Public Defender C.U.T.E. Trunk or Treat event in San Bernardino
The San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office will be hosting its annual C.U.T.E. Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 900 E. Gilbert St. in San Bernardino.
This annual event, organized by the Public Defender’s Children United Through Empowerment (CUTE) social work program, is dedicated to supporting children impacted by parental incarceration. The celebration brings together county departments and community partners to provide families with valuable services and a safe space to enjoy Halloween festivities.
There will be games, prizes and plenty of candy for the whole family. Parents and guardians must be present with children. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite costume and invite your friends for this spooktacular event! To learn more or register, visit PD.SBCounty.gov or follow the Public Defender’s Office on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Shake or Treat returns to San Bernardino County Museum—Where safety meets spooky fun!
Get ready to shake things up! The San Bernardino County Museum’s annual Shake or Treat Earthquake & Emergency Preparedness Fair returns on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Museum with a mix of safety know-how and Halloween fun for the whole family.
Families can explore emergency vehicles, meet first responders, and pick up practical tips on how to stay safe during earthquakes, wildfires and other natural disasters—all while enjoying trick-or-treating, crafts and giveaways at our partner booths.
“San Bernardino County is earthquake country, and preparedness can’t wait for the next big shake,” said Museum Director David Myers. “This event helps families gain life-saving knowledge while engaging kids in a fun, memorable way. It’s safety with a seasonal twist.”
Event highlights include:
- Emergency vehicle displays and live demos
- Meet-and-greets with first responders and safety pros
- Hands-on preparedness activities for all ages
- Earthquake simulator experience
- Community booths with family emergency-planning guides
- Trick-or-treating stations and kid-friendly crafts
Shake or Treat Earthquake & Emergency Preparedness Fair is a free event. Museum admission is required for indoor exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag—because at Shake or Treat, families can enjoy both the fun and the fundamentals of being ready when emergencies strike.
Fourth annual Child Support Services Trunk or Treat
The San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services will be hosting its 4th annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its office in Loma Linda. The event will bring more than 30 community partners together to provide services and resources to families in San Bernardino County.
Child Support representatives will be available to answer questions about the child support process, assist with enrolling in child support services and provide information on cases. There will be games, prizes and special treats for the whole family. Parents and/or guardians must be present with children. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite costume and invite your friends!
The Child Support Services Office is located at 10417 Mountain View Ave. in Loma Linda. For more information, visit childsupport.sbcounty.gov.
Monster Mayhem takes over County Library branches in October
The San Bernardino County Library branches are about to get a little spooky, a little silly and a whole lot of fun. Monster Mayhem is the theme for October’s reading event, and patrons are invited to join their local library branch for a monstrous good time.
The challenge is simple: check out 15 items — books, audiobooks or digital resources — and claim your frightful favor before it vanishes into the shadows! Every completed challenge also enters participants into a drawing to score a beastly bonus — a monster-sized surprise revealed at the event’s finale.
“Monster Mayhem is a playful way to remind families that reading is not only important — it’s fun,” said County Library Event Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Whether you’re a child discovering your first favorite book or an adult who loves a good thriller, everyone can join in the excitement.”
Along with the reading challenge, library branches will host monster-themed activities, games and ghoulish crafts. Costumes are encouraged, but bravery is optional. The Monster Mayhem reading events are free and open to all ages.
Stompity-stomp! Find the monster fun at these County Library branches:
Hesperia Branch
9650 7th Ave., Hesperia
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Montclair Branch
9955 Fremont Ave., Montclair
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
4 to 5 p.m.
Phelan Memorial Library
9800 Clovis Rd., Phelan
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
2 to 3 p.m.
Loma Linda Branch
25581 Barton Rd., Loma Linda
Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
3 to 5 p.m.
Big Bear Lake Branch
41930 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center
8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
4 to 7 p.m.
Grand Terrace Branch
22795 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Joshua Tree Branch
6465 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
1 to 2 p.m.
Yucca Valley Branch
57271 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
1 to 3 p.m.
Adelanto Branch
11497 Bartlett Ave., Adelanto
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Barstow Branch
304 E. Buena Vista St., Barstow
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Muscoy Baker Family Learning Center
2818 Macy St., Muscoy
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Lake Arrowhead Branch
27235 Highway 189, Blue Jay
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
4 to 5:30 p.m.
Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch
14020 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
4 to 7 p.m.
Bloomington Branch
18028 Valley Blvd., Bloomington
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
3 to 5 p.m.
Chino Branch
13180 Central Ave., Chino
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch
33103 Old Woman Springs Rd., Lucerne Valley
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Rialto Branch
251 West 1st St., Rialto
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Mentone Senior Center and Library
1331 Opal Ave., Mentone
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
3:30 to 5 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to join the mayhem — check out, read on and let the monsters loose at your library! For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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, events and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
Public Health’s mobile clinic serves the Needles community
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s mobile medical unit is available every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Transitional Assistance Department, 1090 E. Broadway St. in Needles.
The mobile medical unit provides convenient access to preventive and primary care services close to home.
Appointments are encouraged to reduce wait times. To schedule an appointment, call 800-722-4777 and press 5.
For more information about the mobile medical unit and other Public Health services, visit dph.sbcounty.gov.
County Library and Ono Hawaiian BBQ team up to reward readers with free food
Aloha, bookworms! This fall, reading comes with a delicious reward as the San Bernardino County Library system partners with Ono Hawaiian BBQ to launch a special literacy program for children and teens. From now until November 30, library cardholders 17 years of age and under can participate in the Ono Hawaiian BBQ Autumn Reading Program, earning free meal certificates simply by checking out and reading five books from any one of the 32 County Library branches.
Participants will receive one free Ono Hawaiian BBQ certificate, redeemable at participating locations, for every five books read and logged in Beanstack, the County Library’s digital reading app, along with a checkout receipt showing five books borrowed from the library. Each reader can earn up to three keiki certificates during the program, which ends on November 30.
“This partnership is a fun and flavorful way to encourage independent reading and library use among young people,” said County Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “We’re thrilled to partner with Ono Hawaiian BBQ again to support literacy and learning throughout our communities.”
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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.
Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino partners with County Animal Care and ARFF this October
Every October, Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino partners with San Bernardino County Animal Care and the Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF) for the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event to help pets find their forever homes. This year, adoptions are free for the entire month of October. Join us and make a difference — adopt your furry best friend today at the Devore or Big Bear Animal Shelters.
What’s included with qualifying adoptions:
- Spay or neuter
- Microchip
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
To help ease your transition to pet parenthood, MetLife Pet Insurance offers 30 days of complimentary pet insurance for newly adopted pets. Learn how you can support the Devore and Big Bear Animal Shelters, or view details about MetLife’s adoption benefit at arffund.org. Find your perfect match and give a pet a second chance at animalcare.sbcounty.gov.
“Paws” to read, earn a treat
Big news for young readers and animal lovers! San Bernardino County Animal Care has teamed up with Raising Cane’s for a paws-itively fun twist on our “Telling Tails” Reading Program! From now through October 31, kids ages 6–12 who complete six reading sessions with our shelter pets will earn a free kids combo, courtesy of Raising Cane’s!
Reading to shelter pets helps them feel loved and socialized — and gives kids a chance to build confidence, compassion and reading skills. It’s a tail-wagging win-win! Start your reading adventure today, your purr-fect reading buddy is waiting! Visit the Telling Tails Reading Program webpage to learn more.
Calico Ghost Haunt returns for two weekends with Terror Under the Big Top
If spooking is your thing and Halloween brings out the howl in you, Calico Ghost Town may be the fright place to be the last two weekends in October for our annual Ghost Haunt: Terror Under the Big Top. The first weekend of ghost haunting starts Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The second weekend starts on Halloween night, Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 2.
Ghost Haunt hours are:
• Friday: 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ghost Haunting activities include pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests for all ages, campsite decorating contest, live music and entertainment shows, gunfighter shows, family-friendly games and activities, haunted attractions* (includes train rides, gold panning, haunted mine tours, Mystery Shack and ghost tours). *Attractions are an additional price. Visit www.calicoattractions.com for prices. Food, snacks and beverages will also be available as well as shopping at town stores. Take a virtual tour of the Calico stores at https://bit.ly/3Y3sM70.
Town Scarers
Beware after dark as nightmares begin to roam throughout town haunted with frightful scarers who will lurk in the shadows waiting to prey on unsuspecting town people.
Scare hours are:
• Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.
Costume Contest Guidelines
Eventgoers can enter our costume contest in one of the following categories to win a prize: funniest, cutest, scariest, and most creative. Dogs can join in on the fun too as Dorsey’s Dog House hosts its dog costume contest on Saturdays.
Campsite Contest
Campers can also participate in our annual Ghost Haunt Campsite Decorating Contest based on the “Terror Under the Big Top” theme.
Admission
General admission for adults (12 & over) is $15, youth (ages 4-11) is $10 and ages 3 and under are free. Campers will also receive free admission up to four people with camping reservations. All ages are welcome.
Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Rd. in Yermo.
Visit parks.sbcounty.gov/calico-ghost-haunt for event details. Follow Calico Ghost Town on Facebook for event photos and videos. Follow Regional Parks on Facebook or Instagram for the latest parks news and updates.
County Library’s BOO Book Festival brings frights, fun and free Squishmallows for library readers
This Halloween season, the San Bernardino County Library system is treating readers to more than just spooky stories. From Oct. 25-31, library card holders who check out 30 items during the BOO! Book Festival will receive a special prize: a Squishmallow of their choice — just in time for the fall festivities.
The weeklong celebration invites patrons of all ages to visit their local County Library branch, stock up on great reads, and take home one of the most popular plush toys around with five options to choose from. Each library will be fully stocked with hundreds of new books released just for the occasion, ranging from chilling thrillers and autumn-themed picture books to young adult adventures and bestselling fiction.
“This is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” said Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “The BOO! Book Festival not only celebrates the joy of reading, but rewards our loyal library users with something extra special. Whether you love ghost stories, fantasy, or nonfiction, this is the perfect time to check out what’s new on our shelves.”
To earn a Squishmallow, patrons simply need to check out 30 items during the festival week using their valid library card. With thousands of books, DVDs, audiobooks and other materials available, building a stack is easier than ever — and perfect for cozy autumn reading.
Quantities of Squishmallows are limited and available while supplies last, so early participation is encouraged.
The BOO! Book Festival is part of the County Library’s ongoing effort to encourage literacy, promote library use, and create fun, engaging opportunities for the community to connect with books — and each other.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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.
Join us for the Kessler Park Trunk or Treat!
Halloween is just around the corner, and Bloomington Recreation and Parks is thrilled to invite you to our annual Kessler Park Trunk or Treat celebration!
Last year, more than 4,000 attendees joined in the fun, and with your support, we’re aiming to make this year’s event even bigger and better. Help us create a safe, family-friendly evening full of candy, costumes and community spirit!
Come in costume and enjoy inflatable games, food vendors and live DJ entertainment throughout the night.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Kessler Park, 18401 Jurupa Ave., Bloomington
Spooktacular fun awaits at County Library’s Monster Bash
San Bernardino County Library is inviting the community to join in a fang-tastic evening of frightful fun at the Sam J. Racadio Highland Branch Library & Environmental Learning Center for its Monster Bash on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m.
This boo-rilliant event is designed to bring the community together for some not-so-scary Halloween cheer. Guests can look forward to games, crafts and more – it’s bound to be a real treat!
Attendees who check out 15 items during the event will receive a chilling reward and be entered for a chance to win the grand prize — now that’s what we call a spooktacular incentive!
“We’re thrilled to brew up some Halloween magic at the library,” said County Library Branch Manager Sarah Bartlett. “It’s a ghoulishly good way to promote literacy, community spirit and just have a monster of a time!”
Don’t forget to dress in your most fang-cy or creep-tastic costume — family-friendly attire is welcome and encouraged! Whether you come as a ghost, ghoul or glittery unicorn, you’re sure to have a howling good time.
The Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center is located at 7863 Central Ave., Highland. So, grab your little monsters and head to the library for a boo-tiful evening of books, boos and bone-chilling fun. You’d be out of your gourd to miss it!
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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.
County Library invites the community to Session 5 Programs happening now through Nov. 22
Autumn is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book, learn something new or spend quality time with family — and your local County Library has you covered. Now through Nov. 22, libraries across the region will host Session 5 Programs, a new lineup of fun, free and educational activities designed to engage readers, learners and creators of all ages.
Each session brings a fresh mix of opportunities to explore, discover and connect with the community. Families can enjoy early literacy programs and storytimes; teens can dive into creative challenges and tech workshops; and adults can join book discussions, attend lectures or try something hands-on through maker or art activities.
“Our library programs are about more than reading — they’re about bringing people together,” said County Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Session 5 is a chance for the community to come in, learn something new, and enjoy the welcoming space that the library provides for everyone.”
Highlights of the season include:
- Storytimes and Family Reading Events – Nurture early literacy and spark imagination in young readers.
- STEAM & Maker Programs – Encourage innovation through hands-on experiments and creative projects.
- Arts, Crafts and Cultural Programs – Celebrate creativity and community through guided workshops.
- Special Seasonal Events – Celebrate with Monster Mayhem events with themed activities for all ages.
- Book Clubs and Craft Activities – Participate in lively book discussions and explore your creativity through hands-on craft projects.
Whether you’re looking for a place to read, create or connect, the library offers something for everyone this season.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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.
Building stories, one brick at a time: County Library celebrates National Family Literacy Month with Lego® contest
In celebration of National Family Literacy Month, the San Bernardino County Library invites families to bring their favorite stories to life — brick by brick —at the LEGO® Building Contest, taking place at three County Library branches on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.:
Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch
14901 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley
760-995-8750
Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch
14020 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
909-590-5380
Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center
8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana
909-574-4500
The event encourages young builders to combine creativity with literacy by recreating a scene, character or setting from a favorite book — built entirely at home using LEGO® bricks, without adult help or pre-designed kits.
To enter, builders must check out 10 library items and present the receipt to receive an official entry form. Entries are limited to 75 per branch, with one entry allowed per family. Creations must not exceed 11 inches by 17 inches in base size and 2 feet in height. Entries will be accepted on-site for display at each participating branch between November 12 and 14, prior to the event.
All entries will be judged in four story-inspired categories: Fairytale, Mystery, Science Fiction, and Realistic Fiction. Winners will be announced at the end of each event.
Guests can also enjoy family-friendly fun throughout the day, including craft stations and a drop-in build area hosted by Play-Well TEKnologies, where visitors can experiment and build freely.
“This contest is a perfect way to celebrate Family Literacy Month,” said County Library Events Coordinator Jenni McCormick. “It inspires children to not only read stories but to imagine and create them in new ways — connecting books, creativity, and family time.”
The LEGO® Building Contest is free to attend and open to the public. Families are encouraged to register early, as space is limited.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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.
Additional County Update News – October 16, 2025
- One tap closer to preparedness with the Ready SB County App
- San Bernardino County Public Works/Special Districts employee named Distinguished Man of the Year honoree
- Celebrating 60 years of Head Start: Enroll today!
- County partners with food bank to support holiday program for families in need
- Public Defender brings Mobile Defense and county services to Adelanto
- Inaugural event provides weekend child support assistance
- Are you interested in becoming a probation officer?
- San Bernardino County destinations: Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Goldstone, CA
- Pet of the Week: Shasta