Where to Celebrate Independence Day in the First District

As your First District Supervisor, I'm thrilled to share the abundance of Independence Day events happening across our beautiful county! Whether you're in the mood for a historic adventure, a community gathering, or a dazzling fireworks display, there's something for everyone.

Here's a quick rundown of some exciting options:

• Adelanto Parking Lot Pop: Adelanto Plaza and Cars Auto Body will present a special Independence Day event beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Cost is $5 for parking. Bring your own “safe and sane” fireworks to pop while enjoying a kids zone, music, food vendors and much more. The event is located at 12000 Stadium Way, Adelanto.
• Apple Valley's Freedom Festival: Join your neighbors for a celebration of freedom from 2-9 p.m. July 4 at the Lenny Brewster Sports Center (21024 Otoe Rd., Apple Valley). This FREE event features live music, delicious food vendors, shopping, and a stunning fireworks finale. Learn more here.
• First District residents living near Barstow can enjoy the City of Barstow's 27th Annual Fireworks Spectacular. Enjoy festivities starting at 5 p.m. at the Robert A. Sessions Memorial Sportspark, culminating in a grand fireworks display at 9 p.m. Free transportation is available thanks to Victor Valley Transit's Firecracker Express. Ride shuttles from Barstow College or Muriel Drive & Condor St. with departures every 5-10 minutes starting at 5 p.m. The last shuttle leaves at 7 p.m., and return trips to both locations begin at 7:30 p.m. for early departures.
• Camp Cajon's 105th Birthday Celebration: Step back in time for Camp Cajon's birthday bash on July 4! Take guided tours of historic landmarks like the 1953 Alignment of Route 66 and the Stoddard-Waite Monument. This event is co-hosted by the San Bernardino Historical & Pioneer Society and other historical organizations. Learn more here.
• Silver Lakes Association Independence Day Celebration: Celebrate Independence Day at the Silver Lakes Association's event from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at North Beach. This resident-exclusive event (open to current SLA residents and their guests with photo IDs) features live music by Titans of Rock from 2-5 pm followed by a DJ, delicious food vendors, refreshing water slides, and a dazzling fireworks display at dusk. For more information, email SLARecreationDept@gmail.com.
• Victorville's Freedom Festival: This FREE event on July 4th at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds promises to be the biggest fireworks show in the High Desert! Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a spectacular display of lights. Gates open at 4 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Learn more here.
• Wrightwood Mountaineer Days: Head up to Wrightwood Village on July 6 & 7 for a two-day celebration of the town's centennial and the spirit of the Old West! This FREE event features a parade, fun activities for all ages, vendors, contests, and live music. Learn more about vendor opportunities or event details at the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce.

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.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department will conduct zero-tolerance illegal fireworks suppression operations now through July 7. Those found in violation will be cited and face the maximum penalties. Additionally, if a person causes a fire as a result of using fireworks, they will face criminal charges and be liable for any damages caused by the fire.

• 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.

I encourage you to explore the many fun events going on this weekend and celebrate Independence Day in a way that's special to you. Let's come together as a community and honor the spirit of freedom!

Team Cook Joins VV101 Bus Tour

Team Cook was delighted to participate in the City of Victorville’s VV101 Bus Tour on June 27. This four-hour free guided tour, held several times a year, highlights the city’s strategic initiatives while educating guests on plans for Old Town, infrastructure projects, capital improvements, and community services.

The tour made stops at several important areas, including the newly remodeled Doris Davies Park, site of the new library at Green Tree Golf Course, Fire Station 311, Materials Recovery Facility and the Victorville Wellness Center. A highlight was a drive around the apron of Southern California Logistics Airport.

Thanks to Mayor Liz Becerra and the entire City team for putting on such a wonderful event!

High Desert Cultural Arts Center Recognized by First District

Community Liaison Paul Marsh was thrilled to participate in Sunday's preview event for the Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert. The Center boasts a remarkable history, serving as a USO building, a community center, and even a temporary DMV office, before becoming a historical landmark in 1992.

Thanks to the High Desert Cultural Arts Foundation, whose vision in 1998 to create a performing arts venue out of this historic space came to life in 2001. Seeing the Center thriving today is a testament to the unwavering commitment of so many people. They've preserved a unique piece of our High Desert history, and continue to enrich our lives with live performances, local art exhibits, and educational programs.

Here's to many more years of the Cultural Arts Center!

Four Brave High Desert Deputies Honored With Medals of Valor

Four San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies were honored with Medals of Valor for their heroic rescues in Apple Valley and Adelanto.

Deputy Ernesto Madrigal bravely entered a smoke-filled apartment building at the Jess Ranch retirement community and rescued a disabled man trapped inside. Ignoring the danger of explosions, Madrigal's quick thinking and selfless actions saved the man's life.

Deputy Larry Torres received two Medals of Valor. In one instance, he rescued a 9-year-old boy and his dog from a burning home in Adelanto. In another Adelanto fire, Torres teamed up with Deputies Jacob Delano and Kevin Konior (who also received medals) to rescue a bedridden woman from her burning apartment. All three Deputies then went back in to help evacuate 12 additional residents.

These deputies' disregard for their own safety in the face of danger showcases the exceptional courage and dedication they bring to their service. You can watch a video recording of the ceremony on the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department YouTube channel.

County Allocating Funding to Demolish Derelict Trona Properties

San Bernardino County’s 2024-2025 Budget has allocated one-time funding of $300,000 for the demolition of structures in Trona that were badly damaged by the 2019 earthquakes (or are in substandard, dangerous condition).

Please call (909) 884-4056 to report a property.

Board of Supervisors Votes to Address Needs of Community Cats

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors took a significant step for animal welfare on June 25, voting to update the County Code to address the needs of community cats.

This new initiative focuses on sterilization and vaccination through the County Department of Public Health (DPH). Free appointments will be available with DPH vets or mobile units to spay/neuter and vaccinate these cats before returning them to their outdoor homes. This program prioritizes both animal well-being and public safety.

The County Code update allows DPH to intervene in situations where community cats pose health or safety risks, ensuring a balanced approach. For more information or to participate, contact San Bernardino County Animal Care.

IEHP Center Planning Free CPR Classes in Victorville on July 10

The IEHP Community Resource Center will offer its next free CPR classes on July 10. Whether you need it for work, school, or personal reasons, they can get you certified. English classes are from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Spanish classes are from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Classes are free and open to everyone, with registration starting one hour before each session on a first-come, first-served basis (30 spots available per class). The class takes place at 12353 Mariposa Rd Ste C2 & C3 in Victorville. For a complete schedule of all their classes, click here.

Brightline West Continues Work Today Along the I-15 Corridor

Brightline West is continuing field investigation work this week for the high-speed rail project along the I-15 corridor. While no work is planned in Nevada, there will be activity in California. Daytime borings are scheduled on the northbound exterior shoulder in Devore today, July 3. 

Don't Miss 'Cosmic Nights,' Coming to Victor Valley Museum on July 13

Calling all stargazers! The Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley is hosting a "Cosmic Nights" event from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on July 13.

Partnering with the High Desert Astronomical Society, the museum will offer telescope viewing of the night sky, allowing visitors to explore the cosmos with expert guidance.

The event is open to the public with admission fees ranging from $5 for children to $10 for adults. Museum galleries will also be open for exploration during this celestial adventure. Dress comfortably and bring your curiosity for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

The museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley. Call (760) 995-8770 for more information.

Big Bear and Devore Shelters Offering Free Pet Adoptions

San Bernardino County Animal Care is hosting its "Paws of July" adoption event at Big Bear and Devore Animal Shelters. Adoptions are free the entire month of July, and includes the spay/neuter, microchip, and most vaccines for your new pet. 

The shelter's meet-and-greet areas allow you to interact with pets to see which one is a perfect match for you and your family.

View adoptable pets

High Desert Marines Hosting Annual Car Show on August 3

The High Desert Marines are hosting their annual car show on Saturday, August 3, at Victor Valley College's Lower Campus in Victorville. The event is open to the public and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pre-registration is recommended at $25, while registration at the show will be $30. Vendors are also welcome.

Don't miss this chance to see some amazing cars and support the High Desert Marines! For more information or to register your car, contact Larry Avalos at (760) 887-6384.

Photo: Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce

Wrightwood's Mountain Classic Car Show Planned on August 17

The mountain town of Wrightwood will play host to the 30th annual Wrightwood Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. The show features over vehicles dating from the 1920's to 1975 including American-made rods, customs, classics, coupes, muscle cars, trucks and special interest cars.

Also planned on this day is live music by the Modd Rodds, a vendor, food and merch zone, opportunity drawings (raffle and 50/50) and trophies. Vehicles will be set up in and around downtown Wrightwood.

Pre-registration at $40 per car will be accepted through July 28 through the Wrightwood Chamber. Day of registration is $50 per car.
The Wrightwood Classic Car Show is hosted by the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce. Visit the wrightwoodchamber.org annual events webpage to pre-register before the July 28 deadline. Call 760-249-4320 for more information.

Photo: Town of Apple Valley

Soak up the Summer Sun at These Community Concerts

There are several fun summer concerts happening this July, and most of them are free! Here's a peek at what's happening around the First District this month.

• Mountain High's North Resort in Wrightwood has free live music every Saturday evening from 4-8 p.m. A variety of bands will perform throughout July including The Winslow Band (classic rock) on July 6, Sara Jade on July 13, Delta Shade on July 20, and Lenor Soriano and the Band (80s hits) on July 27. For more information, please call (760) 316-7828.
• For fans of classic rock, the Sun City Cruisers are hosting a benefit concert series at the Mariposa Lodge Amphitheatre. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 20, they'll have Sangus, a British rock tribute band. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per show. For more information, email SunCityCruisersAV@gmail.com.
• Town of Apple Valley’s Sunset Concert series continues with Kings of 88 on July 11, Pop Vision and Twist on Taylor on July 18, and the B OK Band on July 25. The Sunset Concert Series takes place from 6-9 p.m. at Civic Center Park. For more information, please call 760-240-7000.
• Finally, City of Victorville is continuing its free summer concert series at Hook Park from 6-8:30 p.m. Fridays. On July 12, they'll have Acme Time Machine (oldies music) and on July 19 Southbound & Co. (classic rock) will be performing. There will also be food vendors and activities for kids. For more information, please call (760) 955-5000.

Mojave Water Agency Planning 'Super Mario' Workshop on July 9

The Mojave Water Agency will host a free, kid-friendly Super Mario-themed public workshop from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, their headquarters in Apple Valley (13846 Conference Center Drive).

This "Family Fun Night" is part of the Wonders of Water series and will feature agency staff leading discussions on pipelines, water flow tracking, and maintaining their 5,000 square-mile service area.

The event is open to the public and caters to families, children, and teens. Registration is required by contacting Elizabeth Fratt at 760-946-7054 or efratt@mojavewater.org.