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Council authorizes staff to begin lease negotiations with Akoma Unity Center after wide public support
Summary
After dozens of speakers urged the council to preserve community programming, San Bernardino authorized staff to open lease renewal negotiations with Akoma Unity Center for its An Charelle’s Community Center location; the vote was unanimous with two council members recusing earlier from related discussion.
The San Bernardino City Council unanimously authorized staff on April 15 to begin lease renewal negotiations with Akoma (AOMA) Unity Center for the An Charelle’s Community Center (1367 North California Street). The authorization followed extensive public comment from scholars, seniors, community leaders and partner organizations who described AOMA’s youth programs, digital arts and robotics labs, senior activities and community partnerships.
Multiple speakers — including former volunteers, parents, San Bernardino NAACP and elected officials’ representatives — described AOMA as a community anchor. One community letter (read into the record) recounted a More Attractive Community Foundation investment in 2019 to improve An Charelle’s Park and argued the center prevents blight and supports youth development.
Council members discussed potential conflicts of interest and two members recused from earlier related discussions based on perceived ties; the formal authorization to begin negotiations was unanimous among voting members. The motion instructs the city manager to negotiate terms and return to council with a proposed lease for approval.
What happens next: staff will initiate negotiations with Akoma and report back with a draft lease and recommended term length; supporters asked for a multi‑year renewal to ensure program continuity.
Sources: Public comments and council action at San Bernardino City Council meeting, April 15, 2026.
