San Bernardino County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Surface Mining and Land Reclamation Ordinance Update
The Board adopted the long-disputed update to county mining rules after residents from Wonder Valley, Yucca Valley and Wrightwood said outreach was inadequate and feared the changes could clear the way for the proposed 20,000-acre Music Valley rare earth mine near Joshua Tree. Staff says the update keeps the county as the state's lead mining agency; opponents worry federal-land projects will escape full county review.
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Strike Staffing
Teamsters Local 1932 workers at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center have noticed a strike for October 27. The Board gave the hospital CEO power to spend up to $20 million on temp staffing agencies so patient care continues during the walkout.
Legacy Village Housing and Community Development Project
The county conditionally committed $28 million to help build Legacy Village — 180 workforce housing units and 461 student beds — with the San Bernardino Community College District and housing partners Jamboree and The Annex Group.
Law Enforcement Transparency and Accountability
Multiple residents urged the Board to revisit — and cancel or ban — the county's Flock automatic license plate reader cameras, arguing a private company is holding residents' movement data. The topic hasn't been agendized since 2024 and speakers asked for it to come back.
Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan Approval
Residents, union members, and environmental advocates clashed over a massive 213-acre industrial warehouse project in Bloomington. Critics highlighted severe air pollution and traffic impacts near schools, while supporters pointed to construction jobs and community benefits.
Child Welfare and Family Services Oversight Concerns
Several community advocates and parents testified regarding alleged systemic failures, racial disparities, and procedural violations within the Children and Family Services (CFS) department, demanding independent audits and withholding of increased funding.
Regional Renewable Energy Siting and Grid Reliability
Residents and conservation groups appealed the Planning Commission's approval of a massive 525-megawatt solar and battery facility in Lucerne Valley, arguing it violates county renewable energy protection policies, damages scenic vistas along a newly designated state scenic highway, and worsens blowing dust. The Board of Supervisors ultimately denied the appeal due to a lack of legal grounds to overturn the project, despite expressing personal reservations about large-scale desert solar development.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended County Budget
County financial leaders presented a cautious outlook for the upcoming fiscal year due to slowing property tax growth and potential federal funding risks from HR 1. While the county remains fiscally healthy, officials are planning for slower revenue growth and monitoring labor negotiations.
Auditor-Controller Independent Legal Counsel Request
Multiple public commenters and supervisors raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest involving Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason operating a private financial advisory firm while managing the county's $12 billion investment pool. The board directed the CEO and County Counsel to investigate the allegations and review investment authority delegation options.
Elected Official Financial Oversight and Potential Conflicts
Multiple public commenters and supervisors raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest involving Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason operating a private financial advisory firm while managing the county's $12 billion investment pool. The board directed the CEO and County Counsel to investigate the allegations and review investment authority delegation options.
Siena Solar Project Appeal
Residents and conservation groups appealed the Planning Commission's approval of a massive 525-megawatt solar and battery facility in Lucerne Valley, arguing it violates county renewable energy protection policies, damages scenic vistas along a newly designated state scenic highway, and worsens blowing dust. The Board of Supervisors ultimately denied the appeal due to a lack of legal grounds to overturn the project, despite expressing personal reservations about large-scale desert solar development.