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  Sergeant Grant Ward
1978 - 2026
San Bernardino County mourns the loss of Sergeant Grant Ward, a respected leader and public servant, whose strength and hope never wavered. Grant served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department since 2004, working assignments ranging from custody to patrol, to detective, and ultimately to sergeant. He also served for years as President of the Sheriff’s Employee Benefit Association, where he was a tireless advocate for deputies and their families. Grant courageously battled cancer with determination, grace, faith, and humor, passing peacefully on February 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Known for leading with integrity, strength, compassion, and humility, Grant treated colleagues like family and mentored countless members of the law enforcement community. Even during difficult treatments, his zest for life never faded. He reminded those around him to meet challenges with resolve and to never lose their sense of humor, leaving a lasting impact not only on the profession he served so honorably, but on the people privileged to know him.
Most of all, Grant was a loving husband to Lynette and a proud father to Annie and Maddie. His family was his greatest joy, and the love he had for them shaped how he served others. As we honor his legacy, we keep the Ward family, his brothers and sisters in uniform, and all who loved him in our thoughts and prayers.
A Fund A Hero campaign has been established in his honor with a $100,000 goal to support his daughters during this incredibly difficult time. Contributions can be made at porac.org/fundraiser/sgt-grant-ward.
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 More Winter Weather Ahead for
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County got a dose of winter this week, with gusty winds, steady rain, and fresh mountain snow creating slick roads and challenging travel conditions. While showers and winds are tapering off, forecasters say that the break will be short-lived. According to the National Weather Service, another cool and wet system is expected to move in on Sunday and continue into midweek, bringing periods of moderate rain, additional mountain snow, and the potential for gusty winds.
Rainfall totals could vary widely, with heavier amounts in the mountains, and snow levels may drop to around 4,500–5,500 feet early next week, potentially impacting more communities and key travel routes. While exact totals remain uncertain, the next system could bring the most significant snowfall of the season so far to higher elevations, along with renewed travel concerns in mountain and desert areas.
Now is the time to prepare. Secure loose outdoor items, charge phones and backup batteries, and restock emergency kits with enough food and water for at least three days per person. If traveling, especially to mountain areas, check road conditions in advance, carry chains if required, and slow down on wet or snowy roads. Stay clear of downed power lines and avoid driving through flooded areas. For updates and preparedness resources, visit prepare.sbcounty.gov.
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 SBA Opens Local Outreach Center to Help Residents Recover from December Storms
If your home, rental, or business suffered damage from the heavy rain and flooding caused by the late December 2025 storms, help is available locally. The San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services is working with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide in-person assistance for those interested in applying for low-interest federal disaster loans to cover uninsured physical damage and economic losses.
An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open at San Bernardino County Fire Station 40, 6584 Caliente Road in Oak Hills, where representatives are available weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Staff can answer questions, explain eligibility, and help residents, renters, businesses, and nonprofits complete their applications. The goal is to make the recovery process easier for those still dealing with the impacts of the December storm event.
Homeowners may be eligible to borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace a primary residence, while homeowners and renters can apply for up to $100,000 to replace personal property such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and vehicles. Businesses and private nonprofits may qualify for loans up to $2 million for damaged buildings, equipment, and inventory, and some applicants may receive an increase of up to 20% for mitigation upgrades that help protect against future disasters. For more information, visit prepare.sbcounty.gov and view the Storm Recovery Resources page, or stop by the outreach center to speak directly with an SBA representative.
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 Around the Third District
Top left: Supervisor Rowe took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance Gate. It was a celebration of improvements that will make access smoother and enhance the visitor experience at one of the most popular destinations in the region. Pictured alongside Supervisor Rowe are Stone James, City Manager, Twentynine Palms; Jane Rodgers, Superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park; Captain Steve Scovell, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; and Assistant. Chief Bill Villarino, San Bernardino County Fire.
Bottom left: The Redlands Optimist Club invited Supervisor Rowe to speak at a recent meeting to provide insight on the power of local partnerships. The club focuses on making a difference through youth sports, educational programs, mentorship, and community service that help young people thrive. Learn more about the group and their mission at redlandsoptimistclub.org.
Right: The 100th anniversary of the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead was a wonderful opportunity to recognize a century of service to the mountain community. Over the past 100 years, the club has played a vital role in founding Lake Arrowhead’s first public library, supporting reforestation efforts after wildfires, and awarding scholarships to local students. Supervisor Rowe presented an official Certificate of Recognition to Polly Sauer, President of the Women’s Club, in celebration of this remarkable milestone.
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 Clear the Clutter at Upcoming Free Community Cleanup Days
Residents in the High Desert and Morongo Basin have three upcoming chances to clear out unwanted items during free Community Cleanup events. Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21, at Covington Park Community Center in Morongo Valley, and Saturday, February 28, at the Newberry Springs Senior Center in Newberry Springs and the Daggett Community Service District in Daggett.
Hosted by San Bernardino County Land Use Services Code Enforcement in partnership with the County’s Solid Waste Management Division, these events give residents of unincorporated communities a convenient, no-cost way to dispose of household trash, bulky items, green waste, tires, and electronic waste. On-site confidential document shredding will also be available, making it a great opportunity to tackle that garage, shed, or side yard cleanup all in one trip.
Please note these events are for residents only, and basic transport rules apply, including covering and securing loads and unloading your own materials. For full details on accepted items, limits, and event times, visit the Third District website.
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 Join CERT in San Bernardino County
“Doing the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number” isn’t just a slogan — it’s the mission behind the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, a volunteer initiative led by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services. CERT trains everyday residents to safely assist their families, neighbors, and communities during disasters when first responders may be overwhelmed. Volunteers learn real, practical skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and organizing response efforts using Incident Command System principles. It’s a nationally recognized FEMA curriculum that prepares people to step in with confidence before, during, and after emergencies.
There are currently more than 250 active community CERT volunteers and 329 County employees with CERT status serving throughout the unincorporated areas in San Bernardino County. These trained volunteers support shelters, Local Assistance Centers, Points of Distribution, call centers, and Emergency Operations Center coordination during activations. In the most recent storm event alone, CERT members logged 334 volunteer hours assisting with community resource centers and real-time damage assessments.
Upcoming CERT Basic trainings are scheduled in Redlands (March 6–8) and Yucaipa (April 24–26), and other locations throughout the county. Volunteers must be 18 or older, hold a California driver’s license, complete an application, pass a background check, and register as a state Disaster Service Worker. To learn more or sign up for training, call OES at 909-356-3998, email vssoes@oes.sbcounty.gov, or visit the County’s OES volunteer programs page.
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 Thousands Gather for Another Epic King of the Hammers
Another incredible year is in the books at King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, once again proving why it remains San Bernardino County’s largest sporting event. Thousands of fans filled Means Dry Lake to watch the world’s toughest off-road racers tackle a brutal mix of high-speed desert racing and punishing rock crawling.
What began in 2007 as a small gathering of competitors has grown into a multi-week global motorsports spectacle centered around the temporary desert city of “Hammertown.” Built over weeks and erased in days, the event reflects both the passion of the off-road community and a deep respect for the public lands that make it possible.
After one of the toughest Race of Kings courses yet, champions rose to the occasion and added their names to King of the Hammers history.
2026 King of the Hammers Winners
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Race of Kings (4400 Class)
Randy Slawson (Co-driver: Dustin Emick) – 4th King of the Hammers victory
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Yokohama Tire Every Man Challenge
Dylan Summers
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Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship
Jeff Martin
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Toyo Tires Desert Challenge – Unlimited Class
Christopher Polvoorde – Third consecutive Unlimited Class victory
 During this year’s event, Supervisor Rowe had the pleasure of hosting several distinguished guests in Johnson Valley, including Congressman Jay Obernolte (top left), Assemblyman Greg Wallis (bottom left), and Major General Mark Clingan of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (right). We are proud to support events that showcase our region, strengthen our economy, and bring this level of energy and excitement to our communities.
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 Reminder: Johnson Valley Shared Use Area is Temporarily Closed
Following King of the Hammers, visitors who stick around to ride should remember that the Johnson Valley Shared Use Area is temporarily closed through February 26. Annual closures of the area are essential for Marine Corps training, ensuring that Marines from Twentynine Palms remain ready for major combat operations.
The adjacent Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area remains open during closures, but visitors must follow posted boundaries and respect all restricted zones for safety. For more information, visit 29palms.marines.mil/johnsonvalley.
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 Click here to have The Rowe Report sent directly to your email.
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These ongoing construction and improvement projects may impact your travel time.
Plan ahead and drive safely!
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Sycamore Drive - Lytle Creek
Motorists in Lytle Creek should plan ahead for a temporary closure of Sycamore Drive on Friday, February 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The road will be fully closed to allow crews to complete paving operations. The closure will impact all traffic, with no through access during work hours. Residents are advised to leave before 8:00 a.m. or plan to return after 1:00 p.m. to avoid delays.
Sycamore Drive - Lytle Creek
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  Lincoln Memorial Shrine - Redlands
February 12 marks the birth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, and one of the best local places to explore his legacy is the Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands. The Shrine houses one of the largest collections of Lincoln and Civil War artifacts on the West Coast, featuring personal correspondence, artwork, and a wide range of historical items that bring this era to life.
The site was donated to the City of Redlands in 1932 by Robert and Alma Watchorn. At the time, the facility included only the distinctive octagonal structure that remains the heart of the complex today. Since then, the Shrine has grown to include additional wings on both sides, along with a patio and fountain that enhance the historic setting.
A favorite stop for history enthusiasts and admirers of classic architecture, the Shrine is located at 125 W. Vine Street, close to A.K. Smiley Library and the Redlands Bowl. Visiting hours are 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. For details, call 909-798-7632 or visit LincolnShrine.org.
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Fill The Bus - Crestline
Friday, February 13
Rim of the World Vets and Mountain Transit are teaming up for a Valentine’s Day Community Donation Drive on Friday, February 13, to support local veterans in need. Donations will be collected from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Goodwin & Son’s Market, 24089 Lake Gregory Drive in Crestline. New items only are requested, including warm jackets, sweaters, clothes, gloves, beanies, warm socks, blankets, hygiene kits, pet food, and non-perishable food. Details available at bosd3.sbcounty.gov.
Galaxy Nights - Lucerne Valley
Friday, February 13
Love is written in the stars at Galaxy Nights—Valentine’s Edition, a free, family-friendly astronomy event hosted by the San Bernardino County Library in partnership with Avantus and the High Desert Astronomical Society on Friday, February 13, at the Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch Library. Guests of all ages can enjoy guided stargazing, hands-on activities, Valentine-themed crafts, celestial mythology, and a special look at Betelgeuse, the glowing red giant often called the “Valentine’s Star.” Visit sbcounty.gov to learn more about the event.
Seussical the Musical - Yucaipa
Friday, February 13 - Sunday, February 15
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and a cast of beloved Dr. Seuss characters hit the stage for "Seussical the Musical" this weekend at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, 12062 California Street. This high-energy production brings Broadway-level magic with toe-tapping songs, dazzling costumes, and a heartwarming message for all ages. For more information, visit yucaipaperformingarts.org.
STEAM Workshop - Yucca Valley
Saturday, February 14
Fall in love with math this Valentine’s Day at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum on Saturday, February 14. Guests will explore the strange and surprising world of Topology, where shapes can be stretched, twisted, and transformed in unexpected ways. No advanced math background is needed for students to test their creations while discovering big ideas in geometry, engineering, and design. Click on the museum’s website to learn more and sign up.
Route 66 Info Fair - Needles
Saturday, February 14
The Route 66 Info Fair rolls into the historic El Garces in Needles on Saturday, February 14, celebrating the legacy of America's Mother Road. The full day of history, culture, and classic Americana will include books and memorabilia, food trucks, music in the park, vendor drawings, and a classic car show. Guest speakers include Route 66 author Jim Hinckley, Mojave Tribal Elder Simon Garcia, and Harvey Girl Lynne Miller. Click here to see complete event information on Facebook.
California Days - Calico Ghost Town
Saturday, February 14 - Sunday, February 15
Step back in time at the annual California Days celebration at Calico Ghost Town on Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15. Families can enjoy pony rides, gunfighter shows, historical reenactments, hands-on educational exhibits, live burro demonstrations, music performances, and kid-friendly activities. Special entertainment includes Wild West street skits, Victorian-era theater performances, 1880s classroom reenactments, and themed scavenger hunts, along with mining displays from event sponsors. Get the full schedule at parks.sbcounty.gov.
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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