Fontana · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fontana, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Lennar Homes subdivision design update
Lennar's 53-home project near Poplar and Orchid got refreshed floor plans and prairie, craftsman, and farmhouse elevations, plus added visitor parking and neighborhood amenities. No one from the public objected.
Senior residential care facility on Maloof Avenue
A proposed 24-bedroom care facility for seniors needing help with daily activities drew heavy neighborhood opposition over parking, traffic, and street safety. It was approved unanimously because it's a permitted use in the zoning district with a CUP, and it met parking and traffic standards.
Storage building legalization at 10880 Mulberry Avenue
A family-owned metal fabrication shop built a 5,075-square-foot prefabricated storage shed without full approvals and is now working with the city to legalize it. The applicant said moving prepared shipment kits into the shed removes safety hazards inside the main warehouse.
Fontana Gateway Specific Plan zero-foot setback amendment
A change to the industrial specific plan would allow buildings at the side and rear property lines instead of six feet back. It aligns with how the area is already built out and makes future additions and redevelopment easier for local businesses.
General Plan conformance findings for City property leases
The Commission was asked to confirm that proposed leases of two City-owned parcels — 8470 Nuevo Avenue and 8572 Sierra Avenue — fit the General Plan, a required step before the leases move forward.
Zoning and Development Code amendments (MCA 26-0005)
The city is proposing a sweep of changes to its zoning code — how medical uses work in commercial zones, business park rules, screening for loading areas, and Route 66 Gateway design standards. These rules shape what future development looks like citywide.
Delinquent Sewer and Solid Waste Liens
Property owners seriously behind on sewer and trash bills face liens placed on their properties through this quarterly action.
Water of Life Community Church Property Acquisition
Resolution 2026-084 would approve a purchase and sale agreement for the city to buy the Water of Life Community Church property.
FY 2026-27 special tax levies for Community Facilities Districts
The Council was scheduled to place sewer, nuisance abatement, weed abatement, and rubbish charges on the property tax rolls for the year — the mechanism by which many Fontana households pay these services.
Block Party Permit Fee Reduction
A proposed fee cut would make it cheaper for neighborhoods to close their streets for block parties.
Emergency Preparedness Month Proclamation
September would be proclaimed Emergency Preparedness Month, encouraging families to stock supplies and make disaster plans.
New Police Officers Sworn In
Eight new Fontana police officers were scheduled to be sworn in, adding to the department's sworn ranks.
Village of Heritage Liberty Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation
A $638,000 change order would push this patching and repaving project to roughly $3.19 million total. Residents using the Liberty Parkway entrances would see improved pavement.
Ventata at Duncan Canyon gas station and drive-thru amendment
Ordinance 1996 adds gas station and drive-through uses to Planning Area 4 of the Ventana at Duncan Canyon Specific Plan. A resident raised concerns about developer James Provetti's campaign contributions to several council members and asked the item be pulled from consent; it was adopted anyway, with Council Member Sandoval declining to support it.
Call to remove Commissioner Benjamin Alba
Two residents asked the council to remove Parks, Community and Human Services Commissioner Benjamin Alba, a Claremont police corporal, over the November 28, 2025 traffic-stop death of Diego Rios, which the LA County medical examiner ruled a homicide. The council took no action during the meeting.
Renter protections and eviction prevention
A resident described receiving an invalid 60-day eviction notice for a 'substantial remodel' with no permits on file, and said Fontana lacks eviction-prevention support for housed residents, with affordable housing satisfaction scoring below the national average in a recent survey.
San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust Participation
The council accepted $500,000 in county homelessness funding and awarded a geotech task order for the West End Regional Navigation Center. Mayor Warren pushed back on social media fears, saying access will be referral-based with law enforcement transport, not walk-up.
Aldea Apartments expansion with $1.2M federal funding
Congressman Pete Aguilar presented a $1.2 million check for phase two of the Aldea Apartments acquisition and expansion, growing transitional housing toward roughly 80 units with family amenities like a tot lot.
Street Paving and Traffic Signal Funding
The Council was scheduled to award a construction contract for a new traffic signal at Baseline and Palmetto Avenues. A working signal there should improve safety for drivers crossing or turning at that busy intersection.
59-unit condominium development on Foothill Boulevard
A 2.3-acre site at Foothill Boulevard and Almond Avenue could become a 59-unit attached condominium complex. It would add housing along a busy corridor, and neighbors may weigh in on traffic, parking, and design at the public hearing.
Sewer rate adjustment FY 2026-27 through 2030-31
Ordinance No. 1993 would let the City adopt new or increased sewer service fees by resolution, a step that could affect utility bills.
Parks Commission Vacancy
The Council was scheduled to discuss and possibly fill a vacancy on the Parks, Community and Human Services Commission.
Development Impact Fee Update
A public hearing was set on adopting an updated Development Impact Fee Nexus Study and new fee schedule — the fees developers pay to offset the cost of growth on roads, parks and public facilities.
Ventana Specific Plan Commercial Center
An 11.55-acre shopping center proposal within the Ventana Specific Plan that would add a gas station, drive-throughs, and alcohol licenses for a convenience store and grocery store.
West End Regional Navigation Center
The Council was set to award a construction contract of up to $14.6 million for the West End Regional Navigation Center, a homelessness response facility, with $4.2 million in new funding from the Transitional Use Tax fund.
Sierra/Terra Vista Commercial Center
A proposed 69,617-square-foot shopping center anchored by a nearly 50,000-square-foot grocery store at the northwest corner of Sierra Avenue and Terra Vista Drive, including beer and wine sales and a drive-through restaurant. It would also reconfigure parks and planning areas in the Arboretum Specific Plan.
Industrial commerce center appeal near Hilton Drive
Two new industrial commerce center buildings totaling about 72,000 square feet are proposed on nearly 4 acres. New construction in this corridor could bring jobs and investment but also construction activity and truck traffic nearby.
Police helicopter service contract
The Fontana Police Helicopter Service Contract was scheduled for consent calendar approval, funding aerial law enforcement support.
Sidewalk Reconstruction #3 Project
An $808,161 construction contract with DT Stellar General Engineering was scheduled to rebuild city sidewalks, improving safety for pedestrians.
Quarterly lien action for delinquent accounts
A public hearing was scheduled on placing liens on properties with delinquent sewer, solid waste, and weed abatement accounts.
Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District assessment rates
The Council was scheduled to initiate the annual assessment levy for Landscape Maintenance Districts Nos. 1 and 2, which fund upkeep of landscaping and lighting in those areas. Property owners in the districts pay these assessments, and a public hearing on the levy is set as part of the process.
Planning Commission vacancy appointment
The council was scheduled to appoint a member to fill a Planning Commission vacancy with a term ending December 9, 2026.
Fiscal Year 2026/27 Supplemental Budget
The Council was scheduled to act on the supplemental budget report for the coming fiscal year, which can add, adjust or trim spending mid-cycle.
Development Agreements: Goodman, Acacia and North Palisades
Three ordinances on second reading would lock in development agreements for major projects — Goodman, Acacia and North Palisades — covering multiple parcels in the city. These agreements set the terms under which the developers can build.
Workforce Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Hearing (AB 2561)
A public hearing was set on the city's workforce vacancies and hiring trends under Assembly Bill 2561. The discussion could shed light on how fully staffed city services are and where recruitment is falling short.
November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
The Council was scheduled to call the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and consolidate it with the statewide election run by the county Registrar of Voters. This sets the stage for Fontana's city races and candidate filing rules.
Commercial center and grocery store at Sierra Avenue and Terra Vista Drive
A 9.3-acre shopping center with a grocery store, shops, a pad building, and a drive-thru restaurant is proposed near Sierra and Terra Vista. The plan also reshapes parts of the Arboretum Specific Plan, which guides how that whole area grows.
Proposed 595-unit multifamily project at Citrus and Summit Avenues
The planning director was set to preview a 595-unit apartment project at the southwest corner of Citrus and Summit. It's an informational report, not a hearing yet.
Call for Removal of Parks and Community Services Commissioner
Two residents publicly demanded the removal of a Parks, Community and Human Services Commissioner over alleged misconduct connected to a police-involved incident that resulted in a death, citing ongoing investigations and legal action.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Budget Adjustments
Mid-year budget adjustments for the current fiscal year were approved unanimously, keeping city finances on track heading into the next budget cycle.
Downtown Core Parking and Outdoor Dining Code Amendments
New rules would effectively lift parking requirements for much of the downtown core within a 400-foot radius of city parking facilities, revise the No Net Loss program, and clarify vehicle parking vs. storage. Council members questioned whether the radius is too small and whether parking at the new structure will stay free.
Street and Park Infrastructure Investment
The council locked in about $2.3 million in contracts to repave high-wear street segments and install artificial turf on two sports park fields, plus $242,000 for pavement data collection to target future repairs.
Opioid support and response services agreement
A one-year, $310,104 agreement with The River's Edge Ranch was on the consent calendar to provide opioid support and response services in the community.
Fontana Courtplace housing project amendment
A third amendment to the development agreement with Fontana Courtplace I Housing Partners was set for joint council/Housing Authority approval, advancing an affordable housing project.
Valley Boulevard emergency storm drain repair
The city was set to finalize a change order with Gentry General Engineering and accept the completed emergency storm drain work along Valley Boulevard, bringing the contract to about $299,000.
Children's STEAM Center at Lewis Library
The council was set to award an $864,451 design contract to AC Martin for a children's STEAM center at the Lewis Library — a new educational amenity for local families.
2026 Action Plan and federal funding amendments
The city's plan for spending federal community development funds was up for a public hearing, including amendments to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. This determines which housing and community programs get money.
Catawba Avenue Safe Routes to School project
A construction contract with Kalban, Inc. for about $783,000 was on the consent calendar to build safer routes for students traveling to school on Catawba Avenue.