Let's All Do Our Part to Keep the First District Clean and Beautiful

Illegal dumping is a serious problem that plagues many of our High Desert communities. It's not just an eyesore – it's also threat to our environment and our health. 

There are a number of things we can do to stop illegal dumping:

• Report illegal dumping. If you see someone dumping illegally, report it to the authorities.
  • County (unincorporated) Code Enforcement: 909-884-4056
  • Adelanto Code Enforcement: 760-246-2300
  • Apple Valley Code Enforcement: 760-240-7560
  • Hesperia Code Enforcement: 760-947-1343
  • Victorville Code Enforcement: 760-955-5104
• Use proper disposal methods. Make sure you're disposing of your waste properly at designated disposal sites. Collection sites in the First District include Burrtec's Victorville and Barstow drop-off centers, Advance Disposal Co. in Hesperia, Victor Valley MRF, and the Helendale Community Services District Thrift Store. 
  • AVCO Disposal provides free residential curbside large or bulky item pickups for Adelanto, Apple Valley and Victorville residents at 760-245-8607.
  • Advance Disposal offers free bulky item pickups for Hesperia residents at (760) 244-9773.
• Get involved in community cleanups. Participate in community cleanups to help prevent illegally dumped waste.
  • City of Hesperia is hosting its Neighborhood Beautification Day from 8 a.m. until noon on Feb. 15. Hesperia residents can dispose of unwanted bulky items such as mattresses, carpet, furniture and appliances at no charge at 17105 Mesa Street. 
  • City of Victorville is hosting a recycling event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility. This is open to all residents of the High Desert. The event will include free drive-through document shredding, a compost giveaway, disposal of electronic waste and appliances, and free mattress and box spring recycling. The Victor Valley MRF is located at 17000 Abbey Lane in Victorville.

Let's all do our part to keep the High Desert clean and beautiful!

Several First District Projects Approved During Jan. 23 Board Meeting

During our Jan. 23 San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting, several First District projects were approved:

• Approved contract with City of Victorville to provide services through the Wellness Center Campus to homeless individuals residing in the Mojave Riverbed encampments. This includes at least 26 dedicated beds through June 30, 2024.
• Projected expenditures of $400,000 were approved to install a pre-manufactured ADA-compliant restroom at Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery. The First and Third District Board Offices recommended proceeding with this project, which will be managed by the City of Barstow. The cemetery conducts an average of 110 funerals and 73,700 visits annually.
• Approved a Victorville office space lease extension with Bear Valley Medical Business Center, LLC, for the County's Human Services, Performance, Education and Resource Centers.
• Approved an agreement with Leatherman BioConsulting, Inc. to conduct biological resource monitoring services for the Desert Knolls Wash Phase III Project.
• Approved an agreement with Aspen Environmental Group to conduct cultural resource construction monitoring services for the Desert Knolls Wash Phase III Project.

Our next regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting takes place at 10 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Government Center in San Bernardino. View the agenda and watch live at this link. View the 2024 Board Calendar here.

Team Cook Joins VVUHSD to Celebrate Dedication of Felix Diaz Building

District Director Kimberly Mesen joined Victor Valley Union High School District to celebrate the dedication of Victor Valley High School’s new administration building. Named for High Desert community leader and Army Veteran Lt. Felix G. Diaz, who passed away in 2021, the building is a beautiful tribute to a truly great man. His legacy of community service will continue to resonate with residents throughout the First District.

Local Culinary Students Compete at MDCP's 7th Annual Chopped Competition

Mountain Desert Career Pathways, a JPA collaborating with nine school districts in the region, recently hosted its 7th Annual Chopped Competition.

"Career Technical Education students from each high school's culinary program came together to create a delicious and polished dish," said Program Technician Carmen Rose. Each dish was presented to a panel of three industry judges.

Congratulations to Victor Valley High School, who won the award for the best overall dish!

San Bernardino County Fire Hosting Measure W & FP-5 Public Meetings

San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey will present information at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Helendale CSD and 6 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Phelan-Pinon Hills CSD regarding Service Zone FP-5 and proposed Measure W. After the presentation, the Fire Chief and his staff will be available to answer questions from the public. Further information regarding the FP-5 Service Zone and proposed Measure W is available at the link below.

Senior Mobile Pantry Program Held Monthly at High Desert Second Chance

Seniors who reside in San Bernardino County and need supplemental food assistance may be eligible to participate in the Senior Mobile Pantry program, which is held at High Desert Second Chance from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  second Wednesday of every month. The next event will take place on Feb. 14.

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.

Registrar of Voters Continuing Voter Education with BallotMobile

The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters is continuing its BallotMobile: Traveling Voter Education tour with more stops in the High Desert. This traveling ballot program features giveaways, educational collateral, photo opportunities and more.

• 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 17 at Calico Ghost Town
• 2-4 p.m. Feb. 17 at Barstow Farmers Market
• 8-10 a.m. Feb. 22 at Adelanto City Hall
• Noon-2 p.m. Feb. 22 at Victorville City Hall

Learn more at https://elections.sbcounty.gov/community-outreach/ballotmobile/

Apple Valley Animal Shelter Hosting Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Tonight

The Town of Apple Valley is planning a Dog and Cat Vaccination Clinic from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. tonight, Feb. 1. This event is open to all residents. Cost is $10 for the rabies vaccination, and $18 for Bordetella, DA2PP, FvRCP or Feline Leukemia shots. The price for  microchip implants/registration is $20. Cash only. The clinic will take place at 22131 Powhatan Road, Apple Valley.

Paving Operations Continuing on Ranchero Road in Hesperia

City of Hesperia is continuing paving operations for sections of Ranchero Road between Maple Avenue and the Union Pacific railroad crossing through the week of Feb. 5, excluding weekends. Expect changes in traffic patterns, and while there won't be any closures, anticipate delays in the construction zone. Please obey all posted signs and devices, personnel, and other motorists on the road.

Caltrans District 8 Continuing Flagging on SR-127 between Baker and Tecopa

Caltrans District 8 is continuing 24/7 flagging on SR-127 between Baker and Tecopa. Contractor crews are in the area clearing debris, performing roadbed repair, drainage repair and various other recovery efforts from recent monsoon storms. The route has flagging operations in place from Monday through Sunday, with piloting to direct traffic in both directions.

The repair work is expected to continue through February 2024. The re-opening and repair timeline is weather and material dependent.

Sprouts and Frito-Lay Hosting Hiring Events in the High Desert

The Victorville Sprouts Farmers Market is hosting a hiring event today and Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Hilton Garden Inn. Applicants are encouraged to bring a copy of their resume. Most positions pay up to $21.35 hourly. Learn more about available positions here.

Frito-Lay is hosting a hiring event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, in Victorville. Job seekers are invited to learn more about the company’s seasonal merchandiser opportunities, which pay $21.35 hourly. Participants can learn more about the roles at Frito-Lay and position specifics such as schedules, pay, and same-day interviews. Benefits include mileage reimbursement and safety shoe stipend. The event will take place at 17365 Jasmine St., Victorville. Register here.

California OHV Commission Inviting Public to Meeting in Hesperia

The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission is inviting the public to an informative tour today at King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, and a meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Courtyard by Marriott in Hesperia. For more information, or to register for these events, click here.

Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary Hosting Valentine's Day Fundraiser

Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary is hosting its annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser on Feb. 10 in Phelan.  The event will feature Extreme Feeds & barn feeds throughout the day, in addition to their new animal meet-and-greets. All proceeds go toward the care and feeding of these exotic rescue animals.

The sanctuary is located at 8545 Buttemere Rd., Phelan. Call (760) 868-2755 for additional information. Tickets are available here.

Silverwood Lake's Next Bald Eagle Tour Planned on Saturday

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is offering its next free Bald Eagle tour at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. This allows park visitors a chance to witness eagles during mating season. 

These tours are led by experienced guides who will share fascinating facts about bald eagles and their conservation efforts. This event is not just about observing these incredible birds up close, but also about understanding their importance in our ecosystem.

To stay up to date on park events, follow them on Facebook or call 760-389-2281.