A heated exchange unfolded at the Jurupa Valley City Council meeting on August 7, 2025, as Santiago Marin accused fellow community member Armando Carmona of manipulation and corruption surrounding the Jurupa Valley Food Fest. Marin, visibly emotional, claimed that Carmona threatened to expose his past as an ex-convict if he spoke out about the event. He alleged that Carmona had been charging vendors exorbitant fees and had misrepresented himself to city officials to expedite permits for the festival.

Marin detailed a series of events leading up to the festival, asserting that Carmona created a limited liability company (LLC) under his partner's name to gain an unfair advantage. He claimed that Carmona's actions not only harmed vendors but also misled local authorities, allowing him to secure permits in a fraction of the usual time. "He’s been manipulating a lot of people," Marin stated, insisting he had evidence to support his claims.

The meeting also featured public comments on various issues, including a controversial topic regarding gender participation in sports. David Bolog condemned the inclusion of transgender athletes in female categories, arguing it undermines fairness in competition and safety for female athletes. He expressed concern over the implications of current laws that allow individuals to participate based on self-identified gender rather than biological sex.

Additionally, Lydia Hernandez raised concerns about a $250 parking ticket she received after attending a youth soccer tournament. She criticized the lack of clear signage and transparency in the citation process, urging the council to review the situation to prevent families from facing unjust penalties.

The council members listened attentively to the public's grievances, with Assistant City Manager Flatt promising to address Hernandez's concerns about parking enforcement and signage compliance. The discussions highlighted ongoing tensions within the community regarding fairness, transparency, and accountability in local governance.