Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with low priority
Joint Powers Authority Creation
Resolutions 2026-184 and 2026-185 would create a joint financing authority between the city and the Housing Authority to help fund public capital improvements.
ABC license upgrade at Palm Avenue truck service station
A request to upgrade the convenience store's alcohol license from beer-and-wine to general off-sale was pushed to November 10 so the commission can consider it fully.
Alcohol sales conditions at Waterman Avenue convenience store
The commission let a Waterman Avenue store update its alcohol conditions to match changing industry packaging — allowing any-size factory multi-packs instead of six-packs only — citing low area crime stats and no policing issues.
Commission meeting schedule and review cycle
Commissioners noted they got this assignment with almost no lead time before the October 5 deadline, and want the commission to meet regularly — possibly reviewing salaries early in even-numbered years — so future decisions aren't rushed.
Nuisance Abatement Cost Recovery Liens
Property owners who stuck the city with cleanup bills now have liens totaling $123,351.91 on their properties across four wards.
Time extension for 16-lot subdivision at 48th Street and Orange Drive
Marc Homes asked for another year to act on its approved plan to build 16 single-family homes near W. 48th Street and N. Orange Drive. Extensions keep an approved project alive when construction timing slips.
Solar streetlight contract rejected
A $500,000-plus solar light contract was rejected so staff can come back with cheaper options using existing candelabra poles, which Ibarra showed worked well on Street E for $250,000.
Meeting Disruption Policy Under SB 707
A new resolution would create a policy for handling meeting disruptions under Senate Bill 707, affecting how the public can participate in council meetings.
Two-lot subdivision on W. Ash Drive
A vacant 0.32-acre lot in Ward 5 could be split into two buildable parcels, with variances shrinking the required lot size and rear setback to make it work on the irregular lot.
Parks & Recreation Department logo contest
The department announced a $500 call for art for a new logo, open to San Bernardino residents and students, with winner notification June 24 — timed for Parks Make Life Better Month in July.
Legal settlement in Martinez v. City
The city settled a lawsuit for $450,000 total, with insurance covering all but $300,000.
Special event and park reservation process
A commissioner asked for a future presentation on how community groups and nonprofits can reserve parks, what permits, fees and insurance are needed, and whether fee waivers exist for events benefiting the city.
Community garden wood chips and mulch
Commissioners discussed whether trees removed by the city can be recycled into wood chips for the community garden's 86 plots. Staff said compost and mulch are already provided and will consult the city arborist.
Villasenor Library parking lot bids rejected
All bids came in and were rejected; the $247,933 in Measure S money earmarked for the parking lot was redirected to Encanto Park improvements instead.
General Plan Land Use Element summary
A summary of the Land Use Element — the blueprint for what can be built where — was scheduled for Commission discussion.
Storage building with reduced setbacks on E. Mill Street
Felipe Alfaro proposed a six-unit, 6,221-square-foot storage building on an irregular 0.5-acre lot, needing variances to build closer to the street and side lines than zoning normally allows.
Impound and towing fees burden
A resident laid out how $750 in impound, towing, and lien fees hits working-class households hard, asking for fee reductions and an audit of Hayes Towing.
Illumination Foundation CUP surrender
The Illumination Foundation has moved out and given up its conditional use permit in writing. The commission agreed to revoke it administratively by letter instead of holding a hearing, and asked that the paper trail be published in the next packet.