First 5 San Bernardino marks 25 years of supporting local families
 Karen Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino (left), watches as the Phase 3 Lab School students prepare to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during First 5 San Bernardino's 25th anniversary celebration event on Nov. 14 at the Fox Theater in Redlands.
First 5 San Bernardino celebrated 25 years of serving young children and families on Nov. 14 at the historic Fox Theater in Redlands. The event brought together local leaders, partners and advocates to reflect on the organization’s milestones and its continued mission to support children ages 0-5 and their families in our county.
2025 Point-In-Time Count planning is underway
 Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe surveys a homeless individual during the 2024 Point-In-Time Count
San Bernardino County is putting out a call for volunteers to help with the official count of unsheltered individuals on Jan. 23 to collect data that will be used to determine how federal resources will be allocated. As an added enhancement, a special focus for volunteers will be to offer supportive services to the unhoused community in real-time alongside multi-disciplinary county teams.
Board Actions: Nov. 19, 2024
 The Board of Supervisors approved district-specific projects using board discretionary funds.
We remember Dec. 2, 2015
 Monday, Dec. 2, marks the ninth anniversary of the Dec. 2, 2015, terrorist attack in San Bernardino. On that day, 14 people were taken from us, including 13 county employees. Many more were wounded, physically and emotionally.
Public Defender’s Mobile Defense arrives in Barstow Dec. 4
 The San Bernardino County Public Defender's Mobile Defense Program will provide mobile court services in Barstow on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the Barstow Church of God in Christ, located at 1375 Bishop Nathaniel Jones Jr. Way. The Mobile Defense Program is designed to provide equitable access to justice for all San Bernardino County residents by offering legal services and remote access to court.
Board of Supervisors announces new health officer
On Nov. 19, the Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Sharon Wang, DO, MSHPE, FIDSA as the new county health officer, effective Nov. 21. Dr. Wang brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this vital role, where she will oversee public health initiatives and lead the county's efforts in promoting health and wellness for all residents. Dr. Wang is the first woman to serve as the county’s health officer.
Dr. Wang graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed her training in Dietetics at Yale New Haven Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, where she graduated fifth in her class, while simultaneously completing her master's degree in health education. Following her medical training, Dr. Wang completed an internal medicine residency and an infectious diseases fellowship at the University of California, Davis. She is dually board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases.
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Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian programs help during Medicare Open Enrollment
 Medicare Open Enrollment is now open and will end on Dec. 7, 2024. This annual period allows Medicare-eligible individuals to review and change their plans. The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), funded by the California Department of Aging, and administered by the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian (DAAS-PG), supports older adults in exploring Medicare, Medi-Cal and other insurance options. Through an established partnership between DAAS-PG and the Council on Aging-Southern California, HICAP provides free, unbiased information and personalized counseling about Medicare and Long-Term Care insurance-related matters.
Over 100 youth celebrate their adoption finalization
Over 100 youth, ranging in age from 10 ½ months to 14 years old, were adopted into their forever homes on Nov. 13 during the Children and Family Services (CFS) 24th Annual Adoption Finalization Event.
Holiday notice: No County Update next week
 In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the County Update will not be distributed next week. We wish you and your family a safe and joyful Thanksgiving. The newsletter will resume the following week. Thank you for staying connected to your county.
San Bernardino County destinations
 We would like to thank Sleiman Moussa of Rialto for submitting outstanding photos of his favorite San Bernardino County destination.
Green Valley Lake is often referred to as one of the hidden gems of the San Bernardino Mountains. It is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest and provides an array of recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird-watching and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The lake, which is nine-acres in size, is regularly stocked for fishing, plus visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, camping and the sports facilities. Plan your visit today!
Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
San Bernardino County is home to serene mountain ranges, expansive parks and stunning desert landscapes, offering numerous opportunities to capture our county’s natural beauty.
Beyond our most popular landmarks are local favorites that may not be as widely recognized. Therefore, we are looking for high-quality photos of San Bernardino County’s hidden gems and other scenic locations. Selected photos will be featured in our weekly County Update newsletter, on our website and shared on our social media pages. Photographers will be given credit for their work.
San Bernardino County history
This week’s history feature recognizes the life and legacy of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Flake Rowan, an early settler of the San Bernardino Valley. She was a pillar of the Black community in San Bernardino and a leader of the early Civil Rights Movement in California.
Flake Rowan was born in Anson County, North Carolina in 1833. As a child, she was enslaved and given to the Flake family as property. She was among 26 enslaved persons who arrived in 1851 as part of a Mormon settlement in what would become the city of San Bernardino.
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Things to do in San Bernardino County
This section focuses on family-friendly events that are sponsored by county departments including Libraries, Museums, Regional Parks, Special Districts and more.
Pet of the Week
Meet our Pet of the Week: Luna (ID# A810290). If you would like to meet Luna, come to the Devore Animal Shelter and ask to see ID# A810290. We’re open seven days a week.
Career opportunity alert!
Discover endless possibilities with San Bernardino County! Ready to elevate your career? Explore our latest job openings and see what opportunities await you. Apply today and share with those seeking their next step!
Animals Are First Fund (ARFF) is a nonprofit organization that provides support services for animals cared for and housed at animal shelters operated by San Bernardino County Animal Care. Consider giving in memory of a loved one or pet, giving monthly or sponsoring a fundraiser. Your donation is tax deductible and will directly help homeless animals in your community. To make a donation to assist animals at the shelter, visit arffund.org.
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