News from Supervisor Paul Cook | August 16, 2023

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Sheriff's Teen Human Trafficking Awareness Talk Planned in October

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is spreading the word about the dangers of human trafficking in our region with a Teen Human Trafficking Awareness Talk for parents and their children on Saturday, Oct. 14 and 21. 

The event will feature the Sheriff Department's Human Trafficking Task Force, parent advocate and mother Sylvia Lacy Miller, and human trafficking expert and author Opal Singleton.

The goal is to provide middle and high school teens, and their parents, with tools necessary to maintain a healthy balance between real life and online life. Real examples of everyday teens who have fallen victim to sextortion, exploitation, online grooming, and other internet related crimes will also be discussed.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 14 and Oct. 21 at Sheriff's Headquarters, 655 East Third Street, San Bernardino. 

Registration will be on a first-come first-serve basis. To register, contact Erlinda Rogers at 840-587-4022 or erogers@sbcsd.org

In the Communityhelendale night

Victor Valley Station & Community Partners Celebrate Helendale Night Out

The Helendale Community Services District paid homage to National Night Out, an annual public safety-community partnership event, with Helendale Night Out/Hot August Nights Concert in the Park.

The event was well attended, with participants including San Bernardino County Sheriff's Victor Valley Station, CHP, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Victor Valley Transit Agency, Burrtec, American Legion Post 855, MADD, and so many more.

So wonderful to see the community come together for this annual event!


Public SafetyCERT Wrightwood

Free CERT Emergency Response Training Planned Sept. 9 in Wrightwood

San Bernardino County's Office of Emergency Services will host a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in Wrightwood on Saturdays only between Sept. 9-16.

The 20-hour training includes disaster preparedness, fire safety & search and rescue. CERT teams are trained volunteers that assist during emergencies. Register at certwrightwood@gmail.com.

Don't live in Wrightwood? We have several CERT teams throughout the First District! Learn more about how you can get involved at vssoes@oes.sbcounty.gov  


mountain lion

Mountain Lion Attacks Continue to Be Reported on Pets in Wrightwood

Wrightwood residents have reported an increase in mountain lion sightings/pet attacks during the past several months.

To report a sighting or incident to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, go to https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir/incident/create , call (909) 484-0167 or email AskRegion6@wildlife.ca.gov. You may also contact the Cougar Conservancy at https://cougarconservancy.org/assistance.

If the mountain lion is behaving aggressively, call the Sheriff or 911.

Although it is rare for a mountain lion to approach humans, here are some rules to keep your family and pets safe:

  • Keep pets inside at night, and enclose them in a protected space if left unattended outside.
  • Do not approach a mountain lion if seen, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
  • Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, or at night.
  • Keep a close watch on small children and small pets when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas.
  • Do not run if you encounter a mountain lion. Instead, face the animal, make noise, and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects; pick up small children.

Vets and militarydirtbike

Operation Dirtbike Freedom Welcomes Veterans, Military & First Responders

Operation Dirtbike Freedom is hosting another free dirtbike session for Veterans, active military and their families on Saturday, August 19.

“Come out to the beautiful Mojave Desert and enjoy a day of riding and comradery," said founder Ken Colburn. "Our events are free to any military member or Veteran. We have kids' bikes too. There's no better way to release stress than blasting across the desert.”

Colburn said that each ride is followed by a BBQ, and he also welcomes first responders who also may need an outlet.

For more information, please call founder Ken Colburn at 909-204-8032 or email ezwriter1@verizon.net.


Countysuicide prevention

County Board of Supervisors Creates New Office of Suicide Prevention

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors recently approved an Office of Suicide Prevention as part of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Integrated Plan.

In an expansion of the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) prevention and early intervention efforts, this office will focus on education about suicide prevention with a message of hope and resources.

Learn More 


Resourcesluau

Victor Valley Community Services Council Plans Senior Luau on Thursday

Victor Valley Community Services Council will host its next free senior activity, a Hawaiian luau, at noon on Thursday, August 17.

The event will feature a fun-filled afternoon including lunch, music, limbo, games, bingo & prizes. The party is open to all seniors 60+ and disabled adults 18 and up. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Can't drive? VVCSC offers free transportation. Reservations are required. Please call 760-243-9646 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays.


start smart class

Hesperia Police Station Hosting Teen-Parent 'Start Smart' Class on Saturday

The Hesperia Police Station is offering a Start Smart teen driving class from 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday, August 19.

This free two-hour class is designed to help your teen driver start on the right track.  The class will discuss important issues such as:

  • Tips to avoid collisions
  • Safe driving habits
  • Dynamics of a collision
  • Consequences of a poor choice behind the wheel of a vehicle
  • Testimonies of people tragically impacted by incidents involving teen drivers
  • Parental roles and responsibilities
  • Legal ramifications and civil liabilities affecting teen drivers and their parents

Some automobile insurance companies may offer a discount for teens who attend a Start Smart class. Upon completion, a certificate will be provided.

The class is made available to Hesperia teens, accompanied by a parent, at no cost. The event will take place at the Hesperia Police Station, located at 15840 Smoke Tree Street in Hesperia. Reservations are required.

If you are interested in you and your teen attending the class, please contact Amanda Palak at apaslak@sbesd.org or 909-848-7870.


safety

County Sheriff's 'Lady Be Aware' Safety Training Adds New Dates For Fall

The Sheriff's Department is offering Lady Be Aware training for women who want to develop the attitude, skills and knowledge that will help prevent them from becoming victims. The single-day training will be held on September 23, October 14, and October 28.

This is a fantastic course that covers all types of safety, including cyber safety, home safety, situational awareness, and physical safety. All participants also get hands-on self-defense training, including how to shoot three different types of firearms. Cost is $75 for the full-day class.

Register here.


transportation logometrolink

Metrolink Offering 50 Percent Discount Through Mobility-4-All Program

Did you know? Metrolink’s Mobility-4-All program is now available in San Bernardino County, offering a 50% discount on ANY Metrolink ticket or pass for riders with a valid California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

Tickets are only available for purchase from Metrolink ticket machines. Funds are not deducted from the EBT card. The card only validates that you qualify. An alternative form of payment is needed to complete a ticket purchase.

Learn more here.


Economic Developmentyellowcorp

Rapid Response Job & Resource Fair Planned for Yellow Corp Employees

A Rapid Response Job Fair and Resource Presentation for Yellow Corp employees who recently lost their jobs is planned for August 24 at the High Desert America's Job Center in Victorville. The presentation will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., followed by the Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Presenters will discuss:

  • Unemployment Insurance Benefits
  • America's Job Centers of California
  • COBRA - Continued Medical Coverage
  • 401k Options
  • Affordable Care Act
  • Child Support Obligations
  • Re-Employment Opportunities
  • Training Grants for a New Career

For more information, please call 800-451-5627.


community meetingsair quality

Mojave Desert AQMD Planning Community Meeting on Aug. 23

The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) has planned a community meeting on Aug. 23 to gather input from residents on reducing emissions and improving local air quality.

The meeting’s core presentation will address the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP), created through Assembly Bill 617 passed in 2017.

Learn how to participate here. 


eventsmovie night

Apple Valley Legacy Museum Planning Music & Movie Night on Saturday

The community is invited to enjoy Movie Night at the Apple Valley Legacy Museum on Saturday, August 19. The 1967 film, "8 on the Lam," was filmed at the Apple Valley Inn and around the Town of Apple Valley.

Live music will take place from 7-8 p.m., followed by the feature at 8:15 p.m. A $3 donation includes refreshments and a raffle ticket. Proceeds go toward the nonprofit Mohave Historical Society.

The museum is located at the Historic Apple Valley Inn, Cottage 153. For more information, call 760-985-1918.


taste of the town

Town of Apple Valley Hosting Second 'Taste of the Town' on Aug. 23

The Town of Apple Valley will host its second "Taste of the Town" from 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 23.

Local boutiques and vendors will be open for shopping outside of the Apple Valley conference center beginning at 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for tastings from local restaurants, coffee shops, brewery and more. At 7 p.m., the Apple Valley Town Council will present its 2023 State of the Town, reviewing the last year while previewing exciting announcements on what’s to come.

The Apple Valley Conference Center is located at 14955 Dale Evans Parkway. For more information, please call (760) 240-7880.


box tour

Fort Irwin National Training Center Hosting Community Box Tour on Sept. 8

The next National Training Center/Fort Irwin Community Box Tour is planned for September 8. Guests will experience the sights and sounds of a mock village market, watch the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment engage in mock warfare, eat an MRE lunch with active military members, and take turns shooting three different weapons. There is no charge to attend. Spaces fill up quickly, so RSVP here.


Funcar show

Wrightwood Mountain Classic Car Show Planned Saturday

The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce will host the 28th annual Wrightwood Mountain Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 19. The show is open to American-made vehicles in 21 categories from the 1930's to 1975. This includes coupes, classics, wagons, jeeps, rat rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks, special interest cars and more.

Registration is $45 per car. Visit their website for online registration or call 760-249-4320 for information.


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