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 Pictured with Supervisor Rowe: Presiding Judge, Hon. Rod Cortez, Court Executive Officer, Anabel Romero, State Senator Kelly Seyarto, Asm. James Ramos, Asm. Tom Lackey, Asm. Jeff Gonzalez, and Asm. Greg Wallis
At the State Capitol, a Call for More Judges in San Bernardino County
The need for more judges in the Inland Empire—particularly in San Bernardino County—was front and center during recent discussions at the State Capitol, where Supervisor Rowe met with state leaders to advocate for additional judicial resources. During the visit, Supervisor Rowe met with Assemblyman James Ramos, State Senator Kelly Seyarto, Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, Assemblyman Tom Lackey, and Assemblyman Greg Wallis to highlight the growing strain on local courts and the urgent need for investment in the region’s justice system.
As noted in a recent San Bernardino Sun report, California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero emphasized in her 2026 State of the Judiciary address that the shortage of judges in Riverside and San Bernardino counties remains “especially acute.” In San Bernardino County, judges are managing caseloads approximately 18% higher than the state average, more than 3,100 cases per judge.
Local court leadership joined Supervisor Rowe in Sacramento to help convey the scope of the challenge. San Bernardino County Presiding Judge Hon. Rod Cortez and Court Executive Officer Anabel Romero provided insight into how courthouse overcrowding continues to impact case timelines and access to justice. While recent judicial appointments have helped, court officials note that dozens of additional judges are still needed to keep pace with demand.
The consequences of these shortages are already being felt across the region. In neighboring Riverside County, hundreds of criminal cases have been dismissed in recent years due to congested court calendars, illustrating the real-world impact of limited judicial capacity. While the state has proposed additional funding for trial courts, Supervisor Rowe and regional partners continue to advocate for long-term solutions, including expanded infrastructure and increased judicial appointments, to ensure a fair and efficient justice system for Inland Empire residents.
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 On-The-Go Health Mobile Clinic Now Serving Barstow Every Week
Barstow residents have convenient access to free primary and urgent care services each week thanks to San Bernardino County’s On-The-Go Health mobile medical clinic. Designed to serve Medi-Cal recipients and individuals without insurance, the clinic brings essential healthcare services directly into the community, making care more accessible and easier to receive.
The mobile clinic is available every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Library Barstow Branch, located at 304 E. Buena Vista Street. Appointments are recommended to ensure timely service, though walk-ins are accepted as space allows. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-722-4777.
Services include annual health screenings, blood pressure and diabetes testing, pregnancy testing, medication refills for chronic conditions, urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries, STI testing, and Hepatitis C screening. Assistance with Medi-Cal enrollment is also available. For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov.
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 Big Bear Lake to Host Olympic Rowing Training Ahead of 2028 Games
The U.S. national rowing teams have selected Big Bear Lake as their high-altitude training base for the next three years. Each spring through the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, elite men’s and women’s rowing athletes will spend three weeks training in the mountain community.
Big Bear Lake, situated at 6,752 feet above sea level, provides ideal conditions for endurance training. Experts explain that this altitude improves performance by increasing red blood cell production, enhancing oxygen efficiency, and boosting overall aerobic capacity. This unique natural advantage makes Big Bear an exceptional location for Olympic preparation.
This partnership—bringing together USRowing, Visit Big Bear, The Sports Office, and the Big Bear Municipal Water District—marks a first for Big Bear Lake as an Olympic rowing training site, supporting Team USA athletes as they prepare for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Visit sportstravelmagazine.com to read about this historic milestone. Click on usrowing.org to learn more about Team USA rowing.
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 Around the Third District
Left: Supervisor Rowe helped celebrate the ribbon cutting at Liberty Lane, a new housing community in Redlands serving veterans and their families. The project reflects a shared commitment to ensuring those who have served have access to safe, stable housing. Supervisor Rowe also highlighted the county’s role in helping bring the development from concept to completion. With Liberty Lane already more than 90 percent occupied, the impact is both immediate and meaningful.
Right: Supervisor Rowe joined regional partners in Fontana to break ground on the West End Regional Navigation Center, a collaborative effort focused on addressing homelessness with meaningful, long-term solutions. The 200-bed facility will offer emergency shelter, recuperative care, and a range of supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The project aims to create pathways to stability, helping residents transition into permanent housing and rebuild their lives.
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 Earth Day Events and Community Clean-Ups in the Third District
Earth Day is observed each April to inspire environmental stewardship and spark community involvement. Across the Third District, cities and organizations are hosting a variety of events, from clean-up efforts to educational workshops, offering residents many ways to participate. Click on each event title for details.
BARSTOW—Saturday, April 18, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Corp Yard, 900 SH Ave
Barstow residents can take advantage of free disposal services, including trash, green waste, e-waste, and more. A shred fest will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of 5 boxes or bags per vehicle.
GRAND TERRACE—Wednesday, April 22, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
22795 Barton Road
Volunteers are needed for this Earth Day clean-up effort. No registration is required; just wear closed-toe shoes and be ready to work outdoors.
HIGHLAND—Thursday, April 23, 9:00 a.m.
Daniel D. Yarnell Memorial Park, Base Line & Central Avenue
Join the City of Highland for a tree planting event in celebration of Arbor Day and help grow a greener community.
LOMA LINDA—Wednesday, April 22, 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Citrus Trails Parking Lot, 26312 Park Avenue
Loma Linda residents can pick up free compost while supplies last. Participants should bring their own containers and shovels. First-come, first-served.
REDLANDS—Saturday, April 18, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Citywide (Workshops) & Smiley Park, 126 S. Eureka Street
Start the day with climate action and sustainability workshops held throughout the city, then head to Smiley Park for an afternoon of music, information booths, and family-friendly activities.
SILVERWOOD LAKE—Saturday, April 18, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Nature Center, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Volunteers are invited to help pick up litter and remove invasive plant species while enjoying the natural beauty of Silverwood Lake. Lunch will be provided.
YUCCA VALLEY—Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hi-Desert Nature Museum, 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway
This free, family-friendly event features a plant giveaway, eco-friendly activities such as seed-bomb making and an insect hotel demonstration, and hands-on upcycling projects. Visitors can also explore educational booths hosted by community partners and learn practical ways to help protect the environment.
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 Copper Mountain College Invests in Local Students
Kambria Henry of Yucca Valley High School has been named the 2026 Greenleaf Scholarship recipient, earning a full-ride from Copper Mountain College (CMC) Foundation. Selected through a competitive process, Henry stood out among a strong group of finalists, each of whom will also receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 to attend CMC. An awards dinner on April 16 will honor this year’s recipients.
A senior class president, Henry’s path toward a career in healthcare was shaped by a soccer injury during her freshman year, which inspired her to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner. Her story reflects the mission of the Greenleaf Scholarship, which, since 2002, has supported more than 20 local students in completing their education and returning to serve their community.
Building on the impact of the Greenleaf program, Copper Mountain College supports student success in many ways. Each year, CMC offers a variety of scholarships to help students pursue their academic and career goals. To learn more about available scholarships and how to apply, visit cmccd.edu.
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 County Warns of Fraudulent Website Mimicking ARC Services
The San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARC) is advising residents to be cautious after discovering a fraudulent website posing as the department. The site, operating under the domain sbcountyarc.org, has been designed to resemble an older version of the County’s official webpage, potentially causing confusion for users seeking legitimate services.
Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales emphasized the importance of protecting the public from misleading information and fraudulent activity. She noted that websites impersonating government agencies can create serious risks, particularly when residents rely on them for official documents or services.
County officials acted quickly to verify the site is not affiliated with ARC and have begun working with appropriate entities to investigate and address the issue. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to use only the official ARC website at arc.sbcounty.gov when accessing services or information and to remain vigilant when navigating online resources.
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 Job Fairs Offer Career Opportunities Across the Third District
Residents in the Third District have two chances this April to meet employers, explore career paths, and access workforce resources at job fairs in Barstow and San Bernardino. These events feature dozens of employers, training providers, and support groups, offering on-the-spot hiring and career development services.
Barstow Community College’s Annual Career Resource Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Performing Arts Center. Attendees can connect with employers, public agencies, and workforce partners in one location. This event helps job seekers build connections, find open positions, and advance their careers. More information is available on Facebook.
The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will host a Job Fair and Resource Expo on Thursday, April 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino. With more than 60 vendors expected, the event will feature on-the-spot hiring opportunities, as well as services such as expungement assistance, career training resources, and support for veterans. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce Facebook page has more details on the event.
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Festival Traffic Advisory for I-10 Travelers
Heavy traffic is expected on Interstate 10 (I-10) during the Coachella (April 10–12, April 17–19) and Stagecoach (April 24–26) music festival weekends. Expect eastbound delays on Thursdays and Fridays, and westbound congestion on Sunday nights and Monday mornings. Plan for extra travel time.
I-40 Pavement Project - Needles
Motorists traveling on Interstate 40 (I-40) near Needles should expect delays as Caltrans continues pavement improvement work between Fox Wash overflow and the L Street undercrossing. Construction is scheduled Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with one of two lanes closed during work hours. Drivers may encounter westbound lane closures between Fox Wash overflow and S Street, along with cones and traffic control measures guiding vehicles through the area.
I-40 Pavement Project
SR-38 Maintenance Project – Fawnskin
Motorists in Big Bear should prepare for road maintenance on State Route 38 (SR-38) in Big Bear through Friday, April 10, weather permitting. Caltrans crews will conduct repairs and routine maintenance in the Fawnskin area through Friday, April 10, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Crews will be working in the following areas: Big Bear Dam to Pine Hill Drive, Cherokee Street to Canyon Road, Holcomb Valley Road to Barbara Lee Lane, and Mound Street to Division Drive. Drivers should expect delays and allow extra travel time through the area.
SR-38 Maintenance Project
I-15 Slab Project – Devore
Drivers in the Devore area should plan ahead for some nighttime work on southbound Interstate 15 (I-15). The slab replacement operation runs through Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The southbound I-15 Kenwood Avenue on ramp, and #2, #3, and #4 main lanes from Kenwood Ave to Glen Helen Parkway will be closed in order to conduct the repairs.
I-15 Slab Project
Drainage and Safety Improvement - Big Bear Lake
Motorists in the Big Bear area should plan for delays as a drainage and safety improvement project takes place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at various locations between Arrowbear Drive and State Route 38 (SR-38.) Drivers are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area and allow extra time for their commute.
Drainage and Safety Improvement Project
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Bicycle Classic - Redlands
Thursday, April 9 - Sunday, April 12
The Redlands Bicycle Classic continues through Sunday, April 12, bringing high-energy professional cycling and community events to Redlands and the surrounding foothills. Friday features the Crafton Hills Circuit Race, followed by the popular Downtown Criterium on Citrus Avenue, Saturday, and the Sunset Road Race and additional criteriums on Sunday. In addition to the races, attendees can enjoy a Vendor Village, youth races, public rides, and a Sunday 5K and Family Fun Walk. Visit redlandsclassic.com for a complete schedule of events.
Car Show & Fireworks Fundraiser - Lucerne Valley
Saturday, April 11
Rev up your engines for the 3rd Annual Car Show and Fireworks Fundraiser in Lucerne Valley on Saturday, April 11. Hosted by the Lucerne Valley Fireworks Committee, this free, family-friendly event will feature classic cars, hot rods, and off-road vehicles, along with awards for standout entries. The event will be held at Lucerne Valley High School, 33233 Rabbit Springs Road. The Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce has more information available on Facebook.
International Festival - Twentynine Palms
Saturday, April 11
The Twentynine Palms International Festival returns on Saturday, April 11, at Freedom Plaza, 73551 Twentynine Palms Highway. This free evening of music, culture, and community features performances by students from Twentynine Palms High School, live music from the Levitt AMP 29 Palms Music Series, and Stewart Taylor. Click on the City of Twentynine Palms website for more information.
Veterans Claims Assistance - Barstow
Thursday, April 16
San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs will offer in-person claims assistance for veterans in Barstow on Thursday, April 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Department of Aging and Adult Services, 536 E Virginia Way in Barstow. Veterans Service Officers will be available to help with disability claims, pensions, education benefits, healthcare enrollment, and more. Learn more at bosd3.sbcounty.gov.
Military Appreciation Dinner - San Bernardino
Thursday, April 16
Veterans and active military members are invited to a special Military Appreciation Dinner at the National Orange Show Fairgrounds in San Bernardino. This complimentary event honors those who have served with a delicious dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, a Color Guard ceremony, and service recognition awards. The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Go to nationalorangeshow.com for complete details.
Polar Plunge - Big Bear Lake
Saturday, April 18
Take the plunge for a great cause at the 2026 Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Southern California, coming to Big Bear Lake on Saturday, April 18. Held at Veterans Park, this high-energy event invites participants to dash into the chilly waters in support of local athletes. Whether you’re diving in or cheering from the shore, it’s a fun and meaningful way to support Special Olympics athletes. Find out how to participate at bigbear.com.
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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