Photo courtesy of Zach Bradley Photography

Oro Grande Cemetery Becomes a County Museum Historic Site

One of the High Desert's most historic sites has been acquired by the San Bernardino County Museum for future preservation.

The Gold Rush-era Oro Grande Cemetery, which dates back to 1852, is home to approximately 132 marked graves, and several unmarked graves believed to belong to Native Americans.

"As a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum, the cemetery is overseen by a team of curators, including Curators of History and Anthropology, who will research, preserve, and interpret the site," said David L. Myers, Director of San Bernardino County Museums. "Initial upgrades will include new interpretation and signage which will engage visitors and increase understanding of the site’s significance."

Open by appointment only, the cemetery is the oldest in San Bernardino County, and also a California Point of Historical Interest. 

In the center of the cemetery, you'll find a memorial for Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez who was killed while serving in the Philippines on January 16, 1942. His Purple Heart is on display at the Victor Valley Museum.

The Oro Grande Cemetery is located at 1313 Olive Street in Oro Grande. Contact the main museum at (909) 798-8608 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov/oro-grande-cemetery.

Hesperia Elks Recognizes Ten First Responders During Appreciation Dinner

On Friday, the Hesperia BPOE Lodge 2646 hosted their annual first responders dinner. The organization recognized 10 first responders from San Bernardino County Fire, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol.

The dinner is hosted annually to show appreciation for our first responders and the selfless services they provide.

Congratulations to all of the honorees. We appreciate you and thank you for serving our communities!

Sheriff's Department Hosting Fall Expo and Career Fair on Oct. 7 in Devore

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is hiring for both sworn and civilian positions! Their Fall Expo & Career Fair is planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Sheriff's Training Center in Devore. 

The Training Center is located at 18901 Institution Road. For more information, please go to sheriffsjobs.com.

Wrightwood's Park Drive Project Adds New ADA Ramps, Fresh Pavement

Thanks to San Bernardino County Public Works and All American Asphalt for their quick and efficient work on Wrightwood's "Park Drive and Other Roads Project."

The $829,819 project covers the entirety of Park Drive, along with Apple and Evergreen roads between Pine and Cedar streets. Improvements include pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction, five new ADA ramps, sidewalks, curb and gutter, mill and overlay, and a new concrete drainage swale.

Caltrans Closing NB Interstate 15 Main Street Off-Ramp Today Through Oct. 7

Caltrans District 8 is closing the I-15 northbound Main Street off-ramp today through Oct. 7 as it conducts freeway rehabilition.

There will also be a traffic swap north of US-395 on the I-15. Please use caution when traveling through the area.

Two Veterans Resource Fairs Planned

The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Congressman Jay Obernolte, is hosting a free Veterans Resource and Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14. The event will take place at the Victor Valley College Veterans Resource Center at 80 Mojave Fish Hatchery Road in Victorville. For more information, please call Luis Urgiles at 213-785-4735 or email Luis@ghdcc.com.

Trona-area Veterans may be interested in attending the 13th Annual Ridgecrest Veteran Advisory Council Stand Down at Kerr McGee Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 29. The Center is located at 100 W. California Ave. Check-in is at 8 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 9 a.m. A free breakfast will be served at 9 a.m., with a free lunch later in the day. For more information, call Carol Coy, coordinator, at 760-608-9251 or Nick Coy, chairman, at 760-608-1484.

Victor Valley Community Services Council Plans Luncheon on Thursday

The Victor Valley Community Services Council will host its next Intergenerational Activity & Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. This free event includes a catered lunch, fun fall craft, and build-your-own ice cream sundaes. 

Seniors are invited to bring their friends, neighbors, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Reservations are required. Please call 760-243-9646 to save your spot.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hosting Mental Health Awareness Event

The High Desert Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with First Choice Community Management LLC, is hosting a Mental Health Awareness event this Saturday, Sept. 30.

Guests will enjoy a variety of vendors, wellness services, food vendors and speakers, including Mayor Debra Jones, High Desert first responders, and inspirational speaker Jason Reid. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at 15500 West Sand Street in Victorville. For more information, please call (760) 508-9120.

Phelan-Pinon Hills CSD Offering Free Women's Self-Defense Class

Join the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District for a FREE Women’s Self-Defense class taught by Eleven Elevation from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. The event will take place at the Phelan Community Center, located at 4128 Warbler Road.

Resident RSVP is required at www.pphcsd.org/events. For more information about the class visit https://elevenelevationbjj.com/womans-self-defense or call 760-868-1212.

'Fall in Love' Pet Adoption Event Includes Spay/Neuter, Microchip and Vaccines

Spread the word! Our Big Bear and Devore Animal Care Shelters are taking part in the "Fall in Love" adoption event, running through this Saturday, Sept. 30. During this special San Bernardino County Animal Care promotion, all pets come spayed/neutered, microchipped, and receive most vaccines. Cats are $10 and dogs are $20. 

Animal Care's new campaign, “Paws-itive Choices for Happy Pets,” emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research before bringing a new furry family member home. It also educates owners-to-be about spaying/neutering, vaccinating, and how to safeguard pets from becoming lost or missing.

For more information, go to https://animalcare.sbcounty.gov/

Mourning Sun Children's Foundation Hosting Golf Fundraising Tournament

Mourning Sun Children's Foundation 18th Annual Ryan Cambridge Memorial Golf Classic will be held Oct. 1 at the Apple Valley Golf Course. This annual golf tournament raises funds to provide a four-year renewable grant to one local high school's vocational program. 

Individual tickets are $150; and foursomes are $600. For more information, go to https://www.mourningsunchildren.org/upcoming-events or call 760-221-6181.

Workforce Development Hosting Job Fair at the Mall of Victor Valley Thursday

Our next San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board Job Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 28 at the The Mall of Victor Valley. There will be employers in a variety of fields, including retail, logistics, healthcare, food service, manufacturing & professional. 

Employers, please contact the High Desert America's Job Center of California office to register for future job fairs at salm@wdd.sbcounty.gov

Town of Apple Valley Hosting Movie Theater Listening Session on Thursday

The town of Apple Valley is hosting a listening session at the former AMC Theater from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, to solicit public opinion on what to do with the facility. The 14-auditorium movie theater was recently donated to the town. For more information, please call (760) 240-7000, ext. 7915 or go to https://www.applevalley.org/.

City of Adelanto's 'Movies in the Park' Planned Friday at City Hall

The Adelanto City Council will present “Movies in the Park” at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 29, featuring “Encanto.” The event will take place at 111600 Air Expressway, Adelanto. For more information, please call 760-246-2300, ext. 11123 or email blopez@adelantoca.gov

20th Annual Apple Valley Airshow is Coming to the High Desert on Oct. 7

The 20th Annual Apple Valley Airshow and NAPA Car Show is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Apple Valley Airport. The event will feature the A-10 Demo Team, Air Force Heritage Flight, Aerobatics, Military Jets, Planes of Fame Warbird Fly-bys, Skydivers, Formation Flying Team, Static Displays, NAPA Auto Parts Car Show, STEM Expo, Kids Area, Military Vehicles, Food Vendors, and much more.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses. For more information, go to http://applevalleyairshow.com

'Rock the Paws' Event in Hesperia to Feature Live Bands, Dogs for Adoption

The 2023 Rock the Paws event arrives at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park on Sept. 30 at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park. This year’s event coincides with the Hesperia's Farmer's Market. The event will feature dogs for adoption, live bands, raffle, merch, and a beer truck sponsored by Wrightwood Brew Co.

Bands will include Dirty Deeds Salute to Bon Scott, The Nomads, and Fair Warning: The Van Halen Experience. 

Rock the Paws Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that promotes advocacy, education and monetary support/resources to animal shelters and rescues.

For more information, email rockthepaws@gmail.com.