service coordination and created a homeless encampment dashboard for tracking.
- Leadership: Co-chaired by Supervisors Curt Hagman and Joe Baca, Jr..
- Funding Utilization: Supported the utilization of $72 million in state funding for various homeless initiatives.
Current Structure and Continued Efforts
While the specific Ad Hoc Committee has ended, ongoing efforts continue through the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership (SBCHP), specifically the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) and the Office of Homeless Services.
- Encampment Response: The County was recently awarded $11 million for an encampment resolution, including the development of a 25-tiny-house campus in the Highland/San Bernardino area.
- Behavioral Health: The county is expanding, acquiring, and constructing behavioral health treatment facilities (approx. $38.7 million in funding) for individuals with co-occurring need. The Office of Homeless Services can be reached at (909) 501-0610 for ongoing information.