San Bernardino's Investment Future: When Will Private Sectors Step In?

San Bernardino has been taking steps to revitalise its downtown area, with a focus on improving safety and attracting private investment. The city has implemented a range of initiatives, including investing in its parks and green spaces, partnering with local businesses and educational institutions, and developing plans for city-owned properties. These efforts have already led to an increase in investment and a proposed $720,000 state grant to transform a blighted alley into a vibrant destination. While it is unclear when private investment will come into San Bernardino, the city's proactive approach to revitalisation is a positive sign for potential investors.

Private security patrols in San Bernardino parks

San Bernardino has been paying a private security firm, Redwood Security, $30,000 a month to patrol several parks after hours. This six-month contract, costing $180,000, will come from the Cultural Development Fund. The security presence in these parks began in May 2023 after the city did a pair of massive park clean-ups.

With armed security around between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., crime has decreased in parks and community center spaces, according to city officials. Parks have seen a 300% increase in usage compared to the previous year.

Redwood Security patrols Meadowbrook, Seccombe Lake, Perris Hill, Wildwood and Encanto parks, as well as Pioneer Cemetery, Court Street Square and Norton Gymnasium. The firm has been effective in helping to secure these spaces by closing gates, making sure no one is trespassing after hours, and enforcing the city's municipal codes.

Officers provide daily patrol reports identifying hot spots and problem areas, as well as noting resource and outreach efforts. While the city is pleased with Redwood Security, they are also seeking proposals for citywide security services.

Entrepreneurial Resource Center

The City of San Bernardino has proposed a set of initiatives, programs, and investments to revitalize its downtown area. One of the proposals is to partner with the Cal State San Bernardino Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) to create an Entrepreneurial Resource Center. This center will offer programs and counselling to existing and startup businesses.

The Entrepreneurial Resource Center will be a huge asset to the city's business community, providing a range of services and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Since its inception, IECE has counseled and trained nearly 150,000 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and students.

The Center will be a valuable addition to the city's efforts to transform its downtown area and bring more economic activity, jobs, and housing to the region. It will also contribute to the city's goal of creating a vibrant and thriving business environment that attracts investment and fosters growth.

In addition to the Entrepreneurial Resource Center, the city has also proposed other initiatives to revitalize downtown San Bernardino. This includes evaluating the feasibility of using Court Street between D and E Streets as a pedestrian corridor for farmers' markets, arts and culture fairs, and other special events. The city is also working to revitalize city-owned properties, such as the Regal Cinema Plaza, the Convention Center, and the former Woolworth Building.

The city has also received funding for various improvement projects, such as a $720,000 investment from the state to beautify 4th Street Alley in the Historic Arts District, which includes adding outdoor lighting, building a stage, planting trees, and installing an automatic gate. These improvements will enhance the area, making it more attractive to visitors and potential investors.

The city's efforts to revitalize its downtown area demonstrate its commitment to creating a thriving and vibrant business community. The Entrepreneurial Resource Center will play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, offering them the resources and guidance they need to succeed and contribute to the city's economic growth.

Downtown property and business improvement district (PBID)

The City of San Bernardino has proposed a set of initiatives, programs, and investments to revitalise its downtown area. One of the proposals is to partner with downtown businesses and property owners to create a downtown property and business improvement district (PBID).

The downtown area accounts for only 1.4% of the city's population but makes up 19% of the city's jobs. The city aims to build on these opportunities by assembling a set of proposals that will leverage San Bernardino's strengths.

The city has already begun investing in its downtown area. In recent months, it has created a $3 million small business and non-profit grant program, and it has started a proactive review of downtown properties to ensure that owners maintain the physical appearance and condition of their properties.

The city has also received more than $720,000 from the state to beautify a blighted alley on 4th Street between D and E streets. The project includes adding outdoor lighting, building a stage, planting trees, installing an automatic gate, and bench and table sets, and building a neo-arched sign across the alley entrance.

The city's efforts to revitalise its downtown area are already attracting increased investment from entrepreneurs and investors who recognise that a transformation is underway.

Additional police officers to create a permanent downtown quality of life team

The City of San Bernardino has proposed a set of initiatives, programs, and investments to revitalize its downtown area. Economic Development Manager Amanda Hernandez said, "We are already seeing increased investment in downtown San Bernardino. Entrepreneurs, investors recognize that the transformation is underway."

One of the proposals is to authorize the San Bernardino Police Department to hire additional officers to create a permanent downtown quality of life team to address safety issues specific to the downtown area. This would build upon a successful pilot project launched earlier in the year.

The downtown area accounts for only 1.4% of the city's population but accounts for 19% of the city's jobs. The Mayor and City Council have been given a preview of the initiatives planned to revitalize downtown, and in the coming months, the City Council will be asked to approve many of the specific steps.

The City of San Bernardino is committed to transforming its downtown area and bringing more jobs, housing, and economic activity to the area. The additional police officers will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the downtown area, making it more attractive to businesses, investors, and residents.

$2.5 million renovation to the historic California Theatre

The $2.5 million renovation of the historic California Theatre building has been praised by the downtown planning agency. The building, nearly 100 years old, has been deteriorating for years, but efforts to remodel the site had been obstructed by preservationists. After reaching an agreement with the preservation group Save Our Heritage Organisation, the developer is working to obtain approvals by the fall and begin construction by October 2020.

The design review committee of Civic San Diego, downtown's planning agency, gave the project glowing reviews, unanimously approving it to move forward. The design committee's approval will be followed by reviews from the full Civic San Diego board and the city's Planning Commission in the coming weeks.

The proposal includes reconstructing the lobby entirely and rebuilding much of the exterior to match its original appearance, while the interior will be modernised. Efforts will be made to reuse the ornamentation of the building in the new structure. The western wall with a large yellow Caliente horse racing advertisement cannot be preserved, but the developer will try to recreate it.

The California Theatre building, which comprises a 2,200-seat theatre and a nine-storey office building, was purchased by Beverly Hills-based Sloan Capital Partners in 2006. The project is being developed by Caydon Property Group, an Australian company, in collaboration with SOHO on site preservation.

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