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TRANSPORTATION
 Brightline’s high-speed train from Apple Valley to Las Vegas is back on track for a spring start, according to a recent filing with the Nevada High-Speed Rail Authority. “The project is on target to commence construction in early Q2 2021,” said Brightline West President Sarah Watterson in the filing. The entire line from Las Vegas to Apple Valley is expected to take three years to complete.
On Jan. 15, during a California debt committee meeting, the state agreed to extend $200 million in tax-exempt private bonds to finance the project through Fortress Investment Group.
“Brightline is an important infrastructure project that has significant economic and environmental benefits for our residents,” California Treasure Fiona Ma said in a statement. “The company expects that its financing plans will require less tax-exempt debt. We look forward to a successful financing later this year.”
Brightline West’s ultimate goal is to continue the track from Apple Valley into Palmdale and Rancho Cucamonga, ultimately connecting with Union Station in Los Angeles.
In late December 2020, the Palmdale City Council approved plans for its multimodal transportation hub that would connect Brightline West with Metrolink, Amtrak, California’s High Speed Rail and other transit options.
“We appreciate the tremendous support from Nevada and California and are actively engaging officials in both states on our financing and construction plans,” Brightline spokesperson Ben Porritt said in a statement.
Learn more about the project, and sign up for updates, here.
RESOURCES
 Congratulations to IEHP’s Victorville Community Resource Center, which was designated as the first HUD EnVision Center in San Bernardino County, and the seventh in California.
Thanks to a partnership with the County’s Housing Authority, the new center will provide residents with support needed to become self-sufficient. Resources pertain to economic empowerment, educational advancement, health and wellness, and character leadership.
To learn more about HUD EnVision Centers, visit https://www.hud.gov/EnVisionCenters.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE
 The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is introducing a new way to obtain a burn permit. The online open burn permitting process allows residents to access a customer portal on the internet, complete an application and submit it online. The permit is then emailed to the applicant along with safety information.
Residents or farmers wishing to burn must call SBCoFire Dispatch (909-356-3805) on the day they wish to burn to ensure burning is allowed. Even after a burn permit is obtained, there are still restrictions and requirements that must be followed, such as the size of fires, proper clearances from structures, and types of items burned. Open burning is not allowed during a Red Flag event or on No Burn days from the Air Quality Management District (AQMD).To apply for a permit online, click here.
PUBLIC SAFETY
 Congratulations to Apple Valley Police Department's Deputy Kent Watson, who was honored with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lifesaving Award this week.
Deputy Watson received the award for his heroic efforts responding to a medical emergency on March 9, 2020.
According to AVPD, "Deputy Watson responded to a call of a man having a medical emergency and not breathing. Deputy Watson found him collapsed in the bathroom and leaning against the door. Watson was able to force the door open, lift the man, and move him to the living room where he was able to perform rescue breathing. Watson was able to provide life-preserving oxygen until Apple Valley Fire arrived. The man regained consciousness a short time later."
Thank you, Deputy Watson!
COMMUNITY
Congratulations to Bradley Brook Russell, a 6th grade student at Galileo School, who won City of Victorville's 2021 Civil Rights Essay Contest! A portion of Bradley's winning essay about baseball player Jackie Robinson is now on display at Victorville City Hall's Civil Rights Memorial. It is located at 14343 Civic Drive, Victorville. Way to go, Bradley! Learn more about the contest and memorial at vv.city/civilrightsmemorial.
ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
 San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder Bob Dutton has released Supplemental Assessment Roll #123, which contains a total net assessed value of $6,885,936,091. Individuals wishing to see their personal assessed values may visit the Assessor’s website or call 1-877-885-7654. To view additional Supplemental Assessment Roll #123 and city specific data, click here.
FIRST DISTRICT FUN
 Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, the quaint village of Wrightwood makes a delightful day trip or weekend escape. During the winter, you can go skiing or boarding at Mountain High, or take on the trails by snowshoe or cross-country skis. In the summer, don't miss the high-flying thrills of the Zip Lines at Pacific Crest, enjoy a round of disc golf at Sky High Disc Golf, or join one of the free ranger-led programs at Grassy Hollow Visitors Center. If you prefer to explore on your own, take a day hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, which traverses through the village. Big Pines Visitors Center, with its castle-like stone tower, is located at the highest point along the San Andreas Fault — 6,862 feet above sea level.
Park Drive, located in the village center, is home to charming mom-and-pop shops, cute boutiques and homespun family restaurants. Grab a pretzel and beer at the Wrightwood Brew Company, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Evergreen Café, or dig in to a gourmet steak & shrimp dinner at Blue Ridge Inn.
Wrightwood hosts several popular events throughout the year, from the annual Mountain Classic Car Show in August to the festive Parade of Lights in late November. To learn more about Wrightwood, contact the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce at (760) 249-4320.
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