San Bernardino County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
US 95 / Havasu Lake Road safety improvement
A dedicated southbound left-turn pocket is planned at US 95 and Havasu Lake Road near Needles, mostly paid by an $788,000 federal grant with local reimbursement through SBCTA.
In-Home Supportive Services provider wage increase
A $1.19-per-hour raise for IHSS providers, submitted to the state for approval. It means better pay for the in-home caregivers who help disabled and elderly residents stay out of institutions.
ARMC elevator modernization and ED/ICU expansion study
A change order trims $404,714 from the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center elevator project and pushes completion to November 2026, while a new $850,000 Jacobs contract kicks off a feasibility study for expanding the emergency department and ICU.
Baker Boulevard bridge and regional road projects
Big infrastructure day: the $23.2 million Baker Boulevard bridge replacement over the Mojave River was awarded, plus $1.1 million toward the Highway 95 project in Needles and a grant application for safety work on Arrow Route in Fontana.
Barstow-to-Needles OHV corridor funding
$250,000 was moved from an off-road race initiative to Hammerking Productions to plan an off-highway vehicle corridor between Barstow and Needles. Desert residents objected that public money is going to a private for-profit company and that riding corridors threaten the Mojave Trails National Monument.
LAFCO Barstow reorganization and tax sharing
The Board adopted the property tax revenue resolution for the LAFCO reorganization tied to the Barstow International Gateway rail project — annexations to Barstow, its fire district, and Odessa Water District, with detachments from county fire zones. Barstow officials praised the collaboration.
Fuels Reduction Project
County Fire just finished clearing out heavy brush in North San Bernardino to keep your neighborhood safer from wildfires. It's a major preventive step to stop fast-moving flames before they threaten homes.
Election Preview
Get ready for the 2026 local elections! This guide breaks down the major races heating up across San Bernardino County and the High Desert so you know who is running.
Election Questionnaire
Want to know where Ward 2 City Council candidate Christian Shaughnessy stands before you vote? Check out this quick election Q&A to get the scoop on your local ballot choices.
Sports Tourism Development
San Bernardino County is investing in sports tourism by building a new stadium and bringing in a local team to draw in visitors and boost local business. It's a big play to get our region on the map and bring more entertainment options to town.
Public Transit Lawsuit
Montclair is suing the county transportation authority over the A Line extension, which could bring serious delays to your regional commute. This legal battle threatens to stall a major transit project that commuters are heavily relying on.
CARE Act implementation
San Bernardino County is rolling out the CARE Act to get court-ordered mental health care to people struggling on the streets. It's a major push by local and state leaders to tackle severe untreated mental illness.
Downtown Development
San Bernardino is leveraging city-owned properties to kickstart a new downtown business district. This move aims to breathe fresh life into local commerce and spruce up the area.
Countywide Unmanned Aerial Support Program Expansion
The Board of Supervisors discussed the expansion of drone programs across the Sheriff's Department and County Fire, highlighting how unmanned aerial systems improve first responder safety and emergency response times.