Family Preparedness Day brings hands-on emergency preparedness to Highland
National Preparedness Month isn’t over yet! The San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, in partnership with San Bernardino County Libraries, invites the community to Family Preparedness Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Highland Branch Library, 7863 Central Ave. in Highland.
This free, family-friendly event will give residents an opportunity to move through interactive preparedness tables and learn practical skills that can help before, during and after an emergency.
Planned activities include:
- Learning how to build a 72-hour emergency kit
- Learning how to use a fire extinguisher
- Practicing hands-only CPR and basic first aid
- Signing up for emergency alerts on your phone, including downloading the Ready SB County app from the App Store or Google Play.
A kids’ activity area will be available, and Kona Ice will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a sweet treat.
Planning to attend? Win a free emergency preparedness kit! The first 50 people to register will be entered into a drawing for a preparedness kit. Selected participants will be contacted before the event and can pick up their kit on Sept. 26.
By registering, you’ll also help us learn more about what families want to know about emergency preparedness. A short Family Preparedness Day survey will help us better understand the preparedness topics, challenges and resources that are most useful to our community.
Register for the event and learn more at Prepare.SBCounty.gov.
PetSmart Charities adoption event to help shelter pets find homes
San Bernardino County Animal Care is partnering with PetSmart Charities for a special adoption event in Fontana on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Community members are invited to stop by the Fontana PetSmart to meet adoptable pets, learn about the county’s animal care programs and, hopefully, take home a new best friend.
Adoption fees are currently waived for qualifying pets and include spaying or neutering, a microchip and age-appropriate vaccinations.
New adopters will also receive 30 days of complimentary pet insurance through MetLife to help ease the transition into pet parenthood.
Event details are as follows:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: Fontana PetSmart, 15042 Summit Ave., Fontana
On behalf of our pets, we look forward to seeing you there and helping you meet your next family member.
To learn more about our Animal Care programs and upcoming events, visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov.
County Library invites residents to explore, connect and create during Session 4
The San Bernardino County Library invites residents of all ages to learn, explore, connect and create during Session 4, now underway at library branches throughout the county. Through Sept. 27, residents can take part in a wide variety of free programs, activities and learning opportunities for children, teens, adults and families.
From storytimes and early literacy activities for young learners to line dancing, astronomy programs and crossword activities for adults, Session 4 offers something for nearly every age and interest. Each program is designed to give residents an opportunity to discover a new skill or hobby, spend time with family and friends, meet others in their community and experience more of what their local library has to offer.
“Libraries are more than places to find great books,” said Library Programs Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Our branches are gathering places where people can learn, participate, build connections and have fun. Session 4 is a great opportunity for residents to explore everything their local library has to offer.”
Programs and schedules vary by branch and may include educational and recreational activities, cultural experiences, technology opportunities, literacy programs and activities the whole family can enjoy.
With 32 branches serving communities across San Bernardino County, residents have plenty of opportunities to find a program that sparks their interest.
“Whether you’re looking for a fun activity with the kids, an opportunity to meet your neighbors or simply a chance to try something new, your local library has a place for you,” Williams said.
Residents can view upcoming programs, dates and times by visiting Session Programs and Events – Library and selecting their local branch.
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.
Get wild about reading: Squishmallows have roamed into County Libraries
Things are getting wild at the San Bernardino County Library, where books aren’t the only things customers are taking home this September.
There’s still time to take home a wild animal Squishmallow! Through Sept. 30, customers who check out 30 qualifying items at a participating County Library branch can receive a free Squishmallow, while supplies last.
Six adorable reading buddies are roaming the shelves: fox, capybara, red panda, giraffe, raccoon and mallard duck. Customers can choose their favorite available design, stock up on their next great reads and head home with a cuddly companion for their next reading adventure.
But don’t wait too long — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The limited time incentive is the centerpiece of the County Library’s Get Wild About Reading campaign this month, encouraging families to explore the shelves, discover new stories and make their next library visit a little more adventurous.
Whether you’re hoping to snag a capybara, have your eye on the red panda or think the mallard duck is simply quack-tastic, now is the time to visit your local branch and see which wild friends are still waiting to come home with you.
“We’re always looking for creative ways to make reading exciting and encourage families to discover everything their local library has to offer,” said Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Get Wild About Reading gives our customers another fun reason to explore new books, discover something unexpected and make regular library visits part of their family routine.”
With 32 branch libraries across San Bernardino County, customers have thousands of books and other materials waiting to be discovered. This month’s incentive adds another reason to fill up those book bags — and perhaps make room for one very cuddly reading buddy.
The wild fun doesn’t stop there. Throughout September, select County Library branches are also bringing Get Wild About Reading to life with special family events.
Customers who check out 15 qualifying items during a participating event receive a special event circulation incentive and an entry for a chance to win the grand “jungle” prize.
Ready to join the herd? Here’s where the remaining wild fun is happening:
Chino Branch
13180 Central Ave., Chino
Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 | 4–6 p.m.
Loma Linda Branch
25581 Barton Road, Loma Linda
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Grand Terrace Branch
22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center
7863 Central Ave., Highland
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 | 4–6 p.m.
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.
ill not be accepted for admission.
59th Annual Calico Days celebrates Calico’s silver mining traditions
San Bernardino County Regional Parks and Calico Ghost Town will celebrate the 59th Annual Calico Days from Sept. 26–27 with a weekend of Old West activities and entertainment.
The family-friendly event will feature an 1880s costume contest, reenactment skits, pie-eating contest, live music and traditional Calico competitions, including a Miner’s Triathlon and Bucket Brigade on Saturday, Sept. 26, followed by the Burro Run on Sunday, Sept. 27.
The Miner’s Triathlon challenges competitors in rock pulling, muckraking and tug-of-war, while the Burro Run sends contestants and their burros racing through stations across town. During the Bucket Brigade, teams race to pass buckets of water and fill their barrel first.
Guests can enjoy Calico’s restaurants, shops and attractions, including Maggie Mine, Mystery Shack and the Odessa Railroad. Calico is pet-friendly, and leashed pets are welcome.
Calico Days celebrates the town’s silver mining history and the spirit of the 1880s. At its peak, Calico was home to about 1,200 residents and produced millions of dollars in silver and borax. In 1966, Knott’s Berry Farm founder Walter Knott donated Calico to San Bernardino County, where it is now managed by the Regional Parks Department.
Event details
Sept. 26–27 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Adults: $15 | Children ages 4–11: $10 | Ages 3 and under: Free
Tickets
Skip the line and pre-pay online.
For event details and the daily schedule, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/calico-days. For attraction and ghost tour information, visit calicoattractions.com.
Camping, cabins and bunkhouses are available at Calico Ghost Town. Book a reservation today! Campers will receive four free tickets to the event.
Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo, off Interstate 15, about 10 miles north of Barstow.
For more park and camping information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for parks news and events updates. Follow Calico Ghost Town on Facebook to see more of Calico’s annual event photos and videos.
Fall fun and frights return to Mojave Narrows with Harvest Festival and Haunted Hayrides
Get ready for a spooky good time! Mojave Narrows Regional Park will celebrate the fall season with its annual Harvest Festival and Haunted Hayrides on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 3 to 9 p.m.
This year’s Pumpkin Patch theme will bring together fall festivities, family-friendly entertainment and spooky fun for all ages at a low cost.
Festivalgoers can enjoy family games and activities, inflatables, a petting zoo, live animal presentations by Wildman Dan, food vendors and giveaways from radio host Bam from Old School 104.7 FM. Guests can also stop by the pumpkin patch, where pumpkins will be available for $5 each.
Live music by The J-Birds will keep the celebration going throughout the event.
Show us your best Halloween look!
Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume and join the fun! Costume contests will be offered in three age categories:
- Adult category: Ages 12 and older
- Junior category: Ages 4–11
- Kids category: Ages 3 and younger
Movie in the park
As the sun goes down, grab a spot and enjoy “Hotel Transylvania” on a giant LED screen.
Bring your chairs, blankets and favorite snacks and settle in for a family movie under the stars. Free popcorn will also be available while supplies last.
Haunted Hayride tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 28
Looking for a fright after dark? The popular Haunted Hayride returns with limited seating.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale on Monday, Sept. 28, at 8 a.m. and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hayrides begin at 6:36 p.m. and depart every 12 minutes, with the final ride leaving at 9:24 p.m.
Hayride tickets are $5 per person, and park entry is $15 per vehicle — both can be prepaid online together or purchased separately.
Important information
The event will be held rain or shine, and no refunds will be issued.
Guests who prepay will receive a confirmation email and will be asked to present the confirmation upon arrival at the front gate.
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled hayride departure. Be sure to allow additional time to enter the park, park your vehicle and walk to the hayride area for check-in. Entry and walking times may vary. Directional signage will be posted for eventgoers.
Please arrive on time. Hayride wagons cannot wait for late arrivals, and guests who miss their scheduled departure may forfeit their seats.
Note: The Haunted Hayride may not be appropriate for children ages 3 and younger.
Park details
All ages are welcome, including leashed pets. Park admission is $15 per vehicle except for campers. However, campers will be required to purchase hayride tickets.
Mojave Narrows Regional Park is located at 18000 Yates Road in Victorville.
For more park and camping information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and events.
Apple Valley Airshow takes flight Oct. 10 with high-flying thrills
The skies over Apple Valley will come alive Saturday, Oct. 10, for the 23rd annual Apple Valley Airshow and NAPA® Car Show at Apple Valley Airport. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features aerial performances, vintage warbirds, a car show, STEM activities and family entertainment.
Headlining this year’s airshow is the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, bringing its precision parachuting demonstration to the High Desert. The show will also open with the Round Canopy Parachute USA Team jumping from the historic C-53 Skytrooper “D-Day Doll,” along with a ground display by the United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard.
The action continues with an impressive lineup of aerobatic performers and aircraft, including Kirby Chambliss in the Red Bull Zivko Edge 540, Gregory “Wired” Colyer in the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star “Ace Maker,” Jason Somes in the MiG-17 and Olga Sannikova flying “The Pink Jet” L-39 Albatros with its signature pink smoke in support of breast cancer awareness.
Spectators can also watch formation flying and aerobatic performances by the Dawn Patrol RV Formation Team, Undaunted Airshows, Red Fox Airshows, Cloud Dancers and other performers.
A collection of historic warbirds will take to the skies and be displayed on the ground, including P-51 Mustangs, the P-63 Kingcobra “Pretty Polly,” F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat, AD-4N Skyraider and Consolidated PBY Catalina. Guests will also have opportunities to meet pilots and collect autographs following the performances.
On the ground, visitors can explore experimental and vintage aircraft, the NAPA® “Show and Shine” Car Show and displays from Inglis Classics, Hot Rod Hotties and High Desert Ford.
Families can visit the expanded General Atomics STEM Expo, featuring hands-on aviation and aerospace activities, flight simulators, model airplanes, air-powered rockets and other youth experiences. Community organizations, sponsors, food vendors and the Rotary Club of Apple Valley Beer Garden will also be part of the event.
General Admission is $15 for ages 11 and older, $10 for active military (with proper ID) and kids ages 10 and under are free. Credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted. Parking is free.
To purchase tickets online, view the schedule of events, or get more information on the airshow or NAPA® “Show and Shine” Car Show, visit applevalleyairshow.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Apple Valley Airport is located at 21600 Corwin Road in Apple Valley. For more information about San Bernardino County Airports, visit airports.sbcounty.gov.
Ghost Haunt returns to Calico for a Miners vs. Outlaws Showdown
Get ready for two weekends of tricks, treats, Old West showdowns and frights as Calico Ghost Haunt returns to Calico Ghost Town Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1, bringing the battle between miners and outlaws to life with Halloween entertainment for the whole family.
Visitors can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, live music with bands throughout the day and a Saturday night headlining concert, gunfighter shows, games and activities, a monster mash dance, and live entertainment throughout the historic town on both weekends.
When darkness falls, the haunt takes a spookier turn as town scarers emerge from the shadows and roam the streets. Scare hours are Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m.
Haunted attractions and classic Calico experiences will also be available for an additional fee, including train rides, gold panning, haunted mine tours, Mystery Shack and ghost tours. Food, beverages and shopping will be available throughout town.
Visitors can show off their Halloween spirit in a costume contest with categories for funniest, cutest, scariest and most creative costumes. Dogs can get into the fun too with a dog costume contest on Saturdays. Campers are invited to transform their campsites for the annual Ghost Haunt Campsite Decorating Contest, inspired by this year’s “Miners vs. Outlaws” theme.
Halloween Day ‘I Boo’ weddings
San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales invites couples to celebrate Halloween with a wedding ceremony unlike any other during the 3rd Annual Halloween Marriage Services at Calico Ghost Town on Saturday, Oct. 31, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Silver Bowl.
To tie the knot on Halloween at Calico, visit arc.sbcounty.gov/marriage to register.
Ghost Haunt tickets
Tickets are now available for purchase online at bit.ly/4p02crx.
General admission is $15 for adults ages 12 and older, $10 for youth ages 4–11, and free for children ages 3 and younger. Admission is included for registered campers.
Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo.
Ghost Haunt hours are Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For Ghost Haunt event details, schedule of events, attractions or ghost tour pricing, visit parks.sbcounty.gov/calico-ghost-haunt.
For more information on camping reservations or other Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow Calico Ghost Town on Facebook. You can also follow Regional Parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest news and events.
Muscoy AB 98 outreach meeting
Residents are encouraged to take part in the county’s ongoing work to implement Assembly Bill 98 (AB 98), which guides truck routes away from homes, schools and other sensitive areas.
Event date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
Event time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: Baker Family Learning Center, 2818 N. Macy St., Muscoy
The San Bernardino County Land Use Services Long Range Planning team will share updates, answer questions and gather input. After a brief presentation, attendees can visit staffed stations to speak directly with agency representatives.
The following agencies will be in attendance:
Interactive input options
Residents can provide comments through the Social Pinpoint Map, which is available at the event and online. Traditional comment cards and Spanish translation services will also be offered.
• Land Use Services – Planning
• Land Use Services – Code Enforcement
• Public Works Department
• California Highway Patrol
No new truck routes are proposed at this time. Public Works will continue annual evaluations with opportunities for public comment.
Environmental Justice Focus Areas meetings in Bloomington and Hesperia
San Bernardino County’s Land Use Services Department is hosting community presentations to introduce its draft Environmental Justice Focus Areas (EJFA) ordinance, which aims to improve health and the quality of life in areas facing higher pollution and to strengthen resident participation in land‑use decisions.
Upcoming presentations:
Bloomington
Oct. 6, 2026 – 6 p.m.
Ayala Park Community Center, 17909 Marygold Ave., Bloomington
Hesperia
Oct. 7, 2026 – 6 p.m.
Jerry Lewis High Desert Government Center, 15900 Smoke Tree St., Hesperia
Residents can learn about proposed updates that expand public notification and outreach for development projects in or near EJFA neighborhoods. Topics include air quality, community health, public infrastructure and civic engagement.
EJFAs are communities with higher pollution exposure and related challenges such as heavy traffic, nearby industrial uses, elevated asthma rates, poverty, linguistic isolation and other vulnerability indicators. Learn more on our EJFA page.
For questions, contact the EJFA team at Nathan.Hunsicker@lus.sbcounty.gov or Dina.Lomeli@lus.sbcounty.gov.
Community cleanup event in Bloomington
San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ Code Enforcement Division and Public Works’ Solid Waste Division will host a free community cleanup and bulky item disposal event for residents of San Bernardino County’s unincorporated Bloomington community. Residents are encouraged to come out, take part and help keep the community clean and beautiful.Business or commercial waste cannot be accepted.
Event date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Event time: 8 a.m. to noon
Location: Kessler Park – 18401 Jurupa Ave., Bloomington
Accepted items:
Household trash
Bulky items
Green waste
Up to nine tires per load, including rims
Documents for on-site shredding
Electronics such as TVs, monitors, VCRs, stereos and cellphones (collected by the Urban Conservation Corps)
Not accepted:
Concrete
Hazardous waste such as batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, pesticides, fertilizers, fluorescent lights, pool chemicals, paint products and medication
For hazardous waste disposal information, call 800‑645‑9228 or 909‑382‑5401
Additional service:
Compost will be available for community members
Please bring your own containers
Participants should secure and cover loads before traveling, unload their own items and note that oversized or difficult loads may be turned away.
For questions, contact Deleon Luna, staff analyst with Land Use Services, Code Enforcement at 909‑383‑2133.
Recovery, resilience and hope take center stage this September
San Bernardino County Behavioral Health is recognizing National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month throughout September with events, trainings and outreach activities focused on connection, education and community engagement.
As the month comes to a close, the department continues to host and participate in activities designed to celebrate recovery, strengthen suicide prevention efforts and connect residents with resources and support.
“We are excited to bring communities together throughout September to celebrate recovery, promote hope and equip residents with tools that can help save lives,” said Josh Dugas, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health director. “We invite residents, community partners and local leaders to join us, participate and help spread the word.”
Remaining September events
Sound of Recovery
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 7 to 9 p.m., reception to follow
San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino
Celebrate the strength of recovery, help reduce stigma around substance use and mental health, and connect with local resources and support. Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone you care about, or passionate about wellness, this event offers a meaningful space to connect, reflect and be inspired.
RSVP: eventcreate.com/e/soundofrecovery
Resilient and Real Summit
Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 9 a.m. to noon
San Bernardino International Airport, 105 N. Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino
Connect with educators, school leaders and behavioral health partners for a day of meaningful conversation, shared learning and practical support. Explore strategies to strengthen resilience, promote mental wellness and create more supportive school environments for students and staff. Participants will gain valuable perspectives, discover behavioral health resources and leave with tools to help foster a stronger culture of care across school communities.
RSVP: eventcreate.com/e/resilient-and-real-summit
Suicide prevention trainings across the county
As part of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Behavioral Health will offer suicide prevention trainings throughout San Bernardino County, with both in-person and virtual options to make participation more accessible. Trainings will also be available in Spanish, helping more community members gain practical tools to recognize warning signs, offer support and connect individuals to help.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Learn Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention training designed to help participants recognize warning signs, ask the right questions and connect someone in crisis with appropriate resources.
Location: Redlands
Date and time: Monday, Sept. 28 | 9:30 a.m.
Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/04FprN53Ld
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Learn Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention training designed to help participants recognize warning signs, ask the right questions and connect someone in crisis with appropriate resources.
Location: Ontario
Date and time: Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 9:30 a.m.
Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/04FprN53Ld
Residents, families, community organizations and partners are encouraged to participate, share these opportunities and help spread messages of recovery, hope, connection and prevention throughout San Bernardino County.
For more information about September activities, visit sbcounty.gov/dbh or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or X.
Additional County Update News – September 24, 2026
- Board Actions, Sept. 22
- Explore San Bernardino County Services: Emergency Communications Service volunteers help keep San Bernardino County connected
- Josh Dugas selected as new Behavioral Health director
- Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center reopens following completion of phase one renovations
- CONFIRE EMS & Mobile Health to begin ambulance service Oct. 1
- Celebrating 40 years of CERT: Neighbors helping neighbors
- San Bernardino County will shine green in support of veterans
- A new team and stadium launch a grand slam of sports tourism in San Bernardino County
- Animal Care’s largest Wings of Rescue transport takes off with 31 dogs
- County Library readers make waves during 2026 Summer Reading Program
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Lake Gregory Regional Park
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Kelso
- Pet of the Week: Mikey