Neighborhood cleanup scheduled at Johnson Valley Improvement Association Center

San Bernardino County Land Use Services will be holding a free neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8 a.m. to noon (or until equipment fills up) at the Johnson Valley Improvement Association Center located at 50567A Quali Bush Rd. in Johnson Valley.

The program is limited to residents of the unincorporated county area only. Commercial or business disposals are not accepted. Items accepted by residents include:

Tires (maximum of 9 tires accepted)
Household trash, bulky items and green waste
Electronics (TVs, computer monitors, VCRs, stereos, cell phones, microwaves and more)

Not Accepted

Hazardous waste, such as motor oil, filters, antifreeze, gasoline, drain cleaner, pesticides, fertilizers, fluorescent lights, wood preservatives, pool and hobby supplies, auto/furniture polish, paint thinners, paint products, medications or similar products.

Residents are required to unload their own waste materials. If there are oversized, loose or hard-to-handle loads, residents may be turned away to dispose of the waste materials at their own expense.

For more information, locations and times for the disposal of household hazardous waste, call 1-800-645-9228.

Celebrate a Very Merry Christmas at the María Merced Williams and John Rains House

Experience a Victorian Christmas this holiday season at the historic María Merced Williams and John Rains House, located at 8810 Hemlock St. in Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. This early 1860s residence will be decorated for a 19th century Christmas celebration, and you’re invited to visit.

Guests will step into a world of Victorian charm, where the sights, sounds and scents of a bygone era come to life. The site will be decked out in holiday decorations, including hand-crafted ornaments by local students, flickering candlelight and festive greenery.

Visitors can explore the elegantly adorned rooms, each reflecting the traditions and customs of the Victorian era, complete with volunteers sharing stories of yuletide cheer from the era. Experience the joy of meeting Santa Claus himself with an opportunity to take a photo with the big man in red.

The María Merced Williams and John Rains House has a history as colorful as the property’s gardens. Namesakes Rains and Merced, granddaughter of the prominent landowner Don Antonio María Lugo, built the home to withstand the hot Inland Southern California climate, and of course to entertain. The home features multiple large rooms and guest quarters as well as an open flume that carries water from springs through the kitchen and into the patio under the house to the orchard, providing water to the plants and cooling the home.

“We are excited to bring back this nostalgic event to the María Merced Williams and John Rains House to highlight the holiday splendor and traditions of the past,” points out Curator of History Drisel Perez. “This is a fun opportunity for our community to visit our wonderful historic site with family and friends as well as revel in the holiday spirit!”

The María Merced Williams and John Rains House is located at 8810 Hemlock St. in Rancho Cucamonga. The historic site is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to the public, donations are welcome. Parking is free and the site 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. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Sing your heart out at Victor Valley Museum’s ‘Second Saturdays’ Christmas karaoke event

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Victor Valley Museum’s Second Saturdays: Karaoke Christmas Carols event on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sing your heart out with a solo or sing along with your friends and family – all ages are welcome!

Visitors can enjoy on-site themed art projects every month at the Victor Valley Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Themes change monthly, so visit the website at https://museum.sbcounty.gov/events for details.

The Victor Valley Museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Rd. in Apple Valley. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Museum Foundation members and children five and under are free. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities and parking is free. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Victor Valley 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.

Mojave Narrows Regional Park hosts parkwide candy cane hunt activity

Join us at Mojave Narrows Regional Park on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon for a parkwide candy cane hunt. It seems that Santa’s elves need help in finding all the candy canes they dropped throughout the park.

All ages are welcome, and all candy canes for the hunt will be provided.

Park admission is $10 per vehicle and free for those camping with us.

Mojave Narrows Regional Park is located at 18000 Yates Rd. in Victorville. Mojave Narrows park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers camping, fishing, hiking, biking, picnic shelters and grills, a playground and splash pad. Mojave Narrows is pet-friendly and leashed pets are welcome too!

For more information on Regional Parks as well as camping, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected on the latest park news.

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park hosts holiday arts & crafts activities

Join us at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for holiday arts and crafts to make and take home.

All ages are welcome. Park admission is $10 per vehicle.

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is located at 800 N. Archibald Ave. in Ontario. Guasti park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers fishing, biking, picnic shelters and grills, a playground and splash pad. Cucamonga-Guasti is pet-friendly and leashed pets are welcome too!

For more information on Regional Parks as well as camping locations, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected on the latest park news.

County library line ups holiday events at branches throughout December

Holiday graphic with Christmas tree and Grinch hand with ornament.

The San Bernardino County Library extends a warm invitation to residents and visitors to participate in various holiday events. During the month of December, celebrate the season by engaging in fun crafts, festive stories, songs and jolly games!

Designed to foster and promote a love of reading at every age, the County Library has organized several free events for everyone. Participants are encouraged to checkout 15 items with their library cards during the events to earn delightful incentives and an opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win an amazing prize.

The County Library holiday events will take place at the following locations:

Barstow Branch Library: Dec. 21 from 2 – 4 p.m. at 304 E. Buena Vista St., Barstow, CA 92311
Big Bear Lake Branch Library: Dec. 17 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at 41930 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch Library: Dec. 7 from 1 – 3 p.m. at 15850 Main St., Chino, CA 91708
Chino Branch Library: Dec. 19 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at 13180 Central Ave., Chino, CA 91710
Hesperia Branch Library: Dec. 12 from 4 – 7 p.m. at 9650 7th Ave., Hesperia, CA 92345
Sam J. Racadio Highland Branch Library and Environmental Learning Center: Dec. 18 from 4 – 6 p.m. at 7863 Central Ave., Highland, CA 92346
Joshua Tree Branch Library: Dec. 21 from 1 – 3 p.m. at 6465 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Loma Linda Branch Library: Dec. 18 from 3 – 5 p.m. at 25581 Barton Rd., Loma Linda, CA 92354
Janice Horst Lucerne Valley Branch Library: Dec. 21 from 2 – 4 p.m. at 33103 Old Woman Springs Rd., Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
Mentone Branch Library: Dec. 19 from 3 – 5 p.m. at 1331 Opal Ave., Mentone, CA 92359
Baker Family Learning Center and Muscoy Branch Library: Dec. 14 from 2 – 4 p.m. at 2818 Macy St., Muscoy, CA 92407
Needles Branch Library: Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at 1111 Bailey Ave., Needles, CA 92363
Rialto Branch Library: Dec. 14 from 2 – 4 p.m. at 251 W. 1st St., Rialto, CA 92376
Wrightwood Branch Library: Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. – noon at 6011 Pine St., Wrightwood, CA 92397
Yucca Valley Branch Library: Dec. 21 from 1 – 3 p.m. at 57271 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley, CA 92284

For more information regarding other upcoming events at a library near you, visit https://library.sbcounty.gov.

In support of the Countywide Vision’s Vision2Read literacy campaign, these events help support the growth of literacy and inspire connections that spark an eagerness to read and learn in the community.

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 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 the educational, cultural and historical development of our county community. For more information on the County Library, please visit library.sbcounty.gov or call 909-387-2220.

County Library offers holiday ‘Squishmallow’ incentive to encourage reading

Have yourself a merry little “Squish”-mas with the San Bernardino County Library! From Dec. 9 through Dec. 15, customers who check out 30 items at any of the 32 branch locations will receive a festive holiday Squishmallow plush, while supplies last. Customers are encouraged to collect all five Squishmallows, as these limited-edition incentives are available for a short time only.

To participate, customers must present checkout receipts to library staff at a service desk that show checkouts or renewal of items between Dec. 9 and Dec. 15. The weather may be cooling off, but these incentives are sure to be hot, so come in and take home some great books along with a special friend before they disappear like snowflakes.

These fun giveaways enhance enjoyment of the library by inspiring excitement for library visits and encouraging a reading routine. They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

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 County Library, please visit https://library.sbcounty.gov/ or call 909-387-2220.

Chino Airport to host Development Opportunities Community Forum, discuss future plans

San Bernardino County Department of Airports will be hosting the Development Opportunities Community Forum at Chino Airport on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss and present future plans of the airport with community members.

Local residents are encouraged to attend this free event to discuss the planning, guidelines and development areas of the airports as well as contribute to feedback and ideas about airport activity.

The forum will be held at the Planes of Fame Air Museum at 14998 Cal Aero Dr. in Chino. Admission is free.

For questions or concerns, call the Chino Airport administration office at 909-465-5201. For more information about the Department of Airports, visit airports.sbcounty.gov.

Holiday Gift Shopping Ideas

County Museum Store

The holiday season is officially underway. Today ̶̶ and every day ̶̶ is an opportunity to support local stores in your community.

Find unique merchandise and gifts that reflect the collections and exhibits at the San Bernardino County and Victor Valley Museums.

Every item in the stores relates directly to our cultural and natural heritage, and the proceeds from every purchase supports museum programs and operations. We have something for everyone on your shopping list, including local history and natural history books, field guides and children’s books. Find the best hands-on learning items for kids of all ages, including models, kits, crafts, tools and games.

Shoppers can visit the stores without paying museum admission, just check-in at the admissions desk. Museum Association members enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases.

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 Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Victor Valley Museum is located at 11873 Apple Valley Rd. in Apple Valley. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (children ages 6 to 12). Museum members and children five and under are admitted free.

Parking is free and the museums are 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.

For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift this year? You can “adopt” an animal and support the zoo all in one place. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo gift shop offers the purr-fect gifts for any animal lover.

The gift shop features special animal related gifts for all ages. The store has a vast variety of items like children’s plush animals, educational toys, unique jewelry and animal carvings.

You can also give the gift of a zoo membership and make great yearlong memories, while supporting the zoo and local animal rehabilitation.

Tickets and membership can be purchased online or in person. Surprise your family and friends with a unique experience for Christmas!

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s gift shop is open for holiday shopping and is included with admission to the zoo.

The zoo gift shop is open every day except Christmas day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The best part is proceeds from our tickets sales, memberships and the gift shop help to fund the care of our animals.

For more information, visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo website at https://bigbearzoo.org.

Calico Ghost Town Shops

Aside from being a historical landmark and old mining town from 1881, the shops at Calico Ghost Town offers a wide range of unique gifts and mementos for everyone on your list for the holidays.

Located in Yermo, about 12 miles north of Barstow off I-15, each shop has its own distinct character reminiscent of the old west and representative of the desert region.

From one-of-a-kind handcrafted Navajo jewelry and clothing to local rocks and minerals mined from the hills of Calico, there is something for everyone on your list, even your furry friend.

Calico Shops (click link to view videos)

While shopping, you can explore an authentic silver mine from the 1880s, with mining exhibits and historical displays and explore Lucy Lane’s house, now a museum, who was the longest living resident in Calico, or visit the old schoolhouse and saloon.

Calico was an old West mining town in 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. The town that once gave miners a good living lost its hustle and essentially became a ghost town. Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950s, architecturally restoring all but the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880s. Knott then donated the town to San Bernardino County in 1966 and is operated by the Regional Parks department.

Today, Calico is visited by people from across the country and from all over the world. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping, hiking and off-roading.

For Ghost Tours, please visit www.calicoattractions.com. For off-road Silver King Mine Tours, call 760-254-3050. For camping reservations, visit sbcountyparks.com. Calico Ghost Town is open daily (except Christmas day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $8 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 4-11) and children three and under are free. Calico is located at 36600 Ghost Town Rd. in Yermo, CA. For more information about Calico or any Regional Park, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow Calico Ghost Town on Facebook to see the latest events. Follow Regional Parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected on the latest park news.

Regional Parks welcomes back one-day trout derby in January

Regional Parks is excited to welcome back the one-day trout derby with the first event scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prado Regional Park. Gates open at 6:30 a.m. and pre-paid derby fees are encouraged. Derby fees are $20 per person and $10 per vehicle. A fishing license is required for all participants ages 16 years and older.

Derby cash prizes will be awarded for:

First place: $1,000
Second place: $500
Third place: $250

Winners do not need to be present to claim their prize(s).

Park entrance for pre-paid participants will be off Johnson and Pine Avenues (east of Euclid Avenue near the equestrian center).

To pre-pay, scan the QR code on the flyer or click here.

Prado Regional Park is located at 16700 S. Euclid Ave. in Chino. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on Christmas Day.

Trout is stocked weekly with 747 pounds of trout and will be double-stocked on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, with 1,494 pounds of trout for the derby. For stocking dates, fishing license information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/park-fishing.

Additional County Update News – December 12, 2024