Senator Reyes Urges Mental Health Awareness and Support of SB 800

New Safety Measure Introduced In Response to recent Student Suicides. 

(Sacramento, CA) –Senator Eloise Gόmez Reyes (D-Colton) in partnership with the City of Rancho Cucamonga has introduced legislation to ensure community safety on freeway over passes in San Bernardino County. 

Last year, the Rancho Cucamonga community was shaken by two subsequent suicides that occurred on the Haven Avenue overpass onto the 210 Freeway. Along with urging mental health awareness and prioritizing suicide prevention resources, the city has also been seeking opportunities to work with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to install infrastructure that will ensure similar situations do not occur in the future. SB 800, also known as the Highway Emergency Life Protection or (H.E.L.P.) Program, requires Caltrans to establish a program to install suicide deterrents on 10 freeway overpasses in the County of San Bernardino. These deterrents would include signage and a physical barrier designed to prevent a person from falling or jumping off the overpass. The program would prioritize deterrents for overpasses with the highest rates of documented suicides.

“Mental health awareness amongst our youth is of incredible importance, but it is just as critical that we have appropriate infrastructure that protects our residents”, said Senator Reyes. “SB 800 will create a program that will bring resources to San Bernardino County for this purpose for areas such as the Haven Avenue overpass. This combined with securing mental health resources will help better support our community and its youth.”

“Ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of our community—especially our most vulnerable residents – remains a top priority for the City of Rancho Cucamonga. We are grateful for Senator Reyes’ leadership in advancing SB 800 and for her commitment to addressing this critical issue,” said Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael. “We look forward to collaborating with the state to implement meaningful solutions that will protect lives and strengthen mental health resources for our region.”

SB 800 was introduced earlier this year and will be heard by the Senate Transportation Committee.