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 Needles Event Connects Residents with Jobs, Resources, and Support
Residents in the east desert region of the Third District can meet employers, access career resources, and connect with services at the Resource and Job Fair at the El Garces Historic Train Depot in Needles on Wednesday, March 18, scheduled to take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hosted in partnership with San Bernardino County agencies, the City of Needles, and Workforce Development partners, the event will bring together community organizations and employers to help residents explore job opportunities, access career resources, and connect with services designed to support workforce success. Attendees who are seeking employment are encouraged to bring their resumes.
In addition to employment connections, the event will feature several helpful on-site services. The Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Mobile Unit will provide assistance with birth, death, and marriage certificate copies, notary services, fictitious business name filings, and property information for San Bernardino County residents. Representatives from the Public Defender’s Office will also be available to help individuals begin the process of clearing eligible records and provide guidance on the steps needed to move forward.
The event will take place at the El Garces Historic Train Depot, 950 Front Street in Needles. Register today at HDHE326.eventbrite.com to secure your spot and take the next step toward new opportunities.
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 Young Readers Can Read Their Way to an In-N-Out Treat
Young readers in San Bernardino County can once again turn their love of books into a tasty reward through the popular Cover to Cover Reading Program, a partnership between the San Bernardino County Library and In-N-Out Burger. Designed for children ages 4–12, the program encourages kids to build strong reading habits while earning a delicious incentive along the way.
Participants can earn up to three reward cards by reading five books or logging 300 minutes of reading. Families can track progress using the Beanstack app, and once a milestone is reached, kids can visit their local San Bernardino County Library branch to collect a redemption card.
Each reward card can be exchanged at any In-N-Out Burger for a hamburger, cheeseburger, or grilled cheese sandwich. The program runs through April 15, giving young readers plenty of time to dive into a stack of books and enjoy a well-earned burger at the end of the chapter. Learn more at library.sbcounty.gov.
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 Community Cleanup Coming to Landers on March 14
Landers and nearby communities are invited to a free Community Cleanup on Saturday, March 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at 1501 Belfield Boulevard in Landers. The event is hosted by San Bernardino County Land Use Services – Code Enforcement, in partnership with the Solid Waste Management Division.
The cleanup provides residents with an opportunity to dispose of accumulated household trash, bulky items, green waste, electronic waste, and vehicle tires (limited to 9 per load) at no cost. The Urban Conservation Corps will also be on-site to collect electronic waste, including televisions, computer monitors, stereos, cell phones, and more. Please note that participants are required to unload their own materials, and loads should be properly secured when traveling to the event.
Only residents of unincorporated San Bernardino County may participate. No commercial or industrial waste allowed. Do not bring hazardous materials such as oil, batteries, paint, or chemicals. For questions, call Land Use Services at 909-383-2133. Please visit bosd3.sbcounty.gov for more information.
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 Around the Third District
Left: Supervisor Rowe had the opportunity to meet Adam Thunell, the new CEO of Redlands Community Hospital, during a recent welcome reception. Pictured left to right are Juan Cabral, Superintendent of Redlands Unified School District; Ted Alejandre, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; Supervisor Rowe; Adam Thunell, CEO of Redlands Community Hospital; and Cali Binks, Superintendent of Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District.
Right: Supervisor Rowe joined Susanna Barnett, Executive Director of Morongo Basin Unity Home, at a recent fundraiser supporting the organization’s important work. Morongo Basin Unity Home provides critical emergency shelter, outreach, and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their families, offering not just safety, but hope and a path forward. Learn more about their mission at https://www.unityhome.org.
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“Reel Reality” Film Contest Invites Students to Raise Awareness About Fentanyl
High school students in San Bernardino County’s Third District are invited to use their creativity to help address a serious public health challenge. The Reel Reality: Fentanyl Awareness Film Contest, presented by the County’s Departments of Behavioral Health and Public Health, encourages students to create short films that highlight the dangers of fentanyl and promote prevention and awareness. Students will produce 30–60 second videos designed to spark conversation and share powerful stories about the real-life impact of fentanyl.
Submissions may fall into four categories: “Fentanyl Doesn’t Care, But We Do,” highlighting how the drug affects people from all walks of life; Interview – Personal Stories, sharing lived experiences; Prevention and Awareness – Knowing Why, focused on education and proactive solutions; and “It Can Happen to Anyone,” addressing the stigma surrounding fentanyl use and overdose. Films will be judged on emotional impact, clarity of message, creativity, and production quality, and must include a closing message explaining how Narcan can save lives and where people can find help locally.
Supervisor Rowe says the contest empowers young voices to take part in addressing the crisis. “This contest is a call to action. “It’s a chance for our youth to use their creativity, their voices, and their talents to tackle one of the most pressing challenges our community faces.” Winning films will be shown as trailers in local movie theaters, helping reach thousands of residents, and the winning school will receive a scholarship award supporting students and its video production program. Film submissions are due by Tuesday, March 31, at 5 p.m. Get started at eventcreate.com.
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 Mobile Medical Clinics Bring Healthcare Closer to Third District Communities
Access to healthcare is becoming more convenient for residents across the Third District thanks to a growing number of mobile medical services. These clinics bring basic healthcare, screenings, and resources directly into local communities, helping residents receive care close to home.
One upcoming opportunity is the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Mobile Medical Clinic, which will visit Newberry School in Newberry Springs on Tuesday, March 17, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome. The mobile clinic provides medical services for residents who may have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare facilities. Uninsured and underinsured patients are encouraged to attend, and financial assistance programs may be available depending on an individual’s situation. Residents may also schedule an appointment by calling 909-520-1207.
In addition, San Bernardino County’s Department of Public Health operates “On-The-Go Health” mobile medical clinics that provide regular healthcare services in communities throughout the Third District. These weekly clinics offer convenient access to screenings, primary care services, and support for residents who may qualify for Medi-Cal.
• Barstow: The mobile clinic is available every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Barstow Branch Library, 304 E. Buena Vista Street.
• Needles: Weekly mobile clinic visits are held every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Transitional Assistance Department, 1090 E. Broadway Street.
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 Sheriff’s Department Warns of Fraud Investigation Impersonation Scams
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is cautioning residents about a growing number of scams in which criminals pose as fraud investigators from reputable organizations, including the FDIC and well-known financial institutions.
In these schemes, scammers reach out by phone or text, claiming a victim’s bank account has been compromised. They then instruct victims to transfer money to a different account for “protection” or to assist with what they describe as an active investigation. In some cases, the suspects use convincing personal details and fabricated documents to make the scam appear legitimate.
Authorities urge residents to be aware of common warning signs, such as unexpected calls or messages from someone claiming to represent a bank or government agency, requests to move money into a new or business account, pressure to act immediately or keep the matter confidential, directions to download unfamiliar apps, or instructions to use a phone while at an ATM. Victims may also be told to transfer funds after receiving a fraudulent deposit.
The Sheriff’s Department stresses that legitimate banks and agencies will never ask customers to transfer money to safeguard their accounts or to take part in a secret investigation. Anyone who receives a suspicious call or message should hang up and contact their bank directly using a verified phone number. Residents are encouraged to share this information with family and friends and remain alert to potential scams.
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 SPARK Program Gives Local Youth a Paid Path to Career Experience
San Bernardino County is opening the door to hands-on career experience for young residents through the SPARK Youth Employment Program. The program provides paid work experience for county residents ages 16 to 24, giving participants the opportunity to build real-world job skills while exploring potential career paths within County departments. Applications open March 16 at 6:00 p.m., and interested applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their application profiles in advance, as only the first 800 applicants will be accepted.
Participants selected for SPARK will work approximately 28 hours per week from June 15 through July 24. Along with earning a paycheck, youth will participate in professional development workshops on résumé writing, interview skills, workplace etiquette, and career planning. The program also includes mentorship opportunities and exposure to a variety of career fields, helping young people build confidence, expand their networks, and gain valuable experience in a professional setting.
The SPARK program—short for Support, Pathways, Access, Readiness, and Knowledge—is designed to help youth ignite their futures by connecting them with meaningful work and career guidance. Participants will contribute to county initiatives while developing workplace and leadership skills, and those who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion to strengthen their future job prospects. More information is available at the County’s SPARK program website.
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Intersection Improvement Project - Yucca Valley
Work continues on the Yucca Mesa Road and Buena Vista Drive intersection improvement project in Yucca Valley, with construction expected to run through March 31. Motorists should expect lane closures and possible delays, and semi-trucks and oversized loads are temporarily restricted from the area; State Route 247 is recommended as an alternate route.
Intersection Improvement Project
I-10 Sweeping Operation
Caltrans crews will conduct a sweeping operation along Interstate 10 between San Bernardino and Yucaipa on Friday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crews will be working in the center median and the #1 lane as part of a moving operation to remove large debris, graffiti, and trash along the freeway. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures and brief delays as crews move through the area.
I-10 Sweeping Operation
Striping Project SR-18 and SR-38
From Monday, March 16, to Thursday, March 19, Caltrans crews will restripe crosswalks on SR-18 and SR-38 in Big Bear Lake. A moving closure and flagging will occur in various areas from Paine Road to Shay Road between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Motorists should expect brief delays and are encouraged to slow down and watch for crews in the work zone.
Striping Project SR-18 and SR-38
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 Pancake Breakfast - Morongo Valley
Saturday, March 14
Enjoy a morning of pancakes and community connection at the Morongo Valley Fire Pancake Breakfast Open House on Saturday, March 14, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Fire Station 461, located at 11207 Ocotillo Street in Morongo Valley. This free event invites residents to meet their local firefighters, tour the station, and enjoy a fresh pancake breakfast. Families are especially welcome, with photo opportunities with Sparky and a festive St. Patrick’s Day craft table for kids. For more information, visit the Morongo Valley Community Services District on Facebook.
Take a Hike - Yucaipa
Saturday, March 14
Lace up your boots for a special edition of “Take a Hike” on Saturday, March 14, at the Wildwood Mountain Bike Trail, 36699 Wildwood Canyon Road. The Yucaipa Trails and Open Space Committee is opening this bike-only trail to hikers for one day only, making this a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss. Locations are subject to change, so check the Yucaipa Trails and Open Space Facebook page or email bearpawranch@msn.com for updates.
Community Day of Service - Redlands
Saturday, March 14
Redlands residents are invited to roll up their sleeves for the 2026 Redlands Community Day of Service on Saturday, March 15, at Sylvan Park. Volunteers of all ages can help with a variety of projects, including refreshing the baseball diamond, repairing horseshoe pits, and beautifying the rose garden. After the work is done, participants will be treated to a complimentary lunch provided by the Redlands Kiwanis. For details and registration, visit ServeRedlands.org.
San Gorgonio Search & Rescue Recruiting - Mentone
Tuesday, March 17
The San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team will host a recruiting event on Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the San Gorgonio SAR Barn, 34701 Mill Creek Road in Mentone. It's open for anyone interested in learning more about joining this all-volunteer, nonprofit team that responds to lost or injured hikers, missing children, and seniors, and provides technical rescue throughout the area. Click sgsar.org for more information about the event and how to get involved.
Rotary Carnival - Twentynine Palms
Thursday, March 19 - Sunday March, 22
Step right up for four days of family fun at the Twentynine Palms Rotary Carnival, happening March 20–23 at Luckie Park. The event features exciting rides, tasty carnival treats, and plenty of classic midway games for kids and adults alike. Admission is free, though ride wristbands are required for select attractions. Go to visit29.org for times and event details.
Hoppin' Easter Fest - Barstow
Saturday, March 21
Celebrate spring at the Hoppin’ Easter Fest on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sports Park, 2800 Mayor Katy Parkway in Barstow. Families can enjoy vendors, food trucks, jumpers, a DJ, and photos with the Easter Bunny. The fun includes an egg toss at 10:30 a.m., followed by the egg hunt at 11 a.m. More information is available on the City of Barstow's Facebook page.
Healthy Hearts 5K and 2K - Yucca Valley
Saturday, March 28
Lace up your shoes and support heart health at the 33rd Annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run and 2K Health Walk. The family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages on Saturday, March 29, at Essig Park, 8300 Warren Vista Avenue in Yucca Valley. Sign up today at yucca-valley.org.
Citrus Harvest Festival - Highland
Saturday, March 28
Celebrate Highland’s citrus heritage at the City of Highland Citrus Harvest Festival on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the city’s Historic District at Pacific Street and Palm Avenue. This family-friendly event features live entertainment, a classic car show, historic presentations, and guided historic walking tours. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food vendors and browse unique craft booths throughout the festival. Learn more and plan your trip at the City of Highland’s website.
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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