District 3 Residents Bring Tough Questions to D'Andre Lampkin's Latest Community Conversation

On a recent evening, District 3 residents gathered for another installment of D'Andre Lampkin's Community Conversation series — and they came prepared. Residents arrived throughout the evening, settled in, and got right to it: asking detailed, substantive questions about local government, neighborhood priorities, and what a City Councilmember can realistically do.

That is exactly the point.

The Community Conversation series exists to give residents direct access — not a campaign speech, not a scripted forum, but an open exchange where neighbors can ask what they actually want to know. The goal is for residents to leave with a clearer understanding of how local government works, what the City controls, and where a Councilmember's role begins and ends.

The range of topics covered that evening reflected the depth of engagement District 3 residents bring to these conversations. Here is a summary of what was discussed:

City Council and Mayor composition — Residents asked about D'Andre's vision for an ideal City Council and Mayor, and why. The question opened a broader conversation about leadership, collaboration, and what it takes to move the City forward on issues that matter to District 3.

Unlicensed street food vendors — Residents raised questions about how the City should handle unlicensed street vendors and whether there is a need for a designated food-truck area. The discussion touched on balancing economic opportunity, public health, and neighborhood character.

Support for residents with disabilities — Attendees asked how D'Andre would better support residents with disabilities, including questions about accessibility in public spaces, City services, and infrastructure improvements.

Traffic at Grove and Walnut — This intersection came up as a specific concern, with residents asking how it should be addressed. The conversation connected to broader questions about traffic management and the City's role in coordinating with Caltrans and other agencies.

Code enforcement and commercial property maintenance — Residents asked how the City should ensure that commercial property owners who fail to maintain their centers are held accountable — and how code enforcement can be applied consistently throughout District 3, not selectively.

SCAG and regional governance — Several residents were unfamiliar with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and asked what it is and how it affects Ontario. D'Andre explained SCAG's role in regional planning, housing mandates, and transportation — and why understanding it matters for anyone following local development decisions.

Top two priorities — Residents asked D'Andre to name his top two priorities for District 3. The answer connected directly to the issues residents themselves raised throughout the evening.

Warehouse development and traffic — Attendees asked how Ontario should address the traffic impacts associated with warehouse development. This is one of the most consistent concerns raised across every Community Conversation, and the discussion covered what the City can require of developers, what regional agencies control, and what residents can do to stay engaged in the process. Learn more at the Transparency Dashboard.

How long has Lampkin wanted to serve on City Council? — A resident asked about D'Andre's path to this race and what motivated him to run. His answer connected his years of community service, planning commission experience, and work through the Lampkin Foundation to his decision to seek this seat.

Who does he support for Mayor? — Residents asked directly. D'Andre answered directly.

City revenues and expenditures — Attendees asked how residents can better understand where the City's money comes from and where it goes. The conversation covered the City budget process, public access to financial documents, and what a Councilmember can do to make that information more accessible. See the Transparency Dashboard for D'Andre's work on development accountability.

Term limits — Residents asked whether term limits are possible for the Mayor and City Council. D'Andre discussed the process for changing the City's charter, what it would take, and why the question matters for long-term accountability in local government.

One of the things that stood out that evening was not just the questions residents asked — it was the quality of them. These were not surface-level complaints. Residents came wanting to understand how things actually work: which agency is responsible, what the process requires, and what a Councilmember can realistically change versus what requires a broader coalition or a different level of government.

That is the kind of civic engagement that makes local government work better.

D'Andre has been clear throughout this campaign that community conversations should not happen only during election season or when controversy forces a candidate to show up. They should be part of how local leaders stay connected to the people they serve — before decisions are made, not after. Read more about D'Andre's background and approach.

A Councilmember who only shows up when it is convenient is not really serving the district. Residents deserve direct, understandable answers — not talking points — and they deserve a representative who can explain not just what they believe, but how local government actually works, what the City controls, and when the City must work with another agency or stakeholder to get something done.

That is what these conversations are for.

To every resident who came out, asked a question, shared a concern, or simply listened — thank you. Your participation is what makes these conversations worth having, and your questions make D'Andre a better candidate and, if elected, a better Councilmember.

If you missed this one, more events are coming. Check the Events page to find the next Community Conversation near you. And if you have questions you want answered, reach out directly.

Come curious. Leave informed. Stay connected.

Want to stay connected with the campaign? Learn more about D'Andre's priorities, explore the Transparency Dashboard, or get involved.