Things to do in San Bernardino County

Promote Hope. Let’s Talk. Supervisor Armendarez to host townhall for Suicide Prevention

Join Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez and Department of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Georgina Yoshioka in an engaging telephone townhall discussion about the newly established Office of Suicide Prevention. Discover the array of resources available in the community to support behavioral health and well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, ask questions and contribute to a vital conversation surrounding behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention.

Event Details:

Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Register at https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/. For administrative questions regarding this office, please email dbh-osp@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

New exhibit at VVM: Continuing the conversation about drug addiction

Join San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health for an opening reception of the INTO LIGHT project, an exhibition that puts a human face on the disease of addiction through hand-drawn portraits and written narratives to change the conversation about drug addiction.

The opening reception will be held on Tuesday, March 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Victor Valley Museum located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley.

Steven Lee Loza
A blessing to all who knew him

As a young child, Steven, also affectionately known as “Boots” in the family, loved Thomas the Tank Engine and was a train fanatic. He also loved Dora the Explorer and her furry monkey side-kick Boots, which is where Steven got his nickname. Steven’s brother Zach predicted Steven’s birth at his grandmother’s funeral when he was just eight. He said, “Mom, don’t worry. When God takes one, God leaves one.” One month later, she was pregnant with Steven.

As early as kindergarten, Steven’s parents were aware he had ADHD. He was a sweet boy, an empath with a kind heart, but had trouble focusing and fitting in. He was a target for bullies and had difficulty making friends. His parents advocated endlessly to get proper educational resources to little avail. Steven became involved in the Cub Scouts and T-ball with his parents as coaches. He loved to hang out and play video games with his older brother Zach. Steven was in fourth grade when his father, Ronnie, died. Steven and his mother, Jennifer, attended a grief support group. When those services ended, she started Ronnie’s House for Hope to provide support for children and families following a death.

As Steven approached high school, he was accepted because he was a comedian and a risk-taker. His drug use intensified, but it was hard to know if it was his depression and anxiety showing or something else. He became known as the guy who would take any dare. This led to some problems in school and with the police. He was also the kid who couldn’t stand to see people or animals in pain and routinely rescued both. Steven graduated from high school the same month he turned 18. True to tradition, his mom took him skydiving for his 18th birthday, a treasured memory for her as Steven passed away just four months later.

“The positive impact Steven left is immense,” his mom said. “He dealt with his pain by helping others.” It was healing to be embraced in Steven’s powerful hugs. He encompassed people in his long arms with a depth of sincerity and love. Unable to give himself that same regard, he had a lot of negative self-talk, often referring to himself as a “screw-up.” His mother saw his true, loving nature, as did his cousin Kenzie, who was very close to Steven throughout their lives.

Steven’s life was short, but it had purpose and meaning. He was a youth explorer with the fire department and, after doing a ride-along, he set a future goal to become a firefighter. “Steven was sensitive and full of love. I am incredibly proud of who my son was, and I know he would be proud that his story helps others. That is my motivation,” his mother stated.

Jennifer misses dancing with Steven in the kitchen, listening to tunes during their car rides together, and his loud laugh, which could be “extra.” She keeps a candle lit for him 24 hours a day and feels his energy around her. When Steven died, some people lied about the cause of his death, but Jennifer was never ashamed. “When you make someone feel shame for what they are going through, it keeps them using,” she said. “That is not okay with me. No one has a right to change someone’s story, their journey. If we don’t eliminate the shame that comes with substance use disorder, how does anything change? We don’t learn from silence.”

Steven’s mother, Jennifer Loza, provided the information for this narrative.

Age 18 -June 25, 2002-October 24, 2020

Age 18 – lived with the disease of addiction for a year and a half.

If you suspect a family member or friend might have a problem with substance use, speak to them about getting help. Treatment can be arranged in different modalities to fit almost any schedule. Counselors will work with you and your family member/friend to design a treatment plan that works for you. When you’re ready, you or your family member/friend can call (800) 968-2636 to reach our Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Services (SUDRS) Helpline, 24-hours of the day for a free and confidential assessment.

San Bernardino County Library to host Cover to Cover Club

The San Bernardino County Library is partnering with In-N-Out Burger to promote reading among children this spring. The Cover to Cover program kicks off on Saturday, March 2 and will run through Saturday, April 13. This program will encourage students to read in all communities across the county.

To participate in this program, sign up online through Beanstack at sbclib.beanstack.org. For every five books or 300 pages read, an achievement award will be unlocked on Beanstack, and a voucher for a free hamburger or cheeseburger will be issued at your local County Library branch. Participants must be between the ages of 4 and 12 and must be present at the time of redemption to receive a voucher. Each child may earn a total of three awards for the duration of the program.

In support of the Countywide Vision’s Vision2Read literacy campaign as well as San Bernardino County’s Opportunity Campaign, this program will help to improve literacy rates among children ages 4 to 12, with the help of incentives, by inspiring an excitement to read, providing achievement goals and encouraging a reading routine.

The San Bernardino County Library System is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library system strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.

The library plays a key role in the achievement of the Countywide Vision by contributing to educational, cultural and historical development of our county community.

For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, please visit http://www.sbclib/org/ or call (909) 387-2220.

Stimulate your imagination with Second Saturdays at Victor Valley Museum

Families can enjoy on-site themed art projects every month with Second Saturdays at the Victor Valley Museum (VVM) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2024 Second Saturdays schedule:

March 9
April 13
May 11
June 8
July 13
Aug. 10
Sept. 14
Oct. 12
Nov. 9
Dec. 14

VVM is located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military/senior), $7 (student), and $5 (children ages 6 to 12). Children 5 and under and museum members are free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov/events.

VVM’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Cucamonga-Guasti to host family-friendly inflatable bounce-course adventure event

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park will be hosting an event that will have families bouncing up and down for joy with the largest inflatable course yet seen in the area, beginning Tuesday, March 19 through Sunday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuff Nutterz, an international family-owned business, is in the game of bringing fun, thrills and laughs to families, and will be setting up at Guasti Regional Park for their first California event.

Everyone is invited to experience the thousand-foot obstacle course plus a mini obstacle course.

The supersize inflatable maze is packed with more than 30 fun and challenging obstacles to complete, including numerous slides, climbing walls, hanging rails, balance balls and more.

The event will also feature a miniature obstacle course for the little ones to build their confidence before trying out the beast and a 20-foot tall “Tuff Slide” for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

Prices for the obstacle course only are as follows:

$18 per person for groups with a minimum of four people.
$22 for a single ticket
$22 for a toddler ticket (under 5 years) and includes one free parent/caregiver ticket.
Tuff Slide & obstacle course together:
$27 for a single ticket
$27 for a toddler ticket (under 5 years) and includes one free parent/caregiver ticket.
$23 per person for groups with a minimum of four people.

Each session runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes and there are four session time slots available:

9 a.m.
11 a.m.
1 p.m.
3 p.m.

Food vendors will be on-site and other park amenities are available to enjoy, such as the playground, splash pad and fishing. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs, coolers, food, drinks, etc.

Park admission is a separate fee and is $8 per vehicle Tuesday through Friday, and $10 per vehicle Saturday through Sunday. Leashed pets are welcome inside the park, but may not be allowed in the event area.

Cucamonga-Guasto Regional Park is located at 800 N. Archibald Ave. in Ontario. The park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuff Nutterz is the concessionaire holding the event and tickets must be pre-purchased online at www.tuffnutterz.us/our-events by clicking on the calendar and selecting a time slot. Tickets may be available at the park on the day of the event. For more information about this event, visit tuffnutterz.us.

Calling all stargazers! Museum Cosmic Nights returns for 2024

San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) announces the 2024 dates for the popular Cosmic Nights astronomy-themed evening events in partnership with the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers (SBVAA) and the Riverside Astronomical Society (RAS). At the Victor Valley Museum, SBCM’s branch in Apple Valley, the evening events are in partnership with the High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS). The public is welcome to view stars, planets, the moon and other astronomical phenomena.

San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands
Friday, March 15, 2024, 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 7 to 10 p.m.

Victor Valley Museum, 11873 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley
Friday, July 13, 2024, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Each event features telescope viewing and an opportunity to discuss astronomy with telescope operators. Visitors are also encouraged to bring binoculars or set up their own telescopes. The events take place outdoors and visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Guests are welcome to set up portable lawn chairs and blankets for extended viewing.

The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Victor Valley Museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (children ages 6 to 12). Children five and under are admitted free. Museum Foundation members receive a 50% discount. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Glen Helen, Yucaipa Regional Parks to host St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Hunt events

Join Regional Parks as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Glen Helen’s activities will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and Yucaipa Regional Park’s activities will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Wear green and join us to explore the park in search of some lucky charms. All materials for this activity will be provided while supplies last. All ages are welcome. Bring the whole family. Free with park admission of $10 per vehicle and free for those camping with us! Glen Helen Regional Park is located at 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy. in San Bernardino and Yucaipa Regional Park is located at 33900 Oak Glen Rd. in Yucaipa. For more information on all Regional Park events, visit parks.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Glen Helen, Yucaipa Regional Parks to host grasshoppers and games events

Join Regional Parks as we host grasshoppers and games activities. Yucaipa Regional Park’s activities will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and Glen Helen’s activities will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. All materials for this activity will be provided while supplies last. All ages are welcome. Bring the whole family. Free with park admission of $10 per vehicle and free for those camping with us! Glen Helen Regional Park is located at 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy. in San Bernardino and Yucaipa Regional Park is located at 33900 Oak Glen Rd. in Yucaipa. For more information on all Regional Park events, visit parks.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.