San Bernardino County Supervisors highlight growth, innovation during state of the county

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors spotlighted areas of opportunity, growth, and innovation at the 2023 State of the County.

The event was attended by more than 1,000 local and state elected officials, business owners, tribal government leaders, educators, and community leaders on Sept. 27.

Board Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe moderated the program, which featured interviews with fellow board members Vice Chair Paul Cook, Jesse Armendarez, Curt Hagman, and Joe Baca, Jr.

Board members offered overviews of important initiatives and programs within each of their districts.

First District

Cook said affordable housing rates and some of the best schools in the county are attracting more families to his district.

The district includes much of the High Desert, including the Victor Valley, and a portion of Barstow north to China Lake and Fort Irwin, and east to the Nevada state line

Cook shared his excitement over the new Brightline West high-speed rail system that will provide service from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas, with stops in Hesperia and Apple Valley.

Brightline officials said they are eyeing a groundbreaking by the end of 2023 and a ribbon cutting in the first quarter of 2027.

"This 218-mile high-speed rail project will be the first true high-speed passenger rail service in the nation," said Cook. "It will be a game changer for our region by reducing commute times, increasing job opportunities, and improving the quality of life for county residents."

In Florida, Brightline’s high-speed passenger train service travels up to 79 mph in urban areas, 110 mph in less-populated regions, and 125 mph through farmland in the central state area, the Associated Press reported.

Second District 

Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez reported on housing, homelessness, and mental health services.

“I am inspired by a new 101-acre master-planned, mixed-use community in North Fontana being partially developed by Frontier Communities, a San Bernardino County-based builder,” Armendarez said. “Another inspiring new development is being delivered by Water of Life Community Church. They broke ground on a five-acre master plan to construct and operate a mixed-use project that will include wrap-around homeless services and transitional housing units. I know that San Bernardino County will continue to lead the way.”

Armendarez also provided an update on the creation of the “Office of Suicide Prevention,” which the board approved in its Fiscal Year 2023-2024 annual budget.

Recognizing that one suicide death occurs every 11 minutes in the U.S., enhancing mental health services remains a priority for Armendarez.

Fourth District 

Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman reported on innovations in technology such as the county's use of Starlink, which allows residents to connect to high-speed internet in some of the county's most geographically remote areas.

As a commissioner for the Ontario International Airport Authority, Hagman shared noteworthy achievements such as the airport serving nearly six million passengers this year, its highest rate since 2008. Also, on March 23, the airport welcomed its 30 millionth passenger since its return to local control.

"Ontario International Airport creates $3.8 billion a year in economic activity, supporting 27,800 jobs and serving as the hub for a global logistics network that generates $17.8 billion in economic output," Hagman said.

Hagman also pointed out San Bernardino International Airport was experiencing growth with new passenger services to San Francisco and Las Vegas, and the airport is now home to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center.

Additionally, a mixed-use development project is planned near the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

Fifth District 

Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. discussed park improvements, including ADA compliance updates to restrooms, splash pads, new gating, and upgraded amenities. He also announced an affordable housing project coming to Bloomington.

"One of the things we found out through the strategic homeless plan is that capacity is necessary for our investment in the county," Baca said. "On Sept. 12, the board of supervisors voted to purchase some land to add an affordable housing project. Just think about the families who are on the cusp of losing their home. This affordable housing project will put a roof over their heads, restore dignity and ultimately prevent families from becoming homeless."

Baca also touched on improving access to healthcare in his district through a partnership with Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's mobile clinics.

He is also seeking to expand Animal Care services by purchasing a mobile veterinarian clinic.

Third District

Rowe capped off the presentation with a demonstration of one of Garner Holt Production's animatronic figures.

Rowe explained that Garner Holt has partnered with county schools to create “Education Through Imagination” and an “AniMakerspace” to provide young children with opportunities to learn more about STEAM education – science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

She also spoke about growth and development occurring at Loma Linda University.

"Loma Linda University Health is a leader in education, research and clinical care," Rowe said. "The California Health Facilities Financing Authority recently awarded Loma Linda University Children's Hospital with a $135 million grant that provides funding for several major projects including construction of a new pediatric medical office building."

Following Rowe's presentation and closing remarks, attendees participated in a networking reception to foster new partnerships to continue moving the county closer to achieving its Countywide Vision of a complete county that creates ever-increasing opportunities for residents and investors.

Event attendee, Rancho Cucamonga City Councilwoman Kristine Scott, described the event as exciting.

"I always love coming to the state of the county because you can hear about the exciting things happening in your own backyard," she said. "Just seeing the opportunities and the upcoming projects makes me proud to be a resident."

San Bernardino City Councilman Damon Alexander said the event was inspirational.

"I am very encouraged and inspired by what our county board of supervisors are doing," he said. "They've played a critical role in our region's economic growth, and I look forward to continued success."

For more information, visit selectsbcounty.com or main.sbcounty.gov.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: San Bernardino County Supervisors highlight local growth, innovation