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Trump admin proposes offshore drilling; CA officials, environmentalists balk
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“This reckless attempt to sell out our coastline to his Big Oil donors is dead in the water,” Newsom said in a statement. “Californians remember the environmental and economic devastation of past oil spills. For decades, California has stood firm in our opposition to new offshore drilling, and nothing will change that. We will use every tool at our disposal to protect our coastline. It’s interesting that Donald’s proposal doesn’t include the waters off Mar-a-Lago.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta also blasted the proposal. “Time and again, President Trump has shown that his interest lies with his Big Oil friends profiting at the expense of our environment and public health,” Bonta said See Offshore drilling Page 05
homelessness initiatives By Joe Taglieri
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Platforms Ellen and Elly offshore near Long Beach. | Photo courtesy of Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement BSEE / Flickr PDM 1.0
the market,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a statement. “The Biden administration slammed the brakes on offshore oil and gas leasing and crippled the long-term pipeline of America’s offshore production. By moving forward with the development of a robust, forward-thinking leasing plan, we are ensuring that America’s offshore industry stays strong, our workers stay employed, and our nation remains energy dominant for decades to come.” According to the department, a 60 public-comment period on the proposal will begin when it is published in the Federal Register on Monday. Gov. Gavin Newsom called the proposal “idiotic” and said it “endangers our coastal economy and communities and hurts the well-being of Californians.”
SB County, city announce housing,
joet@beaconmedianews.com
By City News Service
ollowing through on earlier pronouncements, the Trump administration announced Thursday it will reopen ocean waters off the Pacific Coast to oil drilling leases, generating rapid opposition from California officials and environmentalists. The announcement by the U.S. Department of the Interior called it an effort to address the nation’s “growing energy needs” and “boost United States energy independence and sustain domestic oil and gas production.” The directive calls for the potential lease of 34 offshore drilling sites between 2026 and 2031 -- 21 off the coast of Alaska, seven in the Gulf of Mexico and six along the Pacific Coast. “Offshore oil and gas production does not happen overnight. It takes years of planning, investment, and hard work before barrels reach
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in a statement. “California takes our responsibility to steward our environment and natural resources seriously -- we are not a rich man’s playground, and the president cannot come and extract resources as he pleases. “California will not stand by while the Trump administration marches in and make a mess of our coastal towns and waterways in order to line the pockets of its wealthy friends. The livelihoods of millions of Californians depend on the economies and industries supported by our coastal areas. My office stands fully opposed to this plan and is committed to protecting California’s natural resources.” Orange County Coastkeeper also rejected the proposal. “New drilling means
number of initiatives to address homelessness in San Bernardino County and city got underway this month, including a large affordable housing development and assistance to unhoused veterans, officials announced. City and county agencies have partnered with nonprofit developer National CORE for the Adler Square affordable housing, the fourth phase of the Arrowhead Grove project. A groundbreaking event Nov. 4 officially commenced construction at the site, 575 E. Baseline St in San Bernardino. Officials said Alder Square will be a high-quality, affordable housing community for low-income families in the city of San Bernardino, which is experiencing rapid growth and increasing investment. The plan calls for 91 apartments for individuals and families earning 30%-80% of the area median income, plus one apartment for an on-site manager. Units include 14 mobility-accessible apartments and 10 hearing-accessible dwellings. Developed through a partnership between National CORE, the county Housing Authority, the city and county, Alder Square will join Crestview Terrace, Olive Meadows and Valencia Vista to total 414 units comprising the Arrowhead Grove complex. Residents will have access to amenities that include a pool, picnic area, children’s play area, community garden, dog run area, bicycle storage and an outdoor space for recreational games and public seating. Housing Authority Executive Director Maria Razo noted the enduring partnership between the agency and National CORE. See Homelessness Page 31
“Our partnership has grown into a truly collaborative relationship, and we are united by our shared commitment to create highquality affordable housing and thriving communities for the residents we serve,” Razo said in a statement. “Together, we’re proving that affordable housing can be transformative.” In October the California Statewide Communities Development Authority announced roughly $33 million in tax-exempt affordable housing bonds for Arrowhead Grove Phase IV apartments. Capital One Bank and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP provided the bonds, according to the CSCDA. The Arrowhead Grove project redevelops a former affordable housing site built in the 1940s known as Waterman Gardens. The redevelopment is funded through public and private sources that include $4.5 million from the city’s Annual Action Plan for Phase IV; $3 million secured in 2023 by Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, for a community resource center; a $15.8 million state grant from the Strategic Growth Council and grants such $1.4 million from the Southern California Association of Governments for EV charging stations. Additional funding includes federal LowIncome Housing Tax Credits, state cap and-trade funds and federal funds from the HOME-Investment Partnership program. Construction of Alder Square is expected to complete in late 2027, officials said. Permanent supportive housing for vets The city of San Bernardino and nonprofit U.S. VETS are developing a permanent