This month, our City Council appointed four members to our new Measure P Oversight Committee.  Congratulations to Michael Krause (education), Mark Creffield (Chamber), Matthew Pellouchoud (retail), and Margaret Cooker (senior). We appreciate their willingness to volunteer their time to ensure Measure P revenue is expended consistent with the intent of the tax measure.   

We’re still seeking three residents to serve on the committee to represent clergy, youth/recreation and non-profit service provider.  If you’re interested, we invite you to apply at VictorvilleCA.gov/mpoc.  Applications will be accepted through April 26 or until the positions are filled. 

San Bernardino County has launched the Rent Relief Partnership to provide rent and utility assistance to residents negatively impacted by COVID-19.  The program provides future rent/utility payments and those that are owed.  To learn more about this program, visit sbcrentrelief.org.

As another resource, the City of Victorville provides federal CDBG dollars to local nonprofit organizations to help individuals in our community with rent and utility assistance.  If you’re in need of help, we invite you to reach out to these organizations.  View the contact information at vv.city/rentassistance.

As part of our General Plan Update, we’re developing a new Environmental Justice Element to help ensure a healthy community for all Victorville residents.  We invite our community to share their insights via a short survey before May 17.  To learn more, visit VictorvilleCA.gov/GeneralPlanUpdate.

Youth Sports Sampler

We’re kicking off summer with our six-week, Youth Sports Sampler beginning June 1!  Children ages 5 to 12 can participate and learn the fundamentals of baseball, football and soccer.  Registration is $40 at VictorvilleCA.gov/recreation.  For more information, call (760) 245-5551. 

Shred-Fest, Mulch Giveaway, and Recycling Drop-Off: May 1

Are you looking to off-load some of your old paperwork, TVs, appliances, mattresses, and more?  Take advantage of the Free Shred-Fest, Mulch Giveaway, and Recycling Drop-off at the Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Saturday, May 1, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

This event will feature drive-through document shredding, a mulch and compost giveaway, e-waste and appliance disposal, and free mattress and box spring recycling.  All activities are FREE and open to residents of the High Desert.

The Victor Valley MRF is located at 17000 Abbey Lane in Victorville, just off Stoddard Wells Road.  Safety protocols will be in place.  Face masks must be worn.

April Update from Mayor Jones

We’re pleased to include this monthly update from Victorville Mayor, Debra Jones.  Mayor Jones provides an update on new business development and retail projects under construction in Victorville.  She also shares information about our Reopening Victorville Small Business Assistance Grant Program that was made available to local businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.

California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

The State of California will open round six of the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program on April 28.  Grants between $5,000 and $25,000 are available for small businesses that have endured the negative impacts of COVID-19.  To learn more information or to apply, visit careliefgrant.com

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration has launched the Restaurant Revitalization Fund that offers restaurants and other qualifying businesses financial assistance equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss.  The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center will host several informational webinars about this funding opportunity to discuss eligibility, qualified expenses and more.