Honor Our Nation's Heroes at First District Memorial Day Ceremonies

As Memorial Day approaches, I want to encourage First District residents to attend our local ceremonies and activities. This special day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the brave men and women who laid down their lives for our nation.

This year, the Town of Apple Valley Memorial Day Ceremony will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, May 27, at Civic Center Park. This is a beautiful opportunity to come together as a community and pay tribute to our local and national heroes. The ceremony will feature a "Fill the Hill" activity, where American flags will be available for families to personalize with a message in memory of a loved one. These flags will then be displayed throughout the park, creating a powerful visual representation of our collective gratitude. Civic Center Park is at 14999 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley.

The annual Wrightwood Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Monday at the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial. This event, sponsored by the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce, promises a moving program with a military fly-over, presentations, speeches, and a chance to show our appreciation for both active duty personnel and veterans from all branches of the military. The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial is at 1270 Irene Street, Wrightwood.

The Phelan VFW Post 9415 is hosting their Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday. Join them for the raising of the flag and a solemn Flag Retirement Ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 351. The ceremony will be held at the VFW Post, located at 4892 Nielson Rd, Phelan. Everyone is welcome. PS: Look for the VFW Auxiliary handing out poppies (symbols of remembrance) in front of Stater Bros. this Memorial Day weekend.

For those seeking a more permanent way to honor a fallen service member, the Mojave Cross Veterans Memorial in Goffs offers the opportunity to purchase a commemorative brick. These engraved bricks are a lasting tribute displayed at the memorial. The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial also sells memorial dedication bricks.

No matter how you choose to participate, Memorial Day is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served our country. Let us come together this year to remember, honor and express our deepest gratitude.

Team Cook Attends SBCTA's Annual City-County Conference

Thank you to San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) for hosting another successful and informative City-County Conference in Lake Arrowhead!

Our team enjoyed catching up with local leaders while participating in panel sessions covering timely topics such as cyberthreats, disaster preparedness, homeless solutions, street vending and artificial intelligence.

Thanks to all of the speakers who presented this important information and insight, which will surely benefit our communities.

Rockstars of Tomorrow Celebrates Anniversary & Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Rockstars of Tomorrow on their 1-year anniversary and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce!

Our Policy Director Christopher Porter stopped by to present a Certificate of Recognition to the Hesperia music school, which aims to turn aspiring musicians into rockstars with their innovative programs.

Bucky Ball Honors HD Hispanic Chamber with Good Egg Award

District Director Kimberly Mesen had a wonderful time at the San Bernardino County Museum's 9th annual Bucky Ball this past Saturday.

Congratulations to the High Desert Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for being recognized as a Good Egg award winner! This award honors partners who have been exceptional supporters of the museum's mission to serve our community.

NAACP Celebrates Recent Graduates With Ceremony at VVC

Our First District Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to attend the NAACP Black Excellence Graduation Ceremony at Victor Valley College. “The celebrated students were well deserving of the recognition,” he said.

Congratulations to all of the honorees!

High Desert Seniors Invited to Free Presentation, Lunch and Craft Hour

Join the Victor Valley Community Services Council at noon on Thursday, May 23, for a free intergenerational activity.

Employees from Southwest Gas will be giving a presentation on programs available to assist seniors with heating costs. Following the presentation, seniors will enjoy a nutritious meal and make pine cone bird feeders with instructor Jennie Fontenot. All supplies and meals are provided at no charge.

Intergenerational activities are open to all ages. Seniors may bring children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors. Reservations are required by calling 760-243-9646.

'Salute to D-Day Concert' Planned May 30 at Serrano High School

The Phelan-Pinon Hills Community Services District, in partnership with Tri-Community Kiwanis Club and Greatest Generation Education group will present a “Salute to D-Day Concert” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30. The concert celebrates the American spirit that won WWII, celebrating 80 years.

The show will take place in the Serrano High School Performing Arts Center, located at 9292 Sheep Creek Rd. in Phelan. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

County Seeking Participation in Senior Employment Program

The Department of Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian (DAAS-PG) is seeking participation in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), on-the-job training, for eligible older adults looking to enter or return to the workforce.

For more information about SCSEP, please call (909) 798-8563 or visit https://hss.sbcounty.gov/daas to learn about DAAS-PG’s programs and services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caretakers.

Victor Elementary and CAHELP Hosting Resource Fair on Thursday

The Victor Elementary School District and CAHELP are teaming up for a Community Resource Fair from 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, May 23.

Discover valuable resources and organizations throughout the High Desert and San Bernardino County while enjoying raffles, family activities and food trucks.

The event will take place at the VESD Family Center, located at 15115 Nisqualli Road in Victorville. Call 760-493-1800 for more information.

Caregivers Invited to Special Workshop at IEHP on Thursday

Inland Caregiver Resource Center will present a Health and Wellness Conference from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the IEHP Community Center in Victorville.

All informal caregivers are invited to attend the conference featuring lunch, resource tables, information and a keynote speech by Dr. Paul McMahon on “Caregiving Resilience.”

IEHP Community Center is located at 12353 Mariposa Rd., Victorville. Register by calling 800-675-6694.

Brightline West Continuing Investigation Work on I-15

Drivers be aware! Brightline West is doing investigation work along Interstate 15 this week for their new high-speed rail project. Here's a breakdown of where and when to expect delays:

• I-15 Point of Entry to Fort Irwin Road: Daytime borings are scheduled just south of the Point of Entry in the center median, at the Halloran Road interchange, and at the Fort Irwin Road interchange, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 22 through Friday, May 24.
• I-15 Bear Valley Road to Ranchero Road: Daytime borings are scheduled in the center median and off the southbound exterior shoulders, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 23. 
• I-15 Oak Hill Road to SR-210 Interchange: Daytime borings are scheduled in the gore area of the I-15/SR-210 interchange, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 23. Night closures are planned in the center median and shoulders from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. today, May 20, through Wednesday, May 22.
• I-15 median north of Primm, Nevada (milepost 5-12.5):
  Geotechnical boring and survey work from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, May 20 – Friday, May 31.

Remember, these dates and times are estimates and can change depending on weather.

Major 12-Hour Power Outage Planned in Baker on May 29

Heads up, Baker residents & I-15 commuters!

Southern California Edison (SCE) is performing upgrades in Baker with a 12-hour power outage planned from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. May 29. The outage will span 90 miles from Rasor Road to Halloran Summit Road on I-15, along with portions of Highway 127.

This means:

• No charging stations for electric vehicles
• No gas stations
• No food or restaurants in Baker

Plan ahead and avoid the area if you can!

Public Works Planning Several Road Improvements in Baker

Attention Baker residents! San Bernardino County Public Works is coming to the community this summer with a road improvement project.

Work will take place on Baker Boulevard and Park Avenue. Expect road milling, repaving, some lane widening, a new traffic signal, and ramp replacements. While traffic delays are possible, they'll manage traffic with one lane open in each direction.

To avoid frustration, plan extra time for commutes and be cautious in the work zone. Thanks for your patience and cooperation!

LifeStream Blood Drive Planned in Wrightwood on Sunday

There's a chance to save a life this month! The LifeStream Blood Bank is coming to Wrightwood with their mobile unit. Donate blood from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at Hillside Community Church located at 3221 Hwy. 2, Wrightwood.

Giving blood is easy, and you can even make an appointment ahead of time by visiting their website LifeStream Blood Bank or calling 1-800-879-4484. Just remember that you need to be at least 15 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health to donate.

County Fire Department Offering Free Wood Chipping in Wrightwood

Attention mountain residents! The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District wants to help you prepare for wildfire season. They're offering free wood chipping in Wrightwood from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 31, June 1 and June 2.

Bring your cut brush, branches, and limbs (up to 15 inches thick and 10 feet long) to help clear your property and reduce fire risk. Leaves and pine needles cannot be chipped. This is a great opportunity to make your community safer.

For wildfire safety tips and to create your own wildfire action plan, visit https://sbcfire.org/ or call (909) 336-7086. For more information about the event, call 760-249-3249 or visit https://www.wrightwoodfsc.com

Let's work together to keep Wrightwood clean and fire safe!

New BLM Desert District Fire Restrictions Go Into Effect Today

Attention First District residents! Starting today, new fire restrictions will be in effect across BLM-managed California Desert District lands. These restrictions aim to protect visitors, communities, and natural resources from wildfires and will remain in place until Oct. 24, or sooner if conditions improve.

Some key points to remember:

• Campfires, certain flame devices, target shooting, and smoking will be limited in designated areas.
• Recreational shooting is completely banned in western San Bernardino County, but hunting is still allowed.

These new restrictions come on top of existing statewide and year-round fire regulations for the California Desert District.

CHP Hosting Virtual Hiring Seminars Today and Sunday

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is hosting virtual hiring seminars this week for aspiring officers and dispatchers. These hour-long sessions will provide information about the application process, career paths, and benefits.

The officer seminar is at 6:30 p.m. this evening, May 22, and the dispatcher seminar is at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26.

You can register for the seminars and learn more about CHP careers at the link below.

Victor Valley Museum Hosting Overdose Panel Discussion

Join Victor Valley Museum and San Bernardino County Behavioral Health for “Into Light,” a panel discussion with families who have tragically lost loved ones to an overdose.

The talk will take place from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, May 23. These courageous families will share their experiences to shed light on substance use disorders and honor those they've lost. Your presence and support can make a difference.

The museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Rd, Apple Valley. For more information, please call (760) 995-8770.

Mojave Narrows Regional Park Hosting 'Spring Fling' on Saturday

Celebrate the start of Memorial Weekend with a fun-filled day at Mojave Narrows Regional Park's Spring Fling! The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

Get closer to nature with a live animal presentation from Wildlife Adventure Time, experience a walk-in butterfly tent or join in lawn games, park bingo, face painting, arts & crafts, music and food trucks — even a paper airplane contest.

Admission is $10 per vehicle and free for those camping. Mojave Narrows is located off I-15 at 18000 Yates Road in Victorville. For more information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. 

Head up to Big Pines For Mountain High's Memorial Day Festival

Kick off the summer at Mountain High’s Memorial Day Festival celebrating the spirit of Big Pines with music, food, activities and more. The free events will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26.

On Saturday, the resort will host a fishing derby at 8 a.m. at Jackson Lake, followed by live music at North Lodge from 4-8 p.m.

On Sunday, the resort will host Karaoke from 4-8 p.m., and a glow stick celebration from 8-9 p.m.

Guests can enjoy free hot dogs with a $5 purchase between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at North Lodge, Jackson Lake and Grassy Hollow Visitors Center both days.

The resort is located at 24510 CA-2, Wrightwood. For more information, please call (888) 754-7878.

San Bernardino County Fair returns to Victorville This Weekend

Get ready for some fun! The San Bernardino County Fair returns to Victorville on May 25-27 & May 31-June 2, promising "truckloads of fun." This highly anticipated High Desert event includes carnival rides, delicious fair food, animal exhibits, live concerts and much more.

The Sunland Ford Concert Series will feature Sublime tribute band “Don’t Push” on May 31, Matt Stell on June 1 and Banda Machos on June 2. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the shows begin at 7 p.m. O
The High Point Concrete Dirt Series will include Monster Truck Mayem on May 25, Demolition Derby on May 26 and Pro Open Bull Riding on May 27.

The San Bernardino County Fairgrounds are located at 14800 7th St. in Victorville. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at $35 each. The "truckload special" is $20 (cash only at entrance) and will get you and everyone in a seatbelt into the fair. For more information, please call 760-951-2200.