Board Actions, Aug. 18 – Welcome to San Bernardino County

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

*The Inland Empire Caucus recently announced new state funding to expand judicial capacity in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.*

The Board of Supervisors approved funding through the District Specific Priorities Program to support projects and initiatives that address community needs and enhance services throughout San Bernardino County.

Funding allocations include:

$675,000 from First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.)’s District Specific Priorities Program to the town of Apple Valley to support construction of three pickleball courts at Civic Center Park, including bleacher seating, shade structures and related improvements.
$40,000 from Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association Charity Fund to support charitable programs and community initiatives, including Everyday Heroes and Shop With a Cop.
$15,000 from Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the City of Rancho Cucamonga to support Worldwide Day of Play, a free community event at the Paul A. Biane Library expected to serve approximately 540 children and their families through activities promoting play, learning, creativity and family engagement.
$10,000 from Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to Re-Ink & Rise to support a pilot program providing tattoo removal, mentorship and supportive resources for at-risk and foster youth, justice-impacted individuals and survivors of human trafficking to help participants overcome employment barriers and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
$10,000 from Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the Chaffey Joint Union High School District to support the Rancho Cucamonga High School Cheer Team with competition, travel, choreography and other program costs that promote youth development, teamwork, leadership and healthy lifestyles.

County supports regional homeless navigation center in San Bernardino

The San Bernardino County Community Development and Housing Department received approval to conditionally commit up to $11 million toward development of the city of San Bernardino’s Homeless Outreach Prevention and Education Campus, a regional navigation center that will provide interim housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The approximately $36.2 million project will redevelop the former School of Hope at 796 E. Sixth St. into a low-barrier navigation center with 200 interim housing beds, including 180 congregate and 20 non-congregate beds. Up to 70 beds may be used for recuperative care based on participant needs. The campus will also provide medical and employment services, behavioral health connections, case management, assistance accessing public benefits and income support, and permanent housing placement services.

The county’s funding commitment is conditional and limited to eligible capital development costs. Before the funding receives final approval, Community Development and Housing will complete additional financial, legal, operational and project-readiness reviews and negotiate agreements with the city addressing regional access, county referrals and other requirements.

By expanding regional access to interim housing, navigation services and supportive resources, the county is advancing the housing and wellness goals of the Countywide Vision.

Sunburst Park and Community Park improvements update

Acting as the governing body of County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree, the board awarded an approximately $3.1 million construction contract to Three Peaks Corp. for improvements at Sunburst Park and Community Park. The project is fully funded through an approximately $3.77 million Clean California Local Grant Program award.

Improvements will include new playgrounds, accessible walkways, enhanced lighting and landscaping, an outdoor fitness zone, an asphalt pump track, signage and waste-reduction infrastructure. The project is designed to improve accessibility, create safer and more inviting public spaces and expand recreational opportunities for Joshua Tree residents.

Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2026 and be completed in spring 2027.

Public Works adopts five-year Measure I road improvement plan

The San Bernardino County Public Works Department received approval for a five-year plan identifying 19 transportation projects with an estimated total program cost of approximately $29.6 million that are eligible to receive Measure I Local Street Pass-Through funding.

Originally approved by voters in 1989 and extended in 2004, Measure I is the county’s existing one-half-cent transportation sales tax that funds transportation improvements, including local roads, highways, interchanges, public transit and traffic congestion-relief projects. Voters will consider whether to continue Measure I beyond its current 2040 expiration date as part of the 2026 General Election. If approved, the measure would continue at the existing tax rate.

The 2026-27 through 2030-31 plan identifies projects in six areas of the county: the Colorado River, Morongo Basin, North Desert, San Bernardino Mountains, San Bernardino Valley and Victor Valley. Measure I Local Street Pass-Through funding can support road rehabilitation and maintenance, Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, circulation, drainage and traffic control improvements.

By supporting long-term investments in transportation infrastructure, mobility and regional connectivity, the county is advancing the public safety and economic vitality goals of the Countywide Vision.

Bloomington Animal Care Center project update

The board approved approximately $614,000 for the design of phase II of the San Bernardino County Animal Care Center in Bloomington, continuing the county’s investment in expanded animal care and adoption services.

Phase II will add four kennel buildings with 120 additional kennels, bringing the center’s total capacity to 568 kennels. Plans also include 16 additional staff workstations, a digital monument sign along Valley Boulevard and security improvements. Phase I, which includes a veterinary clinic, adoption and medical facilities and animal housing, is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027. The county will return to the board for consideration of construction funding after the design and competitive bidding process are complete.

Home visiting services support maternal and child health

The San Bernardino County Public Health Department received approval to increase three California Home Visiting Program contracts by a combined approximately $1 million and extend services through June 30, 2027. The additional funding includes approximately $760,000 for El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center and approximately $141,000 each for Child Care Resource Center, Inc. and Reach Out.

The program provides family-centered services in clients’ homes to promote maternal health, healthy pregnancies and infant and child development. Services include screenings and assessments of child development, parent-child interactions and maternal depression, as well as connections to behavioral health resources, early childhood education, parenting programs and other family support. The program serves approximately 200 families annually.

By providing families with early support that promotes healthy pregnancies, child development and family well-being, the county is furthering the health and wellness goals of the Countywide Vision.

Senior nutrition services receive additional funding

The board approved an additional $470,000 in state funding to continue modernized nutrition services for more than 1,200 older adults and adults with disabilities through September 2027. The funding increases the combined value of the three agreements to approximately $1.4 million.

The additional funding includes:

$290,000 for True Escape Marriage and Family Therapy, increasing its total contract amount to $870,000.
$90,000 for the City of San Bernardino, increasing its total contract amount to approximately $280,000.
$90,000 for Victor Valley Community Services Council, increasing its total contract amount to $270,000.

Services include meals for pickup and delivery, nutrition education, access to nutritious food and intergenerational activities designed to reduce hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition while promoting social connection among older adults.

Preschool Services expands diaper assistance for families

The San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department received approval to expand its partnership with Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County to provide additional diapers and wipes at no cost to families enrolled in county early childhood education programs.

The National Diaper Bank Program serves approximately 650 diaper-aged children enrolled in Preschool Services programs and their siblings. Under the expanded program, monthly assistance will double from 50 to 100 diapers per child and add four packs of wipes per child. Preschool Services estimates approximately 600,000 diapers will be distributed during the 2026-27 contract year.

By helping families meet essential needs and supporting the healthy development of young children, the county is advancing the Cradle-to-Career goal.

Pedestrian safety education expands near Muscoy schools

The board approved $35,000 in state grant funding to support pedestrian safety education around Muscoy and Vermont elementary schools in the unincorporated community of Muscoy. The grant will support a $45,000 pedestrian safety program, with the remaining $10,000 provided through Gas Tax revenue.

The program will provide pedestrian and school-area safety education, community outreach and Safe Routes to School support to promote safer travel for students and families.

Regional Parks advances long-term plans for Glen Helen and Prado regional parks

San Bernardino County Regional Parks received approval of master plans for Glen Helen and Prado regional parks to guide future improvements, development opportunities and long-term investment at two of the county’s major recreational destinations. The plans provide a framework for Regional Parks to pursue funding and evaluate future projects.

The park updates include:

Glen Helen Regional Park: The board accepted a master plan focused on opportunities to enhance the park as a regional recreation and entertainment destination. The planning process evaluated potential amenities such as amusement attractions, sporting and concert venues, equestrian and rodeo facilities, as well as lodging and other visitor-serving uses. The plan also considers public and stakeholder interests, regional connectivity, visitor demographics and the costs and benefits of potential improvements.
Prado Regional Park: The board approved an updated master plan that will guide future improvements and development at the park. Completion and acceptance of the plan allows Regional Parks to pursue funding and advance projects identified through the long-term planning process.

By planning for future recreational amenities and investments that enhance visitor experiences and support regional tourism, the Regional Parks’ master plans align with the Countywide Vision.

High Desert emergency medical services partnership continues

Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, the board extended an agreement with the Consolidated Fire Agencies Joint Powers Authority (CONFIRE) through Aug. 18, 2027, to continue supplemental and as-needed pre-hospital emergency medical services in the High Desert.

The partnership helps address increasing emergency medical service call volumes and limited ambulance resources in the High Desert. Under the agreement, CONFIRE can provide supplemental pre-hospital emergency medical services when requested by County Fire.

County Fire creates career pathway for transitioning service members

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District received approval to participate in the federal SkillBridge Program, creating opportunities for eligible service members transitioning from active-duty military service to receive unpaid training and work experience with County Fire through March 31, 2029.

Eligible service members within 180 days of separation may participate in supervised job training, employment skills training, apprenticeships and internships. Participants can explore careers in fire and emergency services while gaining practical experience, and County Fire can introduce qualified candidates to its operations as part of its long-term workforce development and recruitment efforts. Participation does not guarantee employment or bypass county hiring requirements.

By supporting career pathways for transitioning service members and strengthening the pipeline of qualified public safety professionals, the county is working to achieve the Countywide Vision.

Regional partnership strengthens Inland Empire workforce development

The board approved a five-year agreement between the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department and the County of Riverside by and through its Housing and Workforce Solutions, Workforce Development Division to continue the Inland Empire Regional Planning Unit, a partnership that coordinates workforce development strategies and regional grant funding across both counties through June 30, 2031.

The partnership supports regional career pathways, job training and employment opportunities while allowing the counties to coordinate state and federal workforce grants. The agreement allows up to $2 million in regional grant funding to be shared annually, with a maximum of $10 million over the five-year term.

Fontana library receives $125,000 gift for new STEAM space

San Bernardino County Library received approval to accept a $125,000 gift from the Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center Friends of the Library to create a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics learning space at the Fontana library.

The new space will expand hands-on learning opportunities, particularly for children under age 8 who cannot yet use the library’s existing Animaker Space because of equipment safety requirements. Interactive features will include a light wall, magnet ball wall, laser harp, earthquake table and wind tube designed to introduce children to science and technology concepts through play and exploration.

By expanding hands-on learning opportunities and fostering early interest in science and technology, the county is supporting children along the path from Cradle-to-Career.

Proposed surface mining ordinance continued for additional community outreach

The board continued a public hearing on proposed updates to the county’s Surface Mining and Reclamation Ordinance to Oct. 20, directing the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department to conduct additional community outreach, respond to questions from the community and evaluate potential clarifying amendments before the item returns for further consideration.

The proposed ordinance would update the county’s surface mining and land reclamation regulations to align with current requirements under California’s Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), including significant state revisions enacted in 2017. As the local SMARA lead agency, the county oversees more than 85 mines in various stages of operation and reclamation. The update would strengthen the framework for Land Use Services to oversee mining operations by establishing clearer procedures for the department to review permits and reclamation plans, verify that mine operators maintain adequate financial assurances for reclamation, conduct required inspections, address violations and coordinate with state regulatory agencies. The changes would clarify and strengthen how Land Use Services carries out its existing oversight responsibilities without expanding the county’s regulatory authority.

Maintaining a compliant ordinance certified by the state Mining and Geology Board is important to preserving the county’s role as the local SMARA lead agency. Without a compliant ordinance, the state could assume the county’s SMARA oversight responsibilities. The county would continue to serve as the lead agency for environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act where applicable.

Additional County Update News – August 20, 2026