Things to do in San Bernardino County – Welcome to San Bernardino County

Regional Parks and the County Library are excited to host our first Stargazing Party event at Mojave River Forks on Saturday, April 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. Join us and meet our special guest speaker, retired NASA Astronaut Josè Hernández, depicted in the movie, ‘A Million Miles Away.’

The Library Adventure Mobile Bus will be onsite as well as arts aand crafts tables, telescopes and open space for sky viewing. We will have a campfire for making s’mores and a hot cocoa station, while supplies last. We encourage visitors to bring their own telescope or binoculars too!

Mojave River Forks is a campground, and we recommend dressing appropriately for the event. Bring your own chairs, blankets and coolers as well. Leashed pets are welcome. Due to limited Wi-Fi at the campground, we are accepting cash or prepaid admission only. To prepay online, scan the QR code or visit www.sbcountyparks.com and click on the “Activities!” button at the top.

Mojave River Forks Regional Park is located at 17891 CA 173 in Hesperia. Click on the Google map location maps.app.goo.gl/11evTFjdHCNjb1sG8.

For more information on Regional Parks or our campgrounds, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. For more information on our County Library branches, visit sbclib.org.

Safe Drug Disposal for National Take Back Day

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a public health and safety concern, and San Bernardino County is committed to making our communities safer and healthier by inviting all its residents to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Take Back Day on April 27, 2024.

The DEA National Take Back Day is a program developed to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way of disposing of prescription drugs while also educating the public about the potential abuse of medications. The National Take Back Day also seeks to prevent pill abuse and theft through the collection of dangerous and expired, unused prescription drugs.

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) has partnered with Fire Station 311, located at 16200 Desert Knoll Drive, Victorville, to provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sam’s Club, located at 951 N Milliken Ave, Ontario, will be providing a medication drop box for community members to dispose of unused and expired medications.

If you are interested in learning more about San Bernardino County’s role in fighting this epidemic and how to obtain resources such as Naloxone (NARCAN) at no cost, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/fentanyl/

For a list of additional year-round disposal sites, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday

Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to host Bowling For the Zoo

The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ) and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are hosting “Bowling for the Zoo” to raise funds for supporting the wild animals that call the Big Bear Alpine Zoo home on Sunday, April 28, at the Bowling Barn in Big Bear Lake Village.

The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ) was created in 1989 as a 501(C3) non-profit fundraising organization to support the zoo. The Friends assist the zoo and their volunteer work covers a wide range of activities to enhance the guest experience, while providing funds for medical, dental and enrichment projects to better the lives of the animals in residence at the zoo.

We encourage our county neighbors and all who love animals to participate in helping us meet our goal of raising $8,000 for the Big Bear Alpine Zoo by:

• Joining a Bowling Team – Gather a group of five members and contribute $100 per person to form a team. There will be 16 team slots available.

• Cash Donations – Your cash contribution in any amount would be greatly appreciated and is tax deductible. Please make checks payable to: Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.

• Donate Goods and Services – We’re accepting items such as gift cards, gift certificates or services for the raffle and silent auction.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will be utilized by FOBBAZ to further their mission of education and support for the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo serves as a rehabilitation facility for injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals, providing temporary care during their healing process and a permanent home for those unable to survive in the wild.

To learn more about San Bernardino County’s Big Bear Alpine Zoo visit our website at bigbearzoo.org. We also encourage you to visit, like, and share the zoo’s Instagram and Facebook page.

Regional Parks hosts Mother’s Day crafts events

Regional Parks invites you to celebrate mom during our arts and crafts events at Mojave Narrows and Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Parks on Sunday, May 5. Mojave Narrows will be hosting arts and crafts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Guasti will be hosting arts and crafts from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Get ahead of Mother’s Day and bring the family to create something special for mom at no cost. All supplies are provided while they last. Admission is $10 per vehicle and is free for those camping with us at Mojave Narrows. All ages welcome. Leashed pets are welcome too!

Mojave Narrows is located at 18000 Yates Rd. in Victorville. Cucamonga-Guasti is located at 800 N. Archibald Ave. in Ontario. For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news on our events.

Bluegrass Festival May 11

The annual Bluegrass Festival at Calico returns for one day only on Saturday, May 11, with a musical lineup of traditional and progressive bluegrass headliners, such as emerging L.A.-based folk-rock bands, Rose’s Pawn Shop and Southern California Roots music scene The Storytellers, as well as the all-women old-time string band Lilies of the West, who have been performing American traditional, Celtic and Bluegrass music since the 1980s.

The festival blends Bluegrass music with old-fashioned activities and entertainment for the entire family.

Watch the lightning fast pigs race around a track and vie for a reward of ice cream and cookies or watch our Calico Mountain Volunteer Gunfighters duel it out in live reenactments. The Bon Family & CA All Star Cloggers will be performing high energy toe tappin’ shows throughout the day.

Eventgoers can experience what school was like for students who attended class in Calico during the late 1800s, tour the famous Maggie Mine and Dead Mans Drift and learn about how silver was mined in 1881 or take a train ride through the hills of Calico. Skilled blacksmith demonstrations will be available throughout the day.

There will be arts & crafts, games and activities for all, including the popular egg toss. All town shops will be open, including the Calico House Restaurant, Miners Café and Lil’s Saloon. Watch videos on all the Calico shops.

Other performers include guitar picker of Bluegrass Eric Gorsuch, the High-Desert band Blue Henry’s and other local bands, such as The Amazing Tone Benders, The Santa Rosa Boys and the Billhillyz.

For a full schedule of events, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/bluegrass.Calico is pet-friendly and requires all pets be leashed at all times. Dog accessories can be purchased at Dorsey’s Dog House. Due to the historic nature of the town, not all areas are ADA accessible. It is advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. Camping is also available for this event and may be booked online at www.sbcountyparks.com. Four tickets to this event are included with camping reservations.

The Calico Town and shops will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission to the festival is $15 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 4-11), and ages three and under are free. Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo.

For more information on Calico Ghost Town and Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov.

Regional Parks hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony offering free admission, games, movie in the park

Regional Parks is excited to announce the completion of new several park projects and is inviting the public to join in on the ribbon-cutting ceremony and festivities at Glen Helen Regional Park on Friday, May 24, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Park admission is free after 3 p.m.

In attendance will be the Board of Supervisors and other elected officials talking about the completion of the new park projects, such as the new waterslides and rodeo-themed splashpad, new restrooms and picnic shelters, new island bridge and fishing dock and a new entry monument. These accomplishments support the Countywide Vision 2B Active that aims to improve the health and wellness of the communities by investing in recreational programs, amenities and activities.

After the ceremony, the celebration and festivities continue with music, games and activities, food trucks and a movie in the park showing of Migration. Free popcorn will be available, while supplies last. Visitors are encouraged to stick around after the ceremony and spend the afternoon exploring the park, picnicking, grilling or just relaxing before the games and movie. Leashed pets are welcome too! Food trucks will be onsite at an additional cost and may accept debit/credit cards, but it’s always useful to have cash on hand.

Schedule of Events

3-3:30 PM: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony (open to everyone)
3:30-6 PM: Swim Complex Opens (unfortunately the complex has already reached capacity)
6-7:30 PM: Pre-Movie Activities (open to everyone)
7:30-9 PM: Movie in the Park, Migration (open to everyone)

For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. #sbcounty #sbcountyregionalparks

Stimulate your imagination with Second Saturdays at Victor Valley Museum

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

2024 Second Saturdays schedule:

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.

Regional Parks seeks public input for Glen Helen master plan

Join San Bernardino County Regional Parks on Wednesday, May 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Glen Helen Regional Park to learn more about the exciting projects that have been completed and future revitalization plans for the park. This event is free and open to the public.

This two-hour forum will cover important topics, such as the Park Master Plan, Park Survey Results, New Park Development Projects and Park Improvements.

Glen Helen Regional Park is located at 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy. in San Bernardino. For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov.

9th Annual Bucky Ball celebrates the County Museum’s mission of public service and education

The San Bernardino County Museum Foundation announced its 9^th Annual Bucky Ball Gala taking place on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2024. The in-person gala will feature the opening of the exhibit, Holding History: 50 Years in Redlands.

This exhibit explores the evolution of the County Museum from its founding to now, with a special emphasis on the relationship between the institution and its community partners over the last 50 years.

The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands and its branches, including the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. The fundraising event supports the museum’s mission of developing appreciation and sparking curiosity in regional cultural arts, history, and natural and earth sciences through exhibits and educational programming.

This year, the lively event will be held in the outdoor courtyard of the San Bernardino County Museum where guests will be able to connect and engage in conversations celebrating the Museum’s service to Inland Empire families and support for increasing the number of youths pursuing art and science education and careers. As in the past, the event will include music, cocktails, live and silent auctions, dinner, and a program.

The 2024 Bucky Ball will also honor three regional partners with the Good Egg Award. The Good Egg Award recipients have been exceptional partners of the Foundation by supporting its efforts to assist the museum in increasing their impact in our region.

As the largest cultural and natural history center in the region, the San Bernardino County Museum plays a vital role in our children’s education. Named in honor of the science innovation of Buckminster Fuller, an engineer, poet, and environmentalist, the Foundation’s Bucky Ball event highlights the mission of the museum, as well as the museum’s iconic architectural dome, inspired by Fuller’s geodesic domes, and visible from Interstate 10 since 1974.

“This is our most important event of the year. The support the Foundation raises at the Bucky Ball provides vital resources for the Museum and ensures they can meet the educational needs of our region,” shared Brandon Mulder, the foundation’s executive director.

Museum Director David Myers said, “We are grateful to benefit from the fundraising efforts of the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation. This long-standing partnership is a key part of the Museum’s ability to develop excellent exhibits and programming. I look forward to a successful 2024 Bucky Ball and thank all the donors that appreciate the meaningful service the Museum provides the community.”

Guests are encouraged to fill out an interest form if they would like to attend. Tickets are $150 per person, $125 for members. A non-member table for ten can be purchased for $1,500 or $1,250 for members. Guests who are unable to attend are encouraged to consider donating or becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities include a $15,000 Presenting Sponsor, $10,000 Titanium Sponsor, $5,000 Platinum Sponsor, $2,500 Gold Sponsor, $1,000 Silver Sponsor, and $500 Copper Sponsor. For more information on attending, donating or sponsoring, visit the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation’s website or call (909) 798-8626.

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.

ARMC to hold annual 5K Walk/Run and resource fair

Join Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) for a free 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, May 4. Come out and enjoy a healthy day with the community. The ARMC 5K Walk/Run aims to encourage exercise while also promoting the services that San Bernardino County and ARMC offers to the community. Everyone is welcome!

Participants can register online at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/78732 (please note that the link may take a few seconds to load). The walk/run starts at 8:30 a.m. The race will take place at ARMC located at 400 N. Pepper Ave. in Colton.

Regional Parks hiring lifeguards, pool managers for 2024 swim season

Build skills and valuable teamwork experience working outdoors as a lifeguard or pool manager at Glen Helen or Yucaipa Regional Parks swim facilities. The 2024 swim season begins Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Starting salaries for lifeguards begin at $17/hr. and pool managers start at $21/hr. These positions are responsible for protecting the public against accidents in the swim facilities, administering first aid/CPR if an accident should occur and maintaining and operating the pool, waterslides, and park equipment. Lifeguard and/or CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are required at the time of hire. Reimbursements for certifications may be provided by Regional Parks. Scan the QR code to apply or visit sbcounty.gov/jobs.

Additional County Update News – April 25, 2024