Banning City Councilmember Reuben Gonzales Resigns

BANNING, CA — During Tuesday's Banning City Council meeting, District 4 Councilmember Reuben Gonzales announced his resignation from the dais amid some public concern about his place of residence.

During a November City Council meeting, there were rumblings that Gonzales and his family had moved out of District 4 and into District 2. Under a district-based election system like Banning's, the city is separated into geographic districts. Voters within each district cast ballots only for candidates who live within the same district. Under the system, Gonzales could not move outside District 4 while serving on the dais — unless there was an extenuating circumstance.

Gonzales said Tuesday something urgent had come up.

"Over the last couple of years my family has doubled in size, and just recently over the last few months my family and I were notified by our landlord that the home we had been living in was being sold and we had roughly 60 days to vacate," he said. "I immediately informed our city manager and city attorney to let them know of my circumstances as I continued to look for suitable housing for my family. I can with a clear conscience say there was never any intent to mislead the constituents in my district nor my fellow Councilmembers."

City Manager Doug Schulze explained there was consultation with the City Attorney about the matter.

"Based on a legal opinion derived from a situation that had been reviewed by the Attorney General's Office, if a member of a City Council has been displaced from their district due to extenuating circumstances with their living situation, as long as there is a pro-active intent by that Councilmember to remain in the district by finding an alternative residence, then that Councilmember does not immediately vacate their seat on the City Council," Schulze said.

Gonzales could remain seated while searching for a new residence in District 4, according to Schulze's statement, but a new place to live in his district never materialized.

"While serving the constituents of my district I have continued to look for a home for my family, but I've been unable to do so," Gonzales said. "In the process, my wife and kids have come to love where we are now living, and next to my faith in God, they are my priority."

Gonzales continued, "With no immediate move in sight and after much prayer, I have come to the realization that it's in the best interest of the constituents of my district that I step down from my City Council position. I am nowhere near done serving this community and I pride myself on being a man of integrity. So due to my current circumstances, it is best for me to step down and resign at this time. Thank you for your trust and for allowing me to serve you on this council — it has been an honor."

On Dec. 13, 2022, Gonzales was elected to serve a four-year term on the Banning City Council. The council will now decide how to fill the District 4 vacancy.