SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Susan Rubio’s (D-Baldwin Park) bill to help San Bernardino County move forward with long-planned park improvements cleared a key legislative hurdle, passing the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee with a bipartisan 5-0 vote.

Senate Bill 360 (SB 360) would allow the County to finally use existing Proposition 70 funds for new recreation and cultural amenities in the Chino Agricultural Preserve. The funds were approved by voters in 1988, but because of outdated restrictions in state law, those funds have remained largely inaccessible for decades. SB 360 does not allocate any new funding – it simply gives local leaders the flexibility to use resources already set aside for the community.

“As a child, I remember San Bernardino County when it was still developing with open land, wide spaces, and the promise of growth,” said Senator Rubio. “Today, the County is home to vibrant, growing communities. Families need clean, safe, accessible parks more than ever. SB 360 ensures that funding approved by voters more than 35 years ago can finally be used to create open space, improve public amenities, and strengthen what makes our region special.”

“This bill will bring critical enhancements to our parks, recreational facilities, and cultural spaces within the Chino Agricultural Preserve, enriching the quality of life for residents and strengthening community connections,” said San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, whose Fourth District includes the Chino Agricultural Preserve. “These improvements will also boost local tourism and economic growth, and we appreciate Senator Rubio’s leadership in advancing this important initiative for San Bernardino County.”

Prado Regional Park serves thousands of families across the Inland Empire and has long been identified as a priority for upgrades. SB 360 will help San Bernardino County move forward with community-supported improvements like new trails, playgrounds, and cultural spaces. Parks are more than green spaces – they bring neighbors together, support small businesses, and create opportunities for strong economic development.

The bill is sponsored by San Bernardino County and supported by the City of Chino. It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

For more information, visit the website of Senator Susan Rubio at https://sd22.senate.ca.gov/

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