Torres Sounds Alarm at Disgraced Pomona Councilman's Stunt to Retain Office

Press Release

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) today called into question how disgraced Pomona City Councilman Rubio Gonzalez was able to join a tele-work closed-door council meeting on July 6th unbeknownst to his fellow councilmembers.

The council voted on May 23rd to censure Gonzalez and demand he not participate in future meetings after he was arrested and charged with one felony count of possessing child pornography and four misdemeanor counts of annoying or molesting a child.

Pomona's City Charter allows the Council to remove a member from office after 30 days of inactivity. By secretly calling into the closed-session council meeting, Gonzalez effectively reset the timeline, allowing him to continue his absence while receiving an $819 monthly salary and healthcare benefits.

"Pomona residents who just want this alleged predator gone from local government are right to be outraged at what Rubio Gonzalez -- and the people who helped him -- did to cling to power," Rep. Torres said. "The same parents who are terrified that this man may have preyed on their children are now forced to continue paying his salary while he waits for his day in court. That is appalling beyond words."

While Councilmembers were in the dark about Gonzalez's presence on their call -- some claim he was not announced and did not use his own name in the zoom conference -- his presence could not have been a secret to all participants.

"Closed sessions are closed for a reason -- the subject matter is sensitive, so you can't just call in," Rep. Torres continued. "There is no way for Rubio Gonzalez to join a meeting like that without the city officials who organized it -- including the mayor, city clerk, city manager and city attorney -- knowing about it.

"Mayor Sandoval -- the public has a right to know who gave Rubio Gonzalez anonymous access to this sensitive meeting. We need transparency here, and in adherence to California's Brown Act, a full record of Gonzalez's presence, participation, and any coordination that allowed him to join this meeting should be made available to the public immediately."

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