Monica S. Ronchetti

The joint meeting of the Lake Arrowhead and Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Councils focused on lessons learned from the March snowstorms. District Supervisor Dawn Rowe detailed county efforts, including advocating for utility companies to maintain their own snow removal equipment and waiving permit fees up to $5,000 for affected mountain businesses. A new emergency plan, based on community feedback regarding road maintenance, utility restoration, public safety, and vulnerable populations' access to services, was constructed. The Sheriff's Department reported on deputy attendance and addressed media sensationalism regarding storm-related deaths, clarifying that only one death was directly storm-related. The Fire Chief discussed inter-agency coordination through a central command station. Public Works detailed challenges in contracting snow removal equipment, noting the need for specialized loaders and emergency purchases of chains. All agencies expressed a need for better future planning, and Caltrans noted that pothole repairs are pending warmer weather.

The document presents the 2020-2021 Adopted Budget, which is characterized as a placeholder due to the economic emergency caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, as declared in March 2020. The budget reflects existing service levels and includes costs for jail health services, election costs, Public Guardian, and changes to the General Relief program. It notably excludes projected expenditures and revenues associated with the initial pandemic response, as it was prepared in February 2020. The budget also details the removal of 340 projected positions. Financial schedules show year-over-year comparisons for Requirements and Sources across various functional areas including Fire Administration, Mountain Regional Service Zone, North Desert Regional Service Zone, South Desert Regional Service Zone, Hazardous Materials, Household Hazardous Waste, Office of Emergency Services, and the Capital Improvement Program. The staffing analysis indicates a slight reduction in budgeted positions for the Fire Protection District.

This document outlines the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District's strategic roadmap for exploring, evaluating, testing, and implementing current and emerging technologies to mitigate hazards, reduce risks, protect life and property, enhance firefighter safety, increase operational efficiency, and improve service levels. Key initiatives include enhancing communication infrastructure, integrating GIS, leveraging 3D data, deploying drones and robotics, implementing XR technologies, and transitioning to interoperable architecture. The plan is underpinned by four pillars: fostering a culture of innovation, developing comprehensive training, ensuring robust infrastructure, and securing funding. It aims to guide the organization's growth and achieve excellence in public safety through strategic technology integration.

The City Council meeting addressed the approval of a 60-lot tentative tract map for the RiverLux Resort, including single-family homes and water retention basins. Concerns were raised regarding dust control and access to the alley behind the property. The council also approved a hazardous waste collection agreement amendment, the purchase of Douglas Fir Power Poles, and an extension of the Electrical General Services Contract. Additionally, they adopted resolutions for Community Development Block Grant funding and the Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program Funds, and awarded a bid for construction at the Admin Facility.

This document outlines the strategic planning process for the San Bernardino County Protection District, emphasizing its commitment to providing optimal community service. The plan aims to establish strategic goals, objectives, action items, and performance measurements to manage the fire service organization effectively over a five-year horizon, addressing increasing demands and limited resources. A crucial element of this process involves engaging stakeholders, including local community groups, neighborhood associations, businesses, and cooperating agency partners, through online surveys and future in-person work sessions to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.