Community cleanup event in Joshua Tree
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 unincorporated Joshua Tree. Residents are encouraged to participate and help keep the community clean and beautiful. Business and commercial waste cannot be accepted.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Location: Sportsman’s Park, 6171 Sunburst St., Joshua Tree
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
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.
County Library launches new fall programs with Session 5
Fall into something new at the San Bernardino County Library as “Session 5” programs return through Nov. 22, bringing 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 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 County 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, County Library 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 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.
This fall, make the County Library part of your routine. Read something new. Create something unexpected. Learn something together. And discover where “Session 5” will take you.
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:
- 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.
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.
Have questions about county jobs? Join the October SBC LevelUP Live FAQ Session
Thinking about applying for a job with San Bernardino County? Attend the next SBC LevelUP Live FAQ Session on Thursday, Oct. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. for a helpful overview of the county hiring process and what to expect when pursuing county career opportunities.
During this free virtual session, San Bernardino County Human Resources staff will share guidance on searching for county jobs, using GovernmentJobs.com, preparing a strong application and understanding the steps that may follow after applying.
Participants will also receive tips to help them prepare for interviews and will have an opportunity to ask questions directly to Human Resources staff.
SBC LevelUP is designed to support job seekers, students, community members and current county employees by providing information, resources and guidance to help them take the next step toward a county career.
How to join
To participate in the live session, visit the SBC LevelUP Live FAQ Session event page and select “Join FAQ Session.”
For additional resources on preparing for a San Bernardino County career, visit the SBC LevelUP webpage.
Fifth annual Child Support Services Trunk or Treat
Get ready for a day of family fun, community resources, and plenty of treats!
The San Bernardino County Child Support Services Department is proud to host its fifth annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 17, bringing together families and more than 50 community partners for one exciting, free event.
Families can enjoy Trunk or Treat activities while connecting with organizations offering val-uable resources and services, including an expungement clinic, employment opportunities, food boxes, pumpkins, diapers and wipes, health screenings, vaccinations, dental services, counseling resources, and much more.
Child Support Services staff will be on site to answer questions about the child support process, help families apply for services and provide information about their cases. The event will also feature games and fun treats for everyone. Parents or guardians must stay with their children at all times.
Join us Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10417 Mountain View Ave. in Loma Linda. The event is free and open to the entire community.
Create an A-MAZE-ing pumpkin marble maze at Regional Parks
test it and take it home for more a-MAZE-ing fall fun. All ages welcome!
Can you help a little pumpkin find its way from start to finish?
Celebrate the fall season with a pumpkin marble maze arts and crafts activity at four Regional Parks on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
Participants will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to build a tabletop maze filled with twists, turns and obstacles. Once the maze is complete, the challenge begins! Tilt and turn the maze to guide your pumpkin from start to finish without touching it.
This hands-on activity combines fall-themed fun with an opportunity to explore gravity, motion and basic engineering design. Participants can experiment with different pathways and obstacles, test their creations and make adjustments to create an even more challenging course.
Build it, test it and take it home for even more a-MAZE-ing fall fun!
All ages are welcome. Supplies will be provided while they last.
Saturday, Oct. 17
• Prado Regional Park | 10-11:30 a.m.
16700 S. Euclid Ave., Chino
• Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park | 1:30-3 p.m.
800 N. Archibald Ave., Ontario
Sunday, Oct. 18
• Yucaipa Regional Park | 10-11:30 a.m.
33900 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa
• Glen Helen Regional Park | 1:30-3 p.m.
2555 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernardino
Park admission is $15 per vehicle. Park admission is free for registered campers at Prado and Yucaipa. Regional Parks are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more park and camping information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for parks news and events updates.
Find your new best friend during PetSmart Charities National Pet Adoption Week
San Bernardino County Animal Care is partnering with PetSmart Charities for PetSmart Charities National Pet Adoption Week, Oct. 20-24, to help shelter pets find loving homes.
Throughout the week, Animal Care staff will be at PetSmart in Fontana with adoptable pets ready to meet potential families. The event is part of a nationwide effort to increase pet adoptions and connect shelter animals with individuals and families looking to welcome a four-legged companion into their lives.
Whether you’re searching for an energetic adventure partner, a loyal walking buddy or a cuddly couch companion, National Adoption Week is a great opportunity to find your perfect match.
To make adoption even more accessible, adoption fees are currently waived for qualifying pets. Each qualifying adoption includes spaying or neutering, a microchip and age-appropriate vaccinations, helping new pet parents save on essential veterinary services.
To help ease the transition into pet parenthood, MetLife Pet Insurance is offering 30 days of complimentary pet insurance with qualifying adoptions.
Event details
Dates and times:
Oct. 20-23: 1-4 p.m.
Oct. 24: 1-3 p.m.
Location: PetSmart, 15042 Summit Ave., Fontana
Even if you’re unable to adopt, you can still make a difference by supporting the Animals aRe First Fund. Donations help provide additional care and resources for shelter animals while they await adoption. Learn more or donate at arffund.org.
Residents can also explore pets available for adoption by visiting animalcare.sbcounty.gov/pets.
For more information about adoptable pets and Animal Care services, call 800-472-5609.
Telling Tails: Paws, Pumpkins & Pet Safety
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of interactive activities with shelter pets. Make tasty treats for our furry friends, learn Halloween safety tips and show off your best costume!
San Bernardino County Animal Care, in partnership with San Bernardino County Library, offers the Telling Tails Reading Program, which gives young readers the opportunity to read aloud to shelter pets waiting for their forever homes. The program provides a fun and rewarding experience that enriches the lives of shelter animals while helping children build confidence and strengthen their reading skills.
This special Halloween-themed event is perfect for children ages 6 to 17.
For more information and registration details, visit the Telling Tails Reading webpage.
County invites community to free Fall Wellness Extravaganza
The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department, in partnership with the Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian, invites residents of all ages to come together for the Fall Wellness Extravaganza on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Haven City Market in Rancho Cucamonga.
The free carnival will bring youth, families, older adults and community members together for an afternoon centered on fun, connection and wellness.
“Strong communities are built when people of all ages have opportunities to connect, enjoy time together and feel a sense of belonging,” said Josh Dugas, director of Behavioral Health. “The Fall Wellness Extravaganza gives families and neighbors a fun way to come together while also reminding us that connection is an important part of our overall well-being.”
“When we create opportunities for generations to come together, we strengthen the connections that make our communities healthier and more resilient,” said Sharon Nevins, director of the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian. “The Fall Wellness Extravaganza is a wonderful opportunity for older adults, children, families and neighbors to connect, have fun and celebrate what each generation brings to our community.”
Guests can enjoy:
- Free carnival rides and games
- Free food and dessert
- Music and entertainment
- Interactive community booths
- Wellness activities focused on mental health, connection and resilience
Each attendee will receive a wristband upon arrival that includes food and dessert vouchers. No carnival tickets are needed.
The event is designed to create opportunities for connection across generations and celebrate the important role relationships, community and belonging play in wellness. Grandparents, parents, caregivers, teens, children, friends and neighbors are all encouraged to attend.
Fall Wellness Extravaganza
Sunday, Oct. 25
3-6 p.m.
Check-in begins at 2 p.m.
Haven City Market
8443 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga
The event is free and open to all ages. Community members are encouraged to register in advance at eventcreate.com/e/fall-wellness.
For more information about San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health programs and services, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.
Celebrate the reopening of the Rialto Branch Library
The San Bernardino County Library invites the community to celebrate a new chapter for the Rialto Branch Library during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The celebration will mark the reopening of the newly renovated branch after two months of closure for construction. Attendees will be among the first to explore enhancements that create a more welcoming, engaging and interactive library experience for customers of all ages.
Adding to the celebration, retired NASA astronaut José Hernández will join the community to commemorate the reopening and help inspire residents through a shared celebration of learning, exploration and discovery.
“Libraries continue to evolve alongside the communities they serve, and the transformation of the Rialto Branch is a wonderful example of what that can look like,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “This renovation creates new opportunities for children and families to read, imagine, create and learn together, and we are especially excited to welcome José Hernández as we celebrate a space designed to inspire our community to dream big.”
Among the renovations is a new storytime area that provides a dedicated and inviting environment where the library’s youngest customers and their families can gather, discover stories and build early literacy skills. The space features an interactive storytime experience complete with a mini animatronic character, immersive globe projection and the capability to incorporate 3D projection mapping onto the walls, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for young learners.
In addition, the renovated branch includes a new Animaker Space, the second in the County Library system, developed in collaboration with Garner Holt Education Through Imagination. The immersive space blends storytelling, creativity and hands-on learning to introduce young people to the imagination, artistry and technology behind animatronics and themed entertainment.
Together, these enhancements reflect the library’s commitment to expanding the traditional library experience and creating opportunities for customers to explore STEAM concepts, develop creativity and discover career-connected learning in an engaging and accessible environment.
“Libraries represent opportunity, discovery and the power of education to transform lives. As the son of migrant farm workers who became a NASA astronaut, I know firsthand that dreams have no limits. The newly renovated Rialto Branch Library is an investment in our community’s future, inspiring young people to dream big, pursue knowledge and reach for the stars,” said former NASA astronaut José Hernández.
“The new display represents an exciting collaboration between Education Through Imagination, Garner Holt Productions and the San Bernardino County Library,” said Bill Butler, vice president of creative development at Garner Holt Productions. “The space features an innovative blend of storytelling technologies designed to immerse and inspire young readers while encouraging them to explore the worlds of science and beyond. We’re thrilled to bring our unique style of creativity and magic to the Rialto community.”
The ribbon-cutting celebration will bring together county and local leaders, community partners, library staff and residents to commemorate the transformation and officially welcome the community back to the Rialto Branch Library.
Following the ceremony, guests will have an opportunity to tour the renovated library, experience the new spaces firsthand and learn more about the programs, resources and services available through the San Bernardino County Library.
Rialto Branch Library ribbon-cutting ceremony
Date: Monday, Oct. 19
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Rialto Branch Library, 251 West 1st St., Rialto
Admission: Free and open to the public
The reopening marks an exciting new chapter for a library that has long served as a place for the Rialto community to read, learn and connect. With refreshed spaces, innovative learning experiences and expanded opportunities for exploration and discovery, the San Bernardino County Library looks forward to welcoming residents back and inspiring the next generation of readers, creators, explorers and innovators.
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.
Additional County Update News – October 15, 2026
- County highlights businesses and celebrates Route 66 at State of the County
- Shift happens: San Bernardino County drops, covers and holds on
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Chief Information and Digital Transformation Officer Andrea L. Daugherty honored
- Annual CCAC Summit focuses on trust, equity and responsive care
- Join the conversation: Land Use Services to present draft design standards at housing study session
- Through Your Eyes: Joshua Tree National Park
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Barstow’s Mardi Gras Parade
- Pet of the Week: Pasta