Sanchez family asks Ontario council to press governor for reward in son's killing

During public comment the family of Jesus Alfredo Sanchez urged the council to help secure a reward and to press the governor's office for action in the ongoing homicide investigation. Maria Raimondo, introduced by the mayor as the victim's mother, said it had been four months and six days since her son's death and asked each council member to sign a letter to the governor to increase chances of a meaningful response.

Cassandra Sanchez, introduced as the victim's sister, said the family had repeatedly felt unheard and directly asked the mayor, "Are we being heard?" The family said they had previously sent letters to Governor Newsom and to Congresswoman Norma Torres (a second letter dated Dec. 21) without receiving substantive answers.

City staff and the city manager clarified the process: the police chief was identified as the official who sends the chief's letter to the governor's office and staff reported confirmation of receipt and initial positive feedback from the governor's office; staff said the chief's team is following up regularly to obtain a final confirming letter. Mayor Paul Leon apologized to the family for earlier misspeaking of the victim's name and said staff had attempted to provide direct answers in prior interactions.

Speakers urged council support (endorsements or letters) to increase the likelihood of a response and of a reward being posted; the council acknowledged the family's requests and staff said police are actively pursuing follow-up with the governor's office.