Board actions – Dec. 19 – Welcome to San Bernardino County

The five members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, in addition to having to prepare for and take action at Board of Supervisors meetings, are also voting members of up to 35 local, state and regional boards and commissions.

These bodies include the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the Inland Empire Health Plan, the South Coast and Mojave Desert air quality management districts, the Ontario and San Bernardino international airport authorities, and dozens more.

This puts each board member in a seemingly constant state of studying agenda items for upcoming meetings, traveling to meetings, and working with the other members of those boards and commissions to make decisions that impact the lives of residents throughout San Bernardino County and, in some cases, throughout California.

“Oftentimes the general public doesn’t know how much we do in addition to our role on the Board of Supervisors,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe.

At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Rowe launched what will be a regular feature during future board meetings – an opportunity for each board member to brief the public on the activities of the various boards and commissions on which they serve.

Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, a member of the Ontario International Airport Authority, shared that ONT will soon be adding service to several new U.S. and international locations, including Austin, Texas; San Salvador, and Hobby Airport in Houston. He also announced that last week ONT opened a new Global Entry Program similar to those at other major airports across the country to streamline customs and other procedures for international travelers.

Hagman, who also serves as the first vice chairman of SCAG, announced that the organization had created a $5 million Regional Housing Trust Fund that will help fund loans for affordable housing projects.

Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., a member of the Inland Valley Development Agency board, announced that IVDA had secured a tenant for San Bernardino International Airport that will generate millions of dollars a year in revenue. He also reported on plans by IVDA to improve the roads and other infrastructure around the airport.

Rowe, also a member of the IVDA board, reported that Breeze Airways will expand service at SBD with flights to Phoenix.

Rowe, along with Hagman, also serves on the governing board of the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). She reminded the public that renewal for Medi-Cal is no longer automatic as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those eligible for the program must take steps to register.

Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez reported that he had been appointed vice chairman of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Housing, Land Use & Transportation Policy Committee, which is responsible for reviewing state and federal legislative proposals, state budget items, ballot measures, and regulatory proposals focused on housing, land use, transportation, and tribal and intergovernmental relations on behalf of the state’s 58 counties.

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On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously designated January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. This is a nationally recognized event to raise awareness and actively combat human trafficking.

In recognition, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.) will host a series of motivational events aimed to educate the community on countywide prevention efforts.

Wednesday, Jan. 10, “C.A.S.E. Outreach and Education Virtual Meeting” Sgt. Kyle Baker presents “Preying on Our Community, A Look at Human Trafficking Through the Eyes of an Exploiter.” 10 a.m. to noon.
Thursday, Jan. 11, “High Desert Human Trafficking Symposium” and documentary screening of “The Boys” with a keynote from Russell Wilson, featured in the documentary. 14545 Hook Blvd., Victorville. 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 18 “Rancho Cucamonga Human Trafficking Symposium” with keynote speaker Jesse Leon: Beyond the Shadows: Transforming Lives after Trafficking. 11200 Base Line Rd., Rancho Cucamonga. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 20 “14th Annual C.A.S.E. Human Trafficking Awareness Rally” taking place at Red Robin Restaurant 12271 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga 8 a.m. – noon.

To register, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/5du5utr8.

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The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.) denouncing antisemitism, condemning violence and terrorism, and affirming San Bernardino County’s commitment to all members of the county community.

The board referenced its action on June 23, 2020, acknowledging racism as a public health crisis and establishment of equity as the eleventh element of the Countywide Vision.

“Over the past several years, violent crimes, threats of violence, and the targeting of our Jewish communities have increased across the United States,” Cook stated in a report to the board. He said Tuesday’s resolution was prepared “in support of our Jewish community members, denouncing antisemitism in all its forms, and continuing to condemn all hate crimes and any other form of racism, religious or ethnic bias, discrimination, incitement of violence, or targeting any minority.”

“The County is committed to inclusion and the advancement of diversity and equity for people of all races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, ages, genders, and backgrounds and strives to promote an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance, and respect throughout the county,” Cook stated.

The resolution states:

San Bernardino County condemns all forms of hate, racism, and violence perpetrated, tolerated, or encouraged by any group or individual.
San Bernardino County is committed to protecting all residents and ensuring safety and justice for all people.
San Bernardino County supports our Jewish community members and condemns racism, intolerance, hate, and violent attacks against them.
San Bernardino County denounces the use of terror and violence against Jewish communities, both at home and abroad, as well as any groups or individuals that support these deplorable tactics.

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An estimated 150 people living in the Santa Ana River riverbed will soon have roofs over their heads at least until summer arrives.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the use of up to $807,507 in state funds for 50 motel rooms in San Bernardino through June 30. The County Office of Homeless Services (OHS) will work with other county departments and community providers to link these individuals to case management and transition them to permanent housing solutions.

Riverbed encampment areas pose safety, health, and environmental concerns and are subject to flash flooding, extreme weather, fires, agricultural runoff, and human waste.

This use of motel rooms will be used in concert with other activities through a collaborative partnership between County Community Development and Housing, the Sheriff’s Department, County Behavioral Health and County Public Works, playing an integral role in meeting the goals of the county’s Homeless Strategic Action Plan by exiting high utilizers of public safety and safety net services from homelessness and into shelters, and increasing the number of those engaged in treatment services.

OHS is currently working with the City of Victorville in a collaborative effort to address homeless encampments in the Mojave River riverbed utilizing $980,491 in state funding by utilizing the City of Victorville’s Navigation Center.

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The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously accepted a donation of three service dogs dedicated to helping San Bernardino County Fire Protection District employees in the district’s Peer Support Program.

The donation was made by the non-profit Working Dogs for Warriors (WDFW), which had earlier donated four dogs to the program. The organization will also fund the cost of sending three additional County Fire staff members to training and certification classes in Rialto. County Fire will fund the annual costs associated with food, shelter, and care for the canines.

County Fire first responders face many physically and emotionally challenging situations, some of which lead to experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other service-related injuries.

WDFW has established programs to honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving our community and country.

County Fire’s Peer Support Program is an employee assistance program offering confidential help and guidance by selected trained Peer Support Personnel to all SBCFPD members experiencing a personal or professional crisis. The service dogs provided by WDFW help improve the physical, social, educational or mental health of the employees receiving services from County Fire’s Peer Support Program.

The service dogs are cared for by, and reside with, their assigned handler.

Additional County Update News – December 22, 2023