DISCUSSION
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: March 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Vanessa Carder, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Department: Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Subject: Authorize Staff to Begin Statutory Due Diligence for San Bernardino County Fire – Firehouse 222 Expansion at
Bobby Vega Park (Ward 1)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Authorize staff to initiate statutory due diligence for the San Bernardino County Fire – Firehouse 222 Expansion Project at Bobby Vega Park, including environmental review, title verification, and other compliance activities required under applicable state and local regulations; and
2. Direct staff to return to Council, upon completion of due diligence and subdivision of the park land, with a resolution declaring the newly created parcel as surplus land and authorizing its disposition pursuant to the Surplus Land Act provisions applicable to local agency-to-agency transfers or exchanges.
City Manager's Comments
The City Manager recommends that the City Council approve the staff moving forward on completion of a due diligence on evaluating and bringing back a subdivision of park land to allow for a transfer of property to the County for an expansion of the Fire Station 222. The transfer would occur at fair value of the land. In addition amenities to the community would be moved to continue allowing for uses of the amenities by the community.
Executive Summary
The recommended action will authorize staff to begin statutory due diligence for the proposed Firehouse 222 Expansion Project at Bobby Vega Park. This step is necessary for the project to advance to the next phase of design and development.
The due diligence process will include environmental review, title verification, and compliance with state surplus land requirements. No formal project approval or financial commitment is being requested at this time.
Background
San Bernardino County Fire has proposed an expansion of Firehouse 222 to improve emergency response capabilities and public safety services in the surrounding community. The proposed expansion would utilize a portion of Bobby Vega Park for the new fire station facilities. Before the project can proceed to design and construction phases, the City must complete statutory due diligence to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This includes environmental review under CEQA, property title verification, and preparation of a resolution declaring the park portion of the property as Exempt Surplus Land under state law.
Discussion
The purpose of this action is to authorize staff to continue advancing the proposed new firehouse project by completing the necessary due diligence, regulatory review, and preliminary site planning associated with improvements to the Bobby Vega Park footprint.
Staff will conduct a comprehensive due-diligence review that includes evaluating compliance requirements under the Surplus Land Act and the Public Park Preservation Act, assessing potential site and operational impacts, and confirming the feasibility of proposed park modifications. This process will ensure that all statutory obligations and procedural requirements are met before the project moves forward.
Next steps will include refining project design concepts, coordinating with internal departments and external agencies, and preparing any required environmental or regulatory documentation. Staff will return to the City Council with findings, recommended actions, and any subsequent approvals needed.
This action aligns with City policies supporting enhanced public safety services, responsible land use planning, and long-term infrastructure investment. Advancing the new firehouse project supports the City’s commitment to providing adequate fire and emergency response services while maintaining compliance with state laws governing public assets.
Strategic Targets and Goals
This action aligns with Strategic Target No. 3: Improved Quality of Life, by enhancing public safety infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.
Fiscal Impact
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with authorizing staff to begin statutory due diligence. Any future costs related to environmental review or compliance activities will be presented to Council as part of subsequent actions.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California,
1. Authorize staff to initiate statutory due diligence for the San Bernardino County Fire – Firehouse 222 Expansion Project at Bobby Vega Park, including environmental review, title verification, and other compliance activities required under applicable state and local regulations; and
2. Direct staff to return to Council, upon completion of due diligence and subdivision of the park land, with a resolution declaring the newly created parcel as surplus land and authorizing its disposition pursuant to the Surplus Land Act provisions applicable to local agency-to-agency transfers or exchanges.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Site Map
Ward:
First Ward
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
N/A
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager