June 24, 2022 Update

In Today's Update:

• Ensure a safe Fourth of July weekend: Use good judgment, avoid tragedy, report illegal fireworks

• COVID-19 vaccines now authorized for children six months and older

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program results in $18 million in refunds
• ARMC hosts Supervisor Rutherford’s Youth Council for Career Day

• Rialto’s hip hop pioneers JJ Fad gets street name

• New ‘Test to Treat’ program offers COVID-19 anti-viral prescriptions at testing sites

• Fire damages County office building; No one injured

• Make a splash at Regional Parks with low-cost outdoor water activities for the entire family

• Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show commercial promotes adoptions from County Animal Shelters

• Jobs of the week

Ensure a Safe Fourth of July Weekend: Use Good Judgment, Avoid Tragedy, Report Illegal Fireworks

Anyone who starts a fire using illegal fireworks may face criminal charges and damage liabilities.

The Fourth of July is upon us and we all want to celebrate the holiday with family, friends, a good barbecue and, later on, perhaps some fireworks. As we all love to look up and gaze into the sky at wonderful displays of crackling lights, we must also remember that the use of personal fireworks during a severe drought is not only dangerous, but illegal in most parts of the county.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, on a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. than all other causes combined. In addition to fires, fireworks cause deaths, blindness, and maiming injuries to children and adults. They also re-traumatize war veterans suffering from PTSD and frighten household pets. 

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is reminding residents to use good judgment with Safe and Sane fireworks where allowed, and encourages all residents to watch fireworks at community celebrations rather than using their own. No one wants to end the holiday in tragedy.

Illegal fireworks in California are defined as fireworks that explode, shoot into the air, or move along the ground.

• Report Illegal Fireworks Online Here
• Call Anonymously: the WeTip hotline at 1-800-472-7766.

July 4 Celebrations The following cities are offering 4th of July community events, including parades, festivals, concerts, food vendors, live music, carnival rides, games and firework displays.    Not all locations will have fireworks and not all locations are free. To view more details, click on the flier to pull up the PDF to view the details by city. Not all locations throughout the County may be listed.   The links on the flier will take you to a webpage with event details, cost, times, etc. for each location.

Safe and Sane fireworks are only allowed in the following cities:

• Adelanto: can be sold and/or discharged from 12 p.m. on June 28 through 11:59 p.m. on July 4.
• Chino: shall only be permitted within the city beginning at 12 p.m. on July 1 through 9 p.m. on July 4.
• Colton: can be discharged in designated areas from 12 p.m. on June 28 through midnight on July 5. All fireworks are illegal in the La Loma Hills and Reche Canyon.
• Fontana: can be used and possessed from 12 p.m. on June 28 through 10 p.m. on July 5.
• Grand Terrace: can be sold from June 28 through July 4 from noon to 9 p.m. and may only be discharged on July 4 between the hours of 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Needles: can be sold and discharged from 12 p.m. on June 28 through midnight on July 6.
• Rialto: shall only be permitted in the city and discharged from 12 p.m. on June 28 through midnight on July 6.
• San Bernardino: can be sold and discharged from 12 p.m. on July 1 through midnight on July 4.
• Possession or use of fireworks, including Safe and Sane is against the law in any unincorporated area of the county. All fireworks are illegal elsewhere in the county.

For more information on fireworks safety, call 909-386-8400 or visit sbcfire.org.

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Authorized for Children Six Months and Older

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized both Pfizer-Comirnaty and Moderna-Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines for children six months of age and older. The FDA’s authorization was followed by a recommendation and updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Starting Friday, June 24, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health will offer Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children age six months or older for free with no insurance required. If you are a parent or caregiver, make an appointment for a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for your child at one of the County’s Public Health Clinics by visiting myturn.ca.gov or calling the clinics directly at (800) 722-4777.

San Bernardino County Public Health Clinic Locations and Hours

• Adelanto Health Center
  11336 Bartlett Ave., Ste. 11, Adelanto
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Hesperia Health Center
  16453 Bear Valley Rd., Hesperia
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Ontario Health Center
  150 E. Holt Blvd., Ontario
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• San Bernardino Health Center
  606 E. Mill St., San Bernardino
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Local clinics and pharmacies may offer COVID-19 vaccines for this age group starting next week. To make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine for a child six months or older, please visit myturn.ca.gov or vaccines.gov.

Additional locations offering COVID-19 vaccinations for this age group may be available through your child’s pediatrician, primary care physician, or insurance health coverage service. Please reach out to them directly to learn what options may be best for your family.

If you or someone you know has questions about COVID-19 in San Bernardino County or are interested in learning more about the free COVID-19 testing or vaccine services that may be available to you, please visit the County’s website at sbcovid19.com or call the County’s COVID-19 hotline at (909) 387-3911.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Results in $18 Million in Refunds

The County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) served over 8,000 taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program during the recent tax season. This resulted in $18.7 million in Federal and State refunds and credits filed.

The free income tax preparation services were available to eligible low-income families and individuals throughout San Bernardino County, ensuring access to the EITC and other federal and state credits.

The taxpayer refunds can then be used to stimulate the local economy. Between Jan. 31 and April 18, the department served the 8,073 taxpayers and provided in-person services at 10 TAD offices, three mobile teams throughout the county, and online self-tax preparation through On-Line Taxes.

“Our dedicated staff worked to assist our residents with a number of options for completing their taxes,” said TAD Director Gilbert Ramos. “We look forward to the $18 million in returns being used to help our San Bernardino County economy.”

ARMC Hosts Supervisor Rutherford’s Youth Council for Career Day

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center recently hosted about a dozen students from Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford’s Youth Council.   The students donned hospital scrubs to tour the Operating Room, Burn Unit, Information Management, and the Emergency Department and Trauma bays.   The students had the opportunity to speak with doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals about the different career routes ARMC has to offer.

The Arrowhead team sends a big ‘Thank you,’ to Supervisor Rutherford for allowing them the chance to showcase their dedicated staff.   The Second District Youth Council (YC) is a group of engaged, motivated high school students that serves as an advisory board to San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford. The council identifies youth related problems and participates in volunteer activities throughout the Second District.

Rialto’s Hip Hop Pioneers JJ Fad gets Street Name

On June 11, Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted a Street Naming Recognition ceremony in honor of the Hip Hop group JJ Fad. The group, JJ Fad, are Rialto born and raised. Members, Juana Burns (MC J.B.), Dania Burks (Baby-D) and Michelle Franklin (Sassy-C) were in attendance to accept the honor and to perform their 1988 platinum selling Grammy nominated hit, Supersonic, produced by Arabian Prince and Dr. Dre., founding members of N.W.A.   Supervisor Baca, Jr. said, “I grew up listening to their sound ’Supersonic,’ which was a smash hit across the country in 1988. The members of JJ Fad are supportive community members, and this recognition is in honor of their contributions to our county, especially the Fifth District.”   The ceremony included the unveiling of the street sign JJ Fad Way that replaced Lure Lane at the intersection of Cactus Avenue in Rialto. JJ Fad said, “It is with great humbleness and gratefulness that the city that raised us, and who we represent always, is naming a street JJ Fad Way.” Watch the ceremony here

New ‘Test to Treat’ Program Offers COVID-19 Anti-Viral Prescriptions at Testing Sites

COVID-19 positive cases have been increasing in San Bernardino County. The County continues to offer free COVID-19 rapid testing and PCR testing resources at sbcovid19.com/testing.

Local State testing sites hosted by OptumServe in partnership with the California Department of Public Health are now offering free Test to Treat therapeutics for COVID-19.

The Test to Treat program provides access for patients who test positive for COVID-19 to receive a prescription oral anti-viral (Paxlovid or Molnupiravir) treatment at each test site. No proof of insurance is needed to receive a prescription of any antiviral medication. 

Any concern about a patient’s medical needs or history are addressed by medical staff on site through telecommunication. To learn more about Test to Treat, visit sbcovid19.com/treatments-and-therapeutics-for-covid-19

OptumServe Test to Treat Locations and Hours:

• Bloomington – Kessler Park
  COVID-19 TESTING BUS
  18401 Jurupa Ave., Bloomington
  Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Barstow – Barstow Adult School
  COVID-19 TESTING BUS
  720 E. Main St., Barstow
  Friday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Chino – CVUSD Chino Valley Adult School
  COVID-19 TESTING BUS
  12970 3rd St., Chino
  Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Montclair – Montclair Kid’s Station
  COVID-19 TESTING BUS
  4985 Richton St., Montclair
  Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Rancho Cucamonga – Terra Vista 6 Cinemas
  COVID-19 TESTING BUS 10701
  Town Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga
  Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Upland – Landecena Community Center
  1325 San Bernardino Rd., Upland
  Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Yucaipa – 7th Street Pool
  12385 7th St., Yucaipa
  Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Yucca Valley – Yucca Valley Community Center
  COVID-19 TESTING BUS
  57090 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley
  Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Please be advised, not all OptumServe locations statewide have started implementing Test to Treat. It is highly recommended that individuals reach out via phone prior to scheduling an appointment or visiting an OptumServe testing location.

For any questions regarding Test to Treat at OptumServe locations including eligibility, availability, and treatment specifics, please call the OptumServe Call Center at (866) 284-8788.

Photo courtesy of County Fire

Fire Damages County Office Building; No One Injured

A fire on Sunday morning, June 19, damaged the County office building at 172 W. Third St. in San Bernardino. No County employees were in the six-story structure when County firefighters arrived at the scene at about 9:30 a.m., and no one was injured.

The building known as the “Old Hall of Records” houses portions of County Code Enforcement and Public Health as well as the civil grand jury. The building does not offer services directly to the public. Shortly after receiving word of the fire on Sunday morning, County leadership began making alternative worksite plans for the employees assigned to the building.

According to County Fire, flames were confined to a portion of the fourth floor, where Code Enforcement is located. However, smoke and water affected much of the rest of the building. County Fire is investigating the cause of the blaze.

The building was constructed in 1959 and served as the County’s Hall of Records until those functions were moved to 222 W. Hospitality Lane in the mid-1990s.

Make a Splash at Regional Parks with Low-Cost Outdoor Water Activities for the Entire Family

Your Outdoor Escape Close to Home

Summer has arrived, and County Regional Parks wants to celebrate the great outdoors by kicking off our swim season and summer schedule of activities.

From movies in the park to arts & crafts, these activities are included with the price of admission to the park, $10 per vehicle or free to those already camping with us.

To beat the heat, several of our parks have splash pads that are open all day at Cucamonga-Guasti,  Mojave Narrows, and Prado.   Swim Complex Info For an additional fee, we have two swim complexes open at Glen Helen (Saturdays & Sundays only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and at Yucaipa (Tuesdays-Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Yucaipa also has waterslides available, and the minimum height to ride the slides is 48 inches. Lake Gregory swimming is open, with an inflatable water park, splash pad and waterslides, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Both Glen Helen and Yucaipa swim complexes will be open on Monday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We advise parkgoers to arrive early, as pool capacity is often reached by early afternoon. Pools are first come, first serve and no reservations are accepted.   Water Safety As we head into summer, we want to remind everyone about the seriousness of water safety while visiting our parks. If needed, a flotation device is available upon request at any one of our swim facilities. Making smart choices around the water can make all the difference.    Visit parks.sbcounty.gov for pool fees, park admission and summer program information.

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Commercial Promotes Adoptions from County Animal Shelters

A commercial promoting pet adoption from San Bernardino County Animal Shelters aired during this week’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Spectrum Reach’s Fox Sports 1 throughout San Bernardino County.

The commercial aired during the group winner and the highly coveted Best in Show competition.  The iconic Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S., and since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show.

The superhero-themed commercial, which depicts a family excitedly going to the San Bernardino County Animal Shelter in Devore to adopt a dog, first aired during the 2021 Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet. There are several dogs and cats awaiting adoption at the County’s animal shelters.

For more information, call San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control at (800) 472-5609 or visit their website at animalcare.sbcounty.gov to see photographs of the animals awaiting adoption.

Job Openings and Hiring Events in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County has jobs that will be opening on Saturday, Jun 25.

We encourage you to apply and share these job openings with those who may be interested in them. Recruitments listed are subject to final department approval. Check sbcounty.gov/jobs for the most up- to -date recruitments.

For all COVID-19 related information, including case statistics, FAQs, guidelines, and resources, visit the County’s COVID-19 webpage at http://sbcovid19.com/. Residents of San Bernardino County may also call the COVID-19 helpline at (909) 387-3911 for general information and resources about the virus. The phone line is NOT for medical calls and is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have questions about social services, please call 211.