County supervisor outlines ambulance shift, homelessness steps and $30M park investments in Ontario update

San Bernardino County Supervisor Kurt Hackman gave the Ontario City Council a broad update on county projects and local partnerships, saying the county is shifting ambulance services to the local fire department and investing in parks and homelessness response across the West End.

"We are going with our local fire department, to provide those service for our residents through ambulatory service," Hackman said, describing the result of a recent request for proposals and a change in approach after 25 years. He added the county has been working with Ontario officials on homeless services and was appointed to the county’s homeless ad hoc committee.

Hackman outlined a three-tier approach to homelessness: short-term navigation centers for immediate assessment, interim housing for stabilization and behavioral-health needs, and transitional or permanent housing for longer-term exits. He said federal funding streams such as CARES Act and ARPA have left the county in a position to reinvest dollars locally.

On parks and recreation, Hackman said the Board of Supervisors allocated $30,000,000 for facility updates at regional parks, including Prado and Guasti. He listed specific projects: moving the Prado gatehouse to add an extra entrance lane, new playground equipment and a splash pad planned for the coming months, upgraded RV utilities and new restrooms and showers, and added boat-dock access. He said a $2,300,000 allocation from Congresswoman Norma Torres would fund a snack-bar/kitchen at Prado.

Hackman also described larger economic-development talks: feasibility work on a proposed surf-park and lagoon features, negotiations with Live Nation about an outdoor amphitheater at Prado, and a pending June decision connected to a Los Angeles bid for the LA28 Olympic shooting park. He said the county is pursuing projects to keep entertainment and tourism local rather than sending residents to Los Angeles or Orange County.

Council members thanked Hackman for the update and asked him to take city concerns to county and state partners where appropriate. Hackman concluded by inviting questions and said he would continue coordinating with city staff on the West End plan and other shared priorities.

The council did not take formal action on the items described; Hackman’s remarks were delivered as an informational update and the supervisor said he was open to follow-up questions and collaboration.