National Forest Debris Flow in
the Third District 

A powerful storm tied to the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario swept through San Bernardino County on September 18, unleashing heavy rains that triggered flash floods, mudslides, and widespread damage from the mountains to the desert. Communities such as Forest Falls, Oak Glen, Barstow, and Wonder Valley were among the hardest hit, with homes, roads, and infrastructure severely impacted.

Across the county, the storm left widespread destruction in its wake. Desert communities from Wonder Valley to Trona faced flooding concerns, adding to the toll of washed-out highways and compromised infrastructure.

Supervisor Rowe visited Forest Falls and Oak Glen the morning after the storm to assess the devastation firsthand. She praised the tireless work of first responders, county crews, and community volunteers clearing roads, restoring utilities, and protecting residents. She emphasized that affected families and businesses are not alone, pledging ongoing advocacy and support throughout the recovery.

Insurance Commissioner Alerts Residents About Mudslide Coverage

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has reminded insurers that under California law, they must cover damage from mudslides, debris flows, and similar events when they are directly or indirectly caused by wildfires that weakened hillsides, even though these disasters are typically excluded in standard homeowners’ and commercial policies. This clarification aims to prevent confusion and ensure wildfire-area residents can recover quickly. Impacted residents should review their policy and file a claim citing the wildfire connection; renters should also check coverage for personal belongings. For questions or help, call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 and see their consumer fact sheet at insurance.ca.gov.

Road Closures

San Bernardino County Public Works has implemented several temporary road closures due to flooding and debris flows. These closures are in place to protect public safety, and detours are posted where available.

• Middle Control Road — Closed at State Route 38 due to debris flows.
• Glass Road — Closed from State Route 38 North to Seven Oaks Road. Open to residents and emergency vehicles only.
• Prospect Drive — Due to flooding, it is closed from Valley of the Falls Drive to Canyon Drive. Open to residents and emergency vehicles only.
• Oak Glen Road — Closed east of Casa Blanca Avenue to Glen Road. Open to residents and emergency vehicles only.
• Potato Canyon Road — Closed between the two intersections with Oak Glen Road due to debris flows. Open to residents and emergency vehicles only.

For more details, visit San Bernardino County Public Works' website here.

In addition, Caltrans has closures in place on several state highways. Check the Traffic section in this edition of The Rowe Report for more information.

Emergency Preparedness in
San Bernardino County

Disasters can strike without warning, and recent storms remind us how quickly life can be disrupted. September is National Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to ensure you and your family are ready for emergencies such as floods, wildfires, or earthquakes. Preparedness starts with a plan; the right tools can make all the difference when minutes matter.

Building a disaster supply kit is one of the best steps you can take. According to Ready.gov, essential items include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day, for several days)
• Non-perishable food supplies
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape for sheltering in place
• Sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes, garbage bags, and ties
• Wrench or pliers for turning off utilities
• Cell phone with chargers and backup power

Don’t forget to include pets in your plan, too.

Being informed is just as critical as being stocked. San Bernardino County offers several tools to keep residents updated during emergencies. The Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) sends calls and texts directly to affected areas, alerting residents to immediate dangers. The Ready SB County App provides real-time evacuation routes, shelter information, and safety updates, helping families stay connected and prepared. The free app is available for iPhone and Android users.

By making a plan, building a kit, and signing up for local alerts, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community. Learn more and access preparedness resources at prepare.sbcounty.gov.

Chris and Kelsey Gubler joined Supervisor Rowe at the State of the County event.

Gubler Orchids: Celebrating
50 Years in the Desert

On September 17, San Bernardino County presented the annual State of the County event, where the theme “Building a Stronger Tomorrow” showcased growth in workforce, technology, tourism, mining, and manufacturing. Supervisor Rowe served as the event host, guiding the program through presentations on how the county is preparing for future prosperity. One of the most talked-about segments was the interview with Chris Gubler, owner of Gubler Orchids in Landers. This family-run nursery has shaped the local landscape and global orchid industry for decades.

Gubler Orchids has been part of the Morongo Basin community for half a century, but began in Switzerland in 1918. What started as Heinrich Gubler’s nursery near Zurich eventually brought Hans and Esther Gubler to California, where they pioneered growing orchids in the high desert. Some industry experts were skeptical about the move, but it worked. Bloom cycles were reduced by months, proving that Landers and Lucerne Valley had the perfect combination of sun, clean air, and water.

Today, Gubler Orchids supplies major retailers like Lowe’s, Kroger/Ralphs, and El Super, shipping tens of thousands of plants during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, all from their operation in San Bernardino County. The family-run business continues to expand, with plans for another acre of greenhouses.

The celebration continues with the 30th Annual Morongo Basin Orchid Festival, October 4–5 at Gubler Orchids in Landers. In addition to featuring flowers, the festival also serves as a fundraiser for nonprofit groups. Proceeds from orchid sales, food, and even the popular purple “orchid beer” support nonprofits across the Morongo Basin, from animal shelters to youth groups and emergency services. This year’s festival includes an American Orchid Society judged show, greenhouse tours, live music, and orchid care classes. You can learn more about the upcoming festival and the entire Gubler Orchids operation at gublers.com.

Job Fair and Resource Event Connects Job Seekers in Joshua Tree

Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree hosted a well-attended Job Fair and Resource Event on Thursday, September 25. More than 150 attendees had the opportunity to meet potential employers face-to-face while also accessing services and information from various San Bernardino County agencies.

The event drew strong community support, with Twentynine Palms Mayor Steve Bilderain, Yucca Valley Mayor Jeff Drozd, Copper Mountain College Vice President of Academic Services Dr. Michael Reese, and County Public Defender Thomas Sone all in attendance. Team Rowe’s Morongo Basin representatives, Glen Harris and Steve Reyes, were also on hand to share information about county resources.

The next Third District Job Fair and Resource Event will be held in Barstow on Thursday, October 23. For more information, visit Workforce.SBCounty.gov.

County Officials Warn of
Property Tax Payment Scam

San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason warns taxpayers to watch out for scams as his office mails secured property tax bills in early October. Fraudsters may try to send fake bills or make phone calls demanding payment. Mason emphasized that his office never initiates unsolicited calls or emails regarding secured property taxes.

Residents are urged to use only official channels to pay their 2025–2026 property tax bills. The safest option is online at www.sbcountyatc.gov/tax-collector. Payments may also be mailed or made in person at the Tax Collector’s Office, 268 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor, San Bernardino.

Officials stress that neither the ATC nor the Assessor’s Office will ever collect payments through unsolicited calls, emails, or texts. Taxpayers who receive suspicious notices should report them to the ATC or local law enforcement. For questions or to verify a bill, call 909-387-8308.

Sheriff’s Department Empowers Women With Lady Be Aware Training

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is once again offering its highly regarded Lady Be Aware training. This one-day course is designed to give women the skills, confidence, and awareness needed to stay safe in everyday life. The next class takes place Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Sheriff’s Training Center in Devore.

This eight-hour training combines both classroom learning and hands-on instruction. The classroom portion covers topics like cyber security, home safety, and situational awareness, helping participants recognize and avoid potential dangers in different environments.

The second half of the course is active and practical. It includes weaponless defensive tactics and an introduction to firearms under the guidance of certified instructors. Participants will leave with practical tools to respond to threats and the confidence to protect themselves.

The program is open to women ages 16 and older (a guardian must accompany participants under 18). Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. To sign up or request more information, email Ladybeaware@sbcsd.org.

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These ongoing construction and improvement projects may impact your travel time. Plan ahead and drive safely!

SR-38 Closure - Mountain Communities

State Route 38 is closed from Mill Creek Road near Angelus Oaks to Lakewood Road near Big Bear Lake due to significant debris flow damage during last week's storms. Caltrans has no estimated timeline for reopening, as emergency repairs and reconstruction are needed. Travelers heading to Big Bear are advised to use State Route 330 through Running Springs or State Route 18 via Lucerne Valley.

SR-38 Closure

SR-62 Closure - Twentynine Palms

State Route 62 remains fully closed from Ironage Road, 17 miles east of Twentynine Palms, to the junction with State Route 177 in Desert Center. The closure results from severe damage sustained during last week’s storms. Emergency work is underway, but there is currently no estimated time for reopening. Travelers should plan to use alternate routes until repairs are completed.

SR-62 Closure

SR-247 - Yucca Valley

Crews are making roadway improvements on State Route 247 in Yucca Valley, with culvert work scheduled near Encelia Drive throughout the week. Drivers should expect delays and use caution when traveling through these construction zones.

SR-247 Improvement Project

Job Fair - Redlands
Friday, September 26

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Job Fair on Friday, September 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center, 670 E. Carnegie Drive in San Bernardino. Attendees can connect with 60 job vendors, explore on-the-spot hiring opportunities, access expungement services, and even experience the Army Adventure Semi with interactive simulators. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. Get started at workforce.redlandschamber.org.

Movies in the Courtyard - Yucca Valley
Friday, September 26

Fall Movies in the Courtyard kicks off Friday, September 26, at the Yucca Valley Community Center, 57090 29 Palms Highway. The Disney-Pixar classic "Ratatouille" begins at 6:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The series continues every Friday through October. Learn more at yucca-valley.org.

Calico Days - Calico Ghost Town
Saturday, September 27 - Sunday, September 28

Step back in time at Calico Days, September 27 and 28 at Calico Ghost Town in Yermo. This family-friendly festival celebrates the Old West with costume contests, gunfight shows, live music, pie-eating contests, and competitions like the Miner’s Triathlon, Bucket Brigade, and Burro Run. Find the full schedule of events and other details at parks.sbcounty.gov/calico-days.

Coffee With the Mayor - Loma Linda
Sunday, September 28

Join Loma Linda Mayor Phill Dupper for coffee and conversation on Sunday, September 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Starbucks, 25705 Barton Road. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee tastings while connecting with neighbors and city officials. The official City of Loma Linda Facebook page has more information.

Autumn Fest - Yucaipa
Saturday, September 27 

Celebrate the season at Autumnfest on Saturday, September 27, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Historic Uptown Yucaipa, 12062 California Street. This free community festival will feature live entertainment, a kids’ zone, a car show, a haunted house, a beer garden, delicious food, and plenty of seasonal shopping. For the full schedule of live entertainment and activities, visit yucaipa.gov/autumnfest.  

Fire Station #3 Open House - Highland
Saturday, October 4

Highland Fire Station #3 invites the community to an Open House on Saturday, October 4, at 7649 Sterling Avenue in San Bernardino. Guests can meet local firefighters, learn about fire prevention, and take a tour of the station. Children and families will enjoy exploring a fire engine and discovering how firefighters keep the community safe. Visit The City of Highland's Facebook page to learn more.

Main Street USA Festival - Barstow
Saturday, October 11

The 26th Annual Main Street USA Festival rolls into downtown Barstow on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebrate Route 66 history with a classic car show, live music, local talent performances, and plenty of vendors and food options. Families can enjoy kids’ activities, while adults can relax in the beer garden and cheer on National Miss Route 66 Pageant contestants. Click here for more details.

CHP Open House and Car Show - Running Springs
Saturday, October 11

The Arrowhead CHP Annual Car Show and Trunk or Treat will take place on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 31230 CA-18 in Running Springs. It's a day full of classic and custom vehicles, delicious food, and Halloween fun. Children are encouraged to wear costumes for Trunk or Treat, and attendees will have the chance to vote for Best Car in Show. Check the station's Facebook post for information.

To see more events taking place in the Third District, click here to visit our website.

Have an event coming up that you would like us to publish? Please send details to Supervisor.Rowe@bos.sbcounty.gov

For more information visit: https://bosd3.sbcounty.gov

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