Tania Gonzalez of People’s Collective for Environmental Justice speaks at a press conference in front of the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) in regards to the Airport Gateway Specific plan back in March 2023, a project that organizers advocated to include a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) to ensure residents in the project area would not be displaced by proposed zoning. (Photo/Michael Segura)
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — On November 6, community advocates, leaders, and residents will gather at the Feldheym Public Library to demand a transparent redevelopment process for the Carousel Mall in downtown San Bernardino. Led by the Just San Bernardino Collaborative (Just SB), the group is calling for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process that ensures community involvement in every step of the redevelopment.
The movement follows the October 2 San Bernardino City Council meeting, where a closed session included discussions on the sale and redevelopment of the 43-acre Carousel Mall property. The Just SB Collaborative, along with local business owners and community leaders, argues that redevelopment decisions should not occur behind closed doors. They believe that the process should prioritize the needs and voices of the local community, rather than solely the interests of developers or investors.
“This is about engaging residents in every step of the sale and development of land in their city,” said Celene Perez, Chief of Staff at the Inland Empire Labor Council AFL-CIO. “As we create a city center that serves all of San Bernardino, it is vital to hear from the workers, residents, and small business owners who know their community best. We must focus on bringing good quality jobs across multiple industries for the people who live, play, and attend schools in San Bernardino.”
The advocates are pushing for a CBA to guarantee that redevelopment efforts bring substantial benefits to the community, including good-paying jobs, affordable housing, environmental protections, and support for small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Through a CBA, the coalition hopes to address concerns of economic displacement and ensure that current residents are not pushed out of their neighborhoods due to rising rents or increased competition.
(Photo/Gilbert Gonzales)
Duan Kellum, an artist and co-owner of Creative Grounds, a local business in downtown San Bernardino, voiced his concerns about how redevelopment could lead to increased rents and put pressure on small business owners. “That’s going to affect how much we pay [in rent],” said Kellum. “With the [4th street] alley going in, I’m sure there are going to be a lot of proposals from businesses trying to get key spots… What’s it going to look like if somebody comes in with a bunch of money and approaches our landlord?”
Scheduled for 3:00 PM at the Feldheym Public Library, the press conference will serve as a platform for residents to express their concerns and rally for a more inclusive redevelopment process. Just SB has encouraged attendees to register, offering food and Just SB T-shirts to those who join the event.
The Just SB Collaborative, which represents a range of organizations including the Arts Connection Network, BLU Educational Foundation, Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement, Inland Empire Labor Council, Inland Congregations United for Change, People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, Time for Change Foundation, and the Warehouse Worker Resource Center, seeks to hold the city accountable for ensuring that the redevelopment project delivers meaningful, equitable outcomes for San Bernardino’s residents.
The coalition argues that a transparent RFP process and a binding CBA will help secure key benefits for the community. They are calling for redevelopment that includes:
- Good-paying jobs and local hiring practices to boost economic mobility for residents.
- Affordable housing units to counter rising rent costs that could displace local families.
- Environmental protection and infrastructure improvements to ensure the redevelopment aligns with sustainable practices.
- Support for small businesses and local entrepreneurs to strengthen the local economy and ensure that existing businesses have a stake in the new downtown area.
According to Just SB Communications Director Michael Segura, the organization believes this press conference will underscore the importance of community-driven development. “We want to make sure that the voices of those who live and work in San Bernardino are prioritized in this redevelopment project,” said Segura. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the downtown area, and it should be done in a way that uplifts everyone in the community, not just outside investors.”
The press conference on November 6 is open to the public, and local residents, business owners, and media representatives are invited to attend. Just SB encourages all attendees to participate actively in advocating for a fair and transparent process. With the support of community organizations, the coalition aims to secure a redevelopment plan that respects the needs and values of San Bernardino’s diverse population.
For more information, visit Just SB’s Eventbrite page or contact Michael Segura at (909) 653-7003 or msegura@justsb.org.
