County launches school vaccination program

San Bernardino County continues to make great progress vaccinating its residents, and recently opened opportunities for children ages 12 and up (with parental consent). More than 1,000 youth between the ages of 12-15 have been vaccinated since last Thursday, and the County recently launched a school vaccination program in partnership with local districts.

“We are very excited with our partnership with superintendents throughout the County, who helped to facilitate 1,942 vaccinations at our high schools,” said San Bernardino County's Chief Executive Officer Leonard X. Hernandez. “There’s been a lot of interest from parents and students wanting to get vaccinated before graduation ceremonies.”

Ten high schools were served last week, with another 14 scheduled for this week.

“Needles Unified School District reached out and we were able to get them connected with an event,” said Hernandez. "Any school district that's interested can contact Public Health and we'll get an event scheduled."

Mask Guidelines 

Last Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted masking requirements for fully vaccinated people. “California Department of Public Health surveyed the counties and ultimately determined to keep the current mask orders," said Hernandez. "San Bernardino County advocated to follow the CDC guidelines, but at this time the state is keeping the masking guidelines as they are.” Hernandez said updated masking guidance will be available closer to June 15.

Upcoming Clinics

Hinkley Clinic Planned for May 21: A one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinic is planned from noon-4 p.m. May 21. The event will take place at the Hinkley Community and Senior Center, located at 35997 Mountain View Road, Hinkley. Sign up on https://myturn.ca.gov/ and put in your zip code to secure your appointment!

Oro Grande School District Clinics planned May 25 and May 27: The Oro Grande School District is partnering with County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health to host two Covid-19 vaccination clinics. The vaccine clinics will take place from 4-8 p.m. on May 25, at the Oro Grande School District (19900 National Trails Highway in Oro Grande), and on May 27, at Mojave River Academy West Victorville (12384 Palmdale Road in Victorville). The vaccine clinics are free and open to anyone 12 and older. Those between the ages of 12-17 must have a parent or guardian present. For more information, please email District Nurse Natalie Thiem or Health Services Admin Assistant Ana Raya.

Family Assistance Program Clinic on May 26: The Family Assistance Program in Victorville is holding a free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26. The event will include free Kona Ice for the first 200 vaccine recipients and BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs, while supplies last. Call 760-843-0701 or email jobi@familyassist.org to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are more efficient.

Board approves $10.4 million toward battling illegal marijuana farms, snowplay violations

The passage of Proposition 64 has proven to be extremely troublesome for our desert communities, which are plagued with an explosion of illegal marijuana farms — many operated by organized crime groups. And although our San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Marijuana Enforcement Team and Code Enforcement staff have done a superb job with the resources they have, the farms are growing at an alarming rate.

During Tuesday's Board of Supervisors Meeting, the Board proposed $10.4 million in funding to battle illegal marijuana grows, short term rental abuses and snow play violations (such as littering and illegal parking) in our mountain regions. 

The Board is expected to adopt the budget in June for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Singer Chayce Beckham returns to Apple Valley

I was proud to present "American Idol" frontrunner Chayce Beckham with a Certificate of Recognition during last night’s “American Idol Hometown Visit” in Apple Valley. Chayce had previously joked on the show that there are “no more apples in Apple Valley,” so we joined him in planting a ceremonial apple tree in the park. The season finale of “American Idol” is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 23 on ABC. We are all rooting for you, Chayce!

VETERANS

Hesperia VFW Post to host Vaccination Clinic

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System is hosting a Veterans Vaccine Clinic at VFW Post 2924 in Hesperia. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20. The Post is located at 10184 Hesperia Road in Hesperia. Call 909-825-7084 ext. 5085 for more information!

Eagle Scout creating Veterans Dedication Pathway at Wrightwood Veterans Memorial

For his Eagle Scout project, Wrightwood teen Grayson Rushworth is creating a Veterans Brick Dedication pathway at the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial. 

“Charcoal red Holland bricks will be interspersed with a beautiful red donation brick of our Veterans who have served our country,” said Rushworth on his website. “This project will beautify the memorial that is already standing. Please consider buying a brick to help create a memorial worthy of our veterans.”

All orders must be placed by June 30, 2021 to ensure placement in this project. To learn more about his project, please call 760-900-9004. Thank you, Grayson, for honoring our Veterans!

PUBLIC SAFETY

First District Deputies receive service awards

Over the past week, several of our San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies were honored for going above and beyond the normal demands of the law enforcement profession. Thank you Deputies, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Retired Victor Valley Station Deputy David Moyer and K9 Ellie honored for Meritorious Service

Congratulations to retired Victor Valley Station Deputy David Moyer and K9 Ellie on receiving the Sheriff’s Medal for Meritorious Service. “K9 Ellie and Moyer assisted the Specialized Investigations, Volunteer Forces, and outside agencies with numerous investigations. They also assisted an agency in locating the buried remains of a homicide victim in the remote desert and located the buried remains of a homicide victim buried four feet underground in Barstow. Locating these remains helped bring closure to the families of the victims, as well as providing critical evidence in the prosecution of the suspects.”

Victorville Deputy Nicholas Collas recognized for saving two lives in 2019 and 2020

Congratulations to Victorville Police Deputy Nicholas Collas, who was given the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award for two rescues in 2019 and in 2020. 

On October 24, 2019, Deputy Collas responded to a medical emergency call, where he found a woman not breathing and pulseless. He began CPR, and two fire department personnel arrived and began checking vitals and administering medication. Collas continued CPR for approximately four minutes while the fire department got medical history.  The woman began breathing on her own and was transported to the hospital. 

On February 19, 2020, Deputy Collas responded to a medical aid call, where he found a man on the floor unresponsive, blue, and gasping for air. Recognizing that the man was choking, Collas performed the Heimlich Maneuver. The man coughed up the food and started breathing on his own.  

HOPE Team Deputy Mike Jones awarded medal for his proactive work with the homeless

Deputy Mike Jones of San Bernardino County Sheriff's HOPE Team was recently awarded the Frank Bland Medal for Meritorious Service for exceptional service in a duty of great responsibility or of critical importance to law enforcement.

The Department stated the following:

"Deputy Jones created the Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (H.O.P.E.) program in 2014. It is a proactive outreach program that connects members of the homeless population with resources to assist their transition out of homelessness.

Jones has been exceptional at building rapport and developing networking relationships with numerous collaborative faith-based, community and county resources. In 2016, Deputy Jones assisted in the creation of the Coordinated Entry Program for the County, he worked with service providers to create the program to give the homeless population the ability to receive resources and assistance.

With Jones’ assistance a digital platform was created to collect data on the county’s homeless population. The application was released to all law enforcement agency homeless teams in 2017. The application has been used effectively to count the homeless population and assess the resources they utilize in the county.

He meets regularly with service providers, government employees, and elected officials to discuss strategies and resources to assist the homeless population. Deputy Jones has helped more than 2,000 people out of homelessness."

Welcome home, Deputy Dustin Whitson!

I'd like to personally welcome home Hesperia Police Department Deputy Dustin Whitson, who was shot in the line of duty outside Aldi in Hesperia on March 23, 2021. When Deputy Whitson was hospitalized, he had a slim chance for survival. But thanks to the care of his doctors and surgeons, and support from colleagues, friends, and family, he made a miraculous recovery. Deputy Whitson was discharged from Loma Linda Hospital on May 12, and received a hero's welcome from family, friends and colleagues at the Hesperia Station. Great to see you back, Deputy Whitson! 

COMMUTER ALERT

Caltrans continues First District road projects

Caltrans will continue resurfacing Interstate 15 between Hesperia and Mountain Pass, just west of the Nevada State line. Alternating lane closures in both directions will continue between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., and on/off ramps will be subject to closure between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. There will be no closures on the northbound I-15 on Friday nights, or on the southbound I-15 on Sunday nights into Monday morning.

Plan on traveling scenic SR-2 near Wrightwood this month? Please note that the highway be closed between Islip Saddle & Vincent Gap on May 19-20 and May 24-27 for rock scaling operations.

For the latest updates from Caltrans, click here or follow them on Twitter.

RECREATION

California's OHV Safety Awareness Week encourages riders to explore safely, responsibly

This week marks California's OHV Safety Awareness Week, with the theme, “Know Before You Go.”  The goal of OHV Safety Awareness Week is to promote safety while protecting natural resources. Following are some safety tips from the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division for new and experienced riders:

• Learn the Rules of Riding: There are laws specific to operating off-highway vehicles on public lands. Learn about them by visiting the webpage of your outdoor destination prior to leaving home and take a training course.
• Scout Your Route: Each vehicular recreation area has a vast and diverse mixture of geology for riders exploring in their motorcycle, ATVs, dune buggies or 4x4s; learn about the various trail experience levels and terrain to avoid emergencies.
• Be Prepared: Know which supplies you need to have for a successful ride. Be prepared with a first aid kit, extra water and food, maps, a tool kit and extra fuel.
• File a Riding Plan: Tell a responsible person back at camp or at home where you are going and when you plan on returning. Ask that person to notify local law enforcement if you do not return on time.
• Use Required Safety Equipment: Know which gear is required for your type of recreation to prevent injury. Always wear protective gear, including a safe, well-fitting helmet.
• Never Go Alone: Always ride with at least one other person, but preferably in groups of three. If one rider is hurt, someone can stay with the rider while the other one gets help. Never move an injured rider.
• Tread Lightly: Know where to ride, and ride only on designated routes and trails. Be sure to check ahead for open trails. Remember, wildlife has the right-of-way.
• Know Your Limits: Know the rules, your skill level and how to maintain your vehicle. Only operate at speeds in which you can maintain control at all times. Do not ride faster than your talent and never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep your speed under 15 mph when riding near campsites or groups of people.

View the activity schedules & free training sign-ups by calling (800) 887-2887 or visiting http://outdoorrecreationfoundation.org or at http://ohv.parks.ca.gov 

Download the California Off-Highway Adventure Map

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

K9 Dinty joins County's arson investigation team

Dinty, a 4-year-old black Labrador Retriever, has joined San Bernardino County Fire's elite arson investigative team. Dinty is currently the only arson canine in San Bernardino County and one of five in California!

“Dinty will be instrumental in helping investigators locate evidence that may assist in the identity and conviction of an arsonist," said Fire Marshal Mike Horton.

Dinty and his handler, fire Investigator Shawn Reiss, recently completed 200 hours of intense training on the East coast. “Dinty and I are ready to use the training we have received to assist with solving these hideous and deadly crimes," said Reiss. Watch the video

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Victorville Police plans motorcycle enforcement

Victorville Police Department will have extra deputies out on patrol this Friday, May 21, looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. Click here for tips on motorcycle safety for both drivers and motorcyclists.

COMMUNITY CLEANUP

High Desert Keepers plan cleanup in Phelan

Phelan residents – Mark your calendars for May 22! The High Desert Keepers are planning a Community Cleanup from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers will meet at Rite Aid (Lindero Street and Sheep Creek Road) to finish cleaning up the downtown area. Lunch will be served at noon. For more information about High Desert Keepers, call 760-792-7399 or email scott@highdesertkeepers.org

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS

Catfish season begins Friday at Mojave Narrows

Catfish Season at San Bernardino County Regional Parks begins this Friday! Mojave Narrows Regional Park will stock 690 pounds of catfish from Pacific Aqua Farms on May 20 and again on May 27, promising a fun-filled start to the fishing season. All fishing permits may be purchased at the park entrance for $10 Monday-Wednesdays, and $12 Thursday-Sunday. A state fishing license can be purchased online.

In other news, Group Camping is now open at five of our San Bernardino County Regional Parks, including Calico Ghost Town, Mojave Narrows and Mojave River Forks. For camping reservations, visit www.sbcountyparks.com.

COMMUNITY SERVICE DISTRICTS

Butterfly Gardening Workshop planned May 22

The Phelan Pinon Hills CSD is hosting a Butterfly Gardening Workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22. This online webinar will be presented by Wendy Walker with Transition Habitat Conservancy. RSVP for the Zoom link by calling 760-868-1212 or email customerservice@pphcsd.org

SAVE THE DATE

2nd 'Dash for Disabilities' planned on June 26

Rock'n Our Disabilities Foundation is hosting its 2nd Annual Dash for Disabilities Superhero Walk and Roll on June 26, 2021. The event will include games, vendors, and food. Check-In at 7:15 a.m. and the Walk starts at 8 a.m. Register at https://rocknourdisabilitiesfoundation.org/dash-for-disabilites-2021. For more information, email rocknourdisabilities@gmail.com

FIRST DISTRICT FUN

Camp Cajon Monument marks the spot of 1900s 'Gateway to Southern California'

Have you been to Camp Cajon Monument? Located in the Cajon Pass near the intersection of Interstate 15 and Highway 138, the monument marks the spot of Camp Cajon, a popular Route 66 campground and rest area that operated between 1919 and 1938. 

Camp Cajon was founded by local journalist and entrepreneur William M. Bristol (pictured above), an entrepreneur who also built the quirky Acorn Lodge in Wrightwood. The camp boasted several stone structures, including a cafe, rental cabins, a store and several picnic areas.

Once dubbed “The Gateway to Southern California,” the camp fell into disrepair due to extensive flood damage and was cleared for the widening of Route 66. The monument was built and dedicated in 2019 in coordination with the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society.

The Mohahve Historical Society leads occasional walking tours of the site and nearby Crowder Canyon. To stay updated on future tours, follow the Camp Cajon Facebook page.

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