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Signature-Gathering Phase Now Active

Montclair Residents:
It's Time to Hold
City Hall Accountable.

A court of law has found Councilmember Ben Lopez liable for sexually harassing two City of Montclair employees. Your signature can trigger a special election — and put the decision where it belongs: in the hands of Montclair voters.

Sign the Petition Learn Why We're Recalling
Paid for by Committee to Support the Recall of Councilmember Ben Lopez — Authorized Recall Committee under California Elections Code §11000 et seq.
Councilmember Ben Lopez
Councilmember Ben Lopez
found liable for sexual harassment
by San Bernardino Superior Court
⚖️
Court-Determined Liability
A civil court found Councilmember Lopez liable for sexual harassment of two City of Montclair employees.
🏛️
A Democratic Process
This recall is authorized under California law and reviewed by county election officials.
✍️
Your Signature Counts
Registered Montclair voters can sign the petition now. Every valid signature brings us closer.
Why This Recall

When Public Servants Fail the Public Trust

When public servants are found liable in a court of law for harassing the very employees they are supposed to lead, the community has both the right and the responsibility to respond.

This recall is not about politics. It is about basic standards of conduct and the safety of the people who work at Montclair City Hall every day.

California law gives registered Montclair voters the power to trigger a special election through a petition. We are in the signature-gathering phase now. Every valid signature brings us one step closer to letting voters make the final decision.

Read the full background →
Official Court Finding

$1.526 Million Judgment Against Lopez

San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Kory Mathewson ruled against Councilmember Lopez on December 5 and 12, 2025. Each plaintiff was awarded $400,000 in compensatory damages, plus $176,000 total in punitive damages. The City of Montclair was awarded $550,000 in indemnity and legal costs. This is a court judgment — not an allegation.

Parties: Garcia & Fuentes v. Lopez & City of Montclair
Court: Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
Finding: Liable — Sexual Harassment (2 employees)
Date: December 5 & 12, 2025

Add Your Name to the Petition

We need verified signatures from registered Montclair voters to trigger a special election. Here's where we stand:

Signatures collected: 21 Goal: 4,600
Sign the Petition — Find a Location Near You
Media Coverage

News & Press

All Coverage →
Los Angeles Times
A Montclair Councilman Was Found Liable for Sexual Harassment. He Refuses to Resign.
Despite repeated calls from city leaders and residents for his resignation, Lopez has given no indication he plans to step down. The lawsuit has already cost Montclair taxpayers more than $950,000.
December 20, 2025

Read article →
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Judge Rules Montclair Councilmember Owes $1.35 Million in Sexual Harassment Suit
San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Kory Mathewson ruled against Councilmember Ben Lopez on December 5, 2025, awarding each plaintiff $400,000 and the City $550,000 in indemnity and legal costs.
December 9, 2025

Read article →
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Judge Orders Montclair Councilmember to Pay $176,000 More in Sexual Harassment Case
An additional $176,000 in punitive damages — equal to two full terms of council pay — was awarded on December 12, 2025, bringing the total judgment to over $1.5 million.
December 12, 2025

Read article →

Montclair Needs You Right Now

We need signature table volunteers, canvassers, and Spanish-language outreach support throughout the Inland Empire.

Sign Up to Volunteer
Home / About the Recall

About the Recall

The factual record — what the court found, how we got here, and what happens next.

Timeline

How We Got Here

Early 2021 — Harassment Reported
Two City Employees Report Harassment to Management
Edmund Garcia (Senior IT Specialist) and Michael Fuentes (Director of Economic Development) reported unwanted sexual advances and harassment by Councilmember Lopez to upper management. The City commissioned a third-party investigation, which found the employees' accusations credible.
December 2021 — Lawsuit Filed
Garcia and Fuentes File Civil Suit in San Bernardino Superior Court
Garcia and Fuentes filed civil lawsuits against Councilmember Lopez and the City of Montclair, alleging sexual harassment, unwanted advances, and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
December 5, 2025 — Court Ruling
Judge Mathewson Rules Against Lopez — $1.35 Million in Damages
San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Kory Mathewson ruled against Lopez, awarding each plaintiff $400,000 in compensatory damages and ordering Lopez to pay the City $550,000 in indemnity and legal costs.
December 12, 2025 — Punitive Damages
Additional $176,000 in Punitive Damages — Total: $1.526 Million
Judge Mathewson added $176,000 in punitive damages. Lopez maintained his innocence and refused to resign.
February 18, 2026 — Recall Filed
Official Recall Committee Formed and Paperwork Filed
The Committee to Support the Recall of Councilmember Ben Lopez (FPPC #1487256) filed official recall paperwork on February 18, 2026, with the City of Montclair and the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters, formally initiating the recall process.
NOW — 2026
🚨 Signature-Gathering Phase — Active Now
We need 4,600 valid signatures from registered Montclair voters to trigger a special election. Sign in person at a signature table location near you. Every signature counts.
Upcoming — If Successful
Special Election Triggered
Once 4,600 verified signatures are submitted to the San Bernardino County Registrar, a special election will be scheduled. Montclair voters will make the final decision on whether Lopez remains in office.
The Court Finding
Legal Determination — Not an Allegation

A Court Found Councilmember Lopez Liable

Following a civil trial, the court determined that Councilmember Ben Lopez sexually harassed two City of Montclair employees. This is a finding of civil liability — the same legal standard used in employment discrimination cases nationwide.

Case: Edmund Garcia, Michael Fuentes v. Benjamin Isaac "Ben" Lopez; City of Montclair — Superior Court of California, San Bernardino County. Judge Kory Mathewson. Ruling issued December 5 & 12, 2025. Contact us for press inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions
No. This recall committee is not affiliated with any political party. The basis for the recall is a court finding of liability — a factual legal determination — not a partisan or ideological disagreement.
Councilmember Lopez was re-elected in November 2024 and his current term does not expire for several years. California recall law exists precisely to allow voters to respond to issues of conduct that arise between election cycles, rather than waiting years for a scheduled election.
"Liable" is a civil legal finding, made in civil court by a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., more likely than not). "Guilty" refers to a criminal conviction. The court finding here is civil — the same standard used in employment discrimination and workplace harassment cases.
Yes. This recall is being conducted pursuant to California Elections Code §11000 et seq., which authorizes the recall of local elected officials. The petition was reviewed and approved by the appropriate county elections authority before the signature phase began.
The identities of the two City of Montclair employees who brought suit are not published here out of respect for their privacy. The court record is a matter of public record and is available through the San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Home / How to Sign

How to Sign the Petition

California recall petitions require a physical signature. Here's everything you need to know.

⚠️ Important: Signatures must be collected in person only — no mail-in signatures are accepted. You must be a registered voter in Montclair's City Council district to sign.
The Process

Three Steps to Sign

1

Confirm Your Eligibility

You must be a registered voter in the City of Montclair within the affected City Council district. Check your registration →

2

Sign In Person

Visit one of our signature table locations listed below. A campaign volunteer will have the official petition form ready for you to sign on the spot.

3

Submit Before the Deadline

Sign at a table location before the deadline set by the San Bernardino County Registrar. Our volunteers will handle all submission to the Registrar on your behalf.

In-Person Signing

Signature Table Locations

Alma Hoffman Park

📍 Montclair, CA

📅 Please check back for dates and times (to be updated on an ongoing basis)

Coming Soon

Sunset Park

📍 Montclair, CA

📅 Please check back for dates and times (to be updated on an ongoing basis)

Coming Soon

Drive-thru Sign at Recall Headquarters

📍 4529 Benito Street, Montclair, CA

📅 Please check back for dates and times (to be updated on an ongoing basis)

Coming Soon

Your Neighborhood

Can't make these locations? Sign up as a volunteer and we can arrange for a signature gatherer to visit your neighborhood.

Request a visit →
Petition Deadline
Days Remaining to Sign
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Signature Deadline: July 23, 2026
Can't Make a Table?

We'll Come to You

If you can't make it to one of our signature table locations, sign up as a volunteer — we can arrange for a signature gatherer to visit your neighborhood.

Sign Up & Request a Visit
Questions?
recalllopezmontclair@gmail.com
Home / Volunteer

Montclair Needs You Right Now

The signature-gathering phase is active. Every volunteer makes a difference.

Volunteer Roles

Choose How You Want to Help

No prior experience needed. We'll train you. All we need is your willingness to show up for Montclair.

📋

Signature Table Volunteer

Sit at a community table at a designated location and collect signatures from Montclair voters. Shifts are 2–4 hours. Materials and training provided.

🚶

Canvasser

Walk your neighborhood with official petition forms and collect signatures door to door. Ideal for residents who know their block and want to take an active role.

📱

Digital Outreach

Share campaign content on Nextdoor, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Help spread the word to neighbors who haven't heard about the recall yet.

🌎

Spanish-Language Support Needed

We urgently need bilingual volunteers for Spanish-language outreach throughout Montclair and the surrounding Inland Empire community.

Sign Up

Volunteer Sign-Up Form

You'll receive a confirmation email with next steps within 24 hours.

Home / News & Press

News & Press

Media coverage, official statements, and resources for journalists.

📁 Press Kit

Resources for journalists covering the recall. Updated continuously — last updated March 2026.

📄 Campaign Fact Sheet
📅 Recall Timeline
⚖️ Court Case Summary
🖼️ Logo Files
📬 Committee Contact Sheet
Los Angeles Times
A Montclair Councilman Was Found Liable for Sexual Harassment. He Refuses to Resign.
Despite repeated calls from city leaders and residents for his resignation, Lopez has given no indication he plans to step down. The lawsuit has already cost Montclair taxpayers more than $950,000. Only Montclair voters have the power to strip Lopez of his position, according to the plaintiffs' attorney.
December 20, 2025
Read full article →
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Judge Rules Montclair Councilmember Owes $1.35 Million in Sexual Harassment Suit
Judge Kory Mathewson ruled against Lopez on December 5, 2025, awarding $400,000 to each plaintiff plus $550,000 to the City for legal costs.
December 9, 2025 · Read →
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Montclair Residents Tell Council Member to Resign After Sexual Harassment Case
Community members addressed the council demanding Lopez resign following the court ruling. Lopez maintained his innocence and refused to step down.
December 16, 2025 · Read →
More Coverage
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Judge Orders Montclair Councilmember to Pay $176,000 More in Sexual Harassment Case
Punitive damages added on Dec. 12 bring total judgment to $1.526 million. Lopez disputes the findings and insists someone else was responsible.
December 12, 2025

Read article →
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Montclair 'Satisfied' With Judge's Ruling in Sexual Harassment Case, City Manager Says
City Manager Edward Starr said city staff and elected officials are satisfied with the outcome, calling the ruling a validation of the council's earlier censure of Lopez.
December 11, 2025

Read article →
San Bernardino Sun
Judge Orders Montclair Councilmember to Pay $176,000 More in Sexual Harassment Case
Lopez told the court his council seat was his only consistent source of income, yet the judge added $176,000 in punitive damages on top of the $1.35 million already ordered.
December 12, 2025

Read article →
San Bernardino Sun
Judge Rules Montclair Councilmember Owes $1.35 Million in Sexual Harassment Suit
Four years after Garcia and Fuentes filed suit, Judge Mathewson ruled against Lopez, awarding each plaintiff $400,000 and the City $550,000 in legal costs and indemnity.
December 9, 2025

Read article →
Press Enterprise
Judge Orders Montclair Councilmember to Pay $176,000 More in Sexual Harassment Case
Judge Mathewson imposed punitive damages after Lopez claimed an "unauthorized Grindr account" was created in his name — an explanation the court appeared unconvinced by.
December 12, 2025

Read article →
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Harassment by Montclair Councilmember Nearing Settlement
Plaintiffs' attorney stated the city had reached a tentative settlement and that Garcia and Fuentes would continue pursuing Lopez directly. "We feel he should do the right thing and resign, or perhaps face a recall."
December 8, 2022

Read article →
Press Inquiries

We respond to media inquiries within 24 hours.

Home / Contact

Contact Us

Questions, media inquiries, or just want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.

Send a Message

Committee Information

🏛️
Committee Name Committee to Support the Recall of Councilmember Ben Lopez
📍
Mailing Address 4529 Benito Street, Montclair, CA 91763
✉️
General Email recalllopezmontclair@gmail.com
📰
Press Only recalllopezmontclair@gmail.com
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Support the Campaign

Your contribution funds petition printing, signature table operations, and community outreach.

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Ways to Donate

Cash donations, checks, or online donations are all accepted. Fees may apply to online donations. For cash or check donations, please contact us directly at recalllopezmontclair@gmail.com or visit our headquarters at 4529 Benito Street, Montclair, CA 91763.

California FPPC Disclosure

Contributions to COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT THE RECALL OF COUNCILMEMBER BEN LOPEZ are not tax-deductible. By California law, contributions of $100 or more require the donor's name, residential address, occupation, and employer. Contributions from corporations, labor organizations, and foreign nationals are prohibited. Paid for by Committee to Support the Recall of Councilmember Ben Lopez, FPPC ID #1487256. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Financial disclosure statements are filed with the San Bernardino County elections office and available for public inspection.