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  Redlands Police Officer Seth Franklin
The Redlands community is mourning the loss of Police Officer Seth Franklin, who passed away on April 6 after a courageous battle with Stage 4 melanoma.
A proud Redlands native, Seth was born at Redlands Community Hospital and dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. He began his law enforcement career as a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, where he served honorably for 11 years before joining the Redlands Police Department in 2018. Most recently, he served as Treasurer of the Redlands Police Officers Association, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues across the region. His fellow officers, community members, and loved ones remember him as a true hero whose love for his family, colleagues, and community never wavered.
Seth is survived by his wife, Ashley, and their two young sons, Ronan and Ryan, ages 4 and 2. A fundraiser is underway to support the Franklin family with funeral expenses, medical bills, and long-term needs. Click here to donate through the Peace Officers Research Association of California’s “Fund A Hero” campaign.
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 County Officials Warn of Deceptive
Lien Payment Letters
San Bernardino County officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for misleading letters demanding payment for liens. These letters, which may appear official and reference legitimate public records, are being sent by third-party solicitors attempting to deceive residents into sending money. Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales, Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason, and District Attorney Jason Anderson urge the public to exercise caution when receiving such correspondence.
“These scam letters misrepresent legitimate recorded liens and are designed to intimidate residents into paying unauthorized third parties,” said Gonzales. Mason emphasized the importance of verifying the source before making payments, noting that government offices will never use threats or pressure tactics. District Attorney Anderson added that residents should carefully examine any notices from a government organization and report if they are found fraudulent.
To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of any letter by checking official records through the Recorder’s office or by visiting arc.sbcounty.gov. Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources, and be wary of urgent demands for payment. If you suspect fraud or need assistance, contact the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk at 909-387-8306 or the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector at 909-387-8308 or visit mytaxcollector.com.
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 Around the Third District
Top: Supervisor Rowe participated in last week’s Fire Readiness Panel in Redlands, which covered disaster response efforts, evacuation planning, and household emergency preparation. Redlands Fire Chief Rich Sessler and Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tobler provided valuable insight into how their departments react in emergency situations. Redlands Chamber of Commerce Director Evan Sanford moderated the panel, which took place on the ESRI Campus.
Bottom left: Supervisor Rowe traveled to Sacramento with San Bernardino Superior Court Presiding Judge Lisa M. Rogan and Court Executive Officer Anabel Z. Romero to advocate for additional courtroom facilities in the High Desert region. Assemblymember Greg Wallis (pictured) was just one of the state legislative partners who met with the county team.
Bottom right: Chief of Staff Claire Cozad, Field Representative Steve Reyes, and Supervisor Rowe toured the Lava Tube in Mojave National Preserve (MNP) earlier this week. Preserve Superintendent Ray McPadden led the tour, providing insight into this 27,000-year-old natural tunnel, which offers one of the preserve’s most unique and photogenic spots! Learn more about MNP and plan your trip at nps.gov.
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 Scholarships Now Open for 2025-2026 at Copper Mountain College
Copper Mountain College (CMC) is opening the door to higher education through its generous scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year. With over 25 scholarships available through a straightforward application, CMC continues its mission to make college accessible and affordable. The scholarship applications are now open and all applications must be submitted by June 30, 2025. CMC will announce the recipients by August 31.
Each scholarship has its own set of qualifications, so it's essential to read the requirements carefully. Some scholarships base their criteria on GPA, others require a specific number of completed units, and a few ask for essays or letters of recommendation. Whether you're aiming for the Southern California Edison STEM Scholarship, the Sergeant Dominic Vaca Memorial Scholarship, or any others, applicants must meet all the criteria to be considered.
CMC also encourages students to explore scholarship opportunities from outside organizations, which often have separate applications and deadlines. Whether you're an aspiring teacher, EMT, artist, or business leader, there's a scholarship designed to support your journey. With the right preparation and attention to detail, you could be on your way to a debt-free college experience. Start your application today at apply.mykaleidoscope.com—your future is waiting!
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 Easter Celebrations in the Third District
Barstow – Hoppin' Easter Fest
Location: Dana Park, 850 Barstow Road
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Details: Enjoy pictures with the Easter Bunny, an Easter coloring station, egg toss, egg hunt, jumpers, food trucks, vendors, and more!
Info: Barstow.ca.org
Calico Ghost Town – Easter Celebration
Location: Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Details: Family-friendly fun with kids’ egg hunts, Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, and themed activities throughout the day.
Info: parks.sbcounty.gov/
Devore – The Great Devore Egg Hunt & Easter Extravaganza
Location: Devore Water Company, 1818 South Kenwood Avenue
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Gates Open: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Details: Free event featuring multiple egg hunts by age group, games, goody bags, Easter Bunny photos, and more. All special needs accommodated.
Info: Devore Community Updates
Joshua Tree – 56th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Craft Fair
Location: Joshua Tree Community Center, 6171 Sunburst Avenue
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Details: Egg hunts start at 9:00 a.m. (six age divisions, toddler–6th grade), plus indoor craft fair and Easter Bunny photos.
Info: 760-668-415 or specialdistricts.sbcounty.gov
Lake Arrowhead – Easter Egg Hunt at the Village
Location: Lake Arrowhead Village, 28200 State Route 189
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Details: Four egg hunts by age group, balloon art, face painting, and Easter Bunny selfies between Coach and the Village Ice Cream Shop.
Info: lakearrowheadvillage.com
Lucerne Valley – Easter Egg Hunt at Pioneer Park
Location: Pioneer Park, 33187 State Route 247 East
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Details: Egg hunt starts at 9:00 a.m. and will be followed by games, prizes, crafts, and pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Info: lucernevalleychamber.org
Needles – Easter Egg Hunt at Jack Smith Park
Location: Jack Smith Park, 1000 River Road
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Details: Egg hunt starts at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by face painting and pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Needles Easter Egg Hunt
Redlands – Bunny and Friends
Location: Ed Hales Park, 5th Street & N. 5th Street
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Details: Families and children are invited to meet the Easter Bunny, and interact with Fairies and Gnomes. It's free and no reservations are needed!
Info: cityofredlands.org
Rim of the World – Spring Weekend Egg Hunt
Location: Twin Peaks Harich Ballfield, 675 Grandview Road
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: Egg hunts start at 11:00 a.m.
Details: Free community egg hunt with three age group categories.
Info: rim-rec.org
San Bernardino County Regional Parks – Countywide Easter Egg Hunts
Locations:
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025
Hunt Times: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Details: Golden egg winners receive an Easter basket!
Info: parks.sbcounty.gov/events
Yucaipa – Youth, Teen & Adult Eggstravaganza
Location: Yucaipa Community Park, 34900 Oak Glen Road
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Youth Egg Hunt (Ages 0–12): 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Teen Glow Hunt (Ages 13–17): 7:00 p.m. | Prizes up to $1,000
Adult Glow Hunt (Ages 18+): 8:00 p.m. | $15 Entry Fee, Prizes up to $1,500
Info: yucaipa.gov/egg-hunt
Yucca Valley – Easter Eggstravaganza
Location: Yucca Valley Community Center, 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Details: Free egg hunt starts at 9:30 a.m. The Easter Bunny will be there to share the fun, photos, contests, and the "Lil Hoppers Zone" for toddlers.
Info: yucca-valley.org
For an updated list of community celebrations, please visit the official Third District website: bosd3.sbcounty.gov.
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 The Redlands Bicycle Classic Celebrates 40 Years of Speed and Spirit
The 40th annual Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is in full swing, bringing five days of elite racing, including today’s Trek Bikes Onyx Summit Road Race, climbing nearly 6,000 feet to Southern California’s highest paved mountain pass.
Friday introduces a brand-new challenge: the Crafton Hills Circuit Race. This technical 4.6-mile loop promises to shake up the standings. On Saturday, the energy shifts downtown for the Arrowhead Orthopaedics Criterium. This fast-paced, fan-favorite event sets the stage for Sunday’s grand finale.
The week concludes with the Sunset Loop, where cyclists battle through Redlands’ steep terrain in the race’s most decisive stage. Alongside the pro-action, community events include Saturday’s Stater Bros. Charities Public Races and School Duel, with new inclusive categories for children with special needs and training wheels.
Sunday also features the Redlands Runs 5K and the SERVPRO Legends’ Fondo, led by two-time Classic champion Phil Gaimon—this year’s Legend Award honoree. For complete schedules and details, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.
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 Lucerne Valley Library to Host Stargazing Event
Prepare to embark on a cosmic adventure as the San Bernardino County Library, in partnership with the County Museum and Regional Parks, hosts a stargazing event on Saturday, April 12, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The celestial viewing will occur at the Janice Horst Lucerne Valley Branch Library at 33103 Old Woman Springs Road in Lucerne Valley. Guests of all ages are invited to gather under the stars and experience the universe like never before.
The event will spotlight the library's recently installed observatory, allowing the community to peer into the cosmos with high-powered telescopes and learn more about April's "Pink Moon." The evening will include STEAM activities, opportunity drawings, and a presentation on the observatory's capabilities. A showcase of recent astrophotography taken by library staff will round out the experience, providing a glimpse into what the observatory has already captured.
"This gathering perfectly illustrates how libraries are transforming into vibrant centers of innovation, education, and community connection," said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. "The new observatory is an incredible asset for our patrons, and we're thrilled to highlight its potential with an enchanting evening of stargazing and astrophotography." Visit the San Bernardino County Library's Facebook page for more information on this free event.
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 Joshua Tree National Park
Upgrading West Entrance
Joshua Tree National Park is moving forward with a significant infrastructure project: a brand-new entrance station near the community of Joshua Tree. Located about a third of a mile inside the park from the current entrance, the new station will feature two inbound lanes, one outbound lane, and a bypass lane in each direction. Once completed in early 2026, the upgraded facility is expected to significantly reduce congestion, shorten wait times, and improve the overall visitor experience.
The existing west entrance will remain open during construction, though visitors may experience occasional delays, especially on weekends and holidays. Park staff are working to minimize disruptions, and signage is in place to guide traffic. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted instructions and slow down near work zones.
Consider using alternate entrances such as the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms or the Cottonwood Entrance near Interstate 10 to make your visit smoother. Purchasing your park pass in advance at Recreation.gov and downloading the National Park Service app can also help streamline your entry and keep you informed about real-time conditions.
Once complete, the new entrance will enhance traffic flow, increase fee collection efficiency, and allow emergency vehicles and park residents easier access—all while supporting the park’s ability to serve millions of annual visitors well into the future.
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These ongoing construction and improvement projects may impact your travel time.
Plan ahead and drive safely!
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I-40 Roadway Improvement Project
Barstow and Daggett
A pavement and safety improvement project is underway on Interstate 40 near Barstow and Daggett. The project will create lane closures this spring, Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with one of two lanes closed in each direction. Expect closures between Montara Road and Hidden Springs Road.
I-40 Roadway Improvement Project
Oak Glen Road Construction Project
Yucaipa
Construction continues next week on a new sewer mainline along Oak Glen Road from Calimesa Boulevard/14th Street to Colorado Street. Lane restrictions and detours will reduce travel to a single lane in both directions, likely causing traffic delays. Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes when possible.
Oak Glen Road Construction Project
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Arbor Day Celebration- Highland
Thursday, April 24
Join the City of Highland for an Arbor Day tree-planting ceremony on Thursday, April 24, at 9:00 a.m. Residents are invited to join city officials at Cunningham Neighborhood Park, 7400 Cunningham Street, to help create a healthier, more beautiful city for future generations. Learn more by calling 909-864-6861 or clicking on the City of Highland Facebook page.
Desert Rat Convention
Friday, April 25 - Saturday, April 26
Celebrate history, culture, and community spirit at the Desert Rat Convention in Twentynine Palms. The festivities begin Friday, April 25, with Night at the Cemetery, where actors bring local history to life by portraying influential community members. On Saturday, April 26, enjoy historical displays, guest speakers, live music, family activities, and a fun photo booth at the Twentynine Palms Museum, 6760 National Park Drive. Ticket information is available at visit29.org.
Earth Day Tree Planting - Grand Terrace
Saturday, April 26
Earth Day provides an opportunity for residents to give back as a volunteer for a community tree planting event in the City of Grand Terrace. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to roll up their sleeves and help green up the city on Earth Day, Saturday, April 26. Use this link to submit volunteer waiver information and application.
Bowling for the Zoo - Big Bear Lake
Sunday, April 27
Join the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo for a bowling fundraiser for the zoo and its animals. In addition to bowling, you can support the zoo by purchasing a ticket for the 50/50 drawing. The fun starts at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, at the Bowling Barn, 40625 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. Call 909-878-4200, email here, or visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo's Facebook page for more information.
Have an event coming up that you would like us to publish? Please send details to Supervisor.Rowe@bos.sbcounty.gov
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San Bernardino Office
385 N. Arrowhead Ave., Fifth Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
909-387-4855 |
Joshua Tree Office
63665 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-366-1488 |
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