Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
38 issues
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.
Legacy Village Housing and Community Development Project
The board approved a 324-unit affordable senior mobile home park and wellness community in Apple Valley, bringing much-needed senior housing and renewable energy infrastructure to the high desert.
Surface Mining and Land Reclamation Ordinance Update
The county is trying to update its decades-old mining rules to match state SMARA laws, but residents are worried it will strip away local control and environmental reviews on federal lands near Joshua Tree and Wonder Valley. After hours of intense public pushback, the board agreed to delay the vote to October to address community fears and clarify the language.
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Strike Staffing
Hospitals across San Bernardino County are bracing for massive federal funding cuts under HR 1 over the next 10 years, which could increase uncompensated care and strain emergency rooms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Animal Shelter Operations and Euthanasia Policies
A public commenter raised concerns regarding alleged arbitrary cutoff times for animal rescues at the DeVore Animal Shelter, claiming violations of state law.
San Bernardino HOPE Campus Homelessness Investment
The board committed $11 million to help fund a new 200-bed navigation and recuperative care center in the city of San Bernardino. Supervisors emphasized the need for strict county oversight, regional coordination, and long-term financial sustainability.
Child Welfare and Family Services Oversight Concerns
Dozens of residents and parents testified during public comment about concerns regarding child protective services, foster care removals, and family court proceedings, prompting a comprehensive administrative review by county human services officials.
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.
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.
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.
Regional Renewable Energy Siting and Grid Reliability
The board debated the balance between expanding local renewable energy to prevent power shutoffs and protecting rural community character, while directing an ad hoc committee to study broader energy strategies.
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.
County Service Area Water and Sanitation Rate Adjustments
The county proposed multi-year rate increases across several special districts to cover rising operational costs, prevailing wages, and state-mandated water quality testing. While several districts approved the adjustments, Lytle Creek residents successfully filed a majority protest under Proposition 218 to block their fee hike.
Behavioral Health Services Act 2026-2029 Integrated Plan
The board approved a comprehensive $2.34 billion behavioral health plan under Proposition 1, integrating mental health, substance use treatment, and housing support services across the county.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended County Budget
The county adopted a stable $10.9 billion budget that maintains essential community services and directs $273.7 million toward high-priority capital investments and vulnerable populations without across-the-board spending increases.
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.
Auditor-Controller Independent Legal Counsel Request
Elected Auditor-Controller Ensen Mason asked the county to pay for his personal attorney fees during an ongoing conflict-of-interest investigation, but the board voted to deny it.
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.
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.
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.
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 Recall or Ballot Measure
A local push to put a recall measure against the San Bernardino mayor on the ballot was completely scrapped after residents rallied to show strong support for him. Instead of a messy political fight, the community decided to back their current leadership.
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.
Law Enforcement Shooting
A San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy was involved in a shooting over in Riverside while hunting down a suspect. Details are still super sketchy, so we're waiting on investigators to drop more info.
Elected Official Misconduct
San Bernardino City Councilmember Treasure Ortiz is facing criminal charges for illegally recording police, which has totally upended local politics. This scandal leaves the city council scrambling while shaking up public trust in our local leaders.