  The First District hosted its first community roundtable with faith-based leaders.
First District Hosts First Faith-Based Roundtable
Our First District office was pleased to host our first Faith-Based Roundtable Meeting on Thursday.
"These roundtables are extremely insightful for identifying specific issues and concerns in the community," said First District Director Kimberly Mesen. "It also helps us build a better relationship with our faith-based leaders & constituents, and provides an opportunity for us to share County updates and valuable resources."
"We had a great turnout and many constructive conversations," she added.
Thanks to all of our faith-based leaders, named below, who were able to attend. We look forward to our next meeting.
• Elder Wilson and Elder Edmund, Destiny Christian Center
• Michael Marse and Chaplain Jeremiah Oldfield, God's Ranch
• Patrick Foy, United in Christ Baptist Church
• Mark Graham, Abundant Living Church
• Thomas Strausbaugh, Desert Streams Baptist Church
• Dave Blevins, Calvary Chapel
• Bishop Denson, Burning Bush
• Nahum Munoz, Victorville First Assembly of God
• Bruce Ebmeyer, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- Apple Valley
• Lou Elizalde, Abundant Living Family Church
• Darrel Nickolaisen, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- Hesperia
• Cal Hicks, River of Life Church
• Dr. Steve Colangelo, Apple Valley Christian Academy
• Pastor Sharon Green, Higher Praise Church
   Fort Irwin Welcomes New Garrison Commander
First District Director Kimberly Mesen was honored to attend Fort Irwin’s Change of Command Ceremony, thanking Col. Jeanette A. Martin for her service, and welcoming new Garrison Commander Col. Jason A. Clarke. We wish you both continued success, and thank you for your leadership.
 VIDEO: NTC/Fort Irwin Featured on CBS2/KCAL9
Fort Irwin's Brig. Gen. Taylor, Sfc. Six and SSG. Smith were featured on CBS2 and KCAL9 Tuesday evening, discussing the critical mission of the National Training Center/Fort Irwin, and those who help train the force. Watch here: https://cbsloc.al/3dsq03s
  First District Staff Teams Up With Behavioral Health Dept. For Trona Youth Outreach Event
First District Field Representative Samuel Shoup and Constituent Services Representative Julia Robles joined San Bernardino County's Department of Behavioral Health this week to distribute "swag bags" to 100 students from Trona Joint Unified School District.
The bags included resources about mental health, substance use disorders, and a few goodies such as a reusable water bottle, pencils, a cell phone/tablet holder, activity books, and stress relief bubbles.
 Danielle Penn Joins Team as First District Intern
Please join our office in welcoming our new student intern, Danielle Penn.
Danielle attends California State San Bernardino, where she is working toward her bachelor's degree in Political Science. After getting her B.A., she aspires to extend her education into law.
Danielle is passionate about serving her community and hopes to pursue a career as a County public servant.
When she's not in school or interning, Danielle practices her photography skills. She volunteers with animal rehabilitation and assists with animal shelters. She looks forward to growing into her future roles and serving all people.
  Colorado River Station on Patrol This Weekend
Heading to the river this weekend? The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Colorado River Station is participating in Operation Dry Water from July 2-4. Deputies will be monitoring the waterways for individuals operating watercraft under the influence or driving in a reckless manner. Need a refresher on boating safety and rules? Read more below!
  San Bernardino County District Attorney's First Digital Victim Advocate, Ryan Isenberg.
County's District Attorney's Office Wins NaCO Award for Digital Victim Advocate Program
The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office was honored with a 2021 NaCO Award for its Digital Victim Advocate Program, which launched in July 2020.
According to DA Public Affairs Officer Michael Bires, crime victims who have filed a police report in San Bernardino County are assigned to a victim advocate.
"Victims can now click on a chat bubble on the district attorney's website and be immediately connected with the victim advocate," said Bires. "Many victims are confined to their homes due to loss of work, travel restrictions, or loss of transportation. Calling on the telephone may not be an option due to the possible likelihood of being in proximity of an abuser, however; quietly chatting with a victim advocate is an option."
The victim advocate is also available through the DA's social media platforms, and a video feature is in the works. To date, 537 messages have been handled through the chat feature.
"In order to ensure victims are able to quickly leave the website should an abuser approach them while on their device, we've also embedded a rapid exit feature to take them to an unrelated search page," added Bires.
  HHW to Accept Homemade Sharps Containers
Beginning July 1, the San Bernardino County Fire Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Division will begin accepting sharps containers provided by County residents. Requirements are below:
- Containers may only contain needles, lancets, and syringes.
- Containers must be: 2 gallons or smaller, made from thick plastic, and contain a screw-top lid. The lid and container must be puncture resistant.
- Printed Bio-Hazard Labels must be placed on the front and back sides of the container. Free labels are available at Greensb.net and at HHW collection facilities.
- When 3/4 filled, screw the lid, and tape the container closed.
For more information and locations, call 1-800-645-9228.
  Caltrans to Begin $4.6 Million Project on SR-2
This evening, Caltrans will begin a $4.6 million project to resurface existing lanes on State Route 2 in Wrightwood from the L.A. County line to State Route 138.
Core drilling operations will take place from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. tonight and Thursday, July 1, from Sheep Creek Drive to State Route 138 There will be one-way traffic control with flagging and a pilot car to escort motorists through the construction zone. Expect delays up to 15 minutes.
  Public Health Teaming Up With McDonald's to Provide Covid Vaccine and a Free Menu Item
Throughout the month of July, San Bernardino County's Department of Public Health — in partnership with California Department of Public Health — will be holding vaccine clinics at the participating McDonalds clinics.
County residents who get their vaccine at one of these events will receive a coupon for one free menu item. Here in the First District, the McDonalds at 14526 Palmdale Road in Victorville will be participating from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Friday in July. Guests can choose between the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
  County's Workforce Development Offering Workshop on 'How to Land a Government Job'
Did you know that San Bernardino County's Workforce Development Department offers free weekly workshops on resume building, interview skills, social media, and more?
At 10 a.m. every Monday, the department shares tips and secrets for landing a government job. Coaches will guide you on how to create government employment accounts, search for jobs and apply for jobs on various government websites.
 Inland Empire SBDC Hosting Shopify Series
The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center is hosting a month-long Shopify Series designed to help business owners boost their e-commerce presence.
Weekly workshops will cover the following topics:
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Offline to Online: Getting Started with Shopify
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Driving Online Traffic and Email Marketing
- Optimizing Conversions
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Future-proofing Your Business with Shopify
The online workshops will take place from 2-3 p.m. every Thursday in July. For more information, please call Mary Takavorian at (909) 983-5005.
  Hesperia Hosting Free 'Movies in the Park'
Hesperia Recreation and Parks District is kicking off its month-long "Movies in the Park" event beginning July 3, with "The Karate Kid." Movies begin at dusk at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, located at 15833 Smoke Tree Street. Additional screenings will include:
- July 10 - The Mighty Ducks
- July 17 - Jurassic Park
- July 24 - Wonder Woman 1984
- July 31 - Star Wars - The Rise of Skywalker
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food vendors and craft vendors will be available on site.
  First District Home to Several Petroglyph Sites
If you're interested in Native American rock art, there are several places to view petroglyphs throughout the Mojave Desert. Significant locations include Jawyhawker Springs in Death Valley and Newberry Cave near Newberry Springs. Inscription Canyon and Black Canyon, located near Rainbowl Basin along Fossil Bed Road near Barstow, are home to more than 10,000 petroglyphs.
Though not in the First District, a must-visit is the Coso Range, which is home to more than 100,000 Indian petroglyphs. Two of the most important regions of this 90-square-mile area — tucked between China Lake and Ridgecrest — include Renegade Canyon and Big Sheep Canyon.
Here, you'll find beautiful rock art carvings, etched into the native basalt rock. Pictures include abstract grids and lines, figures dressed in full regalia, and desert animals including bighorn sheep, deer, mountain lions and snakes. The Coso rock art is estimated to be around 1,000 to 10,000 years old.
Before COVID, tours of the Coso range were being offered through Maturango Museum. Be sure to check their website for updates on when tours will resume.
If you do visit these beautiful ancient petroglyphs, please be respectful, view from a distance and leave no trace.
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