Remote Surveillance Trailer in San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino County is close to receiving $38.7 million in state grant funding to support the Pacific Village Campus, an innovative project designed to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

Earlier this month, county Behavioral Health received a conditional award letter from the state Department of Health Care Services confirming the full $38.7 million the county had requested to fund the project. This expansion directly supports the county’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the behavioral health continuum of care and expand residential treatment capacity for vulnerable populations, including those impacted by homelessness.

“This investment is fundamental to fulfilling our mission and underscores our unwavering commitment to providing essential care and support to those who need it most. We are here to serve, and this funding profoundly enhances our capacity to do just that,” said Department of Behavioral Health Director, Dr. Georgina Yoshioka.

This project, in partnership with county Community Development and Housing, is designed to create a “one-stop shop” for housing supports and services, including access to recuperative care, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and permanent supportive housing for San Bernardino County residents.

“By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and integrating innovative treatment modalities, we believe this project will significantly improve outcomes for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “We are committed to ensuring that every member of our community has access to the care they need, and we see this project as a vital step toward achieving that goal.”

“Pacific Village is a strategic initiative of San Bernardino County aimed at developing a comprehensive continuum of care to support the county’s most vulnerable populations,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “This grant will allow us to establish 32 much-needed residential treatment beds for individuals battling substance use disorders. This investment signifies our commitment to expanding access to quality care and supporting healthier, stronger communities for all.”

“”This grant represents a pivotal step forward in creating solutions for social service needs within our county and addressing critical issues,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, who along with Baca, Jr., served on the board’s Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness.

The state this week announced that 124 sponsors have been awarded a total of $3.3 billion in competitive funding awards for projects that support behavioral health infrastructure through the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Proposition 1 Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready. This gives the sponsors new opportunities to address gaps in care and create sustainable improvements that better serve the community.

In December, the Board of Supervisors agreed to submit a grant application for the Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1 for the Pacific Village Campus Project. As part of this proposed expansion, Behavioral Health outlined plans to establish two adult residential substance use disorder treatment facilities, adding 32 new treatment beds to serve approximately 384 adults annually, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

California is modernizing the behavioral health delivery system to improve accountability, increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities for Californians. BHCIP supports creating, renovating and expanding facilities that serve individuals with mental and behavioral health needs.

The Bond BHCIP Round 1 awards will help create a comprehensive behavioral health system, ensuring that individuals can access the proper care at the right time, whether for crisis stabilization, inpatient care or long-term treatment. As part of the state’s goal to reduce mental health crises, increase the availability of services, and support community-based solutions, these investments are vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability and accessibility of behavioral health services.

BHCIP is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2026. Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with co-occurring mental health treatment needs and substance use disorders. Bond BHCIP funding is estimated to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build on other major behavioral health initiatives in California.

For more information, visit the BHCIP webpage. Additional guidance on Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready and Round 2: Unmet Needs is available at bit.ly/43fbaqp.

Additional County Update News – May 15, 2025

The San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services hosted a Homelessness Prevention Resource Fair last week to offer financial assistance, case management and other vital resources to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless.

The event was held on May 7 at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino and featured a variety of county departments and community organizations that provided employment resources, hygiene products, mental health therapy, animal services, and information on housing programs, legal services, CalFresh, CalWORKs and Medi-Cal. Participating agencies included the county’s Office of Homeless Services, Behavioral Health, Transitional Assistance, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Children and Family Services and Public Health departments as well as Lighthouse Social Services, the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, Inland County Legal Services, the San Bernardino Animal Services Department and Inland SoCal United Way.

“In addition to our rapid rehousing services, we’re also deeply committed to homelessness prevention,” said Marcus Dillard, chief of homeless services. “Through this event, we were able to offer financial assistance to those who’ve been struggling to pay their rent and utilities so they can remain in their homes.”

Prior to the event, the Office of Homeless Services team worked closely with local landlords to inform tenants about the event and distribute event flyers. One of the individuals who received a flyer said the resource fair has made a tremendous difference for her.

“This event has given me a sense of empowerment in knowing that I will get assistance,” said Rasheeda Ballard. “I’m not working right now because I’m recovering from brain surgery, so I’m three months behind in my rent. That can be a weight for someone who just had surgery. The staff has been helping me fill out the application, which is encouraging because I’m still facing some challenges in my recovery.”

Another resident who attended the resource fair also found the event to be very helpful.

“There’s a lot of great resources here for parents, especially single parents, to see if they can get help with rent. It’s also a great opportunity to meet with service providers and get answers to questions,” said Lundi Fenner.

One of the county’s key partners in addressing homelessness has been the city of San Bernardino, which contributed to the event by having its Animal Services Department offer free pet supplies, animal vaccines and microchipping.

“Providing pet supplies and free animal services can help ease the financial burden for families who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said San Bernardino City Councilmember Mario Flores, who attended the event. “We hope these resources help alleviate some of the financial strain so families can focus on maintaining their housing.”

As someone who is currently facing financial hardship, a third resident found the employment resources and financial assistance programs to be invaluable as she makes an effort to get back on her feet.

“I lost my job while trying to care for my father who recently passed away from leukemia,” said Tashanique “Tash” Ward. “I’m looking for any type of assistance I can get to help me stay in my home so I can focus on finding a new job. I was able to connect with a job placement company at the resource fair, which was really helpful.”

In all, 47 individuals and families were able to access the resources they needed to be able to stay in their homes.

“We are proud to host this event to provide relief to individuals and families who are struggling to pay their rent due to hardships that are beyond their control,” said Celia Hernandez, event organizer and program specialist with the Office of Homeless Services. “We hope this event was able to provide the support that they need to move forward.”

The Office of Homeless Services is planning to host another Homelessness Prevention Resource Fair in the future. If you or someone you know needs assistance with housing programs, please contact Celia Hernandez by emailing celia.hernandez@hss.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – May 15, 2025

The SUN Bucks program returns this summer! Low-income families can ensure their children have adequate nutrition while school is out with California SUN Bucks, also called Summer-Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT), a permanent federal meal program launched by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). SUN Bucks helps families with school-aged children purchase groceries during the summer months, June through August 2025, when children might not have access to school meals.

Children will automatically receive SUN Bucks if they are:

Note: Parents and caretakers should check with their child’s school to make sure their free or reduced-price meal application or Alternative Income Form is on file. If not, parents can submit a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to their school or school administrator’s office by Sept. 1, 2025, to determine if they qualify for SUN Bucks.

SUN Bucks are on S-EBT cards that are mailed out to nearly five million automatically eligible children starting mid-June through August 2025.

Each eligible child will receive one card with a total of $120 to purchase groceries, equivalent to $40 per month for June, July and August. The S-EBT card can be used just like a debit card to purchase food such as fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept CalFresh EBT benefits. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs.

SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days from the date it was loaded on the S-EBT card. Any unused money on the card after 122 days will expire and cannot be replaced or loaded back onto the card.

Families are encouraged to update their mailing address to ensure their SUN Bucks are sent to the right place.

Those receiving CalWORKs, CalFresh or Medi-Cal can update their address:

Parents of children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals can update their address at their child’s school of attendance.

For additional information about SUN Bucks, please visit the CDSS website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks.

Additional County Update News – May 15, 2025

San Bernardino County is close to receiving $38.7 million in state grant funding to support the Pacific Village Campus, an innovative project designed to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

Earlier this month, county Behavioral Health received a conditional award letter from the state Department of Health Care Services confirming the full $38.7 million the county had requested to fund the project. This expansion directly supports the county’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the behavioral health continuum of care and expand residential treatment capacity for vulnerable populations, including those impacted by homelessness.

“This investment is fundamental to fulfilling our mission and underscores our unwavering commitment to providing essential care and support to those who need it most. We are here to serve, and this funding profoundly enhances our capacity to do just that,” said Department of Behavioral Health Director, Dr. Georgina Yoshioka.

This project, in partnership with county Community Development and Housing, is designed to create a “one-stop shop” for housing supports and services, including access to recuperative care, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and permanent supportive housing for San Bernardino County residents.

“By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and integrating innovative treatment modalities, we believe this project will significantly improve outcomes for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “We are committed to ensuring that every member of our community has access to the care they need, and we see this project as a vital step toward achieving that goal.”

“Pacific Village is a strategic initiative of San Bernardino County aimed at developing a comprehensive continuum of care to support the county’s most vulnerable populations,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “This grant will allow us to establish 32 much-needed residential treatment beds for individuals battling substance use disorders. This investment signifies our commitment to expanding access to quality care and supporting healthier, stronger communities for all.”

“”This grant represents a pivotal step forward in creating solutions for social service needs within our county and addressing critical issues,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, who along with Baca, Jr., served on the board’s Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness.

The state this week announced that 124 sponsors have been awarded a total of $3.3 billion in competitive funding awards for projects that support behavioral health infrastructure through the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Proposition 1 Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready. This gives the sponsors new opportunities to address gaps in care and create sustainable improvements that better serve the community.

In December, the Board of Supervisors agreed to submit a grant application for the Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1 for the Pacific Village Campus Project. As part of this proposed expansion, Behavioral Health outlined plans to establish two adult residential substance use disorder treatment facilities, adding 32 new treatment beds to serve approximately 384 adults annually, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

California is modernizing the behavioral health delivery system to improve accountability, increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities for Californians. BHCIP supports creating, renovating and expanding facilities that serve individuals with mental and behavioral health needs.

The Bond BHCIP Round 1 awards will help create a comprehensive behavioral health system, ensuring that individuals can access the proper care at the right time, whether for crisis stabilization, inpatient care or long-term treatment. As part of the state’s goal to reduce mental health crises, increase the availability of services, and support community-based solutions, these investments are vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability and accessibility of behavioral health services.

BHCIP is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2026. Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with co-occurring mental health treatment needs and substance use disorders. Bond BHCIP funding is estimated to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build on other major behavioral health initiatives in California.

For more information, visit the BHCIP webpage. Additional guidance on Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready and Round 2: Unmet Needs is available at bit.ly/43fbaqp.

Additional County Update News – May 15, 2025

The San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services hosted a Homelessness Prevention Resource Fair last week to offer financial assistance, case management and other vital resources to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless.

The event was held on May 7 at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino and featured a variety of county departments and community organizations that provided employment resources, hygiene products, mental health therapy, animal services, and information on housing programs, legal services, CalFresh, CalWORKs and Medi-Cal. Participating agencies included the county’s Office of Homeless Services, Behavioral Health, Transitional Assistance, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Children and Family Services and Public Health departments as well as Lighthouse Social Services, the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, Inland County Legal Services, the San Bernardino Animal Services Department and Inland SoCal United Way.

“In addition to our rapid rehousing services, we’re also deeply committed to homelessness prevention,” said Marcus Dillard, chief of homeless services. “Through this event, we were able to offer financial assistance to those who’ve been struggling to pay their rent and utilities so they can remain in their homes.”

Prior to the event, the Office of Homeless Services team worked closely with local landlords to inform tenants about the event and distribute event flyers. One of the individuals who received a flyer said the resource fair has made a tremendous difference for her.

“This event has given me a sense of empowerment in knowing that I will get assistance,” said Rasheeda Ballard. “I’m not working right now because I’m recovering from brain surgery, so I’m three months behind in my rent. That can be a weight for someone who just had surgery. The staff has been helping me fill out the application, which is encouraging because I’m still facing some challenges in my recovery.”

Another resident who attended the resource fair also found the event to be very helpful.

“There’s a lot of great resources here for parents, especially single parents, to see if they can get help with rent. It’s also a great opportunity to meet with service providers and get answers to questions,” said Lundi Fenner.

One of the county’s key partners in addressing homelessness has been the city of San Bernardino, which contributed to the event by having its Animal Services Department offer free pet supplies, animal vaccines and microchipping.

“Providing pet supplies and free animal services can help ease the financial burden for families who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said San Bernardino City Councilmember Mario Flores, who attended the event. “We hope these resources help alleviate some of the financial strain so families can focus on maintaining their housing.”

As someone who is currently facing financial hardship, a third resident found the employment resources and financial assistance programs to be invaluable as she makes an effort to get back on her feet.

“I lost my job while trying to care for my father who recently passed away from leukemia,” said Tashanique “Tash” Ward. “I’m looking for any type of assistance I can get to help me stay in my home so I can focus on finding a new job. I was able to connect with a job placement company at the resource fair, which was really helpful.”

In all, 47 individuals and families were able to access the resources they needed to be able to stay in their homes.

“We are proud to host this event to provide relief to individuals and families who are struggling to pay their rent due to hardships that are beyond their control,” said Celia Hernandez, event organizer and program specialist with the Office of Homeless Services. “We hope this event was able to provide the support that they need to move forward.”

The Office of Homeless Services is planning to host another Homelessness Prevention Resource Fair in the future. If you or someone you know needs assistance with housing programs, please contact Celia Hernandez by emailing celia.hernandez@hss.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – May 15, 2025

News Brief

To help address teacher shortages, UC Riverside and the San Bernardino City Unified School District are teaming up to provide a free teacher residency program, according to a UC Riverside media release issued Monday.

“Across California and the nation, we are facing a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in critical areas like special education, [dual language] instruction, math, and science,” said Frances Valdovinos, UC Riverside’s School of Education assistant dean and director of teacher education, in a statement. “This partnership gives future teachers an unprecedented level of support while helping San Bernardino schools meet urgent staffing needs.”

The one-year credentialing program, which covers tuition and allocates a $32,000 stipend to students, also guarantees job placements for students who are successful in the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

To be eligible, students have to hold a bachelor’s degree, according to the release.

“We are exceptionally proud of this partnership,” Robert Morales, the director of human resources for the San Bernardino City Unified School District, said in a statement. “We need a pipeline of talented, dedicated teachers who understand our community and are ready to serve it. This residency is a game-changer.”

A Norco man has been convicted of intentionally igniting the Line fire that scorched some 44,000 acres of the San Bernardino Mountains and injured six firefighters, authorities said.

On Thursday, 35-year-old Justin Halstenberg was found guilty of seven counts related to the Line fire and two counts related to a subsequent blaze, according to the San Bernardino County district attorney’s office. His charges include aggravated arson of forest land and property, and possession of flammable materials.

He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, prosecutors said.

Halstenberg became a subject of interest after an automatic license-plate reader linked his pickup truck to a location near the start of the Line fire, which began Sept. 5. He was arrested in his family’s Norco home, around 20 miles from the ignition site, Sept. 10.

Prosecutors accused him of deliberately starting three fires within a single hour in the city of Highland.

His first attempt was extinguished by firefighters near Bacon and Lytle lanes, prosecutors said. The second was stomped out by a good Samaritan just east of Bacon Lane.

The third was set by the intersection of Base Line and Aplin streets and went on to become the Line fire. That blaze forced the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents and damaged several properties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Halstenberg pleaded not guilty to starting the Line fire. His mother previously defended him to The Times, saying, “I do want to say this about my baby boy. He did not light that fire, I repeat he did not light that fire.”

In closing arguments, prosecutors said that Halstenberg had practiced starting fires in Jurupa Valley in 2023 using an ignition device consisting of a cigarette box filled with paper and coins that were used to weigh it down when tossed, according to reporting from the Riverside Press-Enterprise. Detectives discovered a similar device at the start of the Line fire, the outlet reported.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe praised investigators and prosecutors for sending a message that arsonists will be held accountable for their destructive actions.

“I commend the integrity and diligence of the District Attorney, County Sheriff, County Fire, and Cal Fire, who never lost sight of the gravity of the damage caused,” she said in a statement. “Today, they delivered justice for the victims, our residents, and the land we all cherish.”