 
Thank you to Trona High School Principal Sari Fleishauer and Trona School Board President Priscilla Benadom for inviting me to celebrate the groundbreaking of Trona’s new high school.
Estimated at roughly $70 million, this new campus will replace the original school, which was significantly damaged during the 2019 earthquakes. Funding was provided by the California Office of Emergency Services and Office of Public Construction.
Congratulations, and thank you to all of the agencies and contractors working on the project. It was a joy to visit with the Trona community, and I look forward to coming back when the school is complete!
Thanks to Major Bravo and the Serrano High School Cadet Corps for inviting us to participate in their annual Bivouac on Saturday.
“The weekend was full of activities that taught the 20+ students about land navigation, first aid, survival craft, and archery — all while enhancing their leadership and communication skills,” said District Director Kimberly Mesen, who was honored to accept a Certificate of Appreciation from the Cadet Corps during the event.
Additional thanks to CO Nance, who planned the entire Bivouac schedule, and to Mojave Archers for hosting!
District Director Kimberly Mesen was pleased to join the community for Raul’s Tequila and Kitchen’s grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations, and thank you for your contributions to economic development in the First District! Wishing you continued success!
 
The Wrightwood Senior Social Club and Community Services District are hosting a Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Nov. 22. This event brings together community members to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and refreshments including coffee, pumpkin pie, and entertainment. This is open to seniors ages 60 and up. Space is limited. Suggested donation is $8. Register by Friday, Nov. 17, at wrightwoodseniors@gmail.com
 Trona Elks Lodge Offering Free Community Dinner on Thursday
The Trona Elks Lodge BPOE is hosting a free Community Dinner from noon until 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23. The feast will include a traditional turkey and ham with all the trimmings. All Elk members are encouraged to donate a dessert. Donations are also welcomed from the community. Please call 760-372-5849 for delivery to seniors who cannot come in.
Helendale seniors are invited to join Providence St. Mary Medical Center for a free senior craft hour from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the Helendale CSD Senior Center. This event is open for seniors 55 and up. The center is located at 26540 Vista Rd., Helendale. RSVP at 760-261-5016.
 
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office are teaming up this holiday season for “Operation Smash and Grab.”
"Deputy Sheriffs will be undercover in stores throughout the county with the purpose of arresting actors engaged in retail theft,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus in a statement. “Working together with our District Attorney's office, those actors will not only be arrested and booked into jail but they will be prosecuted and held to answer for their crimes. We want the citizens of our county to have safe and enjoyable shopping experiences.”
D.A. Jason Anderson added, "This holiday season, our office remains focused on ensuring the safety of our community and businesses. By working together with law enforcement and businesses across the county, we will seek prosecution and accountability for individuals who choose to engage in unlawful behavior such as retail theft crimes, buying or selling stolen property, or organized crime schemes at multiple locations.”
 
The San Bernardino County Probation Department received funds for an intensive probation supervision program for high-risk DUI offenders with multiple DUI convictions.
The $645,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), approved by the Board of Supervisors, will go toward additional proactive home contacts with probationers to make sure they are following court-ordered terms of their probation and prevent probationers from re-offending.
During last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we approved several First District projects. To learn more about the agenda items, or to join a future Board Meeting, click here.
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Grant Award from U.S. Department of Justice: The County approved grant funding for activities intended to prevent and control crime, and improve the criminal justice system.
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Lease Agreement with St. John of God: This allows the organization to continue providing services to High Desert residents who are struggling with addiction, poverty, withdrawals and other needs.
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Spring Valley Lake Lakeview Lift Station Renovation Project: The project proposes renovations that will address several lift station issues. The existing screw pumps will be replaced with submersible pumps, which will help alleviate malodorous conditions.
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Spring Valley Lake Well Pedestal and Electrical Panel Renovation Project: The project will raise Well 5 and Well 6 pedestals, renovate electrical panels, and replace the existing chlorine sheds at each location.
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Use Agreement with Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District: This agreement allows County Fire to use the CSD parking lot at 10433 Mountain Road and limited non-exclusive portions of their building for fire-related emergency services and emergency communications.
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Solid Waste Handling Franchise Agreement: Adjusted franchise agreement with Advance Disposal Company for solid waste hauling for the unincorporated areas around Apple Valley, Hesperia, Oak Hills and Spring Valley Lake to comply with new California organic waste requirements.
 
A Hiring Event honoring military families is planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. November 29 at Spirit Filled Family Church in Hesperia. Meet with employers in manufacturing, warehouse, retail, food service, government and much more. This event is open to the public in recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month. Come dressed to impress and bring plenty of resumes!
Register at forms.office.com/g/8tBaL5nde3
 
On Friday, the Surface Transportation Board approved Brightline West's 5-mile extension from the Apple Valley terminus to the Hesperia station. The Board also approved the 50-mile extension down the Cajon Pass to Rancho Cucamonga.
“Simply put, this is a project with a lot of upside and little, if any, downside," said the STB in a statement. "It is one that has the potential for broad public benefits, and one for which no issues about the project’s current or future financial viability, including any negative effects of financial nonviability, have been raised."
Read more
 
The Wrightwood Community Services District is hosting its first annual Senior Firewood Giveaway from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. today. Wrightwood senior residents are invited to stop by and pick up a few free bundles of firewood while supplies last. The event will take place at 1543 Barbara Street in Wrightwood. For more information, please call (760) 249-3205.
In anticipation of a chilly season ahead, IEHP is collecting winter clothing for its "Keep Warm Drive.” Now through Thursday, Dec. 7, donations of new or very gently used coats, warm clothes, blankets and new socks can be dropped off at the IEHP Community Resource Center, located at 12353 Mariposa Road in Victorville. Donations will support nonprofit organizations in IEHP service areas throughout the First District, including Trona.
"This coat drive offers us all an opportunity to open our hearts and closets to support others in need," said Cesar Armendariz, IEHP’s senior director of community health. "Many families and unhoused members of our communities are sadly without shelter or warm clothing, and this collective effort provides warmth, relief and the reassurance that they are not alone and thought of during this holiday season."
 
Congratulations to our San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Desert-Mountain staff members who were recognized at the annual "Dessert in the Desert" event!
We appreciate your commitment to the education and care of our K-12 students!
 
City of Hesperia is inviting residents to show off their holiday spirit by participating in its Residential Christmas Decorating Contest. Deck the halls with Santa's sleigh, reindeer, festive wreaths, and twinkling strings of lights, and transform your yard into a holiday masterpiece.
Registered participants will have their address and photo of their decorated residence posted on the City's Facebook page for the community to vote on. Contest entry will open on Nov. 25 and run through Dec. 10, and voting will occur between Dec. 11-17. The winner will be recognized at the Dec. 19 City Council meeting.
Contest instructions will be shared when the contest opens. For more information, please call 760-947-1000.
 
Do you own a business in the First District? The High Desert America's Job Center in Victorville provides a variety of free services to employers. They include:
- Recruitment Services
- Job Fairs and Recruitment
- On-the-Job Training Funds
- Business Growth, Sustainability, and Process Improvement Advisors
- Layoff Prevention Services
- Business and HR Workshops
- Labor Market Information
- Free Human Resources hotline: 1-877-282-3763.
- Incumbent Worker Training
- Customized Training
For more information about these services, please contact Director of Workforce Development Luis Urgiles at (213) 785-4735 or email
luis@ghdcc.com
BNSF Railway is now hiring conductor trainees, starting at $75,000-$80,000 per year. The average daily rate while in training as a new hire conductor is approximately $237 per day, or $29.63 per hour (based on an 8-hour basic day shift). On average, employees starting out as new hire conductors will earn $75,000 per year following training and holding a regular assignment.
Earning potential for experienced conductors can grow to $94,000+ depending on hours worked and other factors. Based on staffing needs and seniority, a conductor will be required to complete required training to promote to a locomotive engineer position. Many engineers will often earn $135,000-$145,000 due to work opportunities at their location.
Visit caljobs.ca.gov to learn more.
 
Calico Ghost Town is hosting its annual Holiday Fest on Saturday. Festivities will include live music & entertainment, gunfighter shows, family-friendly games, arts & crafts, and story time with Santa on the Main Street Stage. Afterwards, there will a special tree lighting and Christmas carolers to finish out the day.
There will be plenty of holiday shopping available at all town shops for those hard-to-find gifts. The celebration will also feature food and attractions at an additional cost.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-11 and children under 3 are free. All ages welcome, including leashed pets. Campers will receive four free tickets for admission. For more event details, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/calico-holiday-fest.
 
Between early January through late April, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers free bald eagle boat tours. This allows park visitors a chance to witness eagles during mating season.
Bald eagle boat tours typically run every other weekend, with reservations required. Upon release of the park's eagle tour schedule, there will be a link to reserve a free slot for one of their many tours.
Bald eagles migrate to the San Bernardino National Forest during the winter season to hunt for food and nest. These tours are a great way to experience bald eagles in the wild.
More information will be posted soon. To stay up to date, follow the park on Facebook or call 760-389-2281.
 
The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Wrightwood Mountain Holiday celebration beginning this Friday, with the “Great Elf Hunt” and tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of festive activities, Christmas carols, hayrides and visits with Santa during the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. One of the most popular highlights is the Parade of Lights, which begins at 6 p.m. Saturday on Park Drive.
For a complete schedule of events, or for more information, please go to wrightwoodchamber.org
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