Board actions – Oct. 7 – Welcome to San Bernardino County

A "San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Meeting Actions" banner with five members standing in front of the County Government Center. — *The Board of Supervisors took several actions during its regular board meeting on Oct. 7.*

The Board of Supervisors approved the expansion of behavioral health recovery housing, extended an agreement to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, accepted grants for crime lab training enhancements and infant and toddler care programs, approved a revenue agreement to safeguard the local citrus industry, approved a contract to expand library STEAM programming, and extended contracts to support at-risk youth.

Victorville treatment campus project expands behavioral health recovery housing

San Bernardino County Behavioral Health will expand substance use recovery services through the construction of 52 new recovery residence beds at the Comprehensive Treatment Campus in Victorville, formerly the Saint John of God Campus. The expansion will provide safe, sober housing for individuals transitioning from residential substance use disorder treatment to outpatient care in the High Desert, supporting long-term recovery and reintegration into the community.

The project is funded through a $10.5 million California Department of Social Services Community Care Expansion (CCE) – Capital Expansion Grant and $5.3 million in 2011 Realignment funds, for a total not-to-exceed project cost of approximately $15.8 million. Of the 52 new beds, 40 will be dedicated to individuals served through the CCE program.

This project reflects the county’s commitment to expanding behavioral health access and infrastructure in all areas — advancing the Countywide Vision goal in which every resident in need can achieve recovery, stability and independence through community-based systems of care.

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center extends agreement to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes

The Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to an agreement with the Leland Stanford Junior University Board of Trustees, increasing funding by $95,000 for a total of $180,000 and extending the agreement through Oct. 31, 2030. The agreement supports participation in the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative and the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, enabling Arrowhead Regional to access specialized data tools and quality care resources to improve outcomes for high-risk mothers and newborns.

Participation in these collaboratives is required for all neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) approved by California Department of Children’s Services, including Arrowhead Regional’s level III NICU. Funding is supported by state Medi-Cal, Medicare, private insurance, and departmental revenue, with no net county cost. This statewide initiative collects and analyzes hospital-level maternal and neonatal data to drive quality improvement and ensures Arrowhead Regional continues to meet rigorous state standards for perinatal care.

Sheriff’s Department accepts grant to enhance crime lab training

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department received a $79,000 grant from the California Office of Emergency Services for the 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program. The grant will fund specialized training for Sheriff’s crime lab staff in key forensic disciplines, including firearms analysis, blood alcohol testing, trace evidence, controlled substances, and crime scene investigation, through March 31, 2026.

This investment helps the county fulfill its Countywide Vision’s public safety goals by enhancing the capabilities and responsiveness of forensic services.

County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures to continue Asian Citrus Psyllid quarantine enforcement

San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures will continue enforcement efforts to protect local citrus crops under the Asian Citrus Psyllid Bulk Citrus Regulatory Program. Through a revenue agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture totaling approximately $11,000, the department will conduct inspections, issue enforcement actions, and engage in public outreach to prevent the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB), a deadly citrus tree disease transmitted by the Asian Citrus Psyllid.

The agreement, effective through Sept. 30, 2026, enables the department to inspect facilities, review records at citrus packing and transport sites, and enforce quarantine protocols. The department also participates in monthly outreach coordination calls with the CDFA and supports education efforts in areas within 350 meters of confirmed HLB detections. Since 2017, the county has maintained this annual partnership to safeguard the citrus industry and ensure compliance with state and federal quarantine mandates.

County Library partners with Garner Holt to expand STEAM access

The San Bernardino County Library is contracting with Garner Holt Education Through Imagination to bring advanced STEAM programming to the Rialto Branch Library. Under the first agreement, the library will invest approximately $1.5 million in equipment and services to implement a customized Animaker Space — an educational lab offering hands-on experiences with robotics, animatronics, and creative technology. The space builds on the success of the first Animaker Space launched in 2022 at the Fontana branch library.

A second five-year agreement totaling $1.175 million will provide professional development, training, and curriculum support for library staff to ensure ongoing delivery of engaging STEAM-based programs. The initiative is funded through the Library Enhancement Reserve, established by the board to support innovative learning opportunities countywide.

Through the partnership, the County Library’s is aligned with the Countywide Vision of providing cultural and artistic amenities by inspiring the next generation of creators and makers in interactive learning environments.

Preschool Services receives $4.3 million for infant and toddler care expansion

San Bernardino County Preschool Services received a $4.3 million grant from the California Department of Social Services for the General Child Care and Development Program through June 30, 2026. Preschool Services will use the funding to serve 150 children ages 0–3 eligible for Early Head Start, expanding access to full-day, high-quality infant and toddler care throughout the county.

The program offers a comprehensive service model supporting child development, early mental health and disability identification, family engagement, and connections to community resources. This investment addresses a critical need for affordable childcare among working families and will help recruit additional teaching staff, enhance curriculum implementation and provide professional development to support school readiness. The grant is fully funded by the state and requires no local match.

Extended juvenile justice services contract supports at-risk youth

San Bernardino County Probation amended the contract with Life Builders Incorporated, increasing the total contract amount by $408,000 — from $550,000 to $958,000 — to continue providing Division of Juvenile Justice Realignment Youth Services through Oct. 31, 2026. Life Builders provides evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive programming, including youth empowerment, group therapy and healing circles for youth housed in San Bernardino County juvenile detention centers.

The contract is funded by Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (AB 1913) funds, with no impact to discretionary general funds. These services have expanded significantly, growing from 16 to 35 programs at the Central Valley Juvenile Detention Center and from 28 to 47 at the ARISE Secure Youth Treatment Facility.

This investment aligns with the objectives of the Countywide Vision by providing justice-impacted youth with restorative supportive services.

Behavioral Health partners with universities for clinical internships for nursing and counseling students

The board approved two non-financial student internship agreements that expand educational and workforce development opportunities within San Bernardino County Behavioral Health. Under a new agreement with National University, nurse practitioner and nursing students will train in outpatient clinics and programs, gaining hands-on experience in behavioral health evaluation, diagnosis and treatment under supervision. The agreement runs from Oct. 7, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2029, and supports the development of the county’s future behavioral health workforce.

Additionally, a renewed agreement with Loyola Marymount University allows graduate counseling psychology students to complete required clinical training hours within behavioral health programs. These students will provide supervised mental health counseling services, enhancing the department’s capacity while gaining critical field experience.

Both partnerships create a pipeline of qualified professionals to serve residents’ behavioral health needs and help advance the Countywide Vision priorities.

Additional County Update News – October 9, 2025