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DISCUSSION
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: April 15, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Vanessa Carder, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Department: Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Subject: Authorization to Proceed with Lease Renewal Negotiations with Akoma Unity Center, Inc. of the Anne Shirrell’s Community Center for 1367 North California Street (Ward 6)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California Authorize the City Manager to proceed with the lease renewal negotiations with the Akoma Unity Center (AUC), Inc., for the property located at 1367 North California Street.
City Manager's Comments
Akoma Unity Center’s lease ends in June 2026. AUC has requested a lease extension.
In the additional amendment the lease provided a provision that the lease continues as long as they have an agreement with the School District. While that provision concludes in June 2026, it is the City Manager’s understanding they still have contracts with the School District. I recommend negotiating an extension with AUC.
If the City Council desires to do the other policy option of an RFP, I would recommend that we do a short-term extension through the end of the Summer while they propose through the RFP process.
Executive Summary
Akoma Unity Center, Inc. currently occupies and programs the Anne Shirrells Community Center at 1367 North California Street under a month-to-month facility use agreement. The organization has formally requested to enter into a new, multiyear lease to continue operating community-based programs at the site. In accordance with the City’s newly adopted Leasing Policy, staff must receive City Council authorization before initiating renewal negotiations for City-owned properties. If authorization is granted, staff will negotiate a lease renewal consistent with Council direction and will return to the City Council for consideration and approval of the final agreement. . 3 1
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Background
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department oversees a community center at Anne Shirrells Park consisting of modular units that were purchased by the City in 2012 and received funding and approval to complete the project in FY 2015/16.
On June 6, 2016, the Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-171 approving an agreement with United Nations of Consciousness (UNC) for the use of Anne Shirrells Community Center through a three (3) year lease with two (2) one-year options effective August 15, 2016 through June 30, 2019.
The UNC Board of Directors assumed the new name of Akoma Unity Center (AUC).
The decision was made in an effort to change the direction of the program by offering education and empowerment of self. The agreement between the City of San Bernardino and UNC was terminated due to the name change. The City entered into a facility use agreement on a month-to-month basis with AUC at a monthly rental rate of $1,088, which is consistent with the rate previously offered to UNC.
The initial rental rate offered to LINC was based upon a fair market rental rate previously agreed upon by the City and San Bernardino County Real Estate Services Department for use of similar City owned property at Delamnn Heights Community Center. Given that the services provided have been funded by the organizations, and have proven to benefit the surrounding community, UNC and subsequently AUC, have occupied and programmed the Anne Shirrells Community Center at a reduced rental rate. The programming provided by AUC positively engages the local community by providing many services addressing education, recreation, sports, and special interests.
AUC desires a multi-year lease agreement for the use of the Anne Shirrells Community Center. The multi-year lease agreement will allow AUC to more competitively write and secure grants for the programs and services that are offered to the local community. A multi-year lease agreement will allow AUC to meet basic grant requirements and also to secure additional partnerships that will assist them in continuing to provide quality services and programs.
Discussion
City staff is seeking authorization to begin renewal negotiations with Akoma Unity Center, Inc. (AUC) for continued use of the Anne Shirrells Community Center located at 1367 North California Street. AUC has maintained occupancy of the center since assuming operations following the name change and reorganization of the former United Nations of Consciousness (UNC). Under the City’s new Leasing Policy, staff is required to obtain City Council approval before initiating negotiations for any new or renewed lease of City owned property.
AUC has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to providing high quality, community-oriented programming that addresses education, recreation, wellness, 3 1
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youth engagement, and special interest classes. These programs have been offered at low or no cost to residents and have contributed positively to the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood. Due to the organization’s sustained presence, established partnerships, and ongoing service to the community, AUC has expressed interest in securing a multiyear lease agreement.
A multiyear lease would support AUC’s ability to apply for competitive grant funding, many of which require proof of long-term site control. Access to such funding would, in turn, support program expansion, facility improvements, and continued service delivery to San Bernardino residents.
Current Lease Summary
First Amendment to lease agreement between the city and AUC, Inc., dated August 15, 2028
1. Lease Agreement to extend the initial term through 2026, increase the rent gradually over the additional five years, and retain Akoma’s right to two one- year options
2. Section 39 of the Lease Agreement: “Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to January 15, 2025, this Agreement may not be terminated pursuant to the Section 39 except in one circumstance” By Lessee and only in the event the San Bernardino City Unified School District terminates its funding/operating agreement with the Lessee.”
Public Benefit to the Community
Akoma Unity Center (AUC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, grassroots organization committed to the progress of African American youth, families, and communities.
Akoma’s programs and services are specifically designed to meet the needs of historically excluded African American youth and communities. Our physical location is strategically situated within the community we serve at the Anne Shirrells Park (next door to Rio Vista Elementary). Programs include; Afterschool Program, Summer Day Camp, male mentoring program, Rites of Passage, Advocacy for youth of color, Agricultural & Hydroponics Lab and Community Garden, Discovering Automation, Teen Mental Health.
If authorized, staff will begin negotiations to develop a lease renewal that is consistent with the City’s policy requirements and Council direction. Upon completion of negotiations, staff will return to the Mayor and City Council with a proposed lease agreement for review and consideration.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
Authorizing lease renewal negotiations with Akoma Unity Center, Inc., aligns with Key Strategic Target and Goal No. 3: Improved Quality of Life. Renewing a lease with Akoma Unity Center Inc., will allow the organization to continue to provide community benefit programs and services to the resident of San Bernardino. 3 1
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Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with the action
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California Authorize the City Manager to proceed with the lease renewal negotiations with the Akoma Unity Center, Inc., for the property located at 1367 North California Street.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Resolution No. 2018-208 Lease Agreement with Akoma Unity Center
Attachment 2 Resolution No. 2020-14 Lease Amendment
Attachment 3 Resolution No. 2026-14 Approving a Standardized Policy for City- Owned Leases (New and Renewals)
Ward:
Sixth Ward
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
June 6, 2016 The Mayor City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016- 171, approving an agreement with United Nations of
Consciousness for use of Anne Shirrells Community Center August 15, 2018 The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2018- 208, approving an agreement with Akoma Unity Center for the use of Anne Shirrells Community Center
January 15, 2020 The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2020- 014, amending the lease agreement with Akoma Unity
Center through June 30, 2026
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager