First-term San Bernardino City Councilmember Damon Alexander faces two challengers for his Seventh Ward seat, a former city attorney recalled from office and a government watchdog who’s previously run for office.
Alexander, elected in 2020, is battling Treasure Ortiz, the government watchdog and a college professor, and James Penman, who served 26 years as San Bernardino’s city attorney before being recalled in 2013. Both Ortiz and Penman have previously run for mayor of San Bernardino.
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The Seventh Ward is one of four council seats on the March 5 ballot.
We reached out to all of the candidates and asked them the same questions. Below are the responses for the Seventh Ward candidates, edited for length to conform to required word limits.
Damon Alexander
Age: No response provided.
Occupation: Retired law enforcement
Education: Master of public administration, master of theology
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? We’ve created two new outreach teams and invested $20 million in family and men’s shelters. Additional staff has been hired to intensify our efforts.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? No response provided.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? I’ve introduced and implemented impactful policy ideas, including the long-awaited demolition of the Carousel Mall, paving the way for new businesses and housing developments. I’ve organized economic and homeless summits, facilitated small business grant forums, and navigated bureaucratic hurdles to kickstart stalled projects. I prioritize being in the community, ensuring the voices of the Seventh Ward residents are represented.
Top three community activities: San Bernardino Turkey Trot 5K/10K race at the San Bernardino International Airport; San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, annual Halloween Truck or Treat (1,000 kids served each year).
Campaign information: damonalexander.us
Treasure Ortiz
Age: No response provided.
Occupation: College professor/businesswoman
Education: Doctorate in public policy/administration; master’s in public administration; bachelor’s in administration/human resources
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? No. (The city should) secure beds at Patton State Hospital to get the mentally ill and drug addicted off our streets. Collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs to get our homeless vets the care they deserve. Work with the county to implement Laura’s Law to untie the hands of our Police Department. Work with the school district and join resources to house our children and families. Create transitional youth housing. Support affordable housing for families that are one paycheck away from being homeless.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? I would like to see the city move forward with an RFP (request for proposal) to restart the SLA (surplus land act) process and continue on with concept design that residents of San Bernardino told the city they wanted. There was nothing wrong with the development that was approved in 2021.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? I am the only candidate putting out real plans and solutions to the city’s most pressing issues. I stood in front of the council for years fighting for our community. My background in city government and my education in public service have fully prepared me to be a representative of the people. I’m not a politician making fake promises, I am a resident who is tired of watching nothing happen year after year and is ready for real leadership and positive changes.
Top three community activities: Volunteering as a youth basketball coach for our park and recreation program, previously serving as a Neighborhood Association president and currently a youth mentor.
Campaign information: treasureortiz.com; treasureforsb on Facebook
James F. “Jim” Penman
Age: 76
Occupation: Municipal lawyer for over 40 years.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Cal State San Bernardino; Juris Doctorate, Western State University College of Law.
Has the city done enough to address homelessness? Absolutely not. The city needs to move on the recommendation by the new homeless coordinator and convert the old School of Hope facility on East Sixth Street between Waterman Avenue and Tippecanoe into housing and treatment programs for the homeless. Once those beds are available and the city returns to its due process procedures, the current federal court injunction will be lifted and the city may resume the enforcement of its no-camping in public ordinance.
What would you like to see done with Carousel Mall? Cities do not construct development projects, private developers do that. Since the demise of the city’s Economic Development Agency, the city has little to no available funding to assist private development with grants or loans. Bonding for construction of new development should be avoided to reduce potential exposure to another bankruptcy. Private capital, private loans from banks and/or other lenders to developers, should be utilized to fund the redevelopment.
What makes you the best choice for your district, rather than your opponents? Endorsed by San Bernardino Police Officers Association, Mayor Judith Valles, San Bernardino City Retirees Association, and numerous others. I am also the best choice because of my experience in city government, my knowledge of and ability to ensure compliance with government law, my education, my track record, my integrity, and my vision. Elected city attorney, seven terms. Held terms on police, human relations and civil service commissions.
Top three community activities: Spirit of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Kiwanis Club of San Bernardino,San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce.
Campaign information: ElectPenman.com; 909-882-8986; votepenman2022@gmail.com
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the meaning for SLA (surplus land act) and to include community activities information previously unavailable for candidate Treasure Ortiz.
