San Bernardino County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Loma Linda University hospital revenue bonds (TEFRA hearing)
The Board holds a public hearing on up to $1.89 billion in revenue bonds to finance or refinance health care facility projects for Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children's Hospital. It's tax-exempt bonding facilitation, not county general fund money, but residents get a say in the hearing.
San Bernardino HOPE Campus Homelessness Investment
Two big homeless-services items: $2.37 million reallocated for Kaiser transitional rent services through the Office of Homeless Services, and an extension of the CityLink permanent shelter construction deadline with Water of Life Community Church to the end of 2029.
Storm Recovery Fee Waivers
With a Super El Niño forecast for winter 2026, the Flood Control District wants to keep emergency procurement authority to prevent flooding, landslides and debris flows in Lytle Creek, Wrightwood, Oak Glen, Forest Falls and Seven Oaks.
Behavioral Health Services Act 2026-2029 Integrated Plan
The county is set to accept a $10.47 million federal Mental Health Block Grant from the state for 2026-2028, supporting community mental health services countywide.
Animal Shelter Operations and Euthanasia Policies
The Board extends its emergency procurement authority to cope with the sudden loss of the Apple Valley Animal Shelter, which the Town canceled effective September 2025. High Desert animal care capacity remains strained.
County Executive Performance Evaluations
The Board of Supervisors is conducting scheduled performance reviews for four top county officials, including the Chief Executive Officer and County Counsel. These evaluations help ensure administrative accountability and oversight in county operations.
Proposed Behavioral Health Campus in Victorville
The county can now condemn a permanent access easement from OK Enterprise LLC for the behavioral health treatment campus in Victorville. The county offered $99,000; a supervisor pushed back about devaluing the owner's land and asked staff to study shifting the easement east.
County Workforce Vacancies and Recruitment (AB 2561)
Numerous In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) care providers and union members testified during public comment urging the county to approve higher wages and better benefits in upcoming labor negotiations.
Lake Arrowhead Estates Subdivision Appeal
Residents appealed a 37-lot subdivision approval in Lake Arrowhead, raising concerns about construction traffic on narrow roads and rear yard setbacks. The board upheld the project while requiring provisions for homeowners association road maintenance.
Property Tax Rate Resolution
The Board adopted the annual 1% countywide property tax rate, clarifying that funds support vital local services like schools and public safety rather than solely county government.
Mercury Dry Campground Appeal
Neighbors appealed the Planning Commission's approval of a 12-site dry campground in Joshua Tree, expressing worries about rural quiet, property values, wildlife, and lack of on-site supervision. The Board denied the appeal and upheld the project with tightened restrictions on trailers and power generators.
Maverick Gas Station and Convenience Store Appeal
Residents and the appellant raised concerns about traffic safety, truck circulation, environmental review, and rural compatibility for a proposed 24-hour fueling station in Phelan-Pinion Hills. The Board voted to grant the appeal and send the project back to the Planning Commission for further review.
Law Enforcement Investigation
The FBI just raided the homes and offices of several San Bernardino County politicians, totally shaking up local politics. This ongoing investigation is bound to mess with upcoming government decisions and seriously dents public trust.
Federal Investigation
Federal investigators are sniffing around San Bernardino County officials and properties at Ontario International Airport. This unexpected probe could spell major trouble for local leadership and shake up city operations.
Stormwater Mandates
New stormwater regulations are projected to cost San Bernardino County and its cities a staggering $11 billion. This massive price tag could force local leaders to pull funding from other essential community services to pay for the mandate.
Election Contest
San Bernardino County's top tax official, Ensen Mason, is challenging the June 2 election results, potentially shaking up local leadership and county administration. If this legal challenge gains traction, it could lead to delays or shifts in how the county manages its finances and governance.
Measure I Transportation Sales Tax Extension
The county is moving forward with placing the Measure I transportation sales tax extension on the November ballot to secure local funding for road repairs, congestion relief, and transit programs.
County Service Area Water and Sanitation Rate Adjustments
Public Works proposed increasing flat service charges for dirt road maintenance across several County Service Area zones to combat severe funding shortfalls that have halted routine grading.
Election Results
Check out the latest 2026 election results for San Bernardino to see who's stepping up to lead and make decisions for your city. Knowing who won helps you keep tabs on the folks steering local policies that affect your day-to-day life.
CSA 70 Zone R-15 Landers Road Maintenance Assessment
Road maintenance funding in Landers has fallen short because the $20 annual parcel fee established in 1984 hasn't changed. The county is proposing to raise the fee to $75 so dirt roads can be graded again.
Proposed Lone Pine Canyon Quarry Development
Residents from Wrightwood, Phelan, Pinyon Hills, and surrounding mountain communities voiced strong opposition to a proposed open-pit limestone and dolomite quarry in Lone Pine Canyon, citing severe health risks from dust and asbestos, traffic congestion on narrow evacuation routes, and potential seismic impacts on the San Andreas Fault.
Program Year 2026-27 Annual Action Plan for HUD Grants
The county held a public hearing to review progress on federal HUD grant goals and gather public input for the upcoming 2026-27 Annual Action Plan, which programs over $9 million in community development block grants, home funds, and emergency solutions grants for low-income infrastructure, affordable housing, and homelessness programs.
San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust Establishment
The county joined a new regional housing trust to better coordinate resources and funding for housing development and preservation.
Chino Agricultural Preserve Land Plan and Park Acquisition
The county approved a land plan to sell surplus dairy property and acquire land to create a major 380-acre park in Ontario and Chino.
Censure of Council Member
San Bernardino's city council is voting on whether to censure Council Member Treasure Ortiz. This political showdown could totally shake up how city hall operates.
One Tree Hill Project Policy and Zoning Amendments
The board approved land use amendments for a 40-acre site in Joshua Tree, shifting acreage allocations between medium-density residential and commercial uses despite community concerns over scale, traffic, and water resources.
Countywide Fee Structure and Cost Recovery
The board reviewed proposed fee changes across county departments, discussing the balance between full cost recovery and economic impact on residents, particularly regarding parks, land use, and animal care.
Solid Waste Disposal System Strategic Plan
County staff presented an update on the solid waste system, highlighting long-term landfill capacity, financial reserves, and strategies for managing out-of-county waste imports.
Charter Review
San Bernardino County is shaking up its local government rules, looking closely at mayoral powers, term limits, and overall city operations. These big tweaks could completely change who runs the city and how daily business gets done.
Mayor Selection Process
San Bernardino leaders are considering ending direct mayoral elections and moving to an appointed mayor system instead. This change would completely strip voters of their power to directly choose their city's top leader.
Board of Supervisors Actions
San Bernardino County supervisors met on Feb. 11, 2025, and the county posted a roundup of official actions. The source doesn't list the individual decisions, so the practical impact on residents isn't clear from this summary alone.
County Secession Study
San Bernardino County voters approved a study to explore breaking away from California because folks here feel totally ignored by Sacramento. It's a massive long shot, but it could seriously shake up how your tax dollars and state resources get handed out.