News from Supervisor Paul Cook | April 28, 2021

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NEW COOK MASTHEAAD
covid update

People ages 16 and older living or working in San Bernardino County can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and there are always openings — often the same day — throughout the High Desert. To date, 1,133,642 vaccine doses have been administered to San Bernardino County residents.

On Thursday, April 29, Mojave Narrows Regional Park (18000 Yates Rd., Victorville) is partnering with HealthNET for a vaccination event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Helendale Community Services District (26540 Vista Rd.) will also host a clinic from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

On Friday, April 30, Hinkley Community Center will host a clinic from noon until 4 p.m. at 35997 Mountain View Rd. The same day, St. Joseph Catholic Church will host a clinic from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 505 E. Mountain View Street, Barstow.

Hesperia Health Center (16453 Bear Valley Rd.) offers appointments from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Hook Community Center offers appointments Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

To register for any of the above clinics, go to MyTurn.ca.gov and put in your zip code for the appointments closest to you.

Here’s how our vaccination coverage rates are looking in the First District this week:

  • Adelanto - 27.8%
  • Apple Valley - 38.4%
  • Baker - 22.7%
  • Baldy Mesa - 42%
  • Big River - 3.1%
  • Daggett - 12%
  • Havasu Lake - 6.9%
  • Helendale - 33.3%
  • Hesperia- 31.3%
  • Hinkley - 12.6%
  • Needles - 20.5%
  • Newberry Springs - 20.8%
  • Oak Hills - 31%
  • Oro Grande - 19%
  • Phelan - 34.2%
  • Pinon Hills - 20%
  • Trona - 33.5%
  • Victorville - 33.5%
  • Wrightwood - 43.7%
  • Yermo - 17.9%

MILITARY

Fort Irwin NTC welcomes Commander Taylor, bids farewell to Commander Lesperance

Commander Taylor

First District Director Kimberly Mesen welcomes Commander BG Curtis Taylor.

On Thursday, our office was pleased to attend the Change of Command ceremony at Fort Irwin and National Training Center. 

Special thanks to outgoing commander Major General David Lesperance for your powerful and effective leadership in defense of our great country. We wish you, Kelly, and your family the best as you transition to your new assignment in Korea.

We also offer a warm welcome to Incoming Commander Brigadier General Curtis D. Taylor, his wife Jennifer, and family. Commander Taylor grew up in Fort Irwin, attending Silver Valley High School, and he described his return "as a homecoming."

We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with NTC and Fort Irwin.

commander lesperance

MG David Lesperance, wife Kelly, and First District Director Kimberly Mesen.


VETERANS

County Library offers free Veterans resources

resources

Veterans: Did you know that San Bernardino County Library has a FREE database to connect you with valuable resources?  VetNow's features include:

  • Live Veteran Navigator :Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests.
  • JobNow: Receive live job coaching, real-time interview practice, full-service resume lab, 24/7 access to local job resources and more!
  • Resume Assistance: Prepare your resume with help from JobNow resources including resume templates; receive expert feedback via live interaction or the resume lab.
  • Prepare for Your Interview: Review interview tips and resources; connect with a job coach to practice interviewing.
  • Live Assistance: Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading, writing, history, GED, college placement tests and more. Service available from 1-10 p.m.
  • Career Resources: Begin your job hunt with JobNow’s powerful tools.
  • Skills-Building: Choose your topic to receive real-time help.
  • 24-Hour Writing Lab: Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
  • Send Question: Send a question and get expert help
  • Foreign Language Lab /Spanish-Speaking Support

Sign up for a digital library card here, and then get started!


PUBLIC SAFETY

Five Victorville Station deputies honored with County Sheriff's Lifesaving Awards

lifesaving

Congratulations to Corporal Daniel Maddox and Deputies Taylor Wetzel, Eshton Smith, Omar Romero-Rios, and Brandon Moreland on receiving the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Lifesaving Award.

According to the Department: "On August 25, 2020, the deputies responded to a disturbance call in Victorville.

"When Wetzel arrived, he heard yelling, and the person inside refused to open the door. When Wetzel got into the home, he was met by a man covered in blood holding a large knife, yelling for Wetzel to kill him. Wetzel held him at gunpoint, and Smith provided less-lethal cover with the less-lethal shotgun. The man began stabbing himself in the neck and chest while yelling for Wetzel to shoot him.

"Smith deployed the less lethal shotgun and prevented the man from further stabbing himself. Moreland deployed the sting ball grenade, and Maddox used the ballistic shield to pin the man so the deputies could get the knife away from him and take him into custody.

"While searching the home, the deputies found a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds lying on the floor. Wetzel, Smith, and Romero-Rios rendered medical aid until medical services arrived and airlifted him to a trauma center. When the victim was being prepared for transport, he thanked the deputies for coming when they did. He is alive today because of the deputies' bravery and swift actions."

Well done, and thank you again for your quick thinking in a time of extreme danger. We appreciate all you do for the community!


SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

Report illegal fireworks on new website portal

fireworks

San Bernardino County Fire has a new online portal for reporting illegal fireworks in all unincorporated areas, plus the First District cities of Adelanto and Needles. Investigators will be issuing $1,250 citations to those caught using illegal fireworks at parks, in the street, or in other public places. The online form can be found here.


SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR

Online auction of properties planned on May 8

auction

Are you interested in buying real estate in San Bernardino County at potentially less than market value? The Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector’s office will host an online auction of over 3,000 tax-defaulted properties beginning May 8. Bids start as low as $1,200. Deposits are due by 5 p.m. this Friday, April 30, and you must pre-register to bid. For more information, click here.


PETS

Reduced animal adoption prices begin today

shepherd

In recognition of "National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day," the Devore Animal Shelter, in partnership with Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., is reducing its prices for pets between April 28-May 2. The fee to adopt a dog is reduced from $116 to $25, and the fee to adopt a cat is reduced from $62 to $17. The fee includes adoption, sterilization, first vaccination and microchip. Search for available pets on PetHarbor.com


ECONOMY

Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens on May 3

restaurant fund

Do you own a restaurant, bar, catering service or food truck? Applications open next week for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The Orange County/Inland Empire District SBA is hosting a free webinarat 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 28 to help restaurant owners determine their eligibility and apply for the funding, which opens on May 3. For more information, contact Irena Kim at irena.kim@sba.gov.

Register here.


JOB TRAINING

AVUSD offering free school bus driving courses

Bus driver

Apple Valley Unified School District is offering a free School Bus Driver Course beginning on Monday, May 10. The free training will include 40.5 hours of classroom instruction, covering the basics of defensive driving, passenger loading/unloading, emergency procedures, passenger management and more. All classes must be attended for certification. Call (760) 247-8001 ext. 20411 to reserve your spot in the class, or visit their website for more information.


EMPLOYMENT

San Manuel Casino opening hiring center to fill thousands of jobs at its new Highland resort

san

San Manuel Casino is opening a hiring center at Ontario Mills mall this Friday, April 30, hoping to fill thousands of positions for its new hotel, casino floors, restaurants, pools and on-site facilities. Several on-the-spot job offers are expected. The recruitment center will be operate 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays through October. For more information, go to https://www.sanmanuelcareers.com/ontario


CAREER PATHWAYS

VVC kicking off Construction Summer Program

construction

Interested in a career in construction? Victor Valley College is kicking off its 5th annual Construction Summer Program with 18 days of hands-on classes running June 21-29. No experience is needed, and participants will earn their OSHA-10 certification.

"This is a great opportunity for people who have very little to no construction experience to get some hands on experience and to develop a personalize career pathway plan. They’ll also earn 5 college credits in the process and go on some great field trips," said Ryan Atkins, VVC's Senior Instructional Aide for Construction Technology.

Atkins said that there are no fees beyond normal college fees, most of which are typically covered by Financial Aid (FAFSA). High school students pay less than $20 for Dual Enrollment and there is no book to buy. 

"We love this program," said Atkins. "It changes lives!"

For more information, contact Ryan Atkins at 760-245-4271, ext. 2203 or email Ryan.Atkins@VVC.edu to sign up for the May 4 and 6 orientation.


FIRST DISTRICT FUN

Sky High Disc Golf course opens this Saturday

disc golf

Looking for something new to do this weekend? Mountain High's Sky High Disc Golf opens this Saturday, May 1, in the First District community of Wrightwood. At 7,000 feet, the Sky High Disc Golf Course is the highest course in Southern California and ranked No. 3 in the state, and No. 38 in the world.

Designed by Dave Dunnipace, owner of Innova Disc Golf, a full outing takes you on a 2 1/2- mile hike through 27 holes in the beautiful Angeles National Forest. The North Lodge Grill & Pub serves up local favorites including a Jalapeño Western Burger, Shrimp Tacos, or a Ortega Chili Patty Melt.

The Sky High Disc Golf Course hosts a variety of tournaments each summer including the Sky High Showdown in late August. Hours are 8-5 Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more on their website or call (760) 316-7828.


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