By

Dianne Anderson // —

Potentially, the threat of the big one has San Bernardino City Hall preparing for the worst case scenario as the building at 300 N. D Street undergoes necessary earthquake safety retrofitting. In the process, four downtown departments are scattered to nearby places.

The next two years shouldn’t be much of a hassle by foot, by car, or by bus, provided the community doesn’t get too turned around in the search for services.

For now, help is available at the temporary City Information Center at Vanir Tower, located a few steps away from City Hall at 290 N. D St. Vanir Tower, which is also housing the Officer of the Mayor, City Council, the City Attorney’s Office, City Manager’s Office and the Finance Department.

“City staff will be there to answer questions, direct people to the right departments should they need further assistance. The public will also have access to City literature featuring information on upcoming City events, meetings and programs,” the city’s website says.

Directly next door to Vanir Tower, visitors can also access the City Clerk’s Office, Recruitment, Housing, and Human Resources at 215 North D Street.

All visitors are first required to check in at Vanir Tower to access offices in other buildings.

“San Bernardino Police have initiated new security protocols to ensure maintenance of people visiting City offices. In the case of an emergency, it is imperative we are able to account for all persons in our leased office spaces,” the city website says.

All commission and committee hearings, as well as all public meetings, will be held at the 2nd and E Street location on the 3rd Floor Board Room, which is now the Council Chambers. The building is located at 201 N. E Street. At least for now, until the city offers street level entrance, that location only offers rooftop level entrance for public meetings accessible from the southwest corner parking structure.

Anyone needing help with any business or community-related issues can access services at Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Public Works, Community Development, including business registration at 600 N. Arrowhead Avenue.

Security will also be there on site at all times to answer questions at the counters, and visitors do not need to first check-in at the City Information Center at Vanir Tower to gain access to the department service counters at 600 North Arrowhead Avenue.

The city’s website says that all city departments will be displaced for the next two years, except for the Water Department Customer Service Office, which has a new permanent home, located at 1350 South E Street.

The city’s phone number will remain the same, 909-384-7272, with all city related mail should be sent to the City of San Bernardino C/O of the recipient or department, 290 North D Street

San Bernardino, CA 92401.