Board Actions – Jan. 13 – 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 Jan. 13.*

Supervisors make community improvements through District Specific Priorities Program

The Board of Supervisors approved funding allocations from the District Specific Priorities Program to support community initiatives. Funding allocations include:

Up to $200,000 from Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the Boys & Girls Club of Fontana to reallocate unspent funds from two previously awarded contracts to the organization towards the organization’s All Hands on Decks youth DJ and music education program, introducing members ages 6–18 to the art and technical skills of DJing and music production.
Up to $80,000 from First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.)’s District Specific Priorities Program to the city of Barstow to support the curb construction project inside the Mountain View Memorial Cemetery.
$20,000 from Supervisor Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the Etiwanda Wrestling Booster Club, Inc. to support the Etiwanda High School Girls Wrestling Team with uniforms, tournament fees and travel costs.
$20,000 from Supervisor Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to San Bernardino County Behavioral Health for The Reel Reality film contest and fentanyl awareness campaign, empowering young filmmakers to share stories of hope and illicit drug prevention.
$10,000 from Supervisor Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to Fontana Police K-9 Pals to provide veterinary care, handler training tools and essential equipment for police dogs protecting the Fontana community.

These projects align with the Countywide Vision by supporting youth development, critical infrastructure, public safety, substance use prevention and arts programming across the county.

2026 County and Chief Executive Officer Goals and Objectives

The board adopted the 2026 County and Chief Executive Officer Goals and Objectives to guide operational priorities and organizational focus in the year ahead. The updated goals reflect the board’s ongoing commitment to improving county government operations, modernizing internal processes and aligning with emerging initiatives across departments.

Developed by CEO Luther Snoke, the revised goals and objectives will serve as the foundation for future board agenda items . [JN1] [DW2] They are effective immediately and will be incorporated into agenda items beginning with the Feb. 10 board meeting.

Child and Adult Care Food Program Grant

San Bernardino County Preschool Services is receiving $160,000 in grant funding from the California Department of Social Services through the Child and Adult Care Food Program for fiscal year 2025-26. The funding will support meal service operations across 40 preschool sites countywide, helping to meet the nutritional needs of enrolled children and ensuring compliance with federal nutrition standards.

The grant funding helps the county support the Cradle to Career goal by sustaining access to nutritious meals during critical development years.

Funding for newborn genetic screening

The board approved a $3.1 million revenue agreement with the California Department of Public Health for the continued provision of mandated newborn screening specimen collection and courier services through June 30, 2029. San Bernardino County Public Health will perform these screenings at local birthing hospitals and clinics, ensuring early detection of more than 80 congenital disorders. The agreement allows the county to receive reimbursement for coordination and collection services and supports efforts to improve early treatment and outcomes for infants born in San Bernardino County.

Federal reimbursement for joint fugitive task force participation

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is receiving a reimbursement from the U.S. Marshals Service for participation in the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force through Sept. 30, 2029. The reimbursement provides up to $31,900 annually for overtime and vehicle fuel costs associated with apprehending federal fugitives.

By participating in the task force, the Sheriff’s Department enhances collaboration between federal and local law enforcement, increases regional safety and supports the Sheriff’s priority of locating and arresting violent offenders, which aligns with the Countywide Vision public safety goals.

Mental health support for drug court participants

The board approved an amendment to an agreement with MFI Recovery Center, Inc., adding approximately $418,000 in funding for a total not to exceed approximately $3.1 million through June 30. Utilizing these partnerships, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health provides outpatient, intensive outpatient and recovery services for adult participants in the San Bernardino County Superior Court’s Drug Court programs, which divert individuals from incarceration into treatment. The contract amendment ensures continued access to behavioral health services that support sobriety, accountability and reduced recidivism as part of the county’s collaborative justice approach.

Accessory dwelling unit regulations update

San Bernardino County Land Use Services is amending the County Development Code to consolidate and update regulations governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs), ensuring compliance with recent changes in state law. The amendments create a new stand-alone chapter—Chapter 84.36—by consolidating three existing chapters: Accessory Structures and Uses, Allowed Projections, and Parking and Loading.

The revised ordinance establishes new development standards, including maximum building heights of 25 feet for attached ADUs, 18 feet for detached ADUs and 16 feet for ADUs permitted by right. Minimum unit sizes are now set at 200 square feet for ADUs and 150 square feet for JADUs. To streamline approvals, Land Use Services will adopt the state-mandated permitting timelines: 75 calendar days for standard plan applications and 45 calendar days for pre-approved plan applications.

The county is working to fulfill the Countywide Vision of expanding housing choices by adjusting land use plan processing for ADUs.

Additional County Update News – January 15