Free safeTALK Suicide Prevention Trainings: Building Community Resilience
Based on strong community interest, SBased on strong community interest, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health is continuing safeTALK trainings this October with additional opportunities to be offered year-round.
safeTALK is a FREE 3-hour Suicide Alertness Training where participants learn practical skills to recognize warning signs of suicide, respond using the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep safe), and connect individuals with life-saving resources. This evidence-based training empowers community members, including families and staff working with sensitive populations, to have difficult conversations with compassion, breaking down stigma and building community capacity to support those in crisis.
This training is for anyone ages 15 and older at any level. Clinicians, law enforcement, educators, faith leaders and general community members can attend, and the skills are useful for anyone who wants to be prepared to support a friend, family member, coworker or neighbor. Participants leave with a certificate and the skills to serve as a “Suicide Safety Connector” in their community.
Trainings like this are typically offered elsewhere for a fee. Behavioral Health wants to ensure open community trainings are available at no cost to the individuals who need them.
To reach more people, these trainings are being hosted in partnership with community-based organizations that are already part of the neighborhoods they serve. Working with these trusted local partners helps bring safeTALK to the places where people already gather and connect and increases access to the training. Spaces are limited, so register now.
Two upcoming October dates:
Hosted in partnership with Promise of Faith in Rialto
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
- Arrival time: 8:30 a.m.
- Event time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Address: 190 N. Arrowhead Ave., Rialto
Hosted in partnership with Genesis Re-Entry Program and Brandon Rivera Memorial Grief Foundation in Hesperia
- Date: Monday, Oct. 5
- Arrival time: 8:30 a.m.
- Event time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Address: 16455 Main St., Suite 15, Hesperia
Interested in attending? Please register for the safeTALK trainings in October 2026.
Both trainings are FREE and open to all San Bernardino County residents. For ADA accommodations, contact 909-387-6221 or email DBHOSP@dbh.sbcounty.gov.
Environmental Justice Focus Area 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 | 6 p.m.
Ayala Park Community Center, 17909 Marygold Ave., Bloomington
Hesperia
Oct. 7 | 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.
C.U.T.E. trunk or treat brings Halloween fun to San Bernardino
The San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office will host its annual C.U.T.E. Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 900 E. Gilbert St. in San Bernardino.
Organized by the Public Defender’s Children United Through Empowerment (C.U.T.E.) social work program, the family-friendly event brings the community together for Halloween festivities while supporting children impacted by parental incarceration.
Families can enjoy decorated trunks, games and prizes while connecting with county departments and community partners providing resources and services.
Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes and join the fun. Parents or guardians must be present.
Event details
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 3–6 p.m.
900 E. Gilbert St., San Bernardino
Free admission
Registration
To learn more or register, visit PD.SBCounty.gov.
For more information and event updates, follow the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s office on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @SBCDefender.
Community cleanup event in Devore
San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ CSan 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 unincorporated Devore. Residents are encouraged to participate and help keep the community clean and beautiful. Business and commercial waste cannot be accepted.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Location: Community Church of Devore, 1431 Devore Road, San Bernardino
Accepted items:
- Household trash
- Bulky items
- Green waste
- Up to nine tires per load, including rims
- 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
- 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.
Get wild about reading: Squishmallows have roamed into County Libraries
Fall into something new at the San Bernardino County Library as Session 5 programs return Oct. 13 through Nov. 22, bringing six weeks of free opportunities to learn, create, explore and connect at County Library locations throughout San Bernardino County.
Whether families are looking for hands-on activities for little learners, creative outlets for school-age children, opportunities for teens or engaging experiences for adults, Session 5 offers something for everyone at no cost.
Throughout the six-week session, customers can discover a variety of regularly scheduled programs designed to make learning fun while encouraging literacy, creativity and meaningful connections. From storytimes and early-learning activities to arts and crafts, STEAM experiences and programs for teens and adults, each visit offers another reason to explore what the County Library has to offer.
“Each new programming session gives our customers an opportunity to discover something different at their local library,” said Library Programs Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Whether they come for a favorite program or try something for the first time, we want families to know that the library is a place where they can continue learning, creating and connecting throughout the year.”
Session 5 also arrives just in time for a season filled with special activities at all 32 branch locations. Families can enjoy fall-inspired programming and other seasonal experiences alongside the County Library’s regular lineup of educational and recreational programs.
Beyond providing entertainment, these programs are designed to support literacy and lifelong learning while creating welcoming spaces where residents can connect with their communities. Programs for young children help introduce early literacy concepts and encourage positive interactions with books, while activities for older children and teens provide opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills and express creativity.
Adults can also take advantage of programs that encourage learning, creativity and community engagement, reinforcing the idea that the County Library offers opportunities for discovery at every age.
With 32 County Library locations, residents have access to more than books. Free programming, digital resources, technology, educational tools and other services make each branch a place to discover something new throughout the year.
Session 5 runs Oct. 13 through Nov. 22. Program offerings, dates and times vary by location. Residents are encouraged to check with their local San Bernardino County Library for the Session 5 schedule and find the programs that are right for them.
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.
Glow big this Halloween with San Bernardino County Library
Something boo-tiful is brewing at San Bernardino County Library! This Halloween, customers can scare up a glowing goodie by stocking up on books, movies and more during the Friendly Frights circulation incentive.
From Oct. 13-31, customers who check out 30 qualifying items can receive a colorful Halloween pumpkin bucket featuring a light-up handle, while supplies last. Choose from orange, purple, green or neon green, based on availability.
Whether you’re sinking your fangs into a spine-tingling mystery, checking out a stack of ghost stories, brewing up some family movie nights or discovering your next favorite read, there are plenty of fang-tastic reasons to haunt your local library this October.
“Friendly Frights gives us a fun opportunity to connect the excitement of Halloween with reading and discovery,” said Library Programs Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “The light-up buckets add an extra element of fun while encouraging families to explore everything available at their local library.”
Creep on over to Friendly Frights
The treats don’t stop at the checkout desk! Throughout October, participating library branches will be conjuring up Friendly Frights celebrations filled with Halloween-inspired activities, crafts and family fun. These playful gatherings promise more giggles than screams and plenty of opportunities to make some spook-tacular library memories.
Upcoming Friendly Frights events include:
- Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4-6 p.m.
- Crestline Branch: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 3-5 p.m.
- Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch: Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Bloomington Branch: Saturday, Oct. 10, 1-3 p.m.
- Phelan Memorial Library: Thursday, Oct. 15, 3-5 p.m.
- Hesperia Branch: Thursday, Oct. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 3-6 p.m.
- Big Bear Lake Branch: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 4-6 p.m.
- Lake Arrowhead Branch: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Adelanto Branch: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-4 p.m.
- Barstow Branch: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-4 p.m.
- Joshua Tree Branch: Saturday, Oct. 24, 1-2 p.m.
- Chino Branch: Monday, Oct. 26, 4-6 p.m.
- Loma Linda Branch: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 4-7 p.m.
- Grand Terrace Branch: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3-5 p.m.
- Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 4-6 p.m.
- Mentone Senior Center and Library: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2-5 p.m.
- Running Springs Branch: Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-noon
- Twentynine Palms Branch: Saturday, Oct. 31, 1-3 p.m.
- Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m.
- Muscoy Baker Family Learning Center: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m.
- Yucca Valley Branch: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes and bring the whole family to their local library for a fun-filled Halloween celebration that’s more delightful than frightful.
All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Event activities, schedules and availability may vary by location.
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.
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 are now on sale
Looking for a fright after dark? Get ready for the return of the popular Haunted Hayride!
Tickets areavailable 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 free for children ages 10 and under. 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.
Gift a Kid a Book Pop-Up Literacy Tour is coming to five cities
This month, First 5 San Bernardino is taking its Gift a Kid a Book campaign on the road with a Pop-Up Literacy Tour, bringing free books, family-friendly activities and the joy of reading to communities across San Bernardino County.
Families with children ages 5 and under are invited to join us for a free literacy experience designed to help little ones build their home libraries and participate in the fun of gifting a book! All events are from 4 – 6:30 p.m. except Big Bear, which will be held from 2 – 4 p.m.
1,000 books will be given away at each pop-up!
View the schedule and RSVP for a pop-up near you.
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 third 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.
Additional County Update News – October 1, 2026
- Prepare Where You Live: Staying ready in the valley
- Medi-Cal changes coming Jan. 1, 2027: What members need to know
- First 5 San Bernardino and County Public Health featured on FOX 11 for National Child Passenger Safety Week
- A renewed community center for Wonder Valley
- County Office of Emergency Services hosts first-ever Family Preparedness Day
- County teams respond to illegal cannabis operation in El Mirage
- Mobile Defense Program will bring free legal assistance to Hesperia on Oct. 14
- Say ‘I boo’ this Halloween at Calico Ghost Town
- County invites community to free Fall Wellness Extravaganza
- Transform care. Transform lives. Become a child psychiatrist.
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Wildwood Canyon State Park
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Adelanto
- Pet of the Week: Lucas