Decorated military veteran Ralph Duarte appointed new director of Veteran Affairs
Ralph Duarte, a former Army Sergeant with more than five years of military service in the U.S. Army and California Army National Guard has been appointed as San Bernardino County’s Veterans Affairs Director.
During his military career he served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The motto for the 75th Ranger Regiment is “sua sponte,” Latin for “of their own accord.” Army Rangers voluntarily dedicate themselves to serving their country and now Duarte brings his lifelong commitment to helping others to the veterans of San Bernardino County.
Board actions – Dec. 19
The five members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, in addition to having to prepare for and take action at Board of Supervisors meetings, are also voting members of up to 35 local, state and regional boards and commissions.
These bodies include the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the Inland Empire Health Plan, the South Coast and Mojave Desert air quality management districts, the Ontario and San Bernardino international airport authorities, and dozens more.
Scoop News Group names county CIO Executive of the Year
San Bernardino County Chief Information Officer Lynn Fyhrlund’s efforts to implement cutting-edge information technology initiatives that have modernized county operations and increased efficiency have led Scoop News Group to name him a County Executive of the Year.
Each year, StateScoop recognizes people and projects that make a positive difference in local government technology through its LocalSmart Awards program. Starting in September, StateScoop invited local government IT professionals to nominate more than 200 leaders and projects to be considered for the award. The StateScoop team narrowed the list down to 100 finalists and readers cast their votes between Nov. 6 and Dec. 1 to decide the winners.
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Can awareness save our citrus? Ag/Weights & Measures teams up with Museum to educate community
The county Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) Department has partnered with the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) to educate the public on ways in which they can help save the community’s citrus.
The museum’s exhibit, Pulp Culture: A Juicy Tale in the Orange Empire, is a captivating story highlighting the industry, migrant workers, fruit pests, and a visual culture that became intrinsically tied to the region’s citrus groves and packing houses.
ARC Mobile Unit in Joshua Tree beginning in 2024
Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Chris Wilhite is excited to announce the ARC Mobile Unit’s service interval in Joshua Tree. Beginning in 2024, the ARC Mobile Unit will provide service outside of the Bob Burke Government Center on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NACo honors Public Defender’s Reentry Support Team
A public safety program that provides housing, medical insurance, mental health resources and substance abuse treatment to the reentry population has earned a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for reducing recidivism in San Bernardino County.
The Public Defender’s Reentry Support Team is a collaborative partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) that works cohesively to provide comprehensive support to individuals returning to the community following incarceration.
Children and Family Services wraps toys for foster children
Children and Family Services (CFS) staff from regions throughout San Bernardino County wrapped toys for nearly 6,000 foster children this holiday season. The toys were provided by the Childrens Fund and other community agencies that donated to the Childrens Fund. Each region had at least one room filled with toys of all kinds ranging from stuffed animals to soccer balls and board games.
Guardians of health: Navigating fall and winter viruses
It is important to be aware of respiratory viruses that commonly spread in the fall and winter seasons, including the seasonal influenza virus (flu), COVID-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Vaccinations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV remain the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against these viruses.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines will continue to be free for most people through their health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular healthcare providers. For a limited time, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Register for both updated vaccines at MyTurn.ca.gov.
Public Health’s Taste of Wellness
San Bernardino County Public Health’s Nutrition and Wellness Services (NWS) invites you to enjoy their electronic magazine – A Taste of Wellness. NWS’ monthly magazine is filled with nutritious recipes and fun-filled activities available in San Bernardino County and other educational resources to promote healthier lifestyles.
This month, get your holiday taste buds off to a great start with mouth-watering recipes just in time for the holidays, healthy tips to stay safe while gathering, and program activities available at designated local community centers.
Change in County Update distribution date
 Starting on Jan. 11, the San Bernardino County Update newsletter will shift to a Thursday distribution. In alignment with our goals, we will continue to deliver timely information to help you stay connected with your county government. If you know someone who doesn’t already receive our weekly e-newsletter, please encourage them to sign up. As always, we appreciate your support and welcome any feedback. Please direct your comments to communications@cao.sbcounty.gov.
Things to do in San Bernardino County
 This section focuses on family-friendly events that are sponsored by county departments including the Library, Museum, Regional Parks, Special Districts and more.
Pet of the Week
Meet our Pet of the Week: Jasper (ID# A789553). If you would like to meet Jasper, come to the Devore Animal Shelter and ask to see ID# A789553. We’re open seven days a week.
San Bernardino County jobs
 San Bernardino County will post new jobs on Saturday, Dec. 16. We encourage you to apply and to share these job openings with those who may be interested.
Animals Are First Fund (ARFF) is a non-profit organization that provides support services for animals cared for and housed at animal shelters operated by San Bernardino County Animal Care. Consider giving in memory of a loved one or pet, giving monthly or sponsoring a fundraiser. Your donation is tax deductible and will directly help homeless animals in your community. To make a donation to assist animals at the shelter, visit arffund.org.
 San Bernardino County Animal Care is reducing pet adoption fees. For more information about animals available for adoption, visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov/pets/.
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