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 Stay Cool and Stay Safe This Summer
Summer temperatures are heating up across San Bernardino County, with many communities in the Third District expected to hit triple digits this weekend. With the return of hot weather, residents are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Those most at risk during heatwaves include seniors, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, athletes, the unsheltered, individuals without air conditioning, and pets. To stay safe, drink plenty of water, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
The National Weather Service recommends checking on elderly neighbors and relatives and never leaving children or pets in unattended vehicles. The County's Extreme Heat website has cooling centers, weather updates, and safety tips.
Remember that extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. Let's stay alert, stay hydrated, and help one another beat the heat this summer.
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 Safety Upgrades Completed at Kimbark Elementary School
Thanks to a collaborative effort between San Bernardino County’s Department of Public Works (DPW), Kimbark Elementary School, the Devore Rural Protection Association, and Supervisor Rowe, safety enhancements have been completed to improve pedestrian and traffic conditions near the Devore-area campus.
Following a site visit and detailed review of requested improvements, DPW crews recently installed high-visibility ladder-style crosswalks at the intersection of Kenwood and Kimbark Avenues. In addition, newly installed flashing LED stop signs now help alert drivers at the eastern intersection of Kenwood and Kimbark. These signs were installed in response to the school’s concerns about poor lighting and limited visibility during pickup and drop-off times.
DPW crews installed the completed improvements in late May, and together, they are making the area around Kimbark Elementary safer for students, families, and drivers.
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 Around the Third District
Top left: Supervisor Rowe and Morongo Basin Field Representative Glen Harris attended the recent Bucky Ball in Redlands. The annual gala fundraiser, held at the San Bernardino County Museum, supports the museum's mission and programs. Visit the museum's official website to learn about upcoming events and features.
Bottom left: The weather in the mountains was perfect for last weekend's Corks & Hops festival, where Supervisor Rowe and her family joined in the fun. Hosted by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce, these monthly gatherings invite residents and visitors to enjoy local beverages, delicious food, and live music all summer. See the full schedule of events at corksnhops.com.
Right: Supervisor Rowe and Twentynine Palms City Manager Stone James suited up in firefighting gear at Fire Ops 101, held at the Richard Sewell Training Center in San Bernardino. This hands-on event gave elected and appointed officials a firsthand look at the intense physical and mental demands firefighters face. Participants navigated simulated emergency scenarios, gaining new perspectives on critical issues such as staffing levels, equipment needs, and the health risks associated with the profession.
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 Free Neighborhood Clean Up in Lytle Creek on Saturday, June 14
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement and the Solid Waste Management Division are bringing their popular Neighborhood Clean Up program to Lytle Creek on Saturday, June 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon (earlier if containers fill up). Unincorporated community residents can drop off approved items at 1209 Lytle Creek Road, across from the Ranger Station—look for the large disposal bins and signage.
What you can bring (free of charge):
- Household trash and bulky items
- Green waste
- Up to nine (9) tires per load—tires on rims are okay
- Electronic waste (TVs, monitors, cell phones, small appliances, etc.) collected by the Urban Conservation Corps
- Confidential documents for on-site shredding
Important reminders:
- Household waste only; no commercial or industrial loads will be accepted.
- Hazardous waste (HHW), such as motor oil, paint, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, medications, etc., is NOT accepted. For HHW disposal, call 1-800-645-9228.
- Secure and cover your load, and be prepared to unload your materials; oversized or hard-to-handle loads may be turned away.
Plan on cleaning the garage, clearing the yard, and helping your neighborhood shine! Questions? Contact Land Use Services staff analyst De Leon Luna at 909-383-2133.
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 Improving Communication Through the Blue Envelope Program
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department proudly supports the Blue Envelope Program. This voluntary initiative enhances communication and safety during interactions between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities. Designed especially for people on the autism spectrum or those with conditions such as dementia, anxiety, or cognitive challenges, the program provides a simple but effective way to help officers better understand the needs of community members who may have difficulty communicating during stressful situations.
Participants carry a blue envelope containing essential documents such as a driver’s license, registration, and insurance, along with optional personal notes detailing communication preferences, sensory sensitivities, and emergency contacts. By presenting the envelope—or using items like lanyards, seatbelt covers, or keychains that display the Blue Envelope logo—individuals can silently signal that they may need additional consideration during a stop or emergency response. No formal registration is required, and participation is entirely optional.
Inland Regional Center offers free supportive materials such as wallet cards, stickers, vehicle decals, and wearable identifiers. These items, as well as Blue Envelopes and brochures, are available at all San Bernardino County Sheriff’s patrol stations and through the Inland Regional Center. To learn more, visit Blue Envelope Program.
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 Join the Conversation at Upcoming Open Houses
San Bernardino County Development Services is coming to a community near you this summer. These Open Houses offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the county's support of safe neighborhoods and smart development.
Representatives from Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, Planning Services, and Land Development will be on hand to answer questions and provide expert guidance. Whether you're a homeowner with questions about permits or a local business exploring a new project, these events will connect you with the information and resources you need. Open Houses will also include updates on manufactured housing and other topics that may impact future housing projects.
Upcoming Open House events in the Third District include:
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June 25, 2025, | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- 63665 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree
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July 9, 2025, | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- 26010 State Highway 189, Twin Peaks
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July 23, 2025, | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- 41930 Garstin Drive, Big Bear Lake
Registration is encouraged but not required. Call 909-387-8311 for more information.
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 Stay Connected and Report Issues With City Apps Across the Third District
Across San Bernardino County's Third District, several cities now offer mobile apps that allow residents to report issues, stay informed, and access city services with just a few taps on their phones:
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Barstow – Barstow Connect lets users quickly report issues like potholes and graffiti, putting problem-solving power directly in residents' hands.
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Big Bear Lake – Big Bear Lake 365 offers real-time news alerts, weather and road updates, links to city services, and a community event calendar.
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Loma Linda – The SmartAccess app allows users to submit service requests and communicate directly with city officials, turning everyday residents into City Hall's eyes and ears.
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Needles – Needles Connect goes beyond issue reporting, with access to city codes, traffic updates, meeting agendas, and bill payment options.
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Redlands – Redlands 311 enables residents to snap a photo of an issue and submit it to the city's work order system from any major smartphone platform.
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Yucaipa – The City App lets residents track the status of reports, receive push notifications, and submit a wide range of non-emergency concerns, from park maintenance to code enforcement.
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Yucca Valley – Yucca Valley Connect offers similar capabilities, streamlining the process of alerting city staff to community concerns.
These innovative tools improve city responsiveness and strengthen the connection between local government and the communities it serves. If you haven't already, check your city's website or app store to download your local app and help keep your community running smoothly.
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 Say “I Do” in Historic Style
San Bernardino County now allows couples to tie the knot at two of the region’s most scenic and historic sites. Thanks to a new partnership between the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s Office and the San Bernardino County Museum, monthly marriage ceremonies will now be held at the County Museum in Redlands and the María Merced Williams and John Rains House in Rancho Cucamonga. These charming locations offer a one-of-a-kind setting to celebrate love while bringing vital public services closer to the community.
Weddings at the County Museum take place every third Tuesday of the month and guests receive discounted museum admission. Ceremonies at the Rains House are scheduled every third Thursday and include free site tours for attendees. Couples will enjoy a smooth and meaningful experience, with on-site staff handling all necessary paperwork and officiating the ceremony.
Traditional marriage services are still available at the Hall of Records in San Bernardino and High Desert Government Center in Hesperia. For more information, visit arc.sbcounty.gov/marriage or call 909-387-8306.
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These ongoing construction and improvement projects may impact your travel time.
Plan ahead and drive safely!
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SR-247 Shoulder Widening Project
Caltrans continues its pavement and shoulder widening project on State Route 247 near Yucca Valley. Nighttime work is scheduled Sunday through Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with occasional weekend operations. Lane closures and traffic flagging are in effect, with pilot vehicles guiding drivers through active zones. Expect up to 20-minute delays near Reche Road and Aberdeen Drive.
SR-247 Shoulder Widening Project
SR-138/SR-189 Slurry Seal and Pavement Project
Roadwork continues on SR-138 and SR-189 from Monday, June 16, through Friday, June 27. Work will occur on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., including slurry sealing, striping, and pavement marker installation. Alternating lane closures will be in place, with one lane remaining open in each direction. Drivers are urged to slow down through the work zones on SR-138 (SR-18 to Summit Valley Road) and SR-189 (SR-18 to SR-173).
SR-138/SR-189 Slurry Seal and Pavement Project
I-40 Roadway Improvement Project
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
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Flag Day Ceremony - Yucaipa Saturday, June 14
A special Flag Day Ceremony will be held in Yucaipa on Saturday, June 14 at 9:00 a.m. at Flag Hill Park, 35625 Yucaipa Blvd. The event will feature an Honor Guard, Presentation of Colors, invocation, and guest speakers. Community members are encouraged to bring any worn or retired flags for proper disposal. The City of Yucaipa's official Facebook page has more information on the event.
Renaissance Festival Family Fun Day - Yucca Valley Saturday, June 14
Travel back to the days of the Renaissance at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum and Yucca Valley Community Center on Saturday, June 14. Explore the fascinating world of “Leonardo’s Lab,” a hands-on exhibit celebrating the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy live entertainment, jousting, henna art, balloon creations, kite flying, and Renaissance-inspired crafts for all ages. Details on this free, family-friendly event are available at hidesertnaturemuseum.org.
Touch-A-Truck - Redlands Saturday, June 14
Join the fun at the 11th Annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the University of Redlands’ Ted Runner Stadium parking lot. Kids and families can explore police and fire vehicles, construction trucks, transporters, heavy equipment, and more. The event also features games, food trucks, giveaways, and a Kid Zone. Visit RedlandsTouchATruck.com for tickets and details.
Summer Concert Series - Big Bear Lake Saturday, June 14
The 2025 Big Bear Lake Summer Concert Series begins Saturday, June 14, at 6:00 p.m. with Rose City Band. Straight out of Portland, Oregon, Rose City Band delivers a mellow, genre-blending sound that drifts between folk rock, country, and bluegrass. The concert is free, so get there early to check out The Village and fun family games before the music begins. Visit the City of Big Bear Lake's website to learn more about all seven free concerts scheduled throughout the summer!
Freedom Festival - Lucerne Valley Saturday, June 28
Celebrate Independence Day early at the annual Freedom Festival at Pioneer Park in Lucerne Valley on Sunday, June 28. Enjoy food vendors, live music, kids’ games and activities, local barbecue, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks in the beer garden. This free family event starts at 5:00 p.m. and ends with a fireworks show! Event details are available on Facebook through the Lucerne Valley Fireworks Committee.
Fabulous Showcase Concert Series - Loma Linda Sunday, June 29
Harpist Emily Linlo will perform on Sunday, June 29, at 5:00 p.m. in the Loma Linda Civic Center Community Room. Linlo is the principal harpist for the Claremont Symphony Orchestra and performs with the Dream Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall. For ticket information, visit this Facebook page or call 840-227-4082.
To see more events taking place in the Third District, click here to visit our website.
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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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