We have been in discussions with Main Street Malls and California Route 66 regarding some upcoming projects for the city, and we anticipate having an update soon. In the meantime, here are some additional initiatives we have been working on.
Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District
I had a constructive conversation with Executive Director Brad Poiriez about the BIG project and our ongoing challenges with cannabis. At present, one organic grow company is not complying with our cannabis air filtration regulations. We have issued multiple reminders regarding their violation. On September 18, 2024, a representative from the MDAQMD issued a citation to Building 7 for this unresolved issue. Building 7 must rectify the situation by the deadline to avoid further citations from MDAQMD. It is crucial that we thoroughly address air quality in both the BNSF EIR and our general plan. The executive director shared valuable insights to facilitate a smooth process, and our City staff is dedicated to resolving any air quality issues.
State of the County
Our City team, which included Kody, Chris, Sydnie, and myself, attended the State of the County event on September 18, 2024. The presentation was outstanding and provided valuable networking opportunities that we eagerly explored.
Message from Andrew Espinoza, Jr., Interim City Manager SEPTEMBER 2024 CITY MANAGER UPDATE
Andrew Espinoza Jr.
Interim City Manager
POLICE
We would like to congratulate the following
individuals who were officially promoted to
their new positions within the department at
today's Swearing in Ceremony on Monday,
September 9, 2024:
Joseph Silva - Sergeant
Catherine Greig - Sergeant
Jose Sanchez - Corporal
Furthermore, please help us in welcoming
Barstow Police Department’s newest sworn
officer; Simon Sanchez.
The Barstow Police Department commends
Sergeant Jose Barrientos for receiving his Sherman
Block Supervisory Leadership Institute certificate
on Friday, September 6, 2024.
This program, consisting of 192 hours over eight
sessions, is a beacon of self-improvement,
management skills, and ethical judgment in
frontline supervising roles within California’s law
enforcement department and offers regular
personal growth opportunities such as continued
study & development routines. These opportunities
are designed to inspire officers like Sergeant
Barrientos to become more creative problemsolvers while working independently or collaboratively with their peers, thereby
empowering them toward excellence and
enhanced leadership qualities.
Members of the Barstow Police Department
teamed up with Chili’s staff last Thursday,
September 26, 2024, for our annual Tip-aCop event. The team raised just over $1,000 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Thank you to everyone that came out and
supported this awesome event and great
cause!
HI-DESERT WORD CENTER
30918 SOAPMINE RD
BARSTOW, CA 92311
LENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
34374 ASH RD
BARSTOW, CA 92311
NEW LIFE FELLOWSHIP
134 W MAIN ST
BARSTOW, CA 92311
This secure drop-off box provides a convenient option for voters to submit their mail-in ballots safely and efficiently.
Open 24hrs to the public, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
Designed to enhance voter participation and streamline the election process.
Please remember to check that your ballot is properly
sealed and signed before dropping it off.
For any questions regarding mail-in voting or the drop-off process, feel free to call us at 760.256.3531.
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
The Mail Ballot Drop-off box in front of City Hall is now open.
On Election Day, polling places will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. When you arrive at your assigned polling location, you'll need to provide your name and address, which will be confirmed with an Electronic Poll Pad. Once your information is verified, you will receive a paper ballot that lists the contests you are eligible to vote on. After casting your vote, just drop your completed ballot into the green ballot box.
BARSTOW JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
1000 ARMORY RD
BARSTOW, CA 92311
CORA M HARPER FITNESS CENTER
841 BARSTOW RD
BARSTOW, CA 92311
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (BARSTOW)
1320 BARSTOW RD
BARSTOW, CA 92311
To find your assigned Polling Place:
For the November 5, 2024, General Election
Call (800) 881-VOTE(8683) or (909) 387-8300 or
Look on the back cover of the Voter Information Guide sent to you for the current election.
Unsure about the location of your polling place?
Barstow Fire Protection District
Monthly Update
October 2024
Particpated in Veterans Support Group 911 Ceremony at Barstow Ceremony ME366 and OES 328 assigned to Line Fire as Initial Attack Resources (8 Personnel) Conducted/Completed Probationary Employee Testing-Firefighter Paramedic Noah Bode (1-Year) Supported St. Judes Children Hospital as guest Servers at Chili's Guest visit by Steve Reyes of Supervisor Rowe's Office
Retirement of Fire Battalion Chief Keith Velotta-5 Years Fire District Service Enjoyed Employee Taco Luncheon Event at City Hall
Fire Safety Presentation and visit to Ingels Education Center Hosted and mentored Victor Valley College Paramedic Student Rebecca Robledo (Intership Completed) Conducted Vector Solution Scheduling Training in preparartion of Trial Period Monthly Training Hours-502 of mixed refresher and succession training Emergency Responses and Community Service
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG)
In recent month’s Planning staff has been working closely with our Economic Development consultant, Local Equity to kick off efforts surrounding the $700,000 grant funding awarded by Department of Toxic Substance Control’s Office of Brownfields. The City submitted two (2) applications for this funding opportunity and were awarded both, each award totaling $350,000.
Equitable Community Revitalization Grant Scope
In 2021 Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Cleanup In Vulnerable Communities Initiative (CVCI) and allocated $500 million to expedite the cleanup and beneficial reuse of idled properties that may be contaminated. Communities/properties in historically vulnerable and disadvantaged communities have been prioritized.
The City of Barstow proposed multiple City owned parcels within the two applications submitted. 7 undeveloped parcels in total on the West side of the City near US Highway 66, 3 parcels along West Main Street, and 5 parcels on and near the old Barstow Community Hospital. The funds awarded will aid the City in retaining a qualified environmental consulting firm to provide Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, investigation work plans, fieldwork, and investigation reports. These efforts will assist in streamlining future development(s) on these sites.
CODE COMPLIANCE
Are you a tenant or a landlord? Inland Fair Housing is here to help you with any questions or concerns related to either role. They provide mediation services and clarify responsibilities, along with legal regulations regarding landlord-tenant disputes. Don't hesitate to reach out to them at 800-321-0911; they are a valuable resource in our County. Tenants often report complaints to Code Enforcement, but remember, we can only enforce violations according to the code. For instance, the necessity for new carpet does not qualify as a violation; such issues should be discussed directly with the landlord.
The same applies to stove repairs; we can only enforce the presence of proper plumbing.
Where may you update the mailing address for a parcel you own in San Bernardino County?
The County Assessor’s Office.
760 995 8030
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Parks/Open Spaces
Park staff is currently revamping the landscape in front of the Route Museum at the Harvey House, incorporating Gold Fines along with some rock features. Ongoing maintenance efforts include keeping restrooms clean, addressing graffiti, repairing irrigation, and mowing the grass.
Dana Park is set to trim trees in October, while park staff will begin planning for the winterization of backflows to avoid pipe freezing. Next month, palm trees at the Serrano Median will be removed to enhance the landscape's appearance, and solar LED lighting will be installed in the same area. Currently, two part-time casual staff members are in the background, ready to assist park staff.
FINANCE
The street department is actively engaged in sidewalk repairs. Additionally, they are addressing various tasks including weed abatement, application of herbicides and pesticides, graffiti removal, pothole repairs, sign maintenance, and the pickup of deceased animals from public right-of-way. They are also cleaning and inspecting storm drains.
Street Maintenance
In November, Crack Sealer and Mastic Sealer will be ordered to initiate pavement preservation, with selected streets being coordinated with the Engineering Department. Furthermore, street crews are gearing up for the Route 66 Car Show and the Mardi Gras Parade.
Fleet personnel have successfully finished the new Animal Control truck and the new Dump Truck for the streets. The team is also engaged in ongoing maintenance and repairs for all city vehicles.
Unfortunately, the Wastewater skip loader was stolen, incurring damages amounting to $7,500.
Zach Bevins, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor will be responsible for ordering the necessary parts for the repairs. Additionally, the John Deere Gator has been repaired; the damages were the result of reckless driving at the Sport’s Park.
Fleet Maintenance
FINANCE
Facility Maintenance is finalizing a few remaining tasks at the Police Department, marking the completion of the P.D. remodel. The Jasper Park Community building is also on track for completion. The relocation of restroom plumbing has been successfully finished, paving the way for new ADA-compliant restrooms.
The restrooms at Jasper Park are framed and prepared for plumbing and electrical installation. Next in line will be the drywall contractor. For both Jasper Park and the Cora Harper Community Center, flooring installation is set to be scheduled for next month. Additionally, two part-time casual staff members are currently in the background check process and will be assisting with janitorial services.
The tenants of the Route 66 Museum have moved out of one of the suites at the Harvey House. Titan Janitorial Services conducted a thorough deep cleaning of the space, and the Facility Maintenance team subsequently painted the walls and floors. Additionally, Barstow Alarm enhanced the existing alarm system to improve security.
Facility Maintenance Update
The City of Barstow is accepting
applications for the Planning
Commissioner. Deadline to submit
your application is November 6, 2024
by 11:00am.
Be a full-time resident of the
City of Barstow
Attend Monday night
meetings twice a month.
To apply in person, visit us at :
Planning Commission
Vacancy
Questions can be answered by
calling 760.255.5122 or emailing
[email protected]
220 E. Mountain View
Barstow, Ca 92311
Qualified applicants must:
Serve without thought of
personal gain, benefit or bias.
If you are interested in applying,
please call 760.255.5122, or visit
our website at barstowca.org for
more information.