2024 'State of Education' Highlights High Desert Success Stories

The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools co-hosted this year's “State of Education” address, presented by Superintendent Ted Alejandre at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victorville last week. Here are some highlights:

Students Awarded Scholarships

Approximately $12,500 in scholarships were awarded to 25 students during the event. District Director Kimberly Mesen was pleased to present three $500 scholarships to local students on behalf of our office. They went to:

• Anahi Duran of Academy of Academic Excellence
• Jasmine Martinez of Sultana High School
• Mia Ramirez of Oak Hills High School

Distinguished High Desert Schools

Alejandre highlighted several notable achievements from our region during his presentation, noting that four High Desert schools were named California Distinguished Schools last year:

• Melva Davis Academy of Excellence, Adelanto Elementary School District
• Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District
• Oak Hills High School, Hesperia Unified School District
• University Preparatory, Victor Valley Union High School District

Additionally, Victor Elementary School District received a Golden Bell Award for its Child Welfare & Attendance Liaison program.

Preparing Students for the Future

Alejandre emphasized the importance of schools preparing students for the future – emotionally, socially, and professionally. He noted the unique industries in the High Desert, such as mining, and highlighted programs — such as Mountain Desert Career Pathways — being developed to meet the needs of local employers.

New Opportunities at Victor Valley College

Exciting news from Victor Valley College! They are now offering a 4-year degree in respiratory therapy, with even more programs in the works, including court reporting, pharmacy technology, and a Spanish-taught medical assistant degree.

Tech Upgrades for the High Desert

The future looks bright for educational technology in the High Desert! A 100 gigabyte Internet expansion is planned in partnership with Victor Valley College. "This will bring carrier-level connectivity to rural and underserved areas, including our significantly underserved tribal and remote desert
communities," said Alejandre. The full build-out is expected over 5-7 years.

Concurrent College Courses

Excelsior’s Early College Academy in Victorville now offers concurrent college courses for students grades 7-12.

New Superintendents

Jerry Jennex (Trona JUSD), Josh Behnke (Helendale), and Milan Stijepovic (Baker Valley) joined the High Desert community as new superintendents. 

Significant Grants

Seven High Desert districts and three charter schools received grants to transform schools into resource hubs for families and communities. All High Desert districts received $100,000 literacy grants this year to focus on strategies to improve literacy. Additionally, a $1 million grant will provide teachers with the opportunity to learn the latest computer science skills, including how to safely use Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

I'm excited to see these advancements continue to benefit students and the High Desert community!

Phelan & Pinon Hills Community Celebrate the Dedication of Well 15

Congratulations to the Phelan-Pinon Hills Community on the dedication of Well 15! Policy Director Christopher Porter was honored to attend the ceremony to present a certificate and celebrate this momentous occasion.

Well 15 adds up to 750 gallons per minute of high-quality drinking water to the system, along with 5,280 feet of new pipeline. This vital project is a big win for the community, ensuring a sustainable water supply and supporting future growth in the Phelan-Pinon Hills area.

Nine First District Schools Qualify For State Competition at SkillsUSA

Our First District Director Kimberly Mesen had a blast at the 57th annual SkillsUSA State Competition at the Ontario Convention Center! This amazing event brought together students, educators and industry leaders to showcase the incredible skills and talents of our next generation of workers.

The following First District schools competed during the event:

• Adelanto High School (Adelanto)
• Apple Valley High School (Apple Valley Unified School District)
• Granite Hills High School (Apple Valley)
• Academy Of Careers And Exploration (Helendale)
• Sultana High School (Hesperia)
• Summit Leadership Academy High Desert (Hesperia)
• Hook Junior High School (Victorville)
• Victor Valley High School (Victorville)
• Serrano High School (Phelan)

A huge congratulations to all the students, teachers and everyone involved. Winners will go on to compete at the national level in Atlanta, GA on June 24-28.

'Shine a Light' Recognizes Local Child Abuse Prevention Advocates

District Director Kimberly Mesen represented our office at last week’s “Shine a Light” Child Abuse Prevention Awards. A total of $30,000 in scholarships were gifted to youth during the event.

Congratulations to the following individuals and organizations on being recognized! It’s people like you who truly make a difference for our at-risk children and adolescents!

• Lifetime Advocate: Helena Lopez, A Greater Hope
• Community Based Provider: Annette Cedillo, Our Paths Foundation
• Probation: Aliena Darling, San Bernardino County Probation Department
• Education: Jonathon and Keynasia Buffong, IE Black Grad
• Legal: Sarah Beth Rabin, San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office
• Foster Parents: Robert and Linda Hodges
• Behavioral Health: Paula Bailey, Victor Community Support Services
• Community Based Provider: Dominique Matthews, Pacific Clinic
• Education: Dr. Houn Hib, Warm Springs Elementary School
• Community Based Provider: Amanda Vann-Orellana, Young Visionaries
• Children and Family Services: Katie Netzel, San Bernardino County Children and Family Services
• Volunteer: Pat Williams, Angels' Closet

Barstow Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting For Helendale's Red Rocket Plumbing

Congratulations to Red Rocket Plumbing Company in Helendale for their recent ribbon cutting ceremony with the Barstow Chamber of Commerce!

Our Constituent Services Director, Samuel Shoup, was delighted to celebrate this exciting occasion with the Helendale community and provide a certificate of recognition.

Red Rocket Plumbing, here's to many years of success keeping the pipes flowing smoothly in Helendale!

C&B Smokehouse Chuckwagon Celebrates at Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Last week, the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce threw a sizzling ribbon-cutting ceremony for the C&B Smokehouse Gourmet BBQ chuckwagon.

Policy Director Christopher Porter was pleased to attend the celebration and present C&B Smokehouse with a certificate of recognition for the occasion.
These BBQ masters have been tantalizing taste buds at events all over the High Desert, bringing their delicious and authentic smoked meats straight to the streets.

Head down to their food truck and experience the taste for yourself. They have tri-tip, chicken, sausage, pulled pork, ribs and pastrami!

PS: A brick-and-mortar restaurant just *may* be in the works!

City of Victorville Fire Department Inviting Community to Thursday's Celebration

The community is invited to a Five Years of Reactivation Celebration for the Victorville Fire Department at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Fire Station 311, located at 16200 Desert Knoll Drive in Victorville.

During this free event, Victorville Fire will also push into service three new Type 1 Engines benefitting the Victorville Community. The “push-in” is a time-honored tradition that fire department’s use to mark the addition of new apparatus to their fleet.

Victorville Fire’s three, new Type 1 Engines are part of the City of Victorville’s commitment to expanding public safety service for the growing Victorville community. Attendees will also be invited to tour the engine bay, view the fire apparatus, and enjoy free refreshments and giveaways.

For more information, please call (760) 951-8722.

Phelan-Pinon Hills CERT Offering Free Emergency Response Training

The Phelan-Pinon Hills CERT is offering a FREE basic training program on Saturday, April 13, to teach residents how to respond to emergencies. ‍ ‍

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. These groups of volunteers are trained to assist firefighters, police, and medical personnel during disasters. This could include things like:

• Fire safety and medical aid
• Search and rescue
• Traffic control and disaster communications

Ready to join your neighbors and make a difference? The next CERT Basic Training runs for three Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited, so register today. Call 760-887-1847 or email Bonnie Butler at pphcert@gmail.com.

County In-Home Supportive Services Recruiting Caregivers

San Bernardino County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) - Public Authority is recruiting caregivers to provide personal care and domestic services that will allow older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain safely in their homes.

The types of services authorized through IHSS are housecleaning, meal prep, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services, transportation to medical appointments and protective supervision for the mentally impaired.

For more information about the IHSS program, please visit publicauthority.sbcounty.gov. To complete an application, please visit sbcarejobs.com.

Newly Approved Oak Hills Municipal Advisory Council Seeking Applicants

Big news, Oak Hills neighbors! Your voice just got a whole lot louder!

Last week, the Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an Oak Hills Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). This is YOUR chance to directly influence decisions about our community.

What is a MAC? It's a monthly meeting where you can:

• Advise the County about the activities and problems of your community
• Hear the latest on local and Countywide issues
• Ask questions directly to County officials
• Share your thoughts and ideas
• Help shape the future of Oak Hills

Don't miss this opportunity to be a leader in your community! We can't wait to hear from you!

Would you like to get involved? Fill out the application here!

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2024.

County Animal Care Offering $75/$150 Spay and Neuter Vouchers

Attention all unincorporated communities! San Bernardino County Animal Care is now offering spay/neuter vouchers valued at $75 for cats and $150 for dogs.
Please help stop pet overpopulation and take advantage of this offer by calling (888) 767-2550 or by emailing info@popco-inc.org.

For information about animals available for adoption in San Bernardino County’s shelters, please visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov/pets

Snowline Joint Unified School District Hosting Community Fair on Saturday

Snowline Joint Unified School District will host its First Annual Community Resource Fair at Serrano High School on Saturday, April 13.

The event, planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., aims to focus on whole-person wellness for tri-community residents in Phelan, Pinon Hills and Wrightwood. It will take place in the East Gym on the Serrano High School campus.

For more information about the event, please call (760) 868-5817.

IEHP Community Resource Center Planning 'Family Friday' Event

Calling all families! In honor of "Week of the Young Child," join the IEHP Community Resource Center for a fun-filled Family Friday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. April 12.

This event is perfect for children ages 0-8 and their parents. Enjoy a morning of engaging activities for the little ones, along with helpful information for parents from the community.

IEHP is located at 12353 Mariposa Suites C-2 & C-3, Victorville. For more information, please call 1-866-228-4347 #5.

High Desert Scam Artists Pretending to Be Employed with City of Victorville

The City of Victorville is warning the public about a potential scam. Individuals falsely claiming to be employed with the City are requesting entry to residents’ homes with false explanations of testing water quality. Residents who believe they may be victims of this scam are advised to contact law enforcement.

City of Hesperia Updating General Plan

City of Hesperia is in the process of updating its General Plan. Residents are invited to a Community Meeting from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at Hesperia City Hall. They will discuss land use designations, transportation, natural hazards, and more. To learn more about the General Plan Update, click here.

Heads Up, Drivers! Brightline West Work Continuing This Week on I-15

Be aware of potential delays this week as Brightline West continues preparatory work for the high-speed train project. Crews will be surveying and drilling in Nevada and California, with some areas experiencing lane closures.

Here's what to expect:

• Possible nighttime shoulder closures on Interstate 15 near Hesperia and Cajon Pass.
• Short-term freeway shoulder closures: Use caution in work zones, watch for detours, and obey speed limit changes.
• Crews will mostly work during daylight hours to minimize traffic disruptions.

Specific locations and times for California this week:

• I-15 (Coyote Lake Rd. to Old Hwy 58 Connector): Southbound exterior shoulder closed from 10 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. Thursday morning, April 11.
• I-15 (Palmdale Rd. to South of Ranchero Rd.): Daytime borings in the center median and shoulders in Hesperia from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, April 12.. Nighttime closures in the same areas from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, April 12.
• I-15 (Oak Hill Rd. to Baseline Ave): Daytime borings in the center median and shoulders at Oak Hill Rd, Cajon Pass, and I-15 Etiwanda Bike Trail in Fontana from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, April 12. Nighttime closures on northbound and southbound shoulders and center median from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, April 12.

Plan ahead and allow extra travel time if you'll be using these routes.

High Desert Hiring Event Planned on April 25 at Mall of Victor Valley

Calling all job seekers! Big opportunities are coming your way at a High Desert hiring event on April 25. Connect with top local employers in retail, logistics, healthcare, food service, manufacturing, and professional fields.

Get your resume polished up and head to The Mall of Victor Valley (14400 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don't miss this chance to meet employers who are actively hiring!

Secure your spot today!  HDJobs042524.eventbrite.com

Brightline West Recruiting More than 11,000 Workers in Nevada and California

Buckle up, job seekers! Construction on the Las Vegas-to-California Brightline West project is about to hit the gas, and that means major hiring. Unions are gearing up to recruit a whopping 11,000 workers to build this high-speed rail.

Here's the breakdown: Nevada crews are first in line, with 3,000 construction and trade positions. They'll tackle the first 50 miles, starting from the future Las Vegas station and working their way south. Don't worry, California won't be left behind — their construction will kick off soon at multiple sites, eventually meeting up with Nevada's progress.

The whole project's aiming for a grand opening by summer 2028, just in time for the Los Angeles Olympics. So, if you're looking for a chance to be part of something big and get to work on a state-of-the-art railway, keep your eyes peeled for union announcements.

Silverwood Lake Inviting Teachers and Parents to Join State Park Programs

Calling all local school teachers and parents!  Want a fun and engaging way to teach your students about the environment?

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area offers free interpreter led programs for schools, covering topics such as the water cycle, the state water project and even local history about Cedar Springs. These learning sessions can be held in-person at the park or virtually through our California State Parks PORTS Distance Learning Program. Assistance with bus funding may even be available!

For more information or to book an outdoor session, email Caden.McWilliam@parks.ca.gov

Celebrate Earth Day with Free Rides on Victor Valley Transit Buses

Go green and save green this Earth Day! From April 20-22, Victor Valley Transit is offering free rides on all their buses. That's right — hop on board any VVTA Fixed Route, County Route, Direct Access, Route 15, Commuter Line, or Micro-Link for FREE!

This is the perfect opportunity to:

• Reduce your carbon footprint by leaving your car at home.
• Enjoy the convenience of public transportation.
• Explore the city and discover new places. ️
• Connect with loved ones for free! ‍‍‍

Don't miss out on this special offer! Ride free and celebrate Earth Day with Victor Valley Transit!

Saddle Up for Saturday's 9th Annual Oro Grande Roundup at Cross Eyed Cow

Dust off your boots and get ready for a rootin' tootin' good time! The 9th Annual Oro Grande Roundup takes over Route 66 from 10 a.m. until dusk on Saturday, April 13, at the Cross Eyed Cow.

This free, family-friendly event has something for everyone:

• Classic Car Show: Relive automotive history with a stunning display of classic cars cruising down Route 66. Car enthusiasts can enter their own car for $30 (includes a free T-shirt!)
• Local Vendors: Support local artists and businesses while browsing a vibrant marketplace of unique finds.
• Cowboy Fun: Yeehaw! Embrace your inner cowboy with roping demonstrations and other Wild West entertainment.
• Burlesque Delights: Get ready for some dazzling and playful performances by talented burlesque dancers.
• Games & Activities: Keep the little wranglers entertained with fun games and activities throughout the day.
• Live Music: Get your groove on with a DJ spinning tunes all day long. Top it all off with a live performance by The Groove Hunters, sure to set the dance floor on fire!
• Food & Drinks: Fuel up with delicious food and refreshing drinks available for purchase (not included in free admission).

This event is all about celebrating community! Proceeds go toward supporting Oro Grande.

Mojave Water Agency Hosting Free Spring Conservation Fair on Saturday

Mojave Water Agency is hosting a free Spring Conservation Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Victorville Fairgrounds. The event will include vendors, demonstrations, giveaways, and raffles.

"This event underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of conservation within our community,” said Liz Fratt, Conservation Specialist at Mojave Water Agency. “By bringing together experts, educators, and stakeholders, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make a positive impact on our environment."

For more information, please call (760) 946-7000.