In May, we embraced a month filled with blessings and positivity, highlighted by memorable occasions. We celebrated graduations, acknowledged achievements, and paid tribute to a dedicated individual who left a lasting impact on the city. Our dedicated team worked tirelessly to improve the city and nurture a vibrant community for its residents.
I participated in a City County meeting, where City officials engage with County representatives to stay informed about updates affecting cities in San Bernardino County. This event also allows us to connect with County staff who can offer resources crucial for our city. Moreover, the meeting encourages discussions among cities to address common challenges and issues impacting their communities.
Take a moment to read about the events in May and follow us on social media for the latest news and updates.
Message from Andrew Espinoza, Jr., Interim City Manager MAY 2024 CITY MANAGER UPDATE
Andrew Espinoza Jr.
Interim City Manager
The Barstow Police Department memorialized retired Chief of Police Dallas Hawes legacy of service by flying the
American flag half-staff over City Hall on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. The department then honored Hawes with a
procession to Mountain View Memorial Park where he was
remembered for his 37 years of dedicated services to the citizens of Barstow and the Barstow Police Department.
We hosted our annual Public Safety Fair. Thank
you to everyone that came out and showed their
support for our local public safety agencies. If
you weren’t able to make it, we hope to see you
next year!
Corporal Eric Santos was recognized at the
Inland Empire MADD (Mothers Against Drunk
Driving) Recognition Luncheon for leading
the Barstow Police Department in DUI
(Driving Under the Influence) arrests in 2023.
PD had its second annual Performance Awards
Ceremony recognizing all of the hard work from
our sworn and non-sworn staff in 2023. It was
an opportunity for us to commemorate our
team for their ongoing dedication in
safeguarding our community. Congratulations to
everyone who received an award and thank you
to our entire team for continuing to serve our
department and community at the highest level!
Officer Austin Jaramillo was recognized Thursday,
May 23, 2024, by the Barstow Optimist Club for
being Barstow Police Department’s 2023 Officer of
the Year. Officer Austin Jaramillo is an asset to both
the police department and the City of Barstow. He
has demonstrated his commitment and dedication,
which speaks of his vital service, character, and
work ethic. We are very proud to have him on our
team!
POLICE
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
New Happenings:
·Great news! The San Bernardino County Department of Environmental Health Services recently completed its SB 1383 Edible Food Recovery Capacity Planning Assessments and determined that Barstow has sufficient capacity to recover edible food generated in our community. Capacity data will be submitted to CalRecycle as the state continues to strive towards meeting the target of recovering at least 20% of all edible food that would otherwise go to waste. A big thank you to the food recovery organizations in Barstow and surrounding areas who continue to accept donations from food generators to feed those in need!
In the Pipeline:
·We received the funding for both the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant and the Beverage Container Recycling City/County Payment Program from CalRecycle. Staff will begin working on projects under these grants beginning fiscal year 24-25. ·A Commercial Waste & Recycling Guide is being finalized and aims to serve as a helpful resource for local business owners and operators to maintain compliance with local ordinances and take advantage of our programs and resources. The guide will be distributed to new and existing businesses and posted online when available.
Did you know?
• Jennifer Sanchez has been promoted to office assistant • Marccello Ingelzi, Brooke Miller, Diana Ankir, Aliitasi Lealofi have graduated from High School this year
• Maria Herrera will be hitting 20 years with the City of Barstow come July 1st • Luke Wirick, Elia Fuimaono, Mykala Franco, Marccello Ingelzi, and Brooke Miller all passed and received certifications for their American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
PARK & REC DEPARTMENT
Planning Commission Appointment
The City’s Planning Commission has had a vacant seat following the December 2023 Council vote to conduct an open application period to fill the seat. At the close of the application period, Council and Planning Commissioners held interviews to make their appointment recommendation. Newly appointed Commissioner Mr. Paul Niemeyer was selected to fill the seat. Commissioner Niemeyer’s term will run through 12/31/2028 and we are excited to have him join the Planning Commission.
May 2024 Planning Commission Approvals
Wal-Mart Shopping Center (APN #0424-121-50 & 0424-121-51) To allow for the development of a 1,621-square-foot convenience store with a 10-stack fueling station.
201 N. 1st Ave.
To allow for the establishment of a beer & wine brew pub.
PLANNING
1540/1550 E. Main St-Starbucks/Burger King
Exciting news – both establishments are now open!
Temporary Certificates of Occupancy were granted
as of 5/29/2024. However, there are still some
pending tasks like asphalt paving, and striping along
Roberta, and minor site corrections that need
completion.
How many seats will be on
the ballot this year in the
November 5th election for
the City of Barstow?
CODE COMPLIANCE
The weather is heating up! Considering setting up a portable cooler by the window is okay, provided there is more than one window in the room. If not, it is not permitted.
Another option is to install it from the exterior of the house into the interior of the room, but this requires a permit from the Building Department.
Stats: Code has 466 active cases
and 1282 rental cases
Here's a fact for you!
Question: What is necessary to sell whole fruit as a vendor? Answer: A BUSINESS LICENSE! Previously, the health department provided a health permit for all food sales. However, now, items classified as low risk, like whole fruit, do not require a permit. For other products, a health permit is needed before obtaining a business license.
For more information on health permit requirements, please visit the Public Health website for our county.
Any inquiries? Contact licensing at City Hall, Building Department, at 760 255 5179.
If you are facing challenges with an uncooperative tenant as a landlord or vice versa, reach out to Inland Fair Housing at 800-321-0911.
They provide valuable support for both parties through mediation and legal guidance to resolve disputes effectively.
The property was cluttered with outdoor
storage and debris. Following a lengthy
discussion between the occupant and the
landowner, an eviction was carried out
upon the property being sold to a new
owner. A prompt cleanup operation was
initiated to revamp the property!
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Participated in Crafton Hills College Fire and Emergency Medical Services Career Fair Crews supported Victor Valley Colleges Public Safety Multi-Agency Exercise Conducted Probationary Employee Testing-Firefighter Paramedic Thompson (1-Year) Chief Officer support to Montclair Fire Department to proctor Battalion Chief Test Multi-Agency CPR Training provided to City Personnel
Participated in Victor Valley College Fire and Emergency Medical Services Career Fair Supported and participated in the City of Barstow Public Safety Fair Fire Safety presentation at the Barstow Senior Citizen Center Participated in Emergency Medical Services Week and attended Barstow Community Hospital luncheon
Attended Barstow Optimist Public Safety Appreciation luncheon and recognized Engineer Bryan Bucarey as Firefighter of the Year
Crews attend Barstow High School Graduation
Monthly Training Hours-531 including Annual Wildland refresher training for all personnel
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Parks/Open Spaces
Parks/Open Spaces are at their peak season, and
temperatures are climbing. This year, we have
experienced more weeds than usual, and the crews
are working effortlessly to remove them. Preemergent and post-emergent are applied to control these overgrown problems. On the other hand,
several deadlines at Lillian Park baseball field must
be met before June 26, 2024. AFS Sports came in
and leveled the baseball infield at Lillian Park. The
dugouts have been renovated, and the storage shed
and snack bar are also being upgraded.
FINANCE
Street crews continue all efforts in potholes, animal recovery, graffiti, and assisting other departments in their needs. Striping has been completed for Spring of 2024.
Approximate gallons:
·White Paint 1,050 gallons
·Yellow Paint 1,150 gallons
·Black Paint 700 gallons
Glass Beads for reflectivity 3000lbs
Street Maintenance
Fleet Maintenance
Fleet is dedicated to providing services and maintenance for the city. Zach Bevins, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor recently participated in a conference organized by SCE/C.A.R.B. in Irwindale to connect with other organizations focusing on Zero-Emission Vehicles.
Regrettably, the City of Barstow lacks the necessary infrastructure to support ZEVs daily, presenting a significant challenge that we are actively working to resolve. We are closely monitoring the strategies implemented by other municipalities, such as transitioning to Electric Charging Stations or establishing Hydrogen Fuel Stations. By observing these initiatives, we aim to formulate a five-year plan that must be submitted to the state, essential for our future sustainability and environmental commitment.
Facility Maintenance Update
Our facility maintenance team is making great
progress in meeting all deadlines for the ongoing
Police Department renovation. Despite carefully
coordinating trades, there are a few remaining
tasks that need completion by June 30, 2024.
These tasks include relocating HVAC ducting,
installing dispatch flooring, assembling
dispatchers' desks, installing ballistic glass for the
P.D. lobby, fitting glass in administrative offices,
carpeting the administrative office, and installing
ceiling tiles. We are dedicated to tackling any
challenges that may arise. Notably, the new jail cell
doors have been installed, showcasing the team's
commitment and hard work. "They sure do look
cool, don't they?"
A huge shoutout to the City of Barstow’s Wastewater Treatment Plant! The team has been chosen by the MDAQMD (Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District) to be honored with the 2024 Air Aware Award. This award is given by MDAQMD to specific permitted facilities under its authority that meet various criteria. These criteria include successful annual permit inspections, no compliance notices issued during that period, excellent record-keeping, staff's knowledge of facility regulations during inspections, inspection simplicity, and more. Your dedication and hard work make us proud!
Waste Water Updates