Local

Communications Advisor Veronica Hill had the honor of joining Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus and members of Congressman Jay Obernolte and Assemblyman Tom Lackey’s offices for Multi Company Day at Victor Valley College’s Regional Public Safety Training Center.

More than 550 students from 14 High Desert schools participated in the program, which included live drills of firefighters, police officers and Paramedics reacting to high-stress situations.

The city would like to thank Director of Emergency Medical Services Dave Oleson for the informative tour! The city is fortunate to have such a high-quality and cutting-edge training center right in our own backyard! To learn more about the program, click here.

Monday, December 2, marks the ninth anniversary of the December 2, 2015, terrorist attack in San Bernardino. On that day, 14 people were taken from us, including 13 county employees. Many more were wounded, physically and emotionally.

The county government family will always remember these 14 souls. The public is invited to join us in observing a moment of remembrance at 10:55 a.m. on Monday, December 2, on the county’s Facebook, X and Instagram platforms.

Please watch this video to remember those who were taken from us. Flags at all county facilities will be flown at half-mast on Monday, December 2. The county invites those who fly an American flag at home or their place of work to also lower their flags on December 2.

The public is also invited to visit the Curtain of Courage Memorial, which is located on the east side of the County Government Center at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino. This memorial serves to forever honor those who were taken from us, the survivors and first responders from that tragic day.

Resources are available to help those experiencing trauma due to the events of December 2, 2015.

Over 100 youth, ranging in age from 10 ½ months to 14 years old, were adopted into their forever homes on November 13 during the Children and Family Services (CFS) 24th Annual Adoption Finalization Event.

In partnership with the Superior Court of California and the San Bernardino County Juvenile Court, 70 families celebrated the finalization of their adoptions at the Ontario Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Making Campfire Memories with Forever Families,” captured the warmth and lasting bonds formed on this special day. CFS provided various activities for the families such as face painting, balloon animals, treasure hunts, and a resource fair while they waited for their courtroom time to finalize their adoptions.

This year’s celebration featured heartwarming remarks from Assemblyman Tom Lackey, The Honorable Judge Rodney Cortez, the Honorable Judge Lynn M. Poncin, San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke, Assistant Executive Officer Diane Rundles and CFS Director Jeany Zepeda. Each congratulated the families on this joyful day and emphasized the significance of creating stable, loving homes for youth.

“Today, we celebrate children finding permanency and leaving foster care to join their forever families. This event also honors the village that made this possible, reminding us that no family is alone on this journey. Behind every child and family is a community of dedicated individuals who have played a vital role in supporting them”, Zepeda said.

The Annual Adoption Finalization Event reflects CFS’s commitment to permanency for children when reunification with their biological families is no longer possible. It’s a powerful reminder of the critical work being done to give every child the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing home. For families interested in learning more about adoption, please visit Adoptions – Children and Family Services or contact San Bernardino County Adoption Services at 1-800- 722-4477.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Constituent Services Director Samuel Shoup had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed North First Avenue Bridge on my behalf.

This significant project, led by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) in partnership with the City of Barstow and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, has replaced the outdated bridge with a modern structure that will serve the community for years to come.

The new bridge, which began construction in January 2023, is a testament to the commitment of our local leaders to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for San Bernardino County residents.

Annual Holiday Concert will be Performed December 16

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present their annual holiday concert on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Entitled “A Christmas Festival,” this performance will be held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts in downtown San Bernardino.

Under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, the repertoire will feature a number of holiday favorites, including “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych, “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway and Nadine McKinnor, “The Christmas Song” by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Walter Kent, “Jingle Bells” by James Lord Pierpont, “I Need an Angel” by Ruben Studdard, “Silent Night, Holy Night” by Franz Xaver Gruber, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen,” With A Christmas Heart” by Luther Vandross, “A Whole New World” by Alan Menken, “My Favorite Things” by Richard Rodgers, “Who Would Imagine A King” by Mervyn Warren, “I Just Had to Hear Your Voice” by Oleta Adams, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by John Francis Wade.

Vocalists Jamie Carganilla, Maiya Sykes, and Drew Tablak, who patrons will recognize from their appearances at the Symphony’s annual concerts under the stars, will lend their angelic voices to this joyful show. Audiences will also marvel at several Cirque performers whose unique skills will bring a further level of festive variety.

In addition, the Granite Hills High School GREAT Academy Choir led by Director of Music and Piano Shane Churchill will accompany the Orchestra, and members of the A.B. Miller High School Conservatory of Dance with direction by Aisha Bardge and Nicole Robinson will make a special appearance. The audience will also take center stage in a grand sing-along finale.

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Perhaps more than anything else we do each year, the annual holiday performance is designed to lift the spirit and gladden the heart. Quite honestly, seeing everyone on their feet raising their voices in song last year literally brought a tear to my eye, and I anticipate it will do the same this year.”

Patrons, who are highly encouraged to dress in their holiday best – with nods to both black tie and ugly sweaters – will begin their festive afternoon even before the baton descends as the Inland Valley Repertory Theater’s Dickens Carolers will be performing in the lobby beginning at 2 p.m.

Attendees are highly encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to Symphony partners, The Children’s Fund of San Bernardino.

“This is going to be the region’s most musically festive evening!” shared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano. “We cannot wait to welcome you all!”

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets for A Christmas Festival are available at $20-$100 per seat. and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. Students and Active Military are always $15.

Doors open and the carolers begin at 2 p.m.; the concert begins promptly at 3 p.m.

The historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts is located at 562 W. 4th Street San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue and is accessible from E Street by following the signs.

Venue box office sales are planned prior to the concert, but this performance generally sells out, so the availability of seats cannot be guaranteed.

More Great Music December 15

If one fabulous concert isn’t enough, please consider joining us for the inaugural performance of the San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. $10 general admission tickets are available at www.sanbernardinosymphonyorg or at the door.

District Director Kimberly Mesen was pleased to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Loma Linda University Children’s Health Pediatric Medical Clinics.

This new facility will bring together essential pediatric services under one roof, providing comprehensive care for our County’s youngest residents.

They are thrilled to see this project come to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have on families in the region.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — First 5 San Bernardino celebrated 25 years of serving young children and families on November 14 at the historic Fox Theater in Redlands. The event brought together local leaders, partners and advocates to reflect on the organization’s milestones and its continued mission to support children ages 0-5 and their families in our county.

The event featured a full program that included keynote speaker Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, awards and recognitions, and special appearances by notable professionals in children and family services such as State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Nadine Burke Harris (virtual), founder of the Center for Youth Wellness and Former Surgeon General of California.

“What First 5 San Bernardino does matters so much. This county has the greatest diversity, the greatest growth, certainly the greatest people and the greatest opportunity,” Thurmond said during his remarks delivered at the event. “We have an opportunity to make sure that children have access to nutrition, early education, learning to read and more. It starts with what happens here in San Bernardino.”

The celebration also honored local champions who’ve made a difference in the lives of local families.

“We know that raising children can oftentimes take a village, so we are proud to have been able to stand alongside in support of our county’s families for so many years,” said Karen Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino.

Since its founding in 1999, First 5 San Bernardino has focused on empowering parents and caregivers through a broad network of county partnerships that offer vital family support services. Together with these partners, the organization helps ensure that every child in San Bernardino County has the opportunity for a strong start and a better life.

Follow their story at First5SanBernardino.org and on Instagram @first5sanbernardino.

On November 19, the Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Sharon Wang, DO, MSHPE, FIDSA as the new county health officer, effective Nov. 21. Dr. Wang brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this vital role, where she will oversee public health initiatives and lead the county’s efforts in promoting health and wellness for all residents. Dr. Wang is the first woman to serve as the county’s health officer.

Dr. Wang graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed her training in Dietetics at Yale New Haven Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, where she graduated fifth in her class, while simultaneously completing her master’s degree in health education. Following her medical training, Dr. Wang completed an internal medicine residency and an infectious diseases fellowship at the University of California, Davis. She is dually board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases.

“Public health is a collaborative effort, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team and community partners to address the challenges we face and implement innovative solutions that enhance the well-being of our population,” Dr. Wang said.

Before her appointment as health officer, Dr. Wang served as the deputy county health officer, playing a pivotal role in guiding public health strategies and initiatives. Prior to that, she worked at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) where she became a highly respected specialist in infectious diseases, playing a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the antibiotic registry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Wang served as a key infectious diseases consultant for ARMC’s response and treatment program. She is known for her passion for teaching, leadership, teamwork and warm personality, having been recognized as the 2020 Physician of the Year at ARMC.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wang join our team as health officer,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Her extensive background in public health and infectious diseases will be invaluable as we continue to address the health needs of our community.”

Dr. Wang is eager to engage with the community and prioritize public health initiatives that will improve the health and well-being of San Bernardino County residents.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) Cajon High School held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024, for its new Dental Pathway, which will provide students with a path towards both college and a career.

SBCUSD’s career pathways provide participating students with strong, high-quality academic instruction that is aligned with a particular career focus and includes the possibility of students earning both a high school diploma and industry certification. Pathways link academic instruction to real-world career skills so students can see the purpose behind their classwork and graduate both college and career ready.

The Cajon High School Dental Pathway, established through a generous grant, provides students with hands-on experience in dental care, preparing them for careers in the dental field.

“As a former Cajon student myself, it’s particularly exciting to witness the incredible growth and transformation in career and technical education over my 28 years in education,” said Cajon High Principal Dr. Christopher Jackson. “It’s inspiring to see how our school has evolved to offer pathways that prepare students for real-world success and help them find fulfillment in their future careers.”

This program equips students with essential skills in dental assisting, dental hygiene, oral health and patient care, offering both classroom instruction and real-world practice. The grant has enabled the school to enhance its facilities, provide state-of-the-art equipment and offer students access to professional mentorship and career development opportunities in the healthcare sector.

Cajon offers nine other career pathways, including five pathways certified Silver by the Linked Learning Alliance.

Cajon’s Silver-Certified Pathways include:

• Automotive Technologies
• Behavioral Health & Human Services
• IB Film Theory and Production
• Sports Medicine
• Theater Arts

For more information about Cajon High School, visit https://cajon.sbcusd.com/.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY— San Bernardino County is putting out a call for volunteers to help with the official count of unsheltered individuals on January 23 to collect data that will be used to determine how federal resources will be allocated. As an added enhancement, a special focus for volunteers will be to offer supportive services to the unhoused community in real-time alongside multi-disciplinary county teams.

The annual Point-In-Time Count (PITC) provides a snapshot of the county’s homeless population, which enables officials to track progress toward reducing homelessness and ensure resources are being directed where they are most needed. The annual count is crucial for securing grant funding to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The PITC also serves as an opportunity to mobilize county departments and partners to serve the most vulnerable populations in real-time.

“The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is proud to team up with the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership (SBCHP) and our dedicated volunteers to collect critical data that will support efforts to address homelessness,” said OHS Chief Marcus Dillard. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that our homeless population has access to safe and stable housing. We also plan to provide supportive services to those we encounter during the PITC, just as we did last year.”

Using a web-based app, county employees, community groups, homeless service providers, stakeholders and volunteers will canvass cities, towns and unincorporated communities to count, survey and assist individuals whose primary nighttime residence is in a vehicle, park, abandoned building, transit center, riverbed or other unsheltered location. The information collected from the survey will be shared with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Individuals and organizations are highly encouraged to participate in the count. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have an Android or iOS smartphone to conduct the survey. Participants will be organized into groups and assigned to specific areas of the county. Walking will be involved, and personal transportation is required. Training will be available in person and virtually to ensure everyone is prepared.

“The success of the annual count largely depends on city and community partnerships,” said Dillard. “I strongly urge the community to volunteer and help us make a meaningful impact in addressing homelessness.”

To register as a volunteer, please visit https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/community-projects/point-in-time-count. For any questions regarding the PITC, please call 909-501-0617 or email Claudia Doyle at claudia.doyle@hss.sbcounty.gov.

OHS’s primary focus is to work with community and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, the private sector and all levels of government to create a comprehensive countywide network of service delivery to the homeless in San Bernardino County. OHS also supports the county’s Continuum of Care and Interagency Council on Homelessness. For more information about OHS and how it supports the county’s Homeless Strategic Action Plan, please visit https://homelesstohome.sbcounty.gov/.