County Announces New CEO Leonard X. Hernandez
County Chief Operating Officer Leonard X. Hernandez, who began his career with San Bernardino County 20 years ago as a County Library employee, on Tuesday was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as the County’s next Chief Executive Officer effective Oct. 10.
“I am humbled by the confidence the Board of Supervisors has placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to lead this great County organization, which has been my professional home for so many years,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez will succeed Gary McBride, who has served as CEO for nearly three years and will remain with the County as Strategic Projects Director under a contract extension approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
“We are excited to welcome Leonard Hernandez as our County’s new CEO,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “COVID-19 has presented many unique challenges within our community, and Leonard’s extensive experience within the County and his integral role on the executive leadership team have strongly positioned him to lead the County during this unique time. His talents, leadership, and dedication to seeing the County thrive will serve him well as CEO.”
“I have known Leonard since 2006, when he was the manager of the Fontana Branch Library,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Josie Gonzales. “Throughout the years, I have watched him grow as a leader and I have seen his commitment to serving the community. As a Supervisor for the past 16 years, I know that there is no decision more important than the selection of the CEO. I have full confidence in Leonard and I have no doubt that he will help guide our County to new heights in the years to come.”
After launching his career in San Bernardino County as a library public service employee 20 years ago, Hernandez gained experience and honed his management skills at the City of Riverside as the Director of Libraries before returning to San Bernardino in 2010 as County Librarian.
“Leonard first impressed me with his leadership and problem-solving skills when he was placed in charge of the Lewis Library in Fontana while I was on the City Council,” Supervisor Janice Rutherford said. “Since then, he’s continued to demonstrate his leadership abilities, commitment to excellence in public service, and his dedication to ethics, and I look forward to working with him to address the challenges facing our county.”
“I appreciate Leonard’s willingness to accept the role of CEO and continue the leadership that has been established,” said Supervisor Robert Lovingood. “His experience and knowledge of the County is foundational to our ongoing success and I look forward to working with him in this capacity. As a County, we have faced unprecedented challenges and I am confident that these proactive leadership transitions prepare us well for what is ahead. I want to thank Gary for his leadership and continued commitment to help the County strategically navigate the complexities that this health crisis has brought.”
“I look forward to working with Leonard to implement the vision of our Board of Supervisors,” said Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “He is a hard-working leader with a keen understanding of the inner-workings of our county government. I’m confident that he will continue the great progress made by his predecessor, Gary McBride.”
In 2014, while still serving as County Librarian, Hernandez served as interim Museum Director. In 2015, Hernandez was promoted to the position of Deputy Executive Officer over the Community Services Group, which includes the County Library and Museum systems, Registrar of Voters, Regional Parks, County Airports, and Agriculture/Weights and Measures.
In 2016 Hernandez became the Interim County Chief Operating Officer and then in 2017, Hernandez was officially appointed to the position of County Chief Operating Officer. In that role, Hernandez has coordinated the County’s multi-departmental response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of the Board of Supervisors the County’s COVID Task Force has led the State in its response to the pandemic and service to the public.
Hernandez, a resident of San Bernardino County, has a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University Fullerton and a master’s degree in library and information science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
County Testing Sites See Expanded Hours, Some Sites Open Saturday
We are hoping all County residents are spreading the word on the importance of getting tested, even if you don’t show any symptoms.
Testing is one thing everyone can do to help reopen our economy and help our local businesses. Residents and businesses are also doing their part by wearing masks when they are close to other people, social distancing, and keeping their hands clean. The Board of Supervisors is doing its part by constantly urging the State to recognize the County’s COVID-fighting efforts and clear the way for more of our economy to open up.
The County is trying to make getting tested as easy as possible and testing sites are now open until 6 p.m. While reservations are still strongly suggested, you can simply walk into any testing site without an appointment. And again, testing is painless, takes only a few minutes, and available at no cost to you (although your insurance information will be taken so the County can seek reimbursement).
In addition, testing sites in Rialto and Victorville will now be open on Saturdays to accommodate even more residents. To see all testing sites, review the FAQs and to make an appointment, visit our testing webpage here.
County Offers Guidelines for a Safe and Healthy Halloween
With San Bernardino County still struggling to escape from the State’s purple tier and modestly relax restrictions on restaurants, theaters, museums, gyms and worship services, County officials have expressed concerns about Halloween — and have offered guidance to help residents and businesses avoid practices that could lead to further spread of COVID-19.
“Halloween typically involves trick-or-treating, gathering with friends and neighbors, and visiting pumpkin patches and haunted houses,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “We unfortunately have already seen how get-togethers during the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays led to noticeable increases in infection rates, so we are asking everyone to be extremely cautious this Halloween season. We are specifically urging residents to consider safer alternatives to traditional activities.”
The state currently forbids amusement park rides of any kind, along with other high-touch or close contact attractions such as haunted houses, animal rides, petting zoos, slides, bounce houses, and ball pits.
To help residents consider alternatives to their usual Halloween activities, the County has produced guidelines explaining how activities such as trick-or-treating can be enjoyed safely, while also suggesting a variety of safer alternatives. It advises those who are feeling sick or may have been exposed to the virus, along with those at highest risk of serious illness (e.g., people who are immune-compromised, have pre-existing conditions or are age 65 or older) to simply avoid Halloween activities this year.
The guidelines include specific recommendations for parents of children planning to go trick-or-treating, as well as households that intend to hand out treats, and encourages residents to consider creative ways to safely dispense candy. It also lists a variety of activities that can provide safe alternatives to some common Halloween practices.
The County has also developed guidance for operators of pumpkin patches. Outdoor sales of pumpkins are allowed, and food, beverages, games, mazes, and other activities can be offered under certain conditions. Pumpkin patch operators should contact the County with questions before opening.
Upcoming Webinars Address Workplace Etiquette, Hiring and Sustainable Economies
San Bernardino County in conjunction with other partners both regionally and throughout the state are pleased to bring business owners and interested residents ongoing webinars on a variety of important topics. We aim to do everything we can to help businesses succeed during this difficult time.
Virtual workplace etiquette
This webinar will focus on the professional courtesies necessary for working in a productive virtual environment. The objectives of the course will focus on basic rules of courtesy, consideration, and respect to ensure productive and harmonious remote working relationships.
Thursday, October 8, 10 a.m. to Noon
Register: https://remotework2020.eventbrite.com
Hire right the first time
Harvard University wrote a book titled Hiring and Keeping the Best People, which talks about the cost of poor hiring practices. The Business Essentials book stated that bad hiring brings down performance and can be painfully costly in the long run. Painfully costly is defined as 24 times the base compensation of the poorly hired person. Can you afford it? CEA’s hiring system will help businesses and HR professionals avoid costly hiring mistakes.
Thursday, October 15, 10 a.m. to Noon
Register: https://hiring2020.eventbrite.com
Sustainable economies
San Bernardino County is a supporting partner for a series of no-cost webinars on sustainable economies. Interested parties are invited to join as we create a re-imagined future and the community map needed to get there. These interactive webinars will begin with a panel or a “Ted-style” talk followed by breakouts. Dr. Angelo Farooq, chairman of the California Workforce & Development Board, is hosting the sessions.
Thursday, October 15, 1 p.m.
Thursday, October 29, 1 p.m.
Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainable-economies-webinar-fall-season-tickets-119559779519
Latest Stats
55,394 Confirmed Cases (up 0.3% from the previous day)
955 Deaths (up 0% from the previous day)
629,450 Tests (up 0.6% from the previous day)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobile
tab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
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