County conducts coordinated enforcement and outreach operations at homeless encampment sites in Fontana and Bloomington

A street view of two San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Officers talking to a woman sitting in a car with the car door open.

County Code Enforcement Officers and other county agencies enhanced public safety and provided outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in Fontana and Bloomington.

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Officers and Sheriff's Department representative speak with individuals in front of an RV.

County Code Enforcement Officers and other county agencies enhanced public safety and provided outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in Fontana and Bloomington.

A street view of two San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Officers talking to a man with a car on a tow bed in the background.

County Code Enforcement Officers and other county agencies enhanced public safety and provided outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in Fontana and Bloomington.

In a coordinated effort to address public health and safety concerns while extending compassionate outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, San Bernardino County Code Enforcement, Public Works, Homeless Services and the Sheriff’s Department conducted a one-day enforcement and outreach operation on Oct. 22 in Bloomington and unincorporated areas adjacent to Fontana.

“We are addressing homelessness and creating safe, healthy spaces for everyone” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “By combining enforcement with outreach, we ensure that every resident, housed or unhoused, is treated with dignity and respect.”

The operation was organized in response to numerous community reports about unsafe conditions and environmental health concerns linked to encampments in the areas.

“Homelessness is not an issue any one city or agency can solve alone — it requires a regional, united effort,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., who represents Bloomington. “Together, we’re taking meaningful steps to provide compassionate outreach and restore safety in our communities.”

“In the Second District, we’ve taken a holistic approach to homelessness by addressing both immediate needs and root causes,” said Second District Supervisor Jess Armendarez, who represents Fontana. “Through investments in projects like Citylink’s wraparound service facility and food warehouse, The PATH’s conversion of a motel into a Homeless Prevention Resource and Care Center to provide housing for unsheltered families, and support for drug and alcohol treatment programs at Cedar House, we’ve created hundreds of new beds and resources that give people a path off the streets. Tackling homelessness isn’t just about shelter, it’s about stopping the bleeding by providing housing, treatment, and hope for a better future.”

While the effort included enforcement of county ordinances and state laws, the operation’s goal extended beyond enforcement by connecting individuals with services and restoring public areas to safe and sanitary conditions for all residents.

“Our focus is public safety and compassionate outreach,” said Code Enforcement Chief Ignacio Nunez. “We are committed to maintaining healthy, safe neighborhoods while ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness are given opportunities to connect with supportive services and housing resources.”

Code Enforcement led the initiative in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Public Works and the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services.

“We understand the challenges people in these encampments face,” said Homeless Services Chief Marcus Dillard. “Our mission is to provide them with real options and support. Every engagement is an opportunity to help someone take a step towards rebuilding their lives.”

Representatives from the Sheriff’s Department also emphasized the public safety component of the operation as some encampment sites were associated with illegal dumping, vehicle code violations, and criminal activity.

“Our deputies are committed to ensuring that these areas remain safe for residents while also supporting efforts to connect unhoused individuals with the services they need,” said San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.

In the days leading up to the operation, outreach teams contacted individuals at known encampments to inform occupants of available services and the upcoming activity. On the day of the operation, the Office of Homeless Services operated a mobile outreach site within the area to provide immediate access to shelter placements, behavioral health support, and other vital resources.

Public Works provided heavy equipment and crews to remove debris and waste and restore impacted areas, while the Sheriff’s Department addressed criminal activity, towed unregistered or inoperable vehicles, and ensured the safety of all individuals throughout the cleanup effort.

Results from the operation included 37 encampment sites addressed, 58 individuals contacted, 16 service referrals made, one vehicle towed, one arrest made, and approximately 8.25 tons of debris and waste materials safely removed.

This joint operation underscores San Bernardino County’s commitment to maintaining public health and safety while providing unhoused residents with pathways to assistance.

Similar future coordinated enforcement efforts will continue as part of a broader effort to restore public areas impacted by encampments while addressing homelessness in the region.

Additional County Update News – October 30, 2025