Charges Against Victorville

violation of Penal Code Section 403, “disturbing a public meeting”, and 602.1, “intentionally interfering with any lawful business carried on by a business open to the public by obstructing or intimidating those attempting to carry on business, and who refuses to leave.”

An example of what would be considered disturbing a public meeting was where a speaker may disrupt a Council meeting by speaking too long, by being overly irrelevant and unduly repetitious, thereby, preventing the council from accomplishing its business in a reasonable manner or conduct that could interfere with the rights of other speakers.

“Because Council Member Gomez remained within her allotted comment time and addressed matters within the city council’s jurisdiction, she was not clearly engaging in any conduct ‘that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting,’ as would be required to justify her removal,” First Amendment Coalition Legal Director David Loy concluded.

Gomez arrested, jailed, and charged Gomez was arrested and taken to jail. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Locator, as of February 26, Blanca Gomez was released on bail from West Valley Detention Center, her bail was set at $100,000.

However, a review of the San Bernardino County Felony Misdemeanor Bail Schedule 2023, did not reflect any bail related to the violations for which Gomez was charged. IE Voice and Black Voice News did not attend Gomez’s arraignment, therefore, have no direct knowledge of how the bail was determined.

Significant Concerns

FAC Legal Director David Loy told this reporter that his initial reaction after viewing the video of the February 21, Victorville City Council Meeting was that it was very troubling because it raises very significant concerns that the mayor was abusing official power to silence a critic.

The people have the right to address their elected officials, speaking within their allotted time, about issues relevant to the city’s official functions, Loy explained affirming as far as he could see, Gomez did not violate any decorum rules, and did absolutely nothing that would justify removing her from the meeting and having her arrested.

Gomez was within her rights, Loy confirmed, explaining that you didn't hear her being asked continued on page 12

Because Council Member Gomez remained within her allotted comment time and addressed matters within the city council’s jurisdiction, she was not clearly engaging in any conduct ‘that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting,’ as would be required to justify her removal

- David Loy