We are grateful for the support we've received from the community and various non-profit organizations. Their generous donations have helped us achieve our goal of providing a sanctuary for animals in need.
Our Public Works Staff has been diligently working to identify the best location for the shelter, and we are thrilled to announce that we have found a suitable site that meets all the required criteria.
The shelter is currently under construction, and we aim to have it operational soon. We welcome volunteers to join us in this project and appreciate any support given.
Our priority is to find loving homes for these animals after they have been fully vaccinated and spayed/neutered. We believe that every animal deserves a chance to live a happy and healthy life, and we are working hard to make that a reality.
We urge all pet owners to take responsibility and spay/neuter their pets to prevent overpopulation. This simple step can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals.
Follow our social media page for the latest updates on our shelter. We look forward to sharing more news with you soon.
We are delighted to share the progress we've made with our Animal Shelter Here is an overview of what has been accomplished so far:
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2023
2340 W. Main St.
Before & After
First Avenue Bridge over Mojave River: The project has now moved to the Plans, Specification and Estimate phase (PS&E).
Rimrock Road and Barstow Road Traffic Signal Improvements: We've submitted a Caltran's encroachment permit to Caltrans for approval on April 6, 2023.
Traffic Signal Improvement along Main Street and Barstow Road: We're finalizing the specifications and will soon be soliciting bids for the project.
Mojave River Valley Museum Roofing Project - CDBG: Unfortunately, the bid opening on September 26, 2023 only had one qualified bid submitted, which was roughly two and a half times higher than CDBG allocations.
ADA barrier and Concrete Project: Staff received approval on September 21, 2023 to move to the plans and specification phase of the project after receiving CDBG approval. 2023 Pavement Preservation Project: Our team is currently finalizing the plans and specifications for this project.
Desert Manna Roof Repair Project - CDBG: In compliance with CDBG requirements, our staff has prepared a Maintenance and Operation (M&O) agreement which has been sent to the applicant.
Mountain View Memorial Park - ADA Restroom Rehabilitation Project: We have sent a draft contract between San Bernardino County (SBC) and City of Barstow related to The American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to SBC for review on September 20, 2023.
Current Project Updates:
Here are the latest developments on our ongoing projects:
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Update on Cannabis Applicants and CEQA Review Process
All cannabis applicants that have been approved by Council are currently undergoing CEQA review. To ensure a smooth process, staff is working with AQMD to obtain the necessary permits. Coordination between AQMD, BPD, Building Department, and the Cannabis Division will be conducted to conduct inspections before approval. Currently, two retail locations are operational and compliant, while two additional retail spaces are under review, and two are under construction. For the old Merchant Mall location, 24 businesses have been approved by Council, with six currently operational. Seven buildings have been issued temporary Certificates of Occupancies, while the remaining eighteen are still under construction and are not expected to open anytime soon.
CANNABIS DIVISION
CODE COMPLIANCE
Registering Rental Properties and Contacting Code Compliance Officers Are you familiar with your beat officers? All rental properties must be registered to avoid any complications. To register, contact Code Compliance Officer Dani Gregg at 760.255.5118 or Pam Almryde at 760.255.5153. The registration fee varies depending on the number of units, starting at $100 for single-family houses and increasing by $10 per unit for each subsequent type (duplex, triplex, etc.).
For those residing on the west side of Barstow Rd, please call Code Compliance Officer Mercedes Robinson at 760.255.5178. If you live on the east side of Barstow Rd, contact Code Compliance Officer Mady Gonzalez at 760.255.5121.
For those south of I-15, please reach out to Code Compliance Officer Marissa Uini at 760.255.5158.
If you reside in Montara Estates or the housing between Ave A and Barstow Rd, please contact Pam Almryde. For the area east of Barstow Rd to Lillian Dr, kindly reach Code Compliance Supervisor Mary Willbond at 760.255.5190.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Starting a Home-Based Side Job? Here's What You Need to Know:
If you're considering running a business from your home, it's important to seek approval first. Operating any business requires a license, and if it's from your home, there are certain parameters to adhere to, such as obtaining a home occupation permit. It's crucial to ensure that there's no evidence of business activities being conducted residentially, like having equipment, customer traffic or visible supplies. To avoid fines for operating without proper licensing, permits and approval, make sure to contact Community Development first.
Did you know?
Do you have graffiti?
Contact Code Compliance first to complete an abatement form for graffiti removal. Any Code Officer may assist.
First come, first serve. Document shredding will be available from 8am-11am OR until truck reaches maximum capacity.
Limit five (5) standard size boxes or trash bags per vehicle. To prevent delays/jams, remove large clips, binders, books, spiral & metal bindings etc.
Service is for documents containing sensitive information. To help ensure adequate capacity, please put non-confidential documents in your recycle barrel.
Already shredded paper is not accepted.
ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:
· GENERAL TRASH (BAGGED) · GREEN WASTE · ELECTRONICS ·
· MATTRESSES/BOXSPRINGS · FURNITURE · SCRAP METAL ·
· APPLIANCES · TIRES·
NON-ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:
· NO OVERSIZED/LARGE TRUCK TIRES · TREATED WOOD (IE: RAILROAD TIES) · · NO CONSTRUCTION WASTE (ROOFING, CONCRETE, ETC.) ·
· LOADS MUST BE COVERED · NO VANS/CARGO/UHAUL TRUCKS·
· NO MORE THAN 9 STANDARD SIZE TIRES ·
CITY OF BARSTOW
FREE DUMP
DAY &
SHRED FEST
WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2023 @ 8am – 11am
WHERE: City Corp Yard @ 900 S. Avenue H Barstow, CA
www.barstowca.org
760.255.5126
EVENT OPEN TO CITY RESIDENTS ONLY
ID/RESIDENCY VERIFICATION MAY BE REQUIRED
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE BIN OPEN TO CITY & COUNTY RESIDENTS SHRED FEST - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Chief Espinoza and other members of the department attended the 9/11 commemorative ceremony, hosted by Barstow Fire District.
The department is excited to welcome three new officers to the team: Officer Joseph Silva, Officer Nicholas Alva, and Officer Anthony Zamora.
We celebrated National Forensic Science Week and recognized Evidence Tech’s Deanna Schooler and Justina Aguayo for their dedicated service to the Barstow Police Department and the City of Barstow.
Our annual Tip-a-Cop event with Lenwood Chili's staff was a success, raising $750 for St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Members of the department participated in the BHS Community Think Tank.
Police Officer and Public Safety Dispatcher interviews were conducted during this month.
September 2023 Police Department Update:
POLICE
A General Plan is a long-term strategy that outlines the city's vision for growth and development.
It includes goals, policies, and maps that help guide decisions when evaluating projects and investments.
The plan covers a wide range of topics, including land use, safety, environmental justice, circulation, open space, housing, noise, and conservation.
The General Plan is regularly updated to reflect changes in market conditions, socioeconomic trends, and state laws.
Understanding Barstow's General Plan: A
Comprehensive Guide
The Planning Department has been continuously referencing the City's General Plan, but not everyone might be familiar with it. So what exactly is a General Plan and how does it impact our community?
By updating the General Plan, the city can ensure that its policies and strategies are in sync with the current conditions and opportunities.
PLANNING
Email Server upgrade and implementation
Email archiving implementation - system configuration - nearing completion Fire Dept - Fire Station Alerting – Ongoing - Anticipated completion Q4 IT Network Infrastructure Upgrade – Ongoing
Active Directory – Server upgrade and implementation
Asset Management Upgrade and implementation
Dispatch EMD server replacement
On-Line Permitting / Solar Permitting implementation
WWTP Wi-Fi – Ongoing
The IT department is hard at work managing multiple projects, completing Help Desk Work Orders and handling media and Audio-Visual needs. Here's a glimpse of what they have accomplished and what's currently in progress:
Completed this month:
Currently in work:
Projects Upcoming:
IT DEPARTMENT
Most parks are operating as usual, except for Foglesong Park, where there has been a noticeable increase in homeless individuals. The problem has escalated to the point where homeless people are camping in the restrooms, resulting in additional work for the already-busy park staff. To address the situation, an email was sent to the Director of Public Safety Espinoza requesting police assistance to remove the homeless from the park. The park staff has also observed drug activity taking place during the day, and parents have expressed concerns about the safety of their children at the Barstow Fine Arts Academy. The Chief has responded by confirming that a Problem-Oriented Policing project will be implemented to address the homeless issue at Foglesong Park.
We are grateful for the prompt attention from PD to this matter.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Park/Open Spaces
Park staff is maintaining
adequate turf height for
youth sports.
Street Maintenance
The street maintenance team was
called in to deal with a car that
drove through Walmart. The driver,
who was under the influence of an
unknown substance, attempted to
navigate through the Walmart
Nursery department. The street
department and Facility
Maintenance collaborated to extract
the wrought fence from the vehicle
to enable towing.
Facility Maintenance
The Facility Maintenance team
assisted with the rehabilitation of the
animal shelter's interior by removing
old, stained plywood, installing new
plywood, and repainting the area.
Further renovation of the building will
be scheduled as needed. Additionally,
the team has scheduled the
installation of a new HVAC unit over
the executive area of City Hall by Air
Solutions.
Standard maintenance and repairs have been completed without any issues.
K9 Explorer 9092 experienced a transmission failure that will require repairs costing $7,400.00. The repairs will be scheduled shortly.
Our staff attended a training session in San Bernardino to learn about vehicle scanner diagnostics. While we currently have a scanner, we have received software upgrades to accommodate today's vehicles. This training will streamline diagnoses and improve repair times.
Fleet Maintenance: