REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF BOARD GOVERNED COUNTY SERVICE AREAS
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 20, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Capital Improvement Program Project - County Service Area 70, SL-1 (Countywide) Rialto Streetlights Project in the Rialto Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of County Service Area 70, SL-1 (Countywide):
1. Find that the County Service Area 70, SL-1 (Countywide) Rialto Streetlights Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, section 15303(d), Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
2. Approve Capital Improvement Program - County Service Area 70, SL-1 (Countywide) Rialto Streetlights Project, in the amount of $304,711.
3. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to advertise the County Service Area 70, SL-1 (Countywide) Rialto Streetlights Project for formal bids.
4. Direct the Department of Public Works - Special Districts to file and post the Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
5. Authorize the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post budget adjustments to the 2026-27 budget, as detailed in the Financial Impact Section (Four votes required).
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Create, Maintain and Grow Employment Opportunities and Economic Value in the County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Rialto Streetlights Project (Project) has a total budget of $304,711 and will be funded by the available reserves of County Service Area 70 SL-1 (Countywide) (District). The $304,711 Project budget will fund the overall costs associated with the Project.
The following 2026-27 budget adjustments are requested for the Project:
|
Fund Center |
Commitment Item/GL Account |
Description |
Action |
Amount |
|
5750001300 |
54304030 |
Structures and Improvements to Structures |
Increase |
$274,711 |
|
5750001300 |
55405010 |
Salaries and Benefits - Transfers Out |
Increase |
$30,000 |
|
1300 |
37008880 |
Fund Balance Reserved - Available Reserve |
Decrease |
$304,711 |
Sufficient appropriations will be included in future recommended budgets as needed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The District was formed on December 27, 1965, to consolidate streetlighting services throughout its valley-wide service area, which includes portions of the Chino, Colton, Cucamonga, Highland, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Bloomington areas, as well as other unincorporated areas within the County. As part of the review of street lighting in the Rialto area, the District identified existing lighting gaps along East Sycamore Avenue and Olive Avenue. The Project will address these conditions by constructing approximately 500 linear feet of new three-inch underground electrical distribution line and overhead lines to provide electrical service to four new streetlights, including three streetlights along East Sycamore Avenue and one streetlight on Olive Avenue in the Rialto area.
Department of Public Works (Department) staff reviewed the Project and determined that a categorical exemption applied under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15303(d), Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). Section 15303(d) provides an exemption for the construction and extension of utility facilities, including electrical utility extensions. The Project consists of the installation of electrical distribution lines to provide electrical service to four new streetlights and therefore qualifies for the Class 3 categorical exemption. Upon the Board’s approval of the CEQA finding, the Department - Special Districts will file and post a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA.
In addition to the CEQA finding, this item seeks authorization to advertise for bids.
The Project supports the County and Chief Executive Officer Goals and Objectives to Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision and Create, Maintain and Grow Employment Opportunities and Economic Value in the County by improving streetlighting infrastructure within the Rialto area. The installation of three new streetlights along East Sycamore Avenue and one new streetlight on Olive Avenue will address existing lighting gaps and dark areas along these roadways, improving nighttime visibility for motorists and pedestrians and enhancing overall safety and accessibility within the surrounding community. These improvements will provide more consistent illumination along pedestrian and vehicular travel corridors and support safer access to nearby residences, community destinations, and services.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie A. Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 17, 2026; Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (Charlene Huang, Auditor-Controller Manager, 382-7022) on September 21, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Scott Bruckner, Administrative Analyst, 387-5005) on October 1, 2026.