Board authorizes negotiations with current Prado Golf operator after public objections; Supervisor Cook dissents on item 37

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on an item included in the consent calendar authorized staff to negotiate with the current operator of Prado Golf Course, prompting multiple public speakers to demand the county instead open the lease to competitive bidding.

Dozens of golfers, nonprofit organizers and residents urged the board to remove item 37 from the consent calendar and allow a competitive process. Several speakers warned a sole-source negotiation could harm junior golf programs and nonprofit fundraisers that have used Prado, and said the county’s lease with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requires public-use protections and revenue sharing that a closed negotiation could jeopardize.

The public outcry culminated in a series of comments from frequent users and community organizers. Cole Fisk, who said he has played Prado since childhood, told the board, “Please remove item 37 from the consent calendar and let Prado's future be decided fairly and transparently.” Dave Kuman, who…