San Bernardino, CA — The San Bernardino City Council meeting on Sept. 3 highlighted community celebrations, critical city updates and spirited public input as leaders discussed local development, public safety and neighborhood concerns.
Mayor Helen Tran opened the meeting with a call for civility and collaboration among councilmembers and residents.
The council issued two proclamations during the meeting.
The first recognized September as National Library Card Sign-Up and Literacy Month, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library, which opened in 1985.
“Libraries offer endless opportunities to transform lives through education and lifelong learning,” Tran read from the proclamation, encouraging residents to sign up for a library card and attend a free celebration event on Sept. 29.
Library Director Ed Erjavek thanked the city for its ongoing support.
“We are so excited to celebrate our 40th anniversary and we hope to see you all on the 29th,” he said.
The second proclamation celebrated California’s 175th anniversary of statehood, set for Sept. 9.
The recognition was presented to the Native Sons of the Golden West, Arrowhead Parlor 110.
“We encourage all residents to celebrate our history, participate in community events and reflect on the many contributions that have made our state and our city strong,” Tran said.
The council approved James Albert to the Charter Review Committee and Victoria Sanchez to the General Plan Advisory Committee, both representing Ward 7.
Albert expressed gratitude for the appointment, saying, “I really look forward to serving our community and the city of San Bernardino”.
Councilmember Treasure Ortiz emphasized the importance of these volunteer roles.
“Our commissions are not paid. This is purely voluntary, out of the love of their heart for our community,” she said.
City Manager Eric Levitt provided updates on major projects, including the grand opening of the Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge, which reconnects San Bernardino’s west side after five years. The bridge officially reopened on Aug. 23.
Levitt described the celebration as one of the city’s largest recent events, featuring classic cars, live music and community pride.
He also announced that passenger service for ZEMU, the region’s first hydrogen zero-emission train, will begin Sept. 13, operating between San Bernardino and Redlands.
Levitt encouraged residents to participate in a Baseline Street improvement project, aimed at increasing pedestrian and bicycle safety along a five-mile stretch of Baseline Street.
The initiative will help the city secure state and federal funding for traffic and infrastructure upgrades.
Finally, he revealed that the State of the City event is scheduled for Oct. 14 at the historic California Theatre.
For the first time, the event will be free to attend, though registration will be required.
The public comment period brought forward a range of pressing concerns.
Resident Mike Hartley urged the city to address homeless encampments near Lynwood and 40th streets, where he claimed tents are encroaching on private property.
“These people are being held hostage. They are scared to death,” Hartley said, calling for immediate action.
Others raised issues about illegal dumping, public safety and controversial development projects.
Several speakers, including Ron Alvado, called for renewed attention to the Oxbow demolition site, urging the city to prioritize cleanup and prevent San Bernardino from becoming a “dumping ground” for other communities’ waste.
The council also discussed upcoming initiatives, including a strategic planning session and a no-cost energy assessment of city facilities aimed at identifying potential conservation upgrades.
Ortiz requested that the Baseline Street project survey be prominently shared on the city’s social media platforms to encourage resident feedback.
She also praised the decision to make the State of the City event free to the public, emphasizing its importance for civic engagement.
