Board Passes Resolution Asking State to Address Insurance Crisis

I’m extremely pleased to announce that our Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday to address the California insurance crisis that is adversely impacting both homeowners and businesses in the state.

For the past two years, many of our constituents — particularly in the mountain and foothill communities — have been dropped by big carriers such as Allstate and State Farm, forcing them to find other insurance companies to keep their mortgages.

Unfortunately, the only insurance option for most high-risk fire areas is the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, and most lenders also require wraparound liability insurance for an additional cost. Many residents have seen their rates triple since being dropped by their former carriers.

Our resolution asks Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature to declare a State of Emergency and take immediate action to expand coverage choices, improve the approval process, and ensure the long-term viability of both the homeowners/commercial insurance market and the FAIR Plan.

To see the full resolution passed by our Board, click here.

First District Honors Major General Curtis Taylor with Resolution

District Director Kimberly Mesen was honored to attend the Relinquishing of Command ceremony at National Training Center/Fort Irwin, presenting Major General Curtis Taylor with a Resolution celebrating his exceptional leadership.

The resolution highlights Major General Taylor's distinguished service to our country since 1994 and his instrumental role in transforming combat brigades, including leading the Army's 5th Security Force Assistance Bridge. Major Taylor is also commended for his numerous deployments and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Legion of Merit.

We thank Major General Taylor for his dedication and service, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors!

How to Report Illegal Fireworks

Please remember that possession of any type of fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, is illegal in unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. In the First District, “safe and sane” fireworks are only allowed in the city of Adelanto.

• Residents can report the location of illegal fireworks and sales here.
• Report illegal fireworks in the High Desert (except Victorville) at 760-956-5001.
• Report illegal fireworks in Victorville
• Report illegal fireworks in Apple Valley during regular business hours at 760-247-7618. After hours, call 760-956-5001.
• Anonymously report illegal fireworks at 1-800-47-ARSON.

Beat the Heat at One of Our First District's 'Cool Places to Go'

Did you know? The County of San Bernardino operates several air-conditioned places which are open to the public during dangerously hot weather. High Desert locations include our branch libraries in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Phelan, Trona and Wrightwood. The Victorville Library and Mall of Victorville also function as cool places to go.

You can also visit a shopping mall or community center to cool off. For details on additional locations, please visit the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s Cool Places to Go website.

If you are a senior age 60 or up — or know a senior who does not have air conditioning, evaporative cooling or fans — please contact the Victor Valley Community Services Council. They can provide fans, and in some cases portable cooling units, to those who qualify in their service area. Call 760-243-9646. Supplies are limited.

Free Senior Activity and Luncheon Planned on Thursday

The Victor Valley Community Services Council invites you to their next free Intergenerational Activity and Luncheon at noon Thursday, June 27. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and everyone is welcome!

Join them for chair exercises led by Community Health Action Network (CHAN), a fun craft activity, exciting raffles, and a  nutritious meal. Reservations are required. Please call (760) 243-9646 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to secure your spot.

Mojave Narrows Regional Park Planning Wild West Family Day

San Bernardino County Regional Parks invites the community to the Wild West Games at Mojave Narrows Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 27.

Test your skills with cactus ring toss, dress-a-cowboy, and a California memory game. Enjoy the splashpad while you're there! Park admission is $10 per vehicle (free for campers) and leashed pets are welcome.

The park is located at 18000 Yates Road in Victorville. For more information, please call (760) 245-2226.

San Bernardino County Libraries Offering State Parks Pass

Would you like to explore the great outdoors this summer? Head to your local San Bernardino County Branch Library and check out the California State Parks Pass! The First District has library branches in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Phelan, Trona and Wrightwood.

With this pass, you can gain entry into one of 200 beautiful state parks and receive free parking! Click this link to learn more.

Southbound Main Street Off-Ramp in Hesperia Closed Through Friday

The southbound Main Street off-ramp from Interstate 15 (I-15) in Hesperia is closed through Friday, June 28. This closure is part of a larger Caltrans project to improve the I-15 freeway from Oak Hill Road in Hesperia to just south of Bear Valley Road in Victorville.
There will also be lane closures on I-15 throughout the project zone.

Daytime work will be separated from traffic by barriers, but expect nighttime lane closures from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Be sure to follow the detour signs during this time.

Coming Soon: Animal Care Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Program

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Animal Care Division is partnering with organizations qualified to conduct a comprehensive Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program in the County’s Animal Care service areas. This includes an upcoming program in the High Desert.

The TNVR Program is one of the most effective methods for controlling the overpopulation of community cats. The program opens avenues for engaging with the public in outreach, educational efforts, and collaborative endeavors related to the management of community cats and disease prevention.

Learn more by calling (800) 472-5609.

High Desert Cultural Arts Center Planning Free Show on Sunday

The Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert invites the community to a free summer preview from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, in Old Town Victorville. Get a sneak peek at their upcoming season, including shows like "Mean Girls," "In the Heights," "The Sounds of Chelsea Franko," and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

While you're there, explore the featured gallery exhibit, "Something Wonderful" by artist Laura MORT Mainusch. The center is located at 15615 8th St., Victorville. For more information, click here.

Stargazing Night Planned Friday

Stargazers rejoice! The High Desert Astronomical Society is hosting a free public observing night at the LUZ Observatory in Apple Valley. This Friday, head to the Apple Valley Center for Innovation (20702 Thunderbird Road) at 8:30 p.m. to peer into the cosmos through the observatory's telescopes. Don't miss this chance to catch a glimpse of celestial wonders!

For more information about the High Desert Astronomical Society's events, visit their Facebook page or call (760) 946-5414.

Family Movie Night Featuring 'Finding Nemo' Planned Friday

A Family Movie Night is happening at the IEHP Community Resource Center! The featured film will be "Finding Nemo." This free event takes place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, June 28. Seating is first come, first served and no pre-registration is required.

IEHP membership is not required, but parents must remain with their children throughout the movie. For more information, please call (866) 228-4347 #5.