Ontario, CA — At its April 15 meeting, the Ontario City Council honored community achievements and debated critical development decisions.
The night began with the celebration of local student Leo Castro, who received a $50,000 Edison Scholars award to pursue a degree in engineering at Harvey Mudd College.
“This is such an amazing opportunity for me,” Castro said, thanking Southern California Edison, his teachers, family, and community. “I know that with this opportunity, I’ll be able to give back to my community and make a real change in the world.”
Mayor Paul Leon called the moment “really cool stuff,” as the Council and Edison representatives posed for photos with Castro in recognition of the accomplishment.
Council members were then presented personalized jerseys and hats from the Ontario Police Officers Association as a gesture of gratitude for supporting public safety and the Seeds of Hope for Veterans charity baseball fundraiser.
Seeds of Hope chair Michael Rogel thanked the city and police department.
“We raised close to $5,000, which will go to getting more supplies for our veterans,” he said.
Rogel expressed hope that the next event would be held in Ontario and include new local housing for veterans.
The meeting’s public comment period brought a shift in tone as residents and community leaders addressed concerns about transparency, zoning and alleged discrimination.
Pastor Josh Wicker of Ontario Church of the Nazarene asked the Council to help the church establish a senior adult daycare program.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to meet a need in our community,” Wicker said. “We feel like we have a pre-existing conditional use permit that will allow us to have this service.”
Greg Buzzard, the church’s property administrator, described a frustrating back-and-forth with the city’s planning department.
“They began moving the goal post,” Buzzard said, requesting zoning adjustments or a variance. “Please let our church do church things.”
Speakers also addressed comments from the March 18 meeting, alleging discriminatory behavior from city officials.
Brad Newman returned to criticize City Manager Scott Ochoa and what he called a “retaliatory culture.”
He cited corruption allegations and asked the city to “investigate questionable developers.”
Mayor Leon responded generally to public speakers, stating, “This is just public comment. Anyone can say whatever they want, and it doesn’t make anything factual.”
Following public comments, the Council addressed Consent Calendar items, with Councilmember Daisy Macias recusing herself from Item 20 due to a conflict of interest.
That item involved a development agreement with Diversified Pacific Development Group related to a proposed 600-room hotel near the convention center.
Chris Robles criticized the project’s environmental review process and questioned its long-term impact.
“Air moves. Poisons in the air move,” Robles said. “The air quality in this area is substandard and dangerous.”
In response, Mayor Leon defended the city’s investment strategy.
“We survive on taxes. We have to invest,” he said. “The Ontario Mills, that $20 million was an investment that paid off like the goose that laid the golden eggs.”
He stressed the need for economic development to fund community services like parks and housing.
“To do the things Mr. Robles is recommending, like the J. Littleton Field, you have to have money,” Leon said.
Later, the Council approved a public hearing item to construct 144 workforce housing units.
“I don’t like to use terms like low-income units,” Leon said. “These are for people who have work, who just want a decent place to live.”
The Ontario City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2025.
