MARK WESTWOOD is a trustee of the Inland Counties Stonewall Democrats.

Scroll down to see the calendar and list of speakers.

Meetings start at 12:15 PM at Juan Pollo Restaurant, 1258 W 5th St, San Bernardino, CA 

San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club Official Do-Not-Support Position

The San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club UNANIMOUSLY opposes Benito Barrios for City Council, Ward 2. Do-Not-Support declarations have been rare in our club’s history. However, Barrios’ record is so disturbing, so unethical, and so incompatible with Democratic values that we feel compelled to advise fellow Democrats.

Abuse of Power: As a councilman, Barrios was caught by the media calling the police chief in the middle of the night seeking special treatment after being stopped for driving on a suspended license, while he was actively a fugitive from the law. He has been a fugitive twice. This is not leadership; it’s entitlement.”

Pro-Trump Actions and Endorsing Trump: Barrios signed a pro-Trump letter praising Donald Trump and inviting his federal law enforcement into San Bernardino despite Trump conditioning it on extra ICE and immigration enforcement, even as Trump attacked immigrants, destroyed unions, arrested union leaders, and targeted working families. The San Bernardino County Young Democrats and immigrant-rights groups condemned the letter and him at the time. We condemn Benito Barrios now. Benito Barrios also outright endorsed Donald Trump for President in 2016.

Toxic MAGA Alliances: He is a close ally of disgraced MAGA mayor John Valdivia, who was censured and embroiled in corruption and sexual harassment scandals. Barrios publicly endorsed him and benefited from that political machine. Dangerous Judgment: Barrios attempted to sell guns from the dais during a council meeting in a city struggling with some of California’s worst gun-violence rates. Rejected by Voters: He is now on his fifth run for office. He lost re-election in his primary with only 29.7% of the vote, failed to qualify a write-in attempt, and failed to qualify for the ballot again when he ran against Jan 6 hero Representative Pete Aguilar. And at a March 18, 2026 council meeting Barrios even frivolously threatened legal action against San Bernardino City’s Democratic Party chapters and a 14 year old child, Andy Fuentes for speaking out against his pro Trump record during public comments. Democrats must ask themselves: Why would any Democratic leader in San Bernardino or beyond support a failed councilman with a pro-Trump record, a history of abusing power, and ties to MAGA corruption within the city? Ward 2 deserves stability, competence, and real Democratic values, not a return to the chaos of Barrios, Valdivia, Elliot and Ibarra. The City of San Bernardino and Ward 2 cannot have our heart broken again in a city that has run out of hearts to give.

We urge all Democrats: DO NOT SUPPORT Benito Barrios for City Council, Ward 2 and join us in actively campaigning against him with time and money. UNANIMOUSLY resolved by the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club on December 5, 2025.

Sources, References, and Quotes can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bR5xi7Js9iGiQvLcxmLGvo9Htcmjxtfl/view?usp=sharing  (Copy and paste this link into your browser.)

Meetings are Fridays at 12:15 PM at Juan Pollo Restaurant, 1258 West 5th Street, San Bernardino, California.

APRIL 17 – MARK WESTWOOD will speak on Seccombe Lake Park. There has been a effort recently to rename the recently renovated San Bernardino park, which currently bears the name of former San Bernardino Mayor William Secombe, who served from 1941 to 1947.

Mark is a Trustee of the Inland Counties Stonewall Democrats. He is an events and campaign organizer. In addition to being the owner of RSVP Entertainment aka InlandEmpireDJ.com, he works at KCAA 1050 AM, and  has also organized Farmer’s Markets in the City of San Bernardino, Highland and Yucaipa. He is a life long resident of San Bernardino County. Mark is used to coordinating big events, receptions, and community events. He has over 10 years experience in the radio industry.

APRIL 24 – LADD SEEKINS will present an illustrated program on heis recent trip to Cuba. Ladd is a retired San Bernardino business owner and Treasurer of the Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino and of the Sierra Club, San Gorgonio Chapter.

With his wife Gail, Ladd is a frequent traveler. Their Cuba trip, March and April this year, is their most recent. Last year they took four trips, visiting nine countries, six of them for the first time.

MAY 1 – EDWARD MILLICAN will speak on the current political situation in the USA with special emphasis on President Trump.

MAY 8 – MIGUEL GUERRERO, General Manager of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, will speak on water issues in San Bernardino, including the proposed rate increase. There is some concern about the increase. City rates are already higher than most surrounding cities. San Bernardino and othe nearby cities mainly draw their water from local wells.