Ontario council directs staff to begin switch to by‑district elections after closed‑session resolution

The Ontario City Council directed staff to begin procedures to transition from at‑large to by‑district City Council elections in 2022, the council announced after returning from a closed session.

City Attorney: "staff was directed to put forward this resolution for the council to move to by district elections in 2022 following the receipt of the census," the City Attorney said, adding that the resolution will be posted on the city's website and copies made available to the public.

Why it matters: The change would alter how City Council members are elected and has become a flashpoint in the community: outside counsel and several residents argued it is needed to address alleged vote dilution under federal law, while other residents and council members said districting would fragment citywide planning and reduce the influence of some voters.

Public comment and legal claims: Scott Rafferty, speaking as a representative for Chris Robles, told the council the city is "about 70% Latino" and said "those votes are diluted, in violation of federal law," urging the council to adopt districts and to make the city's study public. Rafferty also argued the meeting notice did not comply with the Brown Act and said the council risks litigation if it does not act.

The city manager disputed the Brown Act claim: "The Brown Act requires that we post in the three locations—that was achieved yesterday at 4:30 in the afternoon," the city manager said, acknowledging website issues but saying required local postings were made.

Resident opposition and concerns about districting: Several residents opposed district elections during the comment period. Chris King said districting "would be detrimental" to the city's cohesion and master plan; Mary Anne Perumian said districting "creates more polarization of voters" and urged the council to "fight the state" rather than cede voting influence; Dr. Irene Cervantes Chisholm identified herself as Latino and said she did not believe districting was the right solution.

Council debate and vote: Council members discussed the competing claims. Council member Wapner said he had concerns about factual errors in the outside letter and that at‑large elections are not illegal per se, but that the council would follow the law. The mayor said the council would do due diligence to comply with legal requirements.

The motion to proceed with the resolution was moved by Mr. Bowman and seconded by Miss Bridal; no opposition was voiced and the mayor declared the motion carried. The City Attorney said staff was directed to publish the resolution on the city website as soon as practicable and to proceed with the steps described in the document.

Next steps: The council’s resolution directs staff to initiate the process for establishing and implementing by‑district elections in 2022 following receipt of census data. The resolution text and supporting materials were said to be available for public review once posted on the city website.