San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Trona Project – Welcome to San Bernardino County

Contractor demolishes collapsed structure in Trona desert; foreground sign says property was abated by County Code Enforcement. — *As part of the final phase of the Trona Project, San Bernardino County Code Enforcement removed this collapsed structure to improve safety and eliminate public hazards.*

The Trona Project, a four-year initiative to address blighted, abandoned, and hazardous structures in the community of Trona has led to significant, visible improvements, driven by the efforts of the Code Enforcement Division and made possible through funding and support from the First Supervisorial District and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Division’s Nuisance Abatement Unit (NAU) made substantial progress in improving public safety by removing unsafe and deteriorated structures throughout the community.

Led by Code Enforcement Officers Angie Sanchez and Christina Castlebury, the NAU completed a total of 11 abatements, eight demolitions, and three additional properties cleared voluntarily by property owners. The total project cost was $245,303, with the voluntary abatements saving the county $77,348.

“This was a great accomplishment,” said Senior Officer Angie Sanchez. “As we entered the final year of the Trona Project, we remained dedicated to ensuring residents felt satisfied and could see noticeable improvements in the cleanliness and safety of their community.”

Although this was a new experience for both officers, they adapted quickly. “We had to learn the process and ensure the project stayed on track,” said Sanchez. “That meant coordinating closely with San Bernardino County Counsel and the county budget analyst to confirm contractor approvals and making sure the asbestos survey company was cleared to perform their assessments.”

To determine which properties required action, Sanchez and Castlebury reviewed open code enforcement cases and conducted site inspections.

“We posted 11 properties that were found to be dilapidated, fire-damaged, structurally unsound, abandoned, and dangerous. Many of them were considered attractive nuisance and posed serious safety concerns,” Sanchez explained. “Our goal was to help improve the community and make it safer and more livable for residents.”

Throughout the project, public engagement played a vital role. “When a community comes together to request change, we make sure to show them that we hear their concerns and that we’re here to support them,” said Sanchez. “The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Demolition sites were managed with a focus on safety. County contractors secured the sites, and safety briefings were held before each demolition. The community was also notified in advance of the scheduled work. While the Trona Project concluded this fiscal year, the Nuisance Abatement Unit remains committed to serving unincorporated communities across San Bernardino County. “We’ll continue to focus on improving safety, protecting property values, and addressing the needs of residents,” Sanchez said.

Additional County Update News – July 3, 2025