Hundreds turn out for Supervisor Lovingood’s 5th annual Veterans Resource Fair

High Desert veterans of all age groups turned out in force Thursday for Supervisor Lovingood’s fifth annual Veterans Resource Fair. One veteran who served in Vietnam received information on getting checked out for possible health effects from Agent Orange exposure. Another who served in the National Guard discovered for the first time that he does indeed qualify as a veteran. Some vets received free health checkups from the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center mobile clinic. “Information is a powerful tool and this Veterans Resource Fair puts the power of information right in the hands of our great vets,” said Supervisor Robert A. Lovingood, who has coordinated the event for the past five years. Supervisor Lovingood spoke with constituents and County Veterans Affairs Director Frank Guevara handled numerous veteran requests for assistance. Congressman Paul Cook and County Assessor-Recorder Bob Dutton also assisted constituents. Numerous nonprofit groups and veterans service providers met with those in attendance at the Apple Valley Conference Center. Supervisor Lovingood noted that the San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs department served 28,101 veterans and family members in 2017. The County has housed more than 1,085 homeless veterans since 2015. And the County Veterans Affairs department filed service connected disability claims which resulted in veterans receiving over $45 million in 2017 -- the highest amount received by any county in California. “This is year five, I’ve been there every year, and I would rate it as the best one yet, absolutely, for a lot of reasons,” said Kelly Maxwell, CEO and founder of Orenda Veterans Project. “I think it’s become the single event of the year for our veterans up here. Because we are up here and a long way from down the hill, when they bring the resources together like that, I think we have a good turn out.” For information on veterans services, contact the San Bernardino County Department of Veterans Affairs at (760) 995-8010 or visit the office at 15900 Smoke Tree St. in Hesperia.

Making a difference

Around 4 p.m. Friday when most folks were ready to start the Memorial Day weekend, I received an urgent call. A blind homeless man was in crisis, with nowhere to turn. I asked my staff Regina Weatherspoon-Bell and Don Holland to see what could be done. They immediately contacted the County Department of Behavioral Health Director Veronica Kelly, Regional Deputy Director Andrew Gruchy and TAD Social Worker Robin Lard who coordinated support. Ms. Lard committed to stay with the man until she found a safe place for him. She made good on her word. Pastor Johnathan of Community Connection Church was contacted, providing shelter and services for the gentleman over the extended holiday weekend. The DBH Community Crisis Response Team visited him over the weekend to evaluation and development of an appropriate plan of care. On Tuesday, based on the assessment and fundamental needs of the patient, he was relocated to a facility to better serve his physical and psychological needs. It was the committed work of our DBH team and Robin Lard that he is now safe and receiving appropriate care. A big thank you to Robin, the DBH team and my staff for quick action that made a huge difference in this man’s life.

Husing: Regional economy to add 45,000 jobs

In 2018, the Inland Empire economy should gain 45,000 jobs (3.1%), after adding 49,433 in 2017 (3.5%), according to economist John Husing. The expansion will continue partly because of the area’s traditional advantages for blue collar/technical sectors (less expensive land, modestly priced labor, growing population), as well as continued growth in health care, and a small addition of jobs in higher paying sectors. As these sectors add workers, they will bring dollars into the area that then circulate through its population serving sectors causing them to expand as well. Interestingly, 34.2% of growth is forecasted for lower paying sectors and 65.8% in moderate and better paying jobs. That is a good mix as 60%- 40% is a more normal distribution.

Wrightwood Chamber hosts “Taste of the Village” Saturday

On Saturday, the Wrightwood Chamber hosts the “Taste of the Village,” a map-guided tour of the Wrightwood Village. The event gives attendees a “taste” of the hidden treasures that participating merchants offer, paired with tasty treats to try along the way. Guests explore the village at their own pace, enjoying the creative ways merchants choose to showcase their business, products and services. Head to the city for the fun, good treats, wonderful restaurants and stroll through our ambient streets. Free Maps will be handed out that link up attendees with the stores/businesses in this years’ line up of merchants. “Taste of the Village” runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 2 in Wrightwood.
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Final full nighttime closure of I-15 in Victorville set June 4

 The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be closing Interstate 15 between D Street and Stoddard Wells Road on June 4 between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The closure is necessary to complete bridge work in the City of Victorville.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and prepare for delays. Signed detours will be available.  Both north and southbound traffic will use Stoddard Wells Road (frontage road). Northbound traffic will access the frontage road via D Street and southbound traffic will access the frontage road via Stoddard Wells Road. http://sv08data.dot.ca.gov/memos/files/comalert/052218.pdf