Local

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County Receives $100,000 Donation; Helps over 2,100 Families at Community Food Distribution

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) held a “Feeding Our Community” drive-thru food distribution on April 22, 2020 at San Bernardino Valley College. This community distribution event was supported by San Bernardino Valley College and Edison International. Over 2,100 families received food boxes containing essential food items that included protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and pasta. This is one of many events geared towards the agency’s goal of meeting the increased demand for food assistance from individuals and families who have been directly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We are the largest provider of emergency food in San Bernardino County. Amid this pandemic, we have ramped up our Food Bank operations quickly because that is where we have seen the highest increase in demand for services. COVID-19 has affected every person throughout San Bernardino County, and traditionally stable households that have not previously experienced food insecurity are seeking help for the first time,” said Patricia Nickols-Butler, CAPSBC President and CEO. “Overall, we have seen an increase in over 10,000 additional households needing food assistance; most of them are individuals and families who have never needed our services before.”

CAPSBC has received a generous $100,000 donation from Edison International to help support the Food Bank’s efforts to continue providing vital food resources to those who have been impacted by the health crisis. “We’re so grateful for the strong relationship we have established with Edison International and for their generous contribution to our agency. Because of their generosity we can quickly and efficiently expand our services to include food delivery to vulnerable populations, mobile drive-thru events, and the inclusion of new distribution partners to stem any disruptions and respond to the surging food insecurity,” said Nickols-Butler.

“The large scale food distribution event we conducted was a tremendous success due to the generosity and outpouring of support we have received from organizations and volunteers who want to join us at the forefront and help us make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Patricia Nickols-Butler. “We’re indebted to San Bernardino Valley College and our volunteer force for their selfless acts of kindness. We thank you; our communities thank you!” concluded Nickols-Butler.

Please call 909-723-1500 or e-mail info@capsbc.org or visit our website www.capsbc.org for more information.

Crafton Hills Fire Academy- Through Fires and Flames

YUCAIPA, CA—-Amid campus closures and stay-at-home orders caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crafton Hills Fire Academy has continued to meet and train students who will join the front lines with other first responders fighting fires and saving lives. Against all odds, 29 cadets will complete their Fire Academy training in mid-May.

Despite these overwhelming circumstances and challenges to instruction, Crafton Hills College is the only college Fire Academy in California that continued their 16-week training program while also adhering to and maintaining the strictest of social-distancing guidelines. All 29 students have earned their firefighter 1 certificates.

“It is truly exceptional how our college president, Dr. Kevin Horan, our Trustees, our administration, and our faculty have stepped up to keep our program going,” said Michael Alder, Chief, Crafton Hills College Fire Academy. “In the face of many uncertainties, everyone was adamant that we should keep going, meet the needs of our firefighting workforce and complete training for these students in advance of the 2020 fire season.”

Crafton Hills faculty adjusted for COVID-19 safety requirements by limiting groups of students, adjusting instructional methods, and increasing cleaning of equipment and surfaces between each training exercise. Students were split into three groups for instruction. Each group met in their own classroom and maintained 6 feet social distancing while instructors used live stream and Zoom technology to share classroom information with students before going out into the field. Adler also added, “the cadets and instructors perform temperature checks twice a day and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the academy.”

“We also had a friend of one student who heard that we needed masks,” Adler said. “She volunteered and made masks for all students, faculty and staff in our program so that we could continue to meet safely and protect everyone as requested under COVID-19 guidelines.”

Because firefighting is a physically demanding profession, strength and physical stamina are required. Maintaining these rigorous training requirements for the program were also challenging during the pandemic.

“Our students must meet certain physical requirements before they are accepted to the Academy,” Chief Adler said. “This program has a kinesiology and physical training component that requires our students to meet each morning for a series of conditioning workouts to prepare them for the day-to-day tasks of a professional firefighter.”

Fire Academy instructors were able to continue this regimen with our students by monitoring them through the Strava activity tracker app. “Our instructors even took the physical activity component of our training into consideration and hosted Zoom or Facetime workouts, Strava activity check-in’s, etc. to make sure that students were staying in shape despite our stay-at-home order.”

Applicants for municipal firefighting jobs generally must pass a written exam; physical test of strength, physical stamina, and agility; and a medical examination that includes drug screening and a psychological test; a lie detector test and an oral interview. Those who receive the highest scores in all phases of testing have the best chances for employment. The completion of community college courses and a degree in fire technology, and the completion of a community college Fire Academy Program may significantly improve an applicant’s chances for appointment.

“Not only are the physical requirements of these cadets demanding, but their coursework is also very challenging,” Alder added. “All students must pass a series of competency exams in three main categories- firefighter skills, hazardous materials, and wildland. These exams alone are stressful, but adding the pandemic component drives the stress level even higher.”

The fire service has been experiencing higher than normal employee turnover due to the Baby-Boomers that are exiting the workforce for retirement. This has left a large workforce void that needs to be filled. The Crafton Hills College Fire Academy and Fire Technology Program are fully prepared and committed to continuing to meet that demand and professionally educate and train these future firefighters.

“I shared with our cadets that they would be in a unique position upon completion of the program,” said Alder. “The job outlook is very favorable, and they will not be competing with other applicants as they normally would at this time of year. I shared this statistic with the students, and I believe it was a pivotal moment that motivated them to keep going, work hard and complete the program in the face of these circumstances.”

In California between 2014 and 2024 it is expected that approximately 1,200 new Firefighters will be hired annually, with 100 of those each year in the San Bernardino and Riverside area. Employment of Fire Fighters is expected to increase slightly faster than the average for all occupations. Labor Market Source: State of California Employment Development Dept.

“These students have persevered and earned their firefighter 1 certificates despite even more intense circumstances than most of our cadets,” said Alder. “It truly is extraordinary how our administration, faculty, staff and students have worked together to be successful during these challenging times. I am so proud of how everyone pulled together. These cadets will graduate with honor and they have exhibited the can-do, persevering attitude and character that all amazing firefighters show.”

For more information about Crafton Hills’ Fire Academy, contact Michael Alder, Chief, malder@craftonhills.edu or 909-389-3408. For more information about Crafton Hills College, visit CraftonHillsCollege.edu.

SBPL Online Resources Available While Closed Until Further Notice

While City Manager’s Office of the City of San Bernardino has announced that public counters including libraries will remain closed until further notice – the San Bernardino Public Library offers its patrons a wide range of electronic resources that can be utilized remotely.

Patrons who have library cards can utilize various free online resources and information available at our library’s website www.sbpl.org .

            Among the various resources:

            Overdrive – eBooks and eAudiobooks;

            ReferenceUSA – Business and phone directories;

            Brainfuse – Live Homework Help offering assistance for elementary, middle school and adult learners in various subjects via chat almost every day of the year;

            New York Times – Up to 5 full-text articles a month can be viewed;

            Britannica School and Escolar offering information in elementary, middle school and high school modules;

            Footsteps2Brilliance offering information to promote early literacy;

            R & B Digital Magazines & Audiobooks featuring electronic editions of popular magazines;

            America’s News featuring full-text of newspaper articles including the San Bernardino Sun since 2001. 

Our website also features an updated kid’s section with links for homework help, animals, history, fun & games, etc.

Our Virtual Reference Desk also includes employment resources, government and legal resources; health and medicine, reference resources and public domain eBooks.

Materials can be returned to book drops at the libraries. Fees will not be charged for materials due after the libraries closed to the public March 17 until the libraries re-open.

Sign up for a library card online to use Overdrive eBooks and eAudiobooks and other resources at: http://catalog.sbpl.org:8086/onlineBorrowerRegistration.html     Please allow about a day for card to activate.

City of San Bernardino residents interested in Overdrive can also sign up within Overdrive’s Libby app for an instant digital card that permits immediate access to its collection.

A library staff member is available Monday through Thursday and Saturday at 909-381-8201 to answer questions about materials being due, library cards, etc.

Please check www.sbpl.org for updates. Patrons are encouraged to follow the library on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sbcitylib and Twitter at https://twitter.com/sbcitylibrary. They can also follow the Friends of SBPL at https://www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends/ .

Health Officer orders amended; face coverings, social distancing continues

Governor Newsom’s stay at home executive order still in effect

Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser is extending his order requiring residents to wear face coverings when outside and to continue practicing social distancing through June 19. The county is also moving to fully align with the governor’s “stay-at-home” order until amended or rescinded.

Riverside County residents are still required to remain in their primary residence under Governor Newsom’s existing “stay at home” order unless they are engaged in an essential business or activity, such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor. The governor’s order does not have an expiration date.

“While we work within the governor’s plan for re-opening the state, people must be mindful that COVID-19 has not been eliminated,” said Kaiser. “The new normal in Riverside County will still require social distancing, facial coverings and other precautions. Summer will only slow the virus, and we are already thinking about what will happen in the fall.”

Kaiser issued his orders as part of the county’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused more than 140 deaths and about 3,750 confirmed cases. The moves were necessary to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the illness, which threatened to severely impact the county’s health system. Prior orders included the closure of public and private golf courses in Riverside County, along with the prohibition of in-house and drive-up worship services.

Kaiser recently allowed golf courses to open – with various restrictions. The State of California later clarified that drive-up religious services could be permitted, although in-person services are still not allowed. 

“Residents are answering the call to stay at home as much as possible, practice physical distancing and wearing a face covering to protect everyone. I thank you all for that,” said Board Chair V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District Supervisor. “It is making a difference, and this progress is a credit to everybody doing their part and using the best tools that we have right now to overcome this pandemic. As we begin to turn the corner, it is important that we also flatten the unemployment curve and work towards economic and social recovery.”

Kaiser’s orders closing Riverside County schools and limiting short-term lodging until June 19 remain in effect.

Assemblymember Eloise Reyes Host a Tele-Conference Town Hall on COVID-19 and Small Business

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— COVID-19 has forced an unprecedented stay-at-home order in California. As a result, our small businesses have lost revenue that has increased unemployment to rates we have not seen since the Great Depression. Because of the uncertainty in the market and the effects on small business, Assemblymember Reyes is hosting a teleconference centering the small business community.

Joining Assemblymember Eloise Reyes for this Teleconference Town Hall is special guest Congressman Pete Aguilar. During the discussion, we will hear from SBDC Regional Director, Mike Daniel; Founder/President AmPac Business Capital, Hilda Kennedy; and Lead Economic Development Specialist, Godfrey Hinds from the SBA Regional Office.

“Small Businesses are the backbone of our economy, it is important we center their voices and make sure they have the resources they need to survive this pandemic,” said Assemblymember Eloise Reyes.

When: Thursday, April 30th from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Call: (888) 204-5984

Access Code: 3731564

RSVP: https://a47.asmdc.org/event/20200430-covid-19-small-business-update-teleconference-town-hall

Because of the volume of callers we are expecting, live questions will not be possible. Those who wish to submit questions, please do so by Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m. by emailing Assemblymember Reyes’ District Office at Assemblymember.Reyes@Assembly.CA.GOV

Garner Holt Challenges Fellow Small Business Owners to Pay Rent for Small Businesses in Peril

REDLANDS, CA—- Garner Holt issued a challenge to other small business owners to pay the rent for small businesses in their communities that may be on the verge of failing as a result of COVID-19. In a video posted to social media Monday, Holt appealed to business owners with the means to do it to support local, non-chain businesses like restaurants and other service-oriented storefronts that are unable to pay rent on May 1.

Speaking of his own business, Garner Holt Productions, Inc. (GHP), Holt recalled the challenges of small business ownership and struggles to keep financially solvent. “I remember having to dump out the Sparkletts jar and count quarters to have pocket money after paying my employees,” he said. “That’s how tough things got.”

Many small businesses were not able to obtain benefits from the recent government stimulus programs, either as a result of confusion over the application process, or a lack of coordination from their financial institutions. Holt said, “We have been blessed with the wherewithal to help some of these local small businesses stay afloat. Missing rent in a few days can mean life or death for a business.”

Some estimates say that as many as half of small businesses in the United States cannot afford to pay rent on May 1 because of the effects of COVID-19. Holt continued, “I’ve decided to pay the rent for a couple of months for several businesses in our community that I know aren’t going to survive. These aren’t big businesses that I know are going to make it. These are the little, tiny businesses that just aren’t going to be able to pull this off.”

Holt issued his challenge to fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners who have been able to benefit from the government stimulus or aren’t facing the same struggles. “I hope they can do what we’re trying to do here in their own communities,” Holt said of these owners. “Your barber, your tailor, your favorite taco place, any of these little places that are part of daily life in your community.”

While not a formalized program or charity, Holt hopes individual business owners will communicate with other businesses to form an informal, community-based network of help. “We’re all in this same boat together,” Holt said. “We need to help our fellow small businesses say above water.”

To hear a word from Garner, click here.

City to open limited recreational facilities following county order

REDLANDS, CA— Following issuance of a new public health order from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health on Thursday, the City of Redlands is implementing plans to reopen park and recreational facilities “on a limited scale for passive recreation,” which includes individual activities such as “wildlife observation, walking or hiking, biking … and participating in non-contact sports like golf or tennis with members of their households.”

?City facilities that will be reopened under the order include tennis and pickle ball courts and parking lots at all City parks. City parks and trails have remained open.

All facilities will adhere to mandates regarding physical distancing and the use of face coverings. The new public health orders go into effect Saturday, April 25. A copy of the county’s order can be viewed here: http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/CAO/Feature/Content/Omnibus_Health_Officer_Order_Outdoor_Recreation_4.23.20_Final.pdf

The City Council and City staff continue to monitor state and county public health orders and to follow public health recommendations while providing necessary services to residents.

On Thursday, the City also issued guidance to essential businesses to help ensure worker and customer safety. The guidelines can be found on the City’s Covid-19 page here: https://www.cityofredlands.org/article/city-redlands-provides-guidance-essential-businesses-worker-and-customer-safety

City facilities, including all City offices, community and senior centers, the A.K. Smiley Public Library, Lincoln Shrine, skate park, basketball courts and playground equipment will remain closed to the public until Department of Public Health orders have been rescinded. City services are still available by phone or online. Check the City website for information on accessing City services or making payments.

Beginning Monday, April 27, the A.K. Smiley Public Library will offer a Books to Go service. Smiley Library cardholders may request books, CDs, DVDs or magazines from the library’s catalog either online  at www.akspl.org, via email at circ@akspl.org, or by phone at (909) 798-7565. Library staff will pull the material, bag it and contact the cardholder to make an appointment to pick up the material in front of the library’s Vine Street entrance. Full details can be found at the library’s website at www.akspl.org. Electronic resources are also available to any cardholder. Details about those resources including e-books, e-magazines, databases and video services are also available on the library website.

All City sponsored classes and activities and park reservations have been canceled until the public health orders are lifted.

City Council and Planning Commission meetings have been closed to the public until further notice or until the current local State of Emergency has been lifted. The City Council and Planning Commission will continue to meet to conduct essential business.

Public participation in the meetings is still encouraged. The public may view the meetings live at home through Redlands TV on Channel 3 for Spectrum cable customers or Channel 35 for Frontier cable customers, or online at https://www.cityofredlands.org/meeting-agendas-minutes.

Members of the public who wish to provide general comment to the City Council or comment on specific agenda items may submit comments up until 6 p.m. the day of the City Council meeting by email at publiccomment@cityofredlands.org or through the public comment form on the City’s website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/public-speaker-form.  

Written comments may also be provided by 4 p.m. the day of the City Council meeting directly to the City Clerk’s Office at 35 Cajon St.

Comments received by the deadline will be read into the public record at the meeting.

City staff will continue to monitor, review and evaluate all steps the City has taken through the end of the current pandemic and make adjustments as appropriate.

On March 16, the Emergency Services Director declared a State of Emergency in Redlands and activated the Emergency Operations Center to a Level 3. The Redlands City Council ratified that action the following day. Declaration of a local emergency provides additional tools to the City in responding to the public health emergency and allows the City to purchase supplies, materials and equipment without going through the normal bidding requirements.

For more information on the virus and local response, visit the City’s website at https://www.cityofredlands.org/coronavirus-covid-19, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health website at http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus/ the California Department of Public Health website at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx or  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

City of Redlands press releases and other information are available on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofredlands or on the City’s website at www.cityofredlands.org/.  

Testing Locations Week of April 27, 2020

Daily Stats

1,772 Confirmed Cases  (up 1.2% from previous day)
82 Deaths (up 0% from previous day)                         
4.6% Fatality Rate
17,557 Tested (up 4.4% from the previous day)

Monday through Friday – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center – 400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Appointment ONLY, call 1-855-422-8029

Monday through Friday – SAC Health Systems (IEHP Members only) – 250 South G Street, San Bernardino
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Appointment ONLY, call (909) 771-2911

Tuesday, April 28 — Arroyo Valley High School –1881 West Baseline St., San Bernardino
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, all appointments filled

Wednesday, April 29 – Citrus Valley High School – 800 W. Pioneer Ave., Redlands
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/

Thursday, April 30 – Civic Center Park – 14999 Dale Evans Pkwy., Apple Valley
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/

Friday, May 1 – Hesperia Civic Plaza Park – 15833 Smoke Tree St., Hesperia
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/

County Public Health is also conducting testing at select nursing facilities for at-risk seniors living at those facilities.

County to Open Up Criteria for Testing

Beginning this Thursday, April 30 at all testing locations and the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, people age 65 and older and health care or public safety workers can get tested, regardless if they are experiencing any symptoms. This is in addition to residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath).

Important Reminder: Non Essential Businesses Remain CLOSED

In accordance with a County Health Order effective April 25, the County of San Bernardino has re-opened County-operated parks and lakes and is allowing the opening of city-owned and private parks, lakes, trails, and golf courses on a limited scalefor passive recreation.

There are no changes in the Health Order regarding restrictions still in place on non-essential businesses. Essential businesses are allowed to remain open with restrictions. To read more on what is considered an essential or non-essential business, as well as more details on what comprises passive recreation, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the County’ COVID-19 website.

Social Distancing While Golfing

As County residents enjoy our wonderful parks and recreation facilities, it’s critical to remember — and practice — the social distancing measures we’ve been following.

One sport that allows you to get fresh air and sunshine while social distancing is golf.  Here are a few guidelines to help ensure your safety and that of your companions.

  • Maintain social distancing — stay at least six feet from the other players.
  • Do not share golf carts, unless your golf partner is a housemate. Each golfer should travel in his or her own cart, and courses are required to offer this option.
  • Remember to bring and wear your facemask when in proximity to others.
  • Arrive at the course with your golf shoes already on. Clubhouses will be closed so you won’t be able to change at the course.
  • Bring your own water bottle(s).

As a reminder, pro shops, restaurants and other clubhouse services are not open. To-go food orders, however, are allowed. Please, let’s all adhere to these important rules so we can continue to avail ourselves of the beautiful outdoors while keeping each other safe and healthy!

Mental Health Monday with Dr. Veronica Kelley

We are pleased to share this informative video from Dr. Kelley, who is the Director of Behavioral Health for the County of San Bernardino. Her tips on helping children cope during this crisis are invaluable!

Tips for Helping Your Children Cope

Everyday life — difficult and stressful enough under normal circumstances — has certainly become much more challenging during this medical crisis.

This heightened stress and anxiety not only afflicts adults. Children are perhaps even more influenced by worried parents and caregivers and dramatic changes to their day-to-day routines.

To help parents and others who engage with young people, we asked Dr. Veronica Kelly, director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, to share some suggestions for helping children cope during these unprecedented time. Following are a few of Dr. Kelly’s useful tips:

Stay calm and reassure your kids. Children look to their caregivers for clues on how to react to a particular situation, so remember that it’s not only what you say, but how you say it.

Limit their screen time. Many young people are attending school remotely, so it’s neither possible nor desirable to ban the use of computers, smartphones and iPads. However, you should encourage children to reduce their online activities and engage in pursuits such as reading, playing board games or card games, cooking, helping around the house, playing a musical instrument or working on crafts.

Avoid “blaming language.”  A virus can make anyone sick — young or old, male or female, black or white. Moreover, those afflicted are not responsible for their condition. Avoid saying things that could lead to stigma.

Talk about “facts” vs. “feelings.” Separate objective facts from the emotional response to those facts. A fact is that the government has issued stay-at-home orders to help limit the spread of the virus. A feeling is how we feel in response to those orders. Both are legitimate — but it helps to maintain the distinction.

Maintain open and honest communication. Let your children know that you want them to ask questions and to share their thoughts and feelings. And let them know that much of what they’ve heard or read on the internet or social media is based on rumors and false information.

Keep communications simple. Speak clearly and directly to your children; now is not the time to get cute or to use clever metaphors.  Provide information that is not only truthful, but also appropriate to their age and development level.

Get COVID-19 Daily Updates in your Email Inbox

You can now get daily COVID-19 news updates sent directly to your e-mail. Click the “Get email updates on the latest COVID-19 news” link on the County’s homepage,http://www.sbcounty.gov/main/default.aspx, or the County’s COVID-19 page, sbcovid19.com, or sign up here

For all COVID-19 related information, including case statistics, FAQs, guidelines and resources, visit the County’s COVID-19 webpage at http://sbcovid19.com/.  Residents of San Bernardino County may also call the COVID-19 helpline at (909) 387-3911 for general information and resources about the virus. The phone line is NOT for medical calls and is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have questions about social services, please call 211.      

Do you need internet connection?

Receive inexpensive internet connection

You can receive internet connection for as low as $10. This is not an advertisement, it’s a public service announcement.Local Inland Empire non-profits are working with the California Public Utilities Commission to connect residents to high-speed, inexpensive internet through the California Emerging Technology Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You may even be eligible for a complimentary Chromebook if you are in a Frontier serviceable area!

To qualify and get high-speed internet provided by Spectrum, Human-I-T, AT&T, Frontier or Comcast, call one of the authorized organizations below:

Ch.I.C.C.C.A.A.A
Call/Text: (909) 406-9372 or (909) 454-7129
Email: access4IE@gmail.com

SBX: Youth & Family Services
Text “Connect” to (951) 406-4466
Or go to www.sbxinc.org/low-cost-internet to see if you qualify.

Great Harvest Community Center
Call: (909) 352-9060
Email: Greg Walker gregory.walker@laverne.edu

For more information and resources, please call my district office at (909) 381-3238.

#SBCountyTogether Daily Update

April 23, 2020 – Daily Update

This Daily Update (Monday through Friday) will share important news, information and resources related to how we are battling and getting through the coronavirus pandemic. We are here for you. #SBCountyTogether

Daily Stats

1,608 Confirmed Cases | 77 Deaths 4.8%

Fatality Rate | 14,885 Tested 

Drive-Through Testing Locations Weeks of April 20 and April 27, 2020

Monday through Friday – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Appointment ONLY, call 1-855-422-8029 

Friday, April 24 – Ruben S. Ayala Park

14225 Central Ave., Chino10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Appointment ONLY, all appointments filled 

Monday, April 27 – LoanMart Field (“Quakes Stadium”)

8408 Rochester Ave., Rancho Cucamonga10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Tuesday, April 28 — Arroyo Valley High School

1881 West Baseline St., San Bernardino10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Wednesday, April 29 – Citrus Valley High School

800 W. Pioneer Ave., Redlands10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Thursday, April 30 – Civic Center Park

14999 Dale Evans Pkwy., Apple Valley10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

Friday, May 1 – Hesperia Civic Plaza Park

2800 Mayor Katy Pkwy., Hesperia

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointment ONLY, at

http://sbcovid19.com/community-drive-through-events/ 

County residents who are displaying any symptom of COVID-19 now or over the last two weeks can get tested at the drive-through events. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:  fever, cough or shortness of breath. Appointments can be made at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center by phone, and for other locations at http://sbcovid19.com/ (when the appointment window for each event opens). Events are free of charge and do not require health insurance. County Public Health is also conducting testing at select nursing facilities for at-risk seniors living at those facilities.

Important FAQs Regarding the Opening this weekend of County Parks and Recreation Areas

In accordance with a County Health Order signed today (view order here), starting on Saturday, April 25, the County of San Bernardino is opening County-operated parks and lakes and allowing the opening of city-owned and private parks, lakes, trails, and golf courses on a limited scale for passive recreation.  We recognize that a great part of our overall health depends on our ability to enjoy the outdoors, and our county has some of the greatest recreational opportunities in all of Southern California. The following Frequently Asked Questions address the re-opening, and are available on the County’ COVID-19 website. Further questions can be directed to individual facilities, or the County’s COVID helpline at (909) 387-3911. We will do our best to address other questions in future updates. 

What is opening?

All County owned parks, trails, and lakes will be open for passive recreation on a limited scale. The County is also allowing the opening of city and privately owned parks, trails, lakes and golf courses.  Please check with individual facilities regarding their plans to open. 

What is ‘passive recreation’?

Passive recreation means that our San Bernardino County residents can enjoy individual activities like wildlife observation, walking or hiking, biking, boating, and participating in non-contact sports like golf or tennis with members of their households. 

Who can use parks, trails, lakes, and golf courses in San Bernardino County?

Although San Bernardino County’s recreation areas are usually open to everyone, every American is being asked to respect the guidelines of individual states and municipalities. To meet the Stay at Home guidelines for the State of California, we are asking that residents stay within the boundaries of their residing counties to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19.  In other words, at this time we are strongly discouraging out-of-county residents from visiting our outdoor recreation areas. 

What is the safety mandate for visiting these outdoor areas?

All facilities will adhere to the mandate of practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings. All facilities open to the public must add signage advising visitors that social distancing and face coverings are required. If you are planning to visit our outdoor spaces, understand that restrooms and many businesses in and near these sites will remain closed. Short-term rentals continue to be closed, and restaurants are only available for take-out. Facility operators assume responsibility and liability for operating under the County health order. 

What outdoor venues remain closed?

The following outdoor recreational facilities are mandated to remain closed:Outdoor amphitheatersPublic or community swimming beaches, pools, and spasCampgrounds or camp areasNote: Camping in open areas of the County, such as those managed by the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management, is allowable only by individual campers and members of households. Group camping is not allowedAmusement parks or carnivalsOutdoor conference centers

ParksWhat activities are allowed?

HikingBikingRock climbingSkateboarding (where allowed)Tennis, pickleball and racquetball (where allowed, and only by those who share a household)Wildlife observationDog parksParking in parking lots for passive recreation activity

What facilities are not open?  What activities are not allowed?

The following remain closed due to state mandates related to public gatherings.PlaygroundsPicnic/BBQ areasCamping areasBasketball courts and baseball/softball/soccer fields for team activities

Can I visit with friends in the park if we maintain social distancing and wear masks?

Public gatherings outside your immediate household are not allowed. 

LakesWhat activities are allowed?

Boating (motor boats, canoeing, kayaking where allowed, and only by those who share a household)ParasailingWater skiingFishing (by boat and by shore)Parking in parking lots for passive recreation activity

What facilities are not open?  What activities are not allowed?

The following are closed due to state mandates related to public gatherings.Swim beachesOn-premise dining facilities or restaurants (take-out is allowed)Restrooms

Can I have people in my boat?

In line with public gathering mandates, immediate household members are allowed in one boat. 

Will marinas be able to rent boats?

Boat-rental businesses will remain closed. 

TrailsWhat activities are allowed?

Off-road and dirt trails for hiking, biking and 4x4ing (where allowed)Equestrian activitiesHang glidingRock climbing

Golf CoursesWhat activities are allowed?

GolfingTake-out dining

What activities are not allowed?

Golf tournaments and other fund-raising events

What facilities are not open? 

Clubhouses and restaurantsGymsSwimming poolsHair and nail salons and spas

How will these measures be enforced?

Operators of recreational areas, including golf courses, shall monitor activity and advise those who are not complying with safe practices to do so. If compliance cannot be achieved, facilities will be closed. If widespread noncompliance occurs, the passive recreation allowance will be rescinded countywide.

Video Health Spotlight: Symptomatic vs. Asymptomatic Transmission      

Dr. Troy Pennington, ER Physician from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, gives us the straight talk on what we mean by “symptomatic vs. asymptomatic transmission.”