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 County Takes Steps to Ease Recovery After December Storms
San Bernardino County is taking steps to make recovery easier for residents impacted by the severe winter storms that struck during the week of Christmas. At its Tuesday, January 13 meeting, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a series of fee waivers and process changes designed to reduce costs, speed up repairs, and help storm-impacted property owners move forward.
To remove financial and administrative barriers, the Board approved waivers of plan review and permit fees through San Bernardino County Land Use Services for storm-related repairs and rebuilding. Both fees combined are waived up to $5,000 per property, with a total countywide cap of $200,000. In addition to the fee relief, the County will expedite the plan review and permit process for eligible storm-damaged properties, helping residents begin repairs more quickly. Waivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2027.
The Board also authorized San Bernardino County Public Works – Solid Waste Management to waive standard landfill disposal fees for qualifying storm-impacted residents, allowing eligible households to dispose of up to five tons of acceptable debris per property at no cost. The program is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2026; hazardous materials, asbestos, and other prohibited waste are not eligible for disposal under the waiver.
County officials continue coordinating recovery efforts with state and federal partners and encouraging residents to take advantage of available assistance as rebuilding continues.
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Storm recovery resources: prepare.sbcounty.gov/recoveryresources
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Debris cleanup assistance: California Floods Home Cleanup Hotline,
(800) 451-1954 (open through Jan. 23)
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Insurance assistance: California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline, (800) 927-4357
Residents are encouraged to apply early for fee waivers, as funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
 Around the Third District
Upper left: Supervisor Rowe joined representatives from the Office of Emergency Services and partner agencies at last week’s Lytle Creek Emergency Community Meeting to share updates and connect residents with helpful resources. Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales and San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey were also on hand to provide recovery and resource information.
Upper right: Supervisor Dawn Rowe recently spent time in Lytle Creek checking in with residents and connecting with partners on the ground, including Team Rubicon, County Emergency Services, the local fire station, the community center, and Melody’s Place, which stepped up to help feed families in need.
Bottom: End-of-year events in the Morongo Basin included a retirement ceremony celebrating Joan Griffin and her 24 years of dedicated service with the California Highway Patrol. Her career was defined by professionalism and service to our communities. We’re wishing you all the best in this next chapter of life, Joan!
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 Free Neighborhood Cleanup
Coming to Barstow
Residents of San Bernardino County’s unincorporated areas are invited to take part in a free neighborhood cleanup event in Barstow this Saturday, January 17. Hosted by the County’s Code Enforcement and Solid Waste Management divisions, the event is designed to help residents safely dispose of unwanted items and clean up accumulated clutter at no cost.
The cleanup will accept household trash, bulky items, green waste, vehicle tires (up to nine per vehicle, including tires on rims), electronics, and confidential documents for on-site shredding. The Urban Conservation Corps will be on hand to collect electronic waste, including TVs, computer monitors, stereos, and cell phones. Commercial, business, and hazardous waste items will not be accepted.
The event runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon at 25133 W. Main Street in Barstow (vacant lot west of Lenwood Market). For questions, residents may call 909-383-213 or find more information at the official Third District website, bosd3.sbcounty.gov.
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 Public Works Projects Deliver Upgrades Across Big Bear Valley
San Bernardino County Public Works – Special Districts recently completed several important improvement projects across the Big Bear Valley, enhancing recreational spaces and strengthening local infrastructure for mountain residents and visitors.
Pickleball players are seeing the benefits at both Big Bear Ranch Sports Park and Meadow Park, where deteriorating court surfaces had begun to impact play and safety. In addition, the Big Bear Tennis Court Rehab Project was recently completed at Big Bear Sports Ranch, where an existing single tennis court was replaced with a more durable dark green concrete surface, a new double tennis court was added, and the former single court was reconstructed as a multi-purpose facility for both tennis and basketball. Visit specialdistricts.sbcounty.gov to learn more about both projects.
In addition to recreational upgrades, Public Works – Special Districts also completed the CSA 70 R-34 Big Bear Road Paving Project, improving a key stretch of local roadway. Approximately 1,000 feet of W. Villa Grove Avenue were reconstructed and repaved, enhancing access, improving safety, and reducing long-term maintenance needs. Photos of the completed roadway improvements are available here.
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 County Partnership Supports Cross-Country Transport of Shelter Pets
San Bernardino County Animal Care continues to strengthen lifesaving partnerships that deliver real results for shelter animals, including its collaboration with Wings of Rescue, a national nonprofit dedicated to transporting at-risk pets from overcrowded shelters and disaster-affected areas to communities with available kennel space. Recently, Wings of Rescue highlighted this partnership in a social media post announcing coordinated, back-to-back lifesaving flights, spotlighting its work with San Bernardino County among multiple agencies across Southern California.
As part of this effort, a January 10 flight transported 183 dogs and cats from overcrowded Southern California shelters—including San Bernardino County—to partners in the greater Chicago area, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine. Many of these animals were running out of time, and the mission created immediate, critical space in local shelters. In addition to dogs, Wings of Rescue transported cats on the flight, expanding opportunities for more animals to find loving, permanent homes.
Wings of Rescue conducts more than 100 flights annually using a fully pressurized aircraft, with animals traveling in the cabin alongside the flight crew, and has safely transported more than 85,000 pets to date. This flight marked an important milestone in the County’s partnership with Wings of Rescue and reflects a shared commitment to coordination, compassion, and lifesaving action for shelter animals. To learn more about Wings of Rescue and its mission, visit www.wingsofrescue.org.
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 Liberty Lane Delivers Supportive Housing for Veterans in Redlands
Liberty Lane is a new affordable housing community in Redlands designed to serve veterans and individuals with special needs, offering stability, dignity, and long-term support. San Bernardino County celebrated the project’s grand opening during the holiday season, welcoming several veterans and their families into new homes built to promote housing stability and improved well-being.
The development includes 80 affordable homes, with 62 permanent supportive housing units dedicated to homeless and at-risk veterans. Residents will have access to wraparound services including case management, behavioral health care, clinical services, and rental assistance through Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers, resources aimed at addressing the root causes of homelessness and supporting long-term success.
“We are proud to honor the men and women who served our country by providing safe, stable housing that supports their long-term success,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Liberty Lane offers more than housing; it provides dignity and opportunity.” The project was developed through a partnership led by A Community of Friends and supported by San Bernardino County, which invested $5 million in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds as part of its broader Homeless Strategic Framework.
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 Mountains Community Hospital Launches Winter Coat and Shoe Drive
As winter settles into the mountains, having a warm coat and sturdy shoes isn’t just about comfort. It’s about safety, dignity, and basic well-being. Cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions can quickly turn everyday errands into real challenges, especially for individuals already facing health concerns or financial hardship. A reliable jacket and proper footwear can make a meaningful difference, helping people stay warm, mobile, and protected during the coldest months of the year.
To help meet this need, Mountains Community Hospital has launched a coat and shoe drive to support patients who may need more than medical care alone. The hospital is accepting new or gently used jackets and shoes, with donations collected at the Emergency Department, 29101 Hospital Road, Lake Arrowhead. For more information, call Mountains Community Hospital at 909-336-3651.
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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 Improvement Project
Crews will continue culvert improvement work along State Route 247 (SR-247) between the SR-62 junction and Aviation Drive from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday, January 19 through Friday, January 23. Temporary shoulder closures in both the northbound and southbound directions will be in place during operations from Wednesday, January 21, through Friday, January 23. Occasional overnight work may also be required on Friday and Saturday nights between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
SR-247 Improvement Project
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  Honor Walk - Yucaipa
On Monday, January 12, the City of Yucaipa added the name of Jeremiah MacKay to the Yucaipa Honor Walk, recognizing him as the latest honoree among local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A decorated detective with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, MacKay was killed in 2013 while serving his community. Nearly thirteen years later, he was remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a “cop’s cop” whose commitment to service never wavered. During the ceremony, his family shared heartfelt gratitude for a community that continues to remember and honor Jeremiah, underscoring that while time moves on, love and remembrance endure.
The Yucaipa Honor Walk itself is a place set aside for reflection, gratitude, and quiet remembrance. Located at John Tooker Civic Park, just west of City Hall, the Honor Walk is a dedicated pathway featuring engraved boulders that memorialize fallen first responders and military service members. Each stone tells a story—names, service, and sacrifice—created with the support of families, community members, and local donors who believe these heroes should never be forgotten. You can visit the Honor Walk at John Tooker Civic Park, next to the Police Station and City Hall, 34272 Yucaipa Boulevard in Yucaipa.
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Cosmic Nights - Redlands
Saturday, January 24
Cosmic Nights at San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands is an evening of quiet discovery where the night sky becomes a gateway to wonder and curiosity. This special program is presented in partnership with the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers, whose members will guide guests in observing celestial objects and sharing their knowledge of the night sky. Cosmic Nights takes place outdoors, weather permitting, and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Learn more about Cosmic Nights at the County Museum's website.
Lady Be Aware Safety Training - Devore
Saturday, January 24
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will continue its popular Lady Be Aware training on Saturday, January 24, at the Sheriff’s Department Training Center, 18901 Institution Road in Devore. The eight-hour program combines classroom instruction on personal safety with hands-on training in weaponless defensive tactics and an introduction to firearms handling. The course is open to women ages 16 and older (with a guardian for those under 18) and costs $75 per person. Register by emailing Ladybeaware@sbcsd.org.
King of the Hammers - Johnson Valley OHV
Saturday, January 24 - Saturday, February 7
San Bernardino County’s most extreme motorsports tradition roars back as King of the Hammers returns to Johnson Valley OHV Area from January 24 through February 7. Blending high-speed desert racing with punishing rock-crawling courses, the world-renowned event draws elite off-road racers and spectators from around the globe. The action kicks off with the King of the Motos on Saturday, January 24, and builds toward the legendary Race of Kings on Saturday, February 7. A full schedule, race details, and visitor information are available at KingOfTheHammers.com.
ARC Team Visit - Joshua Tree
Wednesday, January 28
The San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk (ARC) team will be at the Bob Burke Government Center in Joshua Tree on Wednesday, January 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents can request vital records, apply for marriage licenses, file FBN statements, record documents, and submit notary filings. ARC visits Joshua Tree on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month to provide convenient local services. Appointments are encouraged by calling 909-387-8306. Visit the Third District website for more information on ARC services offered during their visit.
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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