REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
March 24, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Letter Authorization for Southern California Edison to Proceed with Rule 20A Underground Utility Work Within Utility Districts
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve a letter authorizing Southern California Edison Company to use Rule 20A funds and permitting Southern California Edison Company to proceed with underground utility work within defined segments of the previously established Underground Utility District on Valley Boulevard (Cedar Avenue to Spruce Avenue) and Beech Ave (Hibiscus Avenue to Randall Avenue), based on updated cost estimate and a revised project scope.
2. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to sign and execute the letter to Southern California Edison Company and to take any non-substantive actions necessary to implement the Board’s authorization to proceed with underground utility work subject to review by County Counsel.
3. Direct the Director of the Department of Public Works to transmit the executed authorization letter to the Clerk of the Board within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Improve County Government Operations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Underground utility work is funded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Rule 20A Program and managed and constructed by Southern California Edison (SCE). There is no financial impact to the County.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On May 20, 2025 (Item No. 111), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the formation of Underground Utility Districts and authorized the use of Rule 20A credits for underground utility work along Mission Boulevard, Valley Boulevard, and Beech Avenue.
Following Board approval, the County coordinated with SCE to review refined planning-level cost estimates. These updated estimates reflect higher projected
Based on this coordination, the County and SCE developed a revised scope of work that authorizes underground utility construction at this time only within defined segments of the Valley Boulevard and Beech Avenue Underground Utility Districts. Underground utility work within the Mission Boulevard Underground Utility District is deferred and is not included in this authorization due to current funding priorities, updated cost projections, and Rule 20A funding constraints.
Formation of the Underground Utility Districts does not obligate the County to implement underground utility work within all district areas. Future advancement of underground activities will be subject to funding availability, updated cost estimates, and administrative determinations.
The Department of Public Works will return to the Board at a later date if it is determined that adjustments to the boundaries of the Underground Utility Districts are necessary to accommodate project delivery, funding constraints, or operational considerations.
PROCUREMENT
Not Applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on February 12, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on February 27, 2026.