Greater High Desert Chamber Hosts VMI's 2023 State of the County

Thanks to the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce for hosting last week's "State of the County" address at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victorville.

It was my pleasure to join Board Chair Supervisor Dawn Rowe, CEO Luther Snoke, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Shannon Dicus and San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson in providing an update on some of the positive things happening in San Bernardino County.

Here are a few highlights from the event:

Workforce/Economic Development

One of the County's latest campaigns is "Opportunity Lives, Works and Plays Here." This partnership between our Economic and Workforce Development Departments aims to assist businesses and nonprofits with hiring, relocating and/or expansion free of charge.

They also have an on-the-job training program that reimburses businesses with 50 percent of a new hire's hourly wage and training expenses for up to 3 months!

Operation Consequences & Laura's Law

Public safety continues to be a priority of the Board.

Since the launch of “Operation Consequences,” Sheriff Dicus said his department has made 791 felony arrests, seized 2,050 pounds of narcotics (200 pounds of that was fentanyl), rescued 28 human trafficking victims, made 32 human trafficking arrests, and recovered 210 ghost guns.

“Victorville is ranked 5th in the state for ghost guns," said Dicus. "How do we know we are ranked 5th? Because our deputies are taking them off the streets.”

To combat the uptick in violence, addiction and homelessness, the Sheriff’s Department partnered with the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Behavioral Health to pass Laura’s Law.

“This law helps the folks who can’t feed themselves, can’t shelter themselves, and can’t protect themselves,” said Dicus. “It gets them before the court to have someone mentor them all the way up to a conservatorship."

Sheriff Dicus is encouraging our residents to watch the State of California's Public Safety Committee.

"They do everything about suspects and very little to help victims," he said. "But I assure you that our deputies are proactively protecting you and focused on putting the bad folks in jail."

Fentanyl & Illegal Marijuana Response

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, like the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, is aggressively targeting the fentanyl crisis.

"We need to hold fentanyl dealers accountable," said District Attorney Jason Anderson. "We have delved very deeply with our schools, our health care providers, and behavioral health department to educate the public. There is no such thing as a safe street drug anymore. We want to make sure we’re doing all we can to educate our youth."

Anderson added that San Bernardino County has become a state leader in illegal marijuana suppression.

"We have a dedicated team in our office to prosecute these cases vertically, and we’ve had great success with it," said Anderson. "The County was recently asked by the Governor and Attorney General’s office to join the state's cannabis enforcement task force. They want to know how we've had so much success in getting rid of the large marijuana grows in the High Desert. I don’t take the credit; it’s a collaborative effort with the Sheriff (and Code Enforcement). We are going to try to help other rural counties in the state with some of our best practices."

New Homicide Unit

For the first time ever, the District Attorney's office now has a dedicated homicide unit. "It was a $4 million ongoing budget request that the Supervisors and CEO's office were on board with," said Anderson.

The new homicide unit has a chief deputy district attorney, 6 deputy DAs, 3 investigators, 3 paralegals and several victim advocates solely dedicated to prosecuting murder cases.

"It was so important to create this unit because it would often take up to nine years to bring a murder case to trial," said Anderson. "California is unique, but it’s not right. We wanted to speed up justice for families who are frankly tired of waiting to get their cases heard. This will bring closure more quickly. We are always thinking about our community, what’s best and what keeps you safe."

Sheriff's Academy Class 232 Graduates, Raises Funds for A Better Way

On Saturday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department celebrated the graduation of Academy Class 232. 

The class fundraised and donated over $17,000, including $7,000 to their charity of choice, A Better Way, a Victorville nonprofit which provides services for domestic violence victims and survivors.

Congratulations, and thank you for serving and protecting our communities! We wish you all the best as you embark on this important and noble career. May God bless you all and keep you safe. 

'Lunch and Learn' Car Seat Safety Workshop Planned on Sept. 19

Join CHAN and High Desert Second Chance for a crucial 'Lunch & Learn' Car Seat Safety Workshop from 10 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Learn about proper installation, age-appropriate car seats, and essential safety guidelines.

Please note, this is not a car seat giveaway but an educational training. Limited car seats may be provided based on strict qualifications and a review of your current child's needs.

High Desert Second Chance is located in Hesperia. Register now at chanhd.org/carseat

Solstice Senior Living Hosting Health and Resource Fair on Thursday

Solstice Senior Living is hosting a Health and Resource Fair from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. Solstice has partnered with several agencies to assist seniors with navigating resources available to them. The event will feature entertainment, an introduction to participating agencies, snacks and drinks. For more information, please call 760-247-1766.

Senior Mobile Pantry Program Planned Today at High Desert Second Chance

Seniors who reside in San Bernardino County and need supplemental food assistance may be eligible to participate in food distributions through the Senior Mobile Pantry program.

The next distribution takes place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. today at High Desert Second Chance, 16666 Smoketree St Suite B-4, Hesperia. Future events take place on the second Wednesday of every month.

Food kits vary and may provide a selection of fruit, juice, vegetables, milk, cheese, grains and protein. Participants should bring a grocery push cart for quick loading.

If you would like a free ride to the next monthly Senior Food Pantry Distribution, call Victor Valley Community Services Council at 760-243-9646.

Code Enforcement Plans Neighborhood Cleanup in Trona on Saturday, Sept. 23

San Bernardino County Code Enforcement is teaming up with Trona Care for the annual Neighborhood Cleanup from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 23.

There will be three sites where residents can participate:

• Old Argus Fire Station - 82275 Trona Rd.
• Old Recreation Hall - corner of California St. & Argus Ave.
• Trails Drive In - corner of Trona Rd. & Carson St.

During this time, the Trona Fire Station 57 will also be hosting a household hazardous waste collection event.

Trona students are encouraged to volunteer at the event for community service hours. Please see Julia Pitman in the Recreation Hall at 8 a.m. to sign in.

For more information, please call Land Use Technician Apryl Brown at 909-383-2150.

Hesperia's Neighborhood Beautification Day Planned Sept. 21

Hesperia’s Neighborhood Beautification Day is planned for Sept. 21. Hesperia residents can dispose of unwanted bulky items such as mattresses, carpet, furniture, and appliances for free. The event takes place from 8 a.m. until noon at 17105 Mesa Street from 8 a.m. to noon. 

2023 'State of the County' Coming on Sept. 27 to Ontario Convention Center

State of the County is coming Wednesday, Sept. 27, to the Ontario Convention Center. This highly anticipated event brings more than 1,000 business, government and community leaders together for an evening of networking, panelists & presentations! Learn why "Opportunity Works Here!"

Register here: https://activeevent.net/event/Reg.aspx?ec=SB23

Public Invited to Mojave Water Agency's Free Storm Water Preparedness Class

The Mojave Water Agency, in partnership with the Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District and the Alliance for Water Awareness and Conservation (AWAC), is offering a free online Storm Water Preparedness course at 6 p.m. tonight, Sept. 13.

During the event, participants will learn about:

• Pollutants carried by storm water that can contaminate your property
• Unseen dangers hidden beneath the surface of rushing storm waters
• Storm water erosion: varieties of erosion and damaging issues from them
• Health issues associated with storm water exposure
• Solutions: prevention and preparedness

Register here.

Wrightwood Branch Library Holding Parking Lot Book Sale on Saturday

The Wrightwood Library will host a Parking Lot Book Sale and Craft Time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Guests can fill any grocery bag full of books for just $5. The event will benefit library programs sponsored by Wrightwood Friends of the Library. The event will take place at 6011 Pine Street in Wrightwood.

Family Assistance Program Planning 'Fiesta Fundraiser' for Tiny Home Village

The Family Assistance Program will host a Fiesta Fundraiser this Friday, Sept. 15, benefiting its Tiny Home Village for homeless youth. The event will take place from 5-11 p.m. at the Courtyard By Marriott in Hesperia. Tickets are $20. For more information, please call (760) 843-0701.

Western Shootout Tournament to Benefit Apple Valley Police Activities League

The 2nd annual Western Shootout Golf Tournament is planned for this Saturday, Sept. 16, at Hesperia Golf & Country Club. The event will include contests for longest drive, closest to the pin, putting, first hole in one, and much more. All proceeds benefit the Apple Valley Police Activities League! For information, contact Barbara Betterley at rafteribranch555@charter.net or 760-881-5752.

Enjoy Live Music, a Car Show and More at Randburg's 'Old West Days'

Randsburg Old West Days arrives on Saturday, Sept. 16, offering old-fashioned fun for the entire family. Sponsored by the Rand Desert Museum, this annual event is held on the third Saturday in September. Guests will enjoy food vendors, live music, a car/motorcycle show and Gold Rush-era costume contests. For more information, please contact Hollie Shorwell at 760-977-1416 or  hshotwell21@gmail.com

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area continues its summer programming at 9 a.m. this Saturday in the Campfire Center. This week’s topic is “Serrano Native Hunting.” Silverwood Lake is located at 13990 Sawpit Canyon Road, Hesperia. For more information, please call 760-389-2281 or visit their website. 

Hesperia Days Parade, Duck Race, Rodeo and Music Festival Is This Weekend

The 74th annual Hesperia Days celebration will take place this weekend, Sept. 16 and 17, with a variety of fun family activities. Events will include a parade, 5K Great Duck Race, Rodeo and All-American Music Festival. The two-day Hesperia Days Rodeo takes place at 4 p.m. at Hesperia Lake Park.

Admission is $15 and parking is $5. The American Music Festival, also at Hesperia Lake Park, will feature Lonnie and the Lugnuts, Merletallica, The Live Remedy Band and The Nomads.

For more information on Hesperia Days, visit hesperiaparks.com/hesperia-days-2023. For parade information, visit rocknourdisabilitiesfoundation.org/hesperia-days-parade.