District Specific Priorities Program supports community cleanup, youth programs and music education
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved $550,000 in District Specific Priorities Program funding from Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez to support a community cleanup program, youth development and youth music education.
- $200,000 to Upland Acts of Service for the Litter Free Upland community cleanup program, including the purchase of a vehicle and program operations. The program responds to litter concerns, supports community events and provides volunteer opportunities for residents.
- $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Fontana for two years of youth programs focused on leadership development, academic support and college and career exploration, and for “A Sunday In The Park,” a free, all-ages skateboarding, music and cultural event scheduled for Nov. 22 at North Fontana Skate Park.
- $250,000 to Sound of Dreams for the All Hands on Decks Youth Music Education & Career Development Initiative, a youth disc jockey and music education program offered in partnership with local schools and municipalities. Students in the program learn music history, equipment operation, beat matching and performance skills.
By supporting cleaner neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for local youth, the county is advancing the quality-of-life and Cradle to Career goals of the Countywide Vision.
Behavioral health services support Housing Authority rental assistance programs
The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department received approval for agreements with the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino to provide approximately $190,000 in supportive services as a local match for the Housing Authority’s federal Continuum of Care grant.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant funds rental assistance through Project Gateway, Laurelbrook Estates, Lantern Woods and Cornerstone, which serve chronically homeless individuals and families. Behavioral Health services include case management, employment assistance, housing navigation, life skills, mental health and substance use disorder services, and transportation. Rental assistance is available to a combined 286 families during the agreements, and Behavioral Health has helped meet the grant’s match requirement since 2003.
Federal block grant continues behavioral health services for children and adults
The board approved approximately $10.5 million in federal Community Mental Health Services Block Grant funding, administered by the California Department of Health Care Services, through June 2028.
The funding continues San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department’s services for children with serious emotional disturbances and adults with severe and persistent mental illness or a co-occurring substance use disorder. Each year, the grant will help serve approximately 400 youth at risk of institutionalization, hospitalization or long-term incarceration through a partnership with the San Bernardino County Probation Department, about 1,000 adults at risk of institutionalization or hospitalization, and about 100 adults with a behavioral health condition and a co-occurring substance use disorder. Behavioral Health has received this funding since 1982, and no local match is required.
By sustaining behavioral health services for children and adults with high needs, the county is working to achieve the Countywide Vision.
Governing board established for Children and Family Services Welcome Center
San Bernardino County Children and Family Services received approval to establish a five-member governing board for the Welcome Center and adopted its bylaws.
The Welcome Center will provide short-term care and supervision for children in need of transitional shelter care and is licensed by the California Department of Social Services. The governing board will oversee facility policies, the operating budget, emergency planning and licensing compliance. Board members will include Children and Family Services leadership and representatives of the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department and Human Services.
State funding supports local suicide prevention planning
The board accepted approximately $334,000 in grant funding from the California Department of Public Health to support suicide and overdose prevention planning during fiscal year 2026-27.
San Bernardino County Public Health will bring together partners, including the San Bernardino Behavioral Health Department, Medi-Cal managed care plans, local tribes, community-based organizations, education partners, First 5 San Bernardino and San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs to develop a local suicide prevention plan. The funding will also help integrate suicide and overdose prevention into the department’s Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan. In 2025, the county ranked in the second-highest quartile among California counties for reported suicidal ideation.
By bringing local partners together to support suicide prevention efforts, the county is aligned with the health and wellness goals of the Countywide Vision.
Grant supports services for crime victims and witnesses
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office received approval to accept approximately $2.9 million from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program through September 2027.
The District Attorney’s Office has administered the program since 1980. Services include crisis intervention, emergency assistance for food, clothing and lodging, referrals and help applying for California Victim Compensation Board benefits. Victim advocates keep victims and witnesses informed about court proceedings, accompany them to court and provide emergency funeral and burial assistance to families of deceased crime victims. The grant helps fund 37 positions, including 30 victim advocates and a mass victimization advocate.
Emergency management grant strengthens countywide preparedness
The San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services received approval to accept approximately $500,000 from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services through the federal Emergency Management Performance Grant program. The funding supports the county’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters through June 2027.
Emergency Services will receive approximately $293,000, and approximately $207,000 will be distributed to 12 cities and towns: Big Bear Lake, Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Needles, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Victorville and Yucca Valley. The county has received the grant annually since 2004.
By strengthening emergency preparedness across the county and its cities and towns, the county is advancing the public safety goals of the Countywide Vision.
Sheriff’s marine enforcement gets new patrol boat and continued training access
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department received approval to accept up to $150,000 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways to purchase a patrol boat and trailer. The new boat will replace a 24-year-old vessel that is no longer suitable for patrol.
The department’s Marine Enforcement Unit at the Colorado River Station patrols about 90 miles of the Colorado River in the county, including Lake Havasu, a waterway that draws approximately 17 million visitors a year. Deputies enforce boating laws, assist boaters in distress and conduct search, rescue and recovery operations.
The board also approved a three-year, non-financial agreement with the city of Los Angeles Harbor Department for Sheriff’s personnel to use the Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center at the Port of Los Angeles. Department staff take and teach courses there in maritime enforcement, boating under the influence, accident investigation and incident response.
Joshua Tree conservation area trail improvements move to construction
San Bernardino County Department of Public Works – Special Districts received approval to award a $1,982,000 construction contract to Deark E&C Inc. for Phase II of the Desert View Conservation Area Recreational Trails Project and to increase the project budget from $2 million to approximately $2.7 million.
Phase II is the final planned phase of improvements identified through community input dating back to 2010. It will improve the existing trail system without adding new trails. The project will rehabilitate worn and eroded trail sections and add shade structures with picnic tables and benches at rest areas, an overlook platform for safe scenic and wildlife viewing, and informational kiosks with trail maps. New wayfinding signs and mileage posts will help visitors navigate, while discovery shelters and interpretive panels will share information about the desert habitat, geology, native plants and wildlife, and Native American history and culture. A comprehensive environmental assessment was undertaken to ensure sensitive and natural habitat was safeguarded.
Public Works – Special Districts Division manages the approximately 605-acre conservation and low-impact recreation area. The project is funded entirely by a California Wildlife Conservation Board grant. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
By improving the visitor experience while protecting the area’s natural resources, the county is working to fulfill the goals of the Countywide Vision.