'State of the County' Highlights Accomplishments, Developments

It was my honor to speak during last week’s "State of the County," hosted by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce. I joined my San Bernardino County colleagues CEO Leonard X. Hernandez, Board Chair & 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman, Undersheriff Horace Boatright and Superintendent Ted Alejandre in providing updates on the many accomplishments and developments here in our region.

As always, I will continue to advocate for our veterans and seniors while pushing Sacramento to assist with critical highway improvements on Highway 395, 18 and the Cajon Pass. These improvements are necessary to alleviate traffic, provide safe routes, and contribute to healthy air quality.

Additionally, our Sheriff's department has my full support to continue the important work they are doing battling illegal marijuana grows and the influx of fentanyl in our communities.

Here are some highlights from the event:

Public Safety

• Operation Hammer Strike has now expanded to two permanent teams, freeing up deputies from our regional stations. These teams will continue to focus on eradicating illegal cannabis grows throughout the county. Since the program’s inception, close to $1 billion in illegal marijuana (street value) has been taken off the streets. Additionally, during the service of these search warrants, teams seized over 1.4 million cannabis plants, 97 tons of processed marijuana, and 175 pounds of concentrated cannabis, along with over 350 firearms. 
• Since 2014, the Sheriff’s HOPE Team has conducted 5,296 contacts of homeless individuals in the High Desert. Of those contacts, 3,046 were referred, 1,758 were assisted, and over 500 were housed. The Countywide "Point in Time Count" data shows an increase in homelessness due to mental health and substance abuse issues. To date in 2022, the team has made 684 total contacts, 484 referrals, 122 assists, and has housed 77 individuals.
• Sheriff Shannon Dicus and Undersheriff Horace Boatright recently met with State Attorney General Rob Bonta, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to share information on the impact of illegal cannibis in our county. “We got great feedback from them, but also a promise that they will be there to help us through this process,” said Sheriff Boatright.

Education

• Four districts in our region received the state’s pivotal practice award for their ingenuity and creativity during COVID. The awards went to Apple Valley USD, Lucerne Valley USD, Victor Elementary and Silver Valley USD. “These districts made sure their students were connected to learning during that time,” said Superintendent Ted Alejandre.
• Graduation rates are a priority for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Several years ago, the County was far behind the state average. Now, it is at the state average with a 88 percent graduation rate. “I commend the districts out in the High Desert because they are at 90 percent graduation rate and higher,” said Alejandre. “They aren’t just focused on what students need to graduate from high school, but what industry they are going to get into.”

County Stats

• San Bernardino County is one of the fastest-growing areas in California, with 2.2 million residents and a 23 million market base. We are home to 96,000 Veterans, 266,000 seniors, 63,000 businesses and a 190,000-person labor force. The median age is 33, and our unemployment rate is 4 percent.
• The County’s fiscal outlook is very strong, with an $8.4 billion budget this year. The County is spending $800 million one-time investment monies for buildings, infrastructure, road projects, and water projects. Several regional park improvements are also in the works, including high-speed Internet connectivity, campground updates and rebuilds/repairs.
• Since 2010, San Bernardino County has won more than 523 National Association of Counties awards for its innovative methods of governance. This year, San Bernardino County was No. 1 in the nation with 82 NACO awards. As a comparison, Riverside County received eight this year.
• Ontario International Airport is doing well, and is the fastest recovering and fastest growth airport in North America. The airport is now flying direct to Hawaii, and soon will be adding direct flights to England and Sweden. The County is currently making plans to build a new terminal and expansion, hopefully in the next couple of years. 

How can our First District staff serve you? Contact us at (760) 995-8100 or email Supervisor.Cook@bos.sbcounty.gov.

First District Community Liaison Joins NAACP's Family Fun Event in Victorville

Community Liaison Paul Marsh was delighted to join the community for Victor Valley NAACP Branch 1082's Family Fun Event. Despite the triple-digit heat, a good time was had by all.

"It's good to see our local organizations like the NAACP, Deltas, Millionaire Mind Kids, Young Visionaries, Re-imagining Our Communities and others collaborating together for the betterment of our communities," said Paul. "We had fun in the sun!"

'Start Smart' Teen Driving Class Planned for October 13 in Apple Valley

The Apple Valley Police Department is once again hosting its FREE Teen Driver Safety Class for youth ages 15-19. It takes place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Town of Apple Valley Conference Center, located at 14975 Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley. Parents must accompany their children. RSVP with your name, phone number, child's name and age to JAlban@sbcsd.org.

Did You Know You Can Text 911?

Did you know you can text 911 in an emergency? This feature is especially critical if you are unable to speak due to a domestic violence situation, home invasion, or other emergency.

To use this service, open your mobile phone's text messaging program. Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field. Type a message with the location and address of the emergency (including city) and the nature of the emergency (what is happening and whether you need police, fire or medical aid).

FTC Forming Advisory Group to Stop Scams Affecting Seniors

As part of the Stop Senior Scams Act, the Federal Trade Commission is forming an Advisory Group of federal agency partners, consumer advocates, and industry representatives to focus on how to identify and stop scams that affect older adults. If you’re interested in learning more about the Advisory Group, mark your calendar for 11:30 a.m. (PT) September 29. Learn more.

Free Senior Fall Prevention Workshop Planned for Sept. 21

Are you concerned about falling, or are you a caregiver who wants to prevent your loved ones from falling? Join this free workshop on Sept. 21 hosted by Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and Inland Empire Fall Prevention Collaborative. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Drayson Center, located at 25040 Stewart Street, Loma Linda. Reserve your free spot!

'Don't Trash Our Desert' Shares Tips For Dumping Bulky Items in Region

Don’t Trash Our Desert is a coalition of private citizens and public agencies that are dedicated to keeping our desert clean of litter, illegal dumping and other debris.

Recently, the group shared these tips for free bulky item pickups and dump day programs in the Victor Valley.

• ADELANTO: AVCO Disposal provides four residential curbside large or bulky item collections (maximum of 5 items per collection) during a 12-month period at no extra charge. Call AVCO Disposal at 760-245-8607 to schedule.
• APPLE VALLEY: Call AVCO Disposal at 760-245-8607 to schedule free pickup.
• HELENDALE CSD: Provides free bulky item collection. Call the CSD at (760) 951-0006 to schedule.
• HESPERIA: Advance Disposal will pick up large items curbside for free from single family residences and multi-family complexes. Call (760) 244-9773 to schedule an appointment.
• VICTORVILLE: Call Victorville Disposal at 760-245-8607 to schedule bulky pickup. Two free pickups per year of up to five items/pickup, for single-family houses. Victorville also offers a free, year-round bulky item drop-off for all city residents — including residents of apartments, mobile homes, and condos. Call the City at 760-955-8615 for info on the bulky item drop-off.
• PHELAN-PINON HILLS CSD: Sponsors free dump days periodically.

For more information or to request a presentation, please send an email to donttrashourdesert@gmail.com.

County Library Planning Western Events

The San Bernardino County Library is kick off several Western-themed events this month, complete with crafts, balloon artists, and face painters. For every 15 items checked out, kids will receive a cowboy hat and opportunity drawing ticket. Upcoming First District events are planned from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Hesperia Branch Library and 3- 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Phelan Branch Library. For more information, go to sbclib.org/ or call 909-387-2220.

Community Cleanups This Weekend

The next Hesperia Neighborhood Beautification Day is September 15. This is a free opportunity to get rid of unwanted furniture, appliances, and more. Click here for more details and a full list of accepted items.

Town of Apple Valley is hosting its annual Community Cleanup Day on September 17. Schools, clubs, churches and individuals are invited to participate in cleaning up designated areas of town. Free tire drop off will be offered between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lions Park, located at 20701 Hwy 18. For more information, call (760) 240-7000 ext 7879.

Trona Care is hosting its annual community cleanup from 8 a.m. until noon on September 24. Dumpsters will be located at the Trails Drive-In parking lot, Old Recreation Hall parking lot and Old Argus Fire Station lot. Tires may be recycled at the Old Recreation Hall lot.

Free Cyber IE Kids Camp and Girls' Firefighting Camp Planned

All San Bernardino County middle school students are invited to attend the free Cyber IE Kids Camp hosted by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools on Saturday, Oct. 15. This virtual event, planned from 9 a.m. until noon, will teach children how to use a Microbit, which is a pocket-sized computer that shows users how software and hardware work together. A free Microbit will be provided for every student who participates. Register here.

Female students ages 12 and up are invited to register for the San Bernardino County Fire Department's Girls Empowerment Camp on Oct. 8-9. This free 2-day camp is open to any young women interested in the field of firefighting. It will feature hands-on stations for the campers to gain familiarity and experience with fire service functions. The activity stations will include: Ropes and Knots, CPR/First Aid, Ladder Climb, Confidence Course, and Hose Handling. The camp is being held at the Richard Sewell Training Center in San Bernardino. For additional information, email info@sbcfire.org

San Bernardino County's 2022 Family and Community Engagement Summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. September 21-24 at Cal State San Bernardino. This free event, which provides parental support for their child's college and career readiness, includes Continental breakfast and lunch. All County parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Register here.

Wrightwood Place Hosting Concert to Benefit 'A Better Way' Women's Shelter

Wrightwood Place is hosting a concert on Saturday, Sept. 17 benefiting A Better Way/Victor Valley Domestic Violence shelter. Tickets are $20 for general admission, or $30 for dinner and table seating.

The concert lineup features vocalists and musicians from Wrightwood and the Inland Empire. A guest speaker representing A Better Way will speak on the impact A Better Way has had in the community.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. The concert begins at 6 p.m.

For more information, or to get tickets, click here.

El Festival Del Grito Planned Sunday at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park

Hesperia Recreation Park District is planning its free El Festival del Grito on Sunday, Sept. 18. El Grito is a Mexican Independence Day Celebration honoring the start of Mexico's independence from Spain and is celebrated across the country. This free event will take place from 2-8 p.m. at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, located at 15833 Smoke Tree.

Tour of East Mojave Heritage Trail Planned for Mid-October

SAVE THE DATE, OHV FANS! The 733-mile Mojave Desert Tour, which follows the East Mojave Heritage Trail, is scheduled for mid-October.

This event will begin and end at the Needles El Garces on Route 66 in Needles. It is sponsored by Needles Tourism.

For more details about the event, please call 760-221-3211. Learn more about the trail here.

Enjoy a Rodeo, Parade and Music During This Weekend's Hesperia Days

Hesperia Days takes place this weekend, beginning with a 5K walk/run/skate at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The parade follows at 9 a.m. along Main Street, stretching between 'I' Ave. to 'E' Ave. This year's theme is "Beyond the Stars.”

After the parade, the community is invited to head over to Hesperia Lake Park, where the festivities begin at 11 a.m. Enjoy live music, a Kids Zone, vendors, and a fireworks spectacular beginning at dusk.

The Hesperia Days Rodeo begins at 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Val Shearer Arena, located inside Hesperia Lake Park. Gates open at 3 p.m. Tickets for the rodeo are $15 per day and can be purchased online or at the gate.

Hesperia Lake Park is at 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road, Hesperia. Parking is $5. For more information, please call (760) 244-5488, or email info@hesperiaparks.com.