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.
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.
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.
Joshua Tree recreational trails funding increase
A $707,000 budget increase would push the Joshua Tree Desert View Conservation Area Phase II trails project from $2 million to $2.707 million.
Foreign direct investment trade mission
A five-person county delegation would travel to Singapore and Bengaluru, India in early 2027 for the SelectUSA Roadshow, at up to $44,535, to attract foreign investment and jobs to the county.
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.
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.
Termination of Supervisors Executive Aide employment
The Board will vote to end the employment contract of Supervisors Executive Aide I Ashley Cordova effective October 30, 2026 — an item requiring four votes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.