Board Actions: Dec. 16 – 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 Dec. 16.

Supervisors support infrastructure, public safety and community need initiatives

The Board of Supervisors approved allocations from the District Specific Priorities Program to fund a wide range of projects that enhance infrastructure, public safety and community need initiatives across San Bernardino County. Funding allocations include:

$200,000 from Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s discretionary fund to Regional Chambers of Commerce Inland Empire, Inc. to support job creation, business promotion and community engagement initiatives.
$125,000 from Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman’s discretionary fund to the Chino Valley Fire District for electric vehicle fire suppression equipment, including a high-pressure water jet and related safety apparatus.
Approximately $84,000 from Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.’s discretionary fund to the city of Colton for the purchase of three motorcycles to support the Colton Police Department’s motor program.
$25,000 from Armendarez’s discretionary fund to the Inland Empire Community Foundation for the CIELO Fund, providing emergency assistance such as shelter, food and hygiene supplies to Latino families.
$23,550 from Armendarez’s discretionary fund to the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation to support community wellness events and staff engagement activities, including EMS Day, Take Your Child to Work Day, blood drives and more.
$10,000 from Armendarez’s discretionary fund to San Bernardino County Human Services for holiday outreach programs distributing food and resources to underserved families.
$10,000 from Armendarez’s discretionary fund to the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire to support job fairs, investment workshops and economic development programs.

Behavioral health response expanded through Emergency Communications Nurse System

The Consolidated Fire Agencies Joint Powers Authority (CONFIRE) will continue providing Emergency Communications Nurse System (ECNS) services through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $2,040,000. Funded by 2011 Realignment revenue, the ECNS program integrates behavioral health expertise into 9-1-1 dispatch centers to ensure individuals experiencing non-emergency mental health or substance use crises receive the right care at the right time.

Under the agreement, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health social workers will work alongside registered nurses stationed at CONFIRE dispatch to triage behavioral health-related calls. If a caller does not require emergency medical or police intervention, the social worker will determine the most appropriate community crisis response in consultation with Behavioral Health protocols. This partnership is expected to serve approximately 3,250 residents annually, improving client outcomes while preserving emergency response resources.

Through the development of collaborative partnerships that improve behavioral health service access for residents in need during 9-1-1 calls, the County continues to achieve the goals of the Countywide Vision.

TAY Center services support mental health, housing stability and independence for youth

The board approved contracts totaling approximately $23.9 million with Valley Star Behavioral Health, Inc. and Victor Community Support Services, Inc. to provide One Stop Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Center services from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2030. Funded by Mental Health Services Act and Medi-Cal revenues, these contracts will support youth ages 16 to 25 experiencing mental health, substance use disorder and housing instability.

TAY Centers offer safe, community-based spaces for underserved youth to receive counseling, treatment, case management and wraparound support that promote independence and reduce hospitalizations and homelessness. Valley Star will operate services in the East Desert and West Valley regions, while Victor will serve the High Desert. The program is expected to serve more than 1,000 youth annually and has demonstrated strong outcomes, with 66% of participants showing improvement in daily life-skills.

Targeting housing assistance services and enhancing collaboration between departments to ensure vulnerable youth have the support and stability necessary for a successful transition into adulthood aligns with the Countywide Vision.

Board accepts grant to support Pacific Village homeless services campus

The San Bernardino County Community Development and Housing Department is receiving a $3 million grant from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to support the completion of phase II of the Pacific Village Campus Project in the city of San Bernardino. The funding—awarded through the San Manuel Cares program—will help close a critical construction funding gap and enhance key therapeutic and community spaces at the county’s flagship campus for addressing homelessness through housing, behavioral health and recovery services.

Pacific Village provides a full continuum of care for individuals experiencing homelessness, including permanent supportive housing, recuperative care beds and residential substance use treatment. Once complete, the campus will serve approximately 350 individuals annually and stand as a regional model for integrated homelessness response.

Homekey Round 3 grant to fund Tiny Home Village for at-risk youth in Victorville

The board approved a standard agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development and Family Assistance Program for the development and operations of the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Tiny Home Village in Victorville. The agreement will provide up to $5.8 million in Homekey Round 3 funding to construct 22 interim housing units and deliver supportive services for homeless or at-risk youth ages 18–24.

The project, located at 16857 C St. in Victorville, will include seven duplex-style tiny homes, a rehabilitated residential structure, and a full-service campus offering case management, life skills, education and employment readiness services. No additional discretionary general funding is required; the Family Assistance Program will meet the local match requirement using a grant from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Of the total award, $2 million will repay a previously approved county bridge loan. This marks the county’s first youth-focused Homekey initiative and fills a critical service gap in the High Desert region.

Providing shelter and a variety of social services to meet the needs of former foster youth reflects the county’s commitment to achieving the Countywide Vision.

Pet adoption fees waived

San Bernardino County Animal Care is waiving adoption fees — normally $10 for cats and kittens and $20 for dogs and puppies — at the Devore and Big Bear animal shelters through June 30, 2027, or until a $30,000 allocation from the Community Concerns Reserve is exhausted, whichever comes first.

Along with spay/neuter services, vaccinations and microchipping provided with every adoption, this fee waiver will help remove financial barriers to pet adoption for residents and reduce shelter overcrowding and support the county’s commitment for animal care and compassion.

Sheriff’s Department receives specialized K9 to aid in child exploitation investigations

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department received a donation of one Electronic Storage Device (ESD) Detection canine from Our Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending sex trafficking and child exploitation. Valued at approximately $33,000, the donation includes the canine, specialized training and certification, travel expenses, equipment and support for veterinary care and food over a five-year period.

The ESD canine will be assigned to the Sheriff’s Crimes Against Children Detail, a specialized unit investigating child abuse, exploitation and internet crimes. Trained to detect the chemical compounds found in electronic storage devices, the canine will assist during search warrants to locate hidden hard drives, data cards and other devices that may contain critical evidence.

The ESD canine donation helps achieve the Countywide Vision by enhancing the county’s ability to protect residents.

County partners with universities and hospitals for increased workforce training

The board approved multiple agreements to facilitate student internships and clinical training placements, including:

A non-financial internship agreement to allow nursing and nurse practitioner students from Grand Canyon University to complete field training and clinical placements in San Bernardino County Behavioral Health outpatient clinics. Students will gain experience in psychiatric and physical assessments, patient education, medication management, care coordination and crisis intervention, under the supervision of county nurse practitioners. The agreement is in effect through Dec. 31, 2029.
A revenue affiliation agreement between Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and Redlands Community Hospital (RCH) for ARMC cardiovascular disease fellows and integrated vascular surgery residents to receive clinical training opportunities at RCH through June 30, 2030. ARMC will be reimbursed for salary and benefits for the cardiovascular fellows, supported by a grant received by RCH.
A non-financial affiliation agreement between Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to provide specialized clinical training opportunities for ARMC’s resident and fellow physicians through June 30, 2030. This partnership will enable physicians in ARMC’s accredited residency and fellowship programs to receive essential hands-on training in specialties not offered or sufficiently available at ARMC, helping meet accreditation requirements for patient volume and diversity.

These training partnerships help to fulfill the Countywide Vision by expanding access to clinical experience and developing a skilled, compassionate healthcare and behavioral health workforce in San Bernardino County.

Black Infant Health program holiday donation

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health partnered with Santa Claus, Inc., to receive donated items valued up to $10,000 annually for eligible families participating in the Black Infant Health (BIH) program from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2030.

Santa Claus, Inc. will support BIH participants through its Holiday Distribution and Youth Enrichment Services (YES) programs by providing items such as toys, clothing, blankets, household essentials, toiletries and infant care supplies. BIH staff will coordinate with the organization to request items tailored to family needs and manage the distribution of items. This partnership strengthens BIH’s efforts to provide culturally responsive support to pregnant and postpartum Black women by addressing health and social needs that impact family well-being and child development.

Donation for space exploration exhibit at County Museum

The San Bernardino County Museum received a $50,000 donation from the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation. This funding will support the installation of a new interactive exhibit focused on space exploration.

The Museum Foundation, a nonprofit organization, secured the funding through a grant from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, awarded in support of the County Museum’s mission to inspire curiosity and learning. The forthcoming exhibit will enhance the museum’s educational offerings and provide visitors with an engaging opportunity to explore scientific concepts related to outer space.

Seven Oaks Road storm repair project update

The board approved a supplement agreement with the California Department of Transportation to secure $8.6 million in federal emergency relief funds. The funding will reimburse a portion of the $9.6 million in storm damage repairs to Seven Oaks Road in the Barton Flats area resulting from Tropical Storm Hilary in August 2023. The agreement is effective from Dec. 16, 2025, through June 30, 2030.

The repair project is being completed in two phases: repaving damaged portions of Seven Oaks Road between Middle Control Road and 0.71 miles west of Glass Road, followed by replacement of the bridge at the 0.71-mile mark. Construction of roadway improvements is underway and expected to conclude in spring 2026, with the bridge construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026. A federal reimbursement of approximately $8.6 million will cover most costs, with the remaining approximately $1 million to be funded through gas revenues. The county expects to be fully reimbursed by the federal government at a later date.

These reimbursements help to ensure the county can continue to repair critical public infrastructure in accordance with the Countywide Vision.

Registrar of Voters certifies November 2025 Statewide Special Election results

The board received the certified results of the Nov. 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election, conducted by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters. The sole contest on the ballot was state Proposition 50 concerning congressional redistricting. Voter turnout reached 44.17 percent, with 543,724 ballots cast by eligible voters.

In accordance with state law, the Registrar of Voters completed a comprehensive canvass process, which included a hand tally audit of at least one percent of precincts and processing more than 207,000 post–Election Day ballots. These included provisional ballots, ballots from conditional registrants and mail-in ballots received by the statutory deadline. ROV notified over 6,800 voters of issues with ballot signatures, allowing them time to cure those errors. The final canvass was completed and certified on Dec. 2, 2025, and submitted to the California Secretary of State, who issued statewide certification on Dec. 12, 2025. Certified results and precinct-level data are on file with the San Bernardino County Clerk of the Board and ROV.

County adopts truck route updates under Assembly Bill 98

San Bernardino County Land Use Services is amending the Countywide Policy Plan and Business Plan to establish designated truck routes in accordance with Assembly Bill 98. This legislation, which applies to local jurisdictions in warehouse-concentration regions, requires the adoption of updated truck route policies by Jan. 1, 2026, to reduce heavy truck impacts on sensitive community areas such as around homes, schools and hospitals while maintaining the efficient movement of goods. In 2025, San Bernardino County Land Use Services collaborated extensively with local jurisdictions and conducted bilingual public outreach in key communities, including Bloomington and Muscoy to gather input and develop balanced solutions.

The approved policy changes amend the Transportation and Mobility Element to designate 12 initial roadway segments as truck routes across unincorporated areas of the Valley Region. It also includes new definitions and enforcement provisions aimed at supporting ongoing route implementation and compliance. In response to public feedback and interagency coordination, Cedar Ave. in Bloomington was removed from the initial route designations and will be further evaluated in phase II.

Additional County Update News – December 18