Where to Celebrate Independence Day in the First District

Independence Day falls on Tuesday, July 4, and the High Desert has several fun fireworks shows and events planned for the community. Here's a guide to a few:

• City of Victorville’s Fireworks Spectacular begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville. Food and beverages will be available to purchase from vendors on site. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. with patriotic music simulcast on Kat Country 100.7 FM. For more information, please contact Hook Community Center at (760) 245-5551.
• Silver Lakes Association will host its Independence Day Celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday at North Beach. The event will feature live music from 2-5 p.m. with Brett Copeland, followed by DJ Pro Flo from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy food vendors, an obstacle course, water slides and bounce houses. Fireworks begin at dusk. Open to current SLA residents and their guests with photo ID. For more information, email SLARecreationDept@gmail.com.
• Town of Apple Valley will celebrate Independence Day with its Firecracker Run and annual Freedom Festival at Lenny Brewster Sports Center. The event, which runs from 2-9 p.m. Tuesday, will include fun family activities, live music, delicious food and a spectacular fireworks display. Sign up for the Firecracker Run at AVRecreation.org.
• A "Fireworks Bonanza" is planned from 5-10 p.m. Tuesday at the Adelanto Plaza and Event Center. This block-party style fireworks show will include food, drinks, live music, fireworks and a Kids Zone. Parking is $10; admission is free. For more information, please call 760-261-1240.
• The City of Barstow will present its 26th annual Fireworks Spectacular on Tuesday at the Robert A. Sessions Memorial Sports Park. Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. Enjoy a 5K Freedom Run, live music by Southern Spirit, children’s activities and bounce houses, beer garden, and musical simulcast provided by 98.1 FM. Free transportation to the event will be provided by VVTA from another location. For more information, click here.

Please note that our offices will be closed on Tuesday for the Independence Day holiday. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, July 5.

How to Report Illegal Fireworks

Public safety officials are reminding the community that possession of any type of fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, is illegal in unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. 

Here in the First District, "Safe and Sane” fireworks are only allowed in the city of Adelanto, beginning today. The fine for possession of illegal fireworkscan be up to $1,250 in San Bernardino County, with the possibility of arrest.

The San Bernardino County Illegal Fireworks Reporter allows residents to report the location of illegal fireworks and sales. Here are some additional numbers and websites to keep handy:

• To report illegal fireworks in the High Desert (except Victorville), call 760-956-5001.
• To report illegal fireworks in Victorville, click here. The fine for lighting illegal fireworks in Victorville is $1,000.
• To anonymously report illegal fireworks, call the WeTip hotline at 1-800-47-ARSON.

Resolution Presented to Col. Clarke at Fort Irwin Change of Command

District Director Kimberly Mesen was pleased to attend the Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Irwin yesterday. She presented a resolution to outgoing garrison commander Col. Jason A. Clarke, who relinquished command to Col. Lane Bomar. Col. Clarke’s next assignment will be at Fort Liberty.

Col. Bomar is no stranger to the National Training Center, as he has previously been stationed at Fort Irwin and is happy to be back.

Welcome, Col. Bomar! And thank you to Col. Clarke for your service at Fort Irwin!

Wrightwood CSD Officially Dedicates the Dillon Adams Skate Park

On Saturday, Policy Advisor Christopher Porter was in Wrightwood to celebrate the Wrightwood Community Services District's official skate park dedication and ceremony in memory of Dillon Adams.

Adams, 17, was an avid skateboarder who tragically passed away in a car accident on March 23, 2016. Our office was pleased to present a Certificate of Recognition to Dillon's family, honoring his memory and love for skateboarding.

Thanks to all who attended this very special dedication.

AIM Recycling Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and Grand Reopening in Hesperia

Constituent Services Director Samuel Shoup joined the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce in celebration of the Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting for AIM Recycling Hesperia. The company is located at 11099 G Ave.

Congratulations, and thank you to AIM Recycling for providing responsible and innovative recycling opportunities for our residents and business owners!

First District Joins Law Enforcement on Illegal Marijuana Raid in Phelan

Constituent Services Director Samuel Shoup joined San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies, San Bernardino County Code Enforcement and California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials on two illegal marijuana raids in Phelan last week. Multiple greenhouses were found at both locations.

Illegal marijuana grows continue to plague our High Desert, and our County Board of Supervisors, in collaboration with our partner agencies, remain vigilant in shutting each operation down.

Veterans Connection and Resource Fair Planned This Thursday in Barstow

The Barstow Community Coalition is hosting a Veterans Connection and Community Resource Fair from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Cora Harper Community Center in Barstow.

This free event will include resources for Veterans, a mobile vet clinic, health and welfare information, educational services, vital records, health screenings, record expungement and much more. For more information, please call (760) 254-3485 or email Judy_Mck@yahoo.com.

Victor Valley Community Services Council Offers Free Chore Assistance

Are you a senior over the age of 60 with mobility challenges? Victor Valley Community Services Council is offering free chore services. If you do not have a caretaker and need assistance with changing light bulbs or other simple chores, give them a call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays at 
760-243-9646.

Wrightwood's Senior Social Club Happening Today with July 4 Craft

Wrightwood Seniors: The Wrightwood Community Services District will host its weekly Senior Social Club today with a Fourth of July craft session. This free event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Services Building. For more information, please call 760-249-3205.

County Department of Behavioral Health Launches Fentanyl Awareness Campaign

The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) launched a countywide campaign to raise awareness about the unprecedented rise in overdoses and poisonings caused by fentanyl. The campaign will continue throughout the year, with the message “Fentanyl Doesn’t Care. But We Do.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is tasteless, odorless, and too small to see; an amount about the size of two grains of sand can cause an overdose.

This campaign aims to educate the public on the serious dangers of fentanyl, bring awareness to the prevalence in our community and most importantly, equip people with the lifesaving resources available.

“It is important to have these meaningful and timely conversations about the dangers of fentanyl, with your children, friends and loved ones – before it is too late,” said DBH Director Dr. Georgina Yoshioka.

Burn Permits and Open Burning Suspended on all County SRA Lands

CAL FIRE San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit is suspending burn permits and open burning beginning at 8 a.m. June 26 in all state responsibility area lands within San Bernardino County.

"Despite record breaking precipitation this winter and spring, the extreme threat of wildfire impacting life, property, or natural resources is observable," said unit chief Shane Littlefield.

For more information, click here.

Traffic Swap in Place on Interstate 15

Caltrans District 8 has a traffic swap in place on I-15, north of US-395. Northbound traffic will be detoured into the median so crews can remove and replace concrete. Hours of work are 7 p.m. through 9 a.m. on Northbound lanes, and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on southbound lanes. The project spans from Oak Hill Road in Hesperia to just south of Bear Valley Road in Victorville.

Looking Ahead: The Southbound Ranchero Road on-ramp will be closed at 6 a.m. July 10 through 6 a.m. July 20.

The project is expected to be complete in early 2025.

Free Cybersecurity Workshop Planned on Thursday in San Bernardino

San Bernardino County Economic Development is hosting a free Cybersecurity Workshop from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 29, in San Bernardino. This event is being offered virtually and in person.

The workshop will explore the latest advancements, trends, and challenges in the cyber security industry. This event is designed for professionals in the IT industry, cybersecurity enthusiasts, and anyone interested in gaining an understanding of the current state of digital security and its future.

The workshop will take place at the The Enterprise Building, located at 320 N E Street, San Bernardino. Free parking is available in the Carousel Mall parking garage.

Register for the virtual event here.

Register for in person here.

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Offering Jr. Ranger & Campfire Programs

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area will continue its summer programming every Saturday in the Campfire Center. This week, the 7:30 p.m. campfire program will focus on “Water Safety.”

Here is the full schedule of events:

Silverwood Lake Junior Ranger Events

• July 8 - Monarch Butterflies
• July 22 - Rattlesnakes
• August 5 - Cedar Springs History
• August 12 - Monarch Butterflies
• Sept. 2 - Prey vs. Predator
• Sept. 16 - Serrano Native Hunting

Campfire Programs

• July 1 - Water Safety
• July 15 - Fire Safety
• July 29 - The Serrano Natives
• August 19 - Starseekers
• Aug. 26 - Food Chain Activity
• Sept. 9 - Finding Your Way

Junior Ranger events begin at 9 a.m. in the Campfire Center. Campfire Programs start at 7:30 p.m. in the Campfire Center.

Silverwood Lake is located at 13990 Sawpit Canyon Road, Hesperia. For more information, please call 760-389-2281 or visit their website.

Enjoy Free Family Paint Nights at Local San Bernardino County Branch Libraries

Did you know that some San Bernardino County Library branches offer free Family Paint Nights? Here are some upcoming events here in the First District. Be sure to call ahead, as programming may change.

Adelanto - June 29 and July 13 at 3:30 p.m.
Apple Valley - Saturdays, 1 p.m.
Hesperia - July 1, 15 & 29, 1 p.m.

For more information about County Library programs and events, click here.

Mountaineer Days Coming to Wrightwood

The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome the community to its annual Mountaineer Days celebration on July 8-9.

This two-day event showcases the local history of the area with live music, vendors, food, and dozens of family-friendly activities.

The event will take place in the main village on Park Drive. For more information, please call 760-249-4320.

Phat Cat Swinger to Perform Thursday at Civic Center Amphitheater

Town of Apple Valley’s Sunset Concert Series continues on Thursday with “Phat Cat Swinger.” This popular High Desert swing band has a cult following, and regularly performs at Disneyland.

The event will take place from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Civic Center Amphitheater, located at 14999 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley.

For more information, go to applevalley.org

Enjoy 'Top Gun: Maverick' on Saturday During Hesperia's 'Movies in the Park'

Hesperia Recreation and Park District will kick off its Movies in the Park series at sundown every Saturday in July. Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy this free family event.

• July 1 - Top Gun: Maverick
• July 8 - Minions: The Rise of Grunge
• July 15 - Elf (Christmas in July)
• July 22 - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
• July 29 - Wakanda Forever

Hesperia Civic Plaza Park is located at 15833 Smoke Tree Street, Hesperia. For more information, go to HesperiaParks.com