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Supervisors to Consider Ordinance Barring Sex Offenders from Ice Cream Trucks
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider an ordinance proposed by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt that would prevent sex offenders from obtaining a business license to operate an ice cream truck. Supervisor Mitzelfelt proposed drafting the ordinance recently in coordination with a bill proposed in the State Legislature by Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley).
"Parents have enough to worry about concerning the safety of their kids – wondering if the person driving the neighborhood ice cream truck is a sex offender shouldn’t be one of them," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "Once adopted, our ordinance will help to ensure that doesn’t happen."
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Supervisors to Consider Ordinance to Address Foreclosed Homes
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 13 will consider an ordinance proposed by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt that would require mortgage holders to maintain properties after foreclosures.
"Unfortunately, many foreclosed homes are abandoned and neglected, which creates blight in our neighborhoods and leads to crime and lower property values," said Mitzelfelt. "Mortgage holders should be held to the same standards as residents."
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Supervisors Approve Contract for Construction of Lucerne Valley Skate Park
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 6 awarded a $60,000 contract to Spohn Ranch, Inc. to supply, deliver and install skate park equipment at Pioneer Park in Lucerne Valley. On April 8, Supervisors approved a proposal by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to allocate funding for construction of the skate park.
"I'm happy to see this recreational amenity being made available for local youth so soon," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who has made funding youth programs a priority. "Initial estimates for construction of the skate park projected the park wouldn't be complete until summer, but because the project is moving along so quickly, we're now planning an opening ceremony for May 22."
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Supervisors pick up two national awards from WeTip
Members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 2 collected two awards from the national crime-fighting organization WeTip during the group’s National Conference in Ontario.
Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales was honored as the "County Supervisor of the Year," and First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt received on the county’s behalf the "Program Development Award" in recognition of the county’s implementation of an illegal dumping enforcement program.
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Mitzelfelt Proposal Approved to Expand Illegal Alien Identification, Deportation Program to High Desert Jails
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 22 unanimously approved First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt’s proposal to expand the Sheriff’s Department’s Criminal Illegal Alien Identification unit. The unit, which identifies illegal aliens in the County jail system and refers them for deportation, successfully identified more than 2,300 criminal illegal aliens last year at the County’s West Valley Detention Center (WVDC). The program currently exists only at the County’s WVDC in Rancho Cucamonga.
Supervisor Mitzelfelt proposed allocating $100,000 from his priority policy budget to purchase video conferencing equipment that will enable specially trained staff at WVDC to screen inmates at remote locations. The equipment will be installed in jail facilities in Barstow, the Morongo Basin, the Victor Valley, and the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.
"We are expanding the Criminal Illegal Alien Identification program to other jails because it’s critical that we identify every criminal illegal alien in our jail system and refer them for deportation," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "Hiring and training staff to perform these duties throughout the County would be very expensive. But my proposal will only cost a fraction of that cost."
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Phelan Road Improvements Approved
Road improvements worth nearly $1.8 million in the Phelan area were approved April 22 by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
"These projects will improve the safety and convenience for motorists in the area," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area. "And the good news is that the bids on these projects were far below the estimated costs, meaning taxpayers are saving more than a half million dollars total on the three projects."
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Wrightwood to Get Emergency Radio Station
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 22 approved a proposal by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to allocate $27,300 to purchase equipment for an emergency radio communications system in Wrightwood. The equipment will be used to provide emergency information to local residents.
"Wrightwood faces a number of natural threats, including forest fires, landslides, avalanches and earthquakes," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who also serves on the State Seismic Safety Commission.
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$600,000 in Grants Approved for Desert Projects, Programs
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 15 approved the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) CDBG program. Included in the allocation is more than $600,000 that will fund community projects and services in the County’s First District.
"The CDBG program is particularly important in rural desert areas where it will make a significant impact," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "There were many worthwhile projects – I only wish we could fund more of them."
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County Rolls Out Emergency Response Equipment
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 15 approved agreements with several communities to distribute emergency response and training equipment countywide. Seven trailers filled with training equipment and emergency supplies are being distributed to different geographic areas of the County in an effort to train citizen volunteers and make equipment and supplies available after disasters.
"We’ve been warned over and over again that a major earthquake is imminent – including this week’s warning by the USGS," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who also serves on the State Seismic Safety Commission. "I cannot stress enough how important it is that everyone be prepared for a disaster. Now is the time to prepare."
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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt attends a press conference April 10 with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to announce the allocation of Proposition 1B funds for local transportation projects, including the expansion of the I-15/215 interchange in Devore.
California Transportation Commission approves a $239 million allocation for County transportation projects
San Bernardino County transportation officials were pleased to receive word that the California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved the allocation of $239 million in Prop 1B Transportation Corridor Improvement Fund (TCIF) for projects within the county. The announcement was made at the CTC hearing in Sacramento on April 10.
"Commuter congestion exacerbated by freight movement through the High Desert will receive much-needed relief," said County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "The I-15/I-215 Devore Interchange keeps High Desert commuters away from their families for far too long every workday. The entire interchange will be reconfigured to allow freight trucks to move through more quickly and passenger vehicles will not have the long waits coming through the Cajon Pass." CTC allocated $118 million in TCIF funding, or nearly half of the estimated cost of the Devore Interchange project.
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$8.4 Million Approved for Desert Road Projects
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 8 approved a plan to allocate $8.4 million for the construction of eight desert road projects. The funds are part of the County’s share of State Proposition 1B local road funds.
"This funding will allow us to expedite the construction of several local road projects that would otherwise still be on the drawing board," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "We’ll begin construction on these projects very soon."
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Supervisors Approve Study of Foreclosure Impacts
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 8 approved a proposal by Supervisors Dennis Hansberger and Brad Mitzelfelt to study negative impacts related to the foreclosure crisis in San Bernardino County. The proposal directs the Sheriff’s Department, County Office of Legislative Affairs and other departments to review illegal activities and public safety threats related to vacant, foreclosed homes, and to review potential responses to those threats.
"There were more than 8,000 foreclosures in the County in 2007 and we had almost 3,300 in the first two months of 2008," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the County’s First District. "Those vacant homes present many public safety risks, including the use of the property for criminal activities, vandalism, providing an unsafe hangout for youth, and the theft of metals from the homes."
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County Requests Federal Reimbursement for Jailing Illegal Aliens
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 1 voted to approve a policy position that seeks additional reimbursement from the federal government for costs incurred by the County by incarcerating inmates who are in the United States illegally.
"Our County jailed more than 4,000 illegal aliens last year alone," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt who proposed the policy direction, along with Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Biane. "They were incarcerated for an average of more than 120 days each, which cost the county approximately $24 million. San Bernardino County taxpayers shouldn’t have to shoulder that burden."
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County to Use Technology to Expand Surveillance of Criminals
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 1 approved a plan to expand the use of technology for monitoring convicted criminals in the County. Supervisors authorized the use of home detention electronic monitoring devices for minimum security inmates and low risk offenders.
"Our jails are so overcrowded that our Sheriff releases more than 100 inmates each day," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who has been an advocate for both the expansion of County jails and the use of technology to track criminals. "The least we should do is use available technology to track them rather than simply releasing them unmonitored into the community."
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Supervisors Approve Free Day at County Fair for Residents
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 1 approved a plan to sponsor the San Bernardino County fair, an action that will result in free fair admission for County residents on May 12.
"The San Bernardino County Fair is a valuable asset to the quality of life for County residents," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Fair. "The fair provides families with the opportunity to explore the County’s agricultural heritage while also enjoying other family-friendly entertainment."
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Comment Period for Granite Wind Energy Project Extended
At the request of San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, the comment period for the Granite Mountain Wind Energy project east of Apple Valley has been extended to May 5.
"These huge turbines will be visible from Apple Valley and Lucerne Valley. I want to be sure that residents are given an adequate opportunity to voice their concerns," said Mitzelfelt, who represents the area.
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Mitzelfelt Proposes Barring Sex Offenders from Ice Cream Trucks
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 25 unanimously approved a proposal by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to support a proposed law to prevent sex offenders from operating ice cream trucks. Supervisor Mitzelfelt also proposed drafting an ordinance that would implement the provision of the bill in San Bernardino County.
"Parents have enough to worry about concerning the safety of their kids – wondering if the person driving the neighborhood ice cream truck is a sex offender shouldn’t be one of them," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "Once adopted, our ordinance will help to ensure that doesn’t happen."
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Phelan Pinon Hills CSD to Get Temporary Help from County
To assist the start-up of the new Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 25 approved an agreement to have the County provide staff and services temporarily.
"I was gratified to have been able to help this grass-roots campaign for local control succeed," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area. "Now they just need a hand until they can hire staff and make the transition to running their own day-to-day operations."
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Code Enforcement Officers Bust Illegal Dumper in Hesperia
Thanks to information received through We Tip, San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Officers tracked down a man who was seen illegally dumping buckets of oil-contaminated soil in Hesperia. The tipster could now be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
"The desert is not a dumping ground," said County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area. "Anyone thinking of dumping in the desert had better think again because not only are our Code Enforcement Officers on the lookout, but law abiding citizens are watching, too."
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County, BLM Agree to Joint Review of Solar, Wind Energy Projects
With the potential for wind and solar energy projects to spread across the desert, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 18 approved an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to work together on environmental reviews of these proposals.
"The BLM has received more than 100 applications for wind and solar projects. These have the potential to change the face of the Mojave Desert forever," Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said. "This agreement ensures that the county will have a strong voice in evaluating these proposals."
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Funding Approved for Desert Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 18 approved an agreement to distribute nearly a quarter-million dollars of funding from the State Department of Parks and Recreation for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enforcement in the Victor Valley and Barstow areas.
"Enforcement of the County’s Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance has been quite successful and this additional funding will help to ensure that we’re able to continue those enforcement efforts," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, whose district includes many of the Mojave Desert areas where OHV use is popular. "We welcome OHV use in the desert as long as it’s done responsibly and in appropriate areas."
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Supervisors Approve Mojave Narrows Regional Park Improvements
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 18 awarded a construction contract for a $182,000 improvement project at Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville. The improvements include construction of new restroom facilities, the construction of shade structures, picnic areas and other work to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
"Mojave Narrows is a tremendous quality of life asset to the Victor Valley and improvements there are part of my ongoing efforts to provide improved recreational amenities in the High Desert," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area. "This is the most recent in a series of improvements we’ve made at the park."
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County Partners with Mojave Water Agency to Offer Water Conservation Incentives
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 11 approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mojave Water Agency (MWA) for participation by the County’s Special Districts Department, Water and Sanitation Division in MWA’s Water Conservation Incentive Program.
"The High Desert continues to experience significant population growth. As the population continues to increase, so too does the demand for water," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the High Desert. "It’s important that we all learn to make better use of our limited water supplies and one of the easiest and most cost-efficient methods of doing that is through conservation."
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Boys & Girls Club Receives Grant for Delinquency Prevention Initiative
Young people at risk of juvenile delinquency in Victorville will be steered from negative, potentially delinquent behavior with the help of the new DELINQUENCY PREVENTION INITIATIVE from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The City of Victorville is providing funding to the Boys & Girls Club of the Victor Valley as part of a two-year collaborative grant project for 2008-2009. The City of Victorville was one of 18 cities in the state awarded a grant as part of an overall strategy to combat gang violence and help troubled and at-risk youth.
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Supervisors Expedite Construction of High Desert Government Center
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 4 approved an agreement with the City of Hesperia for pre-construction, design, and program management services that will cut at least six months off of the time needed to build a new High Desert County Government Center.
"Bringing this new facility to the Victor Valley will mean improved service and convenience for High Desert residents," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who has led the county's efforts to plan, finance and build the new center. "The new government center will provide a variety of County services in one location – saving High Desert residents from having to visit multiple offices or drive to San Bernardino."
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Several Desert Road Projects Move Forward
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 4 approved several High Desert road projects aimed at enhancing traffic flow, providing a smoother ride and improving drainage during rainstorms.
"High Desert weather is rough on our roads," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "Whether it’s the heat of summer melting the asphalt or the rain of winter dissolving our roads, it’s a constant effort to keep the roads in good condition. In addition to maintaining our roads, we are involved in a continuous process of expanding our existing roadways to deal with ever-increasing traffic."
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New Wrightwood Park Site to Open to the Public
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 4 approved an agreement with the Snowline Joint Unified School District to dedicate land at Wrightwood Elementary School for a community park.
"Providing parks and other places where children and families can play is an essential component of our quality of life," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who worked on behalf of local residents to negotiate the deal. "We’ve been working with the Wrightwood Municipal Advisory Council for the past year to provide a park for the community."
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Supervisors Approve $2 Million for High Desert Youth Center
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 4 approved a $2,154,589 contract with Victor Community Support Services to provide one-stop youth services in the High Desert.
"It’s important that we give at-risk youth the means and ability to overcome the challenges they face," stated Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "The One-Stop Transitional Age Youth Center will be another tool to combat the problems of gangs and homelessness in the High Desert by helping at-risk youth transition into self sufficiency."
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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, left, meets with SCLA Director of Business Development Jim Worsham, center, and Silverado High School Engineering Instructor Joshua Custodio to discuss the transition of students from local high schools into the aviation technician training program at SCLA.
Boys and Girls Club Expands Services to Silverado High School
At a kick-off event on March 3, Hendon Harris, President of the Boys and Girls Club of the Victor Valley, was joined by San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and numerous other local leaders to unveil the club’s newest facility located at Silverado High School.
"Today was a major step forward in our efforts to give children the tools they need to succeed in life," stated Hendon Harris. "Supervisor Mitzelfelt’s support of the Boys and Girls Club made this expansion possible, and we cannot thank him enough."
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County Seeks $100 Million to Help Expand Adelanto Jail
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 4 will consider a request to the State of California, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Corrections Standards Authority, requesting funding in the amount of $100,000,000 to help add 1,368 additional jail beds to the Adelanto Detention Center county jail.
"This jail expansion project is one of my top priorities because it means we’ll be able to keep more criminals off the street," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who pushed for the expansion. "More jail space means we’ll avoid early releases and keep inmates behind bars where they belong."
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Mitzelfelt Proposes Road Powers for Oak Hills
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 4 will consider Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt's proposal to give a special district in Oak Hills authority over road maintenance in the district. The action could lead to improved maintenance of local roads that are not currently part of the County Maintained Road System.
"Giving this authority to the local district will give residents the opportunity to take an active role in the maintenance of their roads," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who proposed the powers. "In many cases, the County is prohibited from performing maintenance on roads that are not part of the County Maintained Road System – based on the decisions made by local residents, this action could afford the opportunity to improve those roads."
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Mitzelfelt's Quake Panel Appointment Confirmed by Senate
The California State Senate on February 28 confirmed Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appointment of County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to the California Seismic Safety Commission.
"I was honored when Governor Schwarzenegger appointed me to this important commission in July," Mitzelfelt said, "and I'm appreciative of the Senate's confirmation. Our region is overdue for a major earthquake and I’ve been working with the Commission to ensure that our region is prepared for it."
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Opinion: Safe Neighborhoods Act Will Improve Public Safety
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Mitzelfelt Honors High Desert’s Top Employers
San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on February 21 hosted a luncheon honoring the top 25 employers in the First District.
"Local businesses are the foundation of our economy and our community," Supervisor Mitzelfelt told attendees. "Our region’s businesses are what make the High Desert a great place to live."
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High Desert Corridor Draws International Interest
A standing-room-only crowd of representatives from top U.S. and international engineering and financial firms packed a room on February 11 anxious to ask about how they can participate in building a major new expressway across the High Desert in a groundbreaking public-private effort.
"To have serious international interest in the High Desert Corridor is monumental proof of the need that exists for this expressway in both San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties," said Brad Mitzelfelt, chairman of the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Authority and also a San Bernardino County supervisor. "This proves the Governor’s recent call to build new infrastructure through public-private partnerships can attract top engineering and financial firms."
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Safety Project Approved for Roads in Apple Valley
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 12 approved an $864,000 contract for a safety improvement project on Central Road and Ocotillo Way in the Apple Valley area.
"There have been a number of accidents at the intersection and local residents have also asked for safety improvements at the intersection," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area. "Hills at the intersection make it difficult to see oncoming traffic."
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Supervisors Approve Contract to Redesign Summit Valley Road
A popular alternative to the Cajon Pass took its first step toward a major upgrade on February 5 when the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved a contract to design improvements for Summit Valley Road.
"Many High Desert residents use Summit Valley Road as an alternate route to Interstate 15 through the Cajon Pass, especially when the pass is blocked due to accidents or weather," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "Widening it to four lanes will provide a much-improved alternate route when there are problems in the pass."
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Mitzelfelt Honors High Desert’s Top Businesses
San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on February 6 hosted a luncheon honoring the top 25 sales tax-producing businesses in the First District.
"Local businesses are the foundation of our economy," Supervisor Mitzelfelt told attendees. "Our nation’s businesspeople – entrepreneurs and private business owners, are the ones whose innovation and hard work make our country a great place to live."
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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt presents a $25,000 check to the High Desert Chapter of the American Red Cross January 17 in Victorville. The funds will be used for disaster preparedness efforts.
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Opinion: Full Implementation of Jessica’s Law Needed
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Mitzelfelt Adds Vista Road Rail Crossing to Priority List
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on January 15 voted unanimously to approve the addition of a Vista Road rail-crossing project to the Measure I Plan Project List. Placement on the list, which shows projects with the highest priority, is necessary in order for the project to be eligible for Measure I transportation funds generated by the local half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2004.
"Building an overpass on Vista Road will not only be a public safety improvement, but it will also be a welcome relief to local residents who get stuck waiting for trains," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area and proposed adding the project to the list. "There have been instances where emergency vehicles were delayed by trains while those in need waited in Silver Lakes."
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Supervisor Mitzlefelt joined community leaders January 11 to break ground for the new Phelan Library. From left are Snowline Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees President Michael Patterson, Supervisor Mitzelfelt, construction contractor Mark Forbes, and Phelan MAC Chairwoman Carolyn McNamara
Mitzelfelt, Local Leaders Break Ground for Phelan Library
First District San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on January 11 joined community leaders to host a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Phelan library. Construction will now begin on an 8,400 square-foot building that will serve as the first stand-alone public library in the area.
"Bringing more educational and cultural amenities to the High Desert has been a priority for me," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area and proposed and secured funds for the new library. "Bringing a new library to Phelan will provide a wonderful community improvement for both children and adults."
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Opinion: Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Latest Blockbuster
- Not "T-3" - Introducing "P3"
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Mitzelfelt Testifies in Defense of Jessica’s Law before State Panel
San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on January 9 testified before the California Sex Offender Management Board in response to some who have questioned the efficacy of California’s Jessica’s Law during similar hearings in other parts of the state. The Board, created by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, is charged with oversight of all aspects of the systems that manage registered sex offenders in California.
The First District Supervisor, who represents mostly High Desert areas, called for full implementation of Jessica’s Law, including statewide GPS tracking of sex offenders, which was mandated by voters when they overwhelmingly approved Proposition 83 just over a year ago.
"Jessica’s Law is a landmark policy, and it can only work properly with a large-scale GIS-based GPS implementation that was promised to voters, who passed Proposition 83," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "Using GPS devices has been very successful for us at the County level – so successful that we’ve been using them to not only track sex offenders, but also gang members."
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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and State Senator Bob Dutton (left) during a news conference Nov. 7 in Lake Arrowhead, announcing that, despite the recent fires, the mountain communities of San Bernardino County are still open for tourism and recreation. Mitzelfelt also announced the County’s half- million-dollar advertising campaign, approved December 18 by the Board of Supervisors to inform Southern California residents that the mountains -- from Big Bear to Wrightwood -- are still a great weekend getaway. View video of press conference.
Support Our Troops Campaign a Success
Representatives of the U.S. military on December 21 picked up approximately 30,000 items collected through San Bernardino County's Support Our Troops 2007 campaign for delivery to Iraq and Afghanistan. That number is expected to rise to more than 50,000 items as County staff continue to process donations.
"Being a veteran of a foreign war myself, I know how much it means to have strong support on the home front," said County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "Being separated from your family in time of war is difficult, but the holidays are an especially hard time for our troops. Receiving gifts like this from your fellow countrymen is a tremendous morale booster."
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Supervisor Mitzelfelt participates in the Sheriff’s Annual Bicycle Give-Away Program December 19 in Victorville with Sheriff Gary Penrod (left) and community booster Doris Davies (seated). Mitzelfelt is supporting 16 additional community organizations, including Toys for Tots, the Sheriff's Deputies' "Shop With a Cop" charity and others, in an effort to help those groups better provide for those in need during the holiday season.
Mitzelfelt Expands Youth Fire-Starter Prevention Program
At the request of Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, a program to prevent children from becoming fire-starters was expanded on December 18 by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
"These are young people at risk of going down a dangerous path and this program will improve their lives and the safety of High Desert residents," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the High Desert. "This is another example of the county’s efforts to reach our youth now before they find themselves in trouble later."
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Mitzelfelt Delivers Funds to Help Provide Legal Aid to Marines San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on December 14 delivered a $5,000 check to the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino to assist the organization in providing legal services to Marines and their families at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. Legal assistance will now be provided by the Legal Aid Society at an on-base facility provided by installation commander Brigadier General Melvin Spiese.
"Thanks to this partnership between General Spiese, the Legal Aid Society and the County, we'll be able to supplement legal services provided by the Marine Corps to ensure that Marines and their families are assisted with legal matters," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, a former Marine. "Taking care of those who are protecting us is the right thing to do."
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Yucca Loma Bridge to Provide New East-West Route
An agreement approved on December 11 by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors between the county, the Town of Apple Valley and the City of Victorville will pave the way for a new bridge over the Mojave River.
"East-west travel is one of the most pressing issues in the Victor Valley," said county Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the High Desert. "It’s great that the county, Apple Valley and Victorville can pool their resources to get this important project moving."
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County to Study Trauma System Adequacy
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, at the request of First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, on December 4 authorized the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA) to develop a plan to perform a countywide assessment of the County’s existing trauma system.
"There are currently only two designated trauma hospitals in San Bernardino County, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Loma Linda University Medical Center," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "These are world-class facilities, however there are no trauma centers in the High Desert."
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County Partners with Victorville on $1 Million Gang Intervention Plan
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on December 4 unanimously approved a request to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for funding to support gang prevention, intervention, and suppression activities in the City of Victorville. The grant includes reentry services, education, job training and skills development, and will supplement Victorville’s U-turn gang intervention program.
"We’ve partnered with the City of Victorville to develop a $1 million proposal to expand the City’s gang prevention strategy," said First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "The proposal would include the addition of probation officers devoted to gang intervention."
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Supervisors approve agreement to bring new library to phelan The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on December 4 approved an agreement with Sanka Development, Inc. of Phelan to lease an 8,400 square-foot building to be used as the new Phelan Library. The building will serve as the first stand-alone public library in the area.
"Bringing a new library to Phelan has been one of my top priorities," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt who represents the area and proposed and secured funds for the new library. "Today, we are one step closer to that reality."
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Local Agency Commissioners Approve Campaign Disclosure Reform
The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) on November 28 adopted a policy implementing provisions of Assembly Bill 745, which provides greater transparency in government. The policy closes loopholes related to ballot initiative measures affecting local annexations and reorganizations, and requires political organizers and contributors to disclose and report contributions and expenditures related to such measures.
"This policy requires political campaigns to be open and honest so that the public knows where political contributions are coming from," said County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who serves as an alternate commissioner on the LAFCO board and voted in favor of the policy.
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Supervisors Approve Agreement to Develop Nurse Training in Barstow
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on November 20 unanimously approved an agreement proposed by First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to allocate $75,000 in economic development program funds to help create a registered nurse training program at Barstow Community College.
"There is a severe nursing shortage in our county that must be addressed in order to maintain adequate medical services in our region," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "Nurses are a vital component of our healthcare system, yet we are currently understaffed by more than 300 nurses in our county alone."
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Opinion: A Forward-Thinking (But Overdue) Highway Plan
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Officials Declare Mountain Communities Open for Business
With the scenic, tree-lined banks of Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains serving as a backdrop, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sen. Bob Dutton, San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, and California Travel and Tourism Director Caroline Beteta declared the region open for business. View video of press conference.
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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt joined Colonel Ken Enzor, Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, as Guest of Honor at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball November 7th in Primm, Nevada. Supervisor Mitzelfelt is a Marine Corps combat veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, respectively.
Supervisors Approve Mitzelfelt Plan to Add High Desert Nurses
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on October 23 unanimously approved an agreement with Victor Valley College to allocate $150,000 in funding to help expand the Victor Valley College Nursing Program.
The agreement, proposed by First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt earlier this year, will allow the college to add an additional 40 nursing students to the program. The program normally only has capacity for about 36 new students per semester.
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Supervisors Approve Mitzelfelt Plan to Track Sex Offenders
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on September 25 approved a proposal by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to fund a Sheriff's sex-offender tracking team. Mitzelfelt's plan, co-sponsored by Sheriff Gary Penrod, provides supplemental Sheriff’s staff to support multi-agency efforts to locate, monitor, and investigate sex offenders in San Bernardino County.
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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt is joined by Sheriff's Department officials to announce the formation of a Sex Offender Tracking Team.
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Mitzelfelt, Board Support Gang Intervention
As part of San Bernardino County's continuing efforts to reduce gang violence, the Board of Supervisors on September 25 approved a program to steer young people away from gangs.
"It's important that we catch and punish gang members who victimize our citizens," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "But equally important is trying to keep children from being drawn into gangs in the first place. That's why I've made it a priority to support community programs that give young people alternatives to the street."
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Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District Approved by LAFCO
The San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) on September 19 voted to give final approval for the formation of a Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District. The new district, which will combine three existing Board of Supervisors-governed special districts in the area, will oversee park, street lighting and water services in the area.
"This is a victory for the Phelan and Pinon Hills communities because it means more local control," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "This will give local residents the opportunity to be more closely involved in decisions that affect their area."
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Supervisors act to prevent mass release of state prisoners MORE
Museum Goes on the Road for High Desert Students
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on September 11 approved funding for the San Bernardino County Museum’s "Museum on the Road" educational program. The program, which is funded by a $15,000 Community Foundation grant, is an educational outreach program for students and residents in the High Desert.
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who has made bringing a County Museum to the High Desert one of his goals, said the program is a good alternative for students unable to travel to the County Museum in Redlands. "Until we get a branch of the County Museum in the High Desert, this is a great option for our students," he said.
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Opinion: Big Earthquake Inevitable; Catastrophe Isn’t New Website Feature Provides Preparedness Info/Links MORE
Supervisors to Locate New County Building in Hesperia
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on August 28 unanimously selected a 4.42-acre site within the City of Hesperia for locating a new High Desert Government Center building project.
The four Supervisors present approved an agreement to acquire the property from the City of Hesperia for the construction of a proposed 60,000 square-foot government center. The proposed location of the County-owned building is on the northwest corner of Smoke Tree Street and 7th Avenue, adjacent to the new City Hall and the new Hesperia Branch Library.
"This new Government Center will give High Desert residents a conveniently located facility where they can conduct business with the County, all in one place," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, whose First District includes the Victor Valley. "Some of the services to be offered in the new facility are not even currently available in the High Desert. This facility will bring more services closer to High Desert residents so they don't have to drive to San Bernardino to take care of their business with the County."
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Mitzelfelt Requests additional information following termination of local water emergency
On Tuesday, August 28, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution terminating the Local Water Emergency Proclamation for Lucerne Valley. The emergency, proclaimed by the Board of Supervisors on August 8, resulted from an abrupt and unforeseen stoppage of hauled water in Lucerne Valley.
Although an emergency no longer exists, the County is continuing to monitor the situation and is providing assistance with water sustainability efforts.
In response to the emergency, Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt requested a Countywide assessment be done to prepare for future unforeseen disasters. Specifically, Mitzelfelt asked that information be gathered regarding the extent of hauled water being used for domestic purposes in rural areas of the county, the number of private and public wells in rural areas of the County that produce water meeting state water quality standards, and the ability of small water systems in rural communities being able to provide potable water to adjacent parcels that may not have an adequate groundwater supply.
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In addition, Mitzelfelt asked for an evaluation of each rural community’s infrastructure including water, power, gas, sewer, telephone services and road accessibility for emergency services. According to Mitzelfelt, "There are lessons to be learned from this emergency. Whatever the situation, the County must be prepared to provide aid to our communities on short notice, and the more information we have, the better prepared we will be."
HIDE
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt is joined by children and representatives of the Boys and Girls Club of the Victor Valley, along with representatives of Major League Baseball, including former Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager (third from right). The Supervisor presented a check for $650,000 from San Bernardino County to the Boys and Girls Club to help expand its programs in the High Desert. Also during the ceremony shortly before the Aug. 21 Mavericks game, Mitzelfelt presented another $650,000 check to Hope For Housing, a non-profit organization that helps kids in low-income housing.
Mitzelfelt's $1.3-Million Contribution to Youth Programs Approved
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on August 21 unanimously approved First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt's proposal to grant $1.3 million to support Victor Valley youth and after school programs.
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Mitzelfelt Partners with Hesperia to Build New Fire Station
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on August 21 unanimously approved partnering with the City of Hesperia to build a new fire station. According to Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, the "joint-use" station, which will be the first of its kind in the High Desert, will be shared by Hesperia Fire Protection District County firefighters as well as County firefighters serving the unincorporated Oak Hills area.
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Governor Appoints Mitzelfelt to Seismic Safety Commission
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on July 6 announced the appointment of San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to the California Seismic Safety Commission.
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County Steps Up Anti-Illegal Dumping Efforts
First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on August 6 announced a five-point plan to combat
illegal dumping in the High Desert and throughout San Bernardino County during a news conference in unincorporated Apple Valley. The plan includes prevention, surveillance, enforcement, clean ups, and community involvement. The event featured a hands-on demonstration of surveillance equipment used to catch illegal dumpers in the act, and the unveiling of WeTip signage encouraging the public to report illegal-dumpers.
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Supervisors Approve Funds to Boost Economic Development Around Apple Valley Airport
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on July 24 unanimously approved an agreement proposed by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to assist the Town of Apple Valley in promoting its North Apple Valley Industrial Specific Plan (NAVISP). The purpose of the NAVISP is to promote industrial development around the Apple Valley Airport.
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Mitzelfelt Proposes New Library for Phelan
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on July 24 approved a plan by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to seek a location for a new library in Phelan. The existing library, located at Serrano High School, is a shared library used by both high school students and the community.
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Supervisors Approve New Plan to Expand Adelanto Jail
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on July 10 approved a proposal by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to expand the Adelanto Detention Center. During architect selection for a smaller-scale expansion at the jail and again during budget hearings earlier this year, Mitzelfelt proposed expanding on plans proposed by the Sheriff's Department to increase the capacity of the jail. The initial plans would have expanded the jail's 706-inmate capacity to 1,618. The expansion suggested by Mitzelfelt will further expand the jail by constructing an additional 456 beds, bringing the total capacity to 2,074.
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Supervisors Approve Funds to Bring Nurse Training to Barstow College
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 19 unanimously approved a proposal by First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to allocate $75,000 in economic development program funds to help create a nurse training program at Barstow Community College.
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Mitzelfelt Awards Top Schools in Fitness Challenge
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on June 21 announced the top five First District schools in the Governor's Fitness Challenge. Supervisor Mitzelfelt joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this year in encouraging local students to improve their health and physical fitness through participation in a statewide fitness challenge. Schools with the highest rates of students completing the challenge will now receive grants to be used for the purchase of sports equipment.
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Mitzelfelt Appointed Chairman of Base Re-use Agency
First District San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on June 13 was unanimously sustained as Chairman of the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority (VVEDA) by the members of the commission. The commissioners, who met June 13 for the first time this year, include Supervisor Mitzelfelt and council members from the cities of Victorville, Adelanto, Hesperia and the Town of Apple Valley.
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Supervisors Approve Mitzelfelt Proposal to Add High Desert Nurses
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 12 unanimously approved a proposal by First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to allocate $150,000 in funding to help expand the Victor Valley College Nursing Program.
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Housing Authority Adopts Policy to Keep Criminals Out
The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino on June 5 adopted a policy to keep criminals out of public housing programs.
"Problems caused by criminals living in public housing or housing subsidized by programs such as Section 8 have been an increasing concern among law enforcement officials, government leaders and especially our county's residents," said First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "We need every tool we can get to keep criminals from infecting our neighborhoods. This new policy gives us one more layer of protection."
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Supervisor Mitzelfelt Delivers $12,000 in Assistance to Phelan Senior Center
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on June 6 brought much-needed assistance to a senior center recently besieged by a series of challenges. Supervisor Mitzelfelt personally delivered the good news about the assistance to a group of about 90 seniors at a County-sponsored luncheon meeting at the Phelan Senior Center.
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County leaders issue update on Needles hospital initiative
Supervisors Approve Mitzelfelt Policy to Protect Private Property
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 5 approved a new county policy proposed by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to limit acquisitions of private property by conservation groups and the federal government.
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Supervisors Approve Equipment for Aviation Job Training
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 5 unanimously approved the purchase of equipment necessary for an aviation training program at Southern California Logistics Airport. The program was initially approved by Supervisors March 20 when a proposal by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to allocate $500,000 to the program was approved. Beginning this fall, the program is projected to create up to 300 newly trained and certified technicians for the growing aviation sector.
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Land Groups Come Out in Support of Mitzelfelt Proposal
Three organizations have come out in support of a land use proposal authored by San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. The Property Owners Association of Riverside County (POARC), the leading land rights organization in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, was the first to speak out in support of the proposal. The Lucerne Valley Economic Development Association (LVEDA) and the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association (MDHCA) also lent their support for the proposal.
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Mitzelfelt Names New Planning Commissioner
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on May 4 nominated Hesperia resident Russ Blewett as the new First District member of the County Planning Commission. Blewett replaces Ken Anderson, who retired from the commission recently.
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Supervisors Approve Plan to Keep More Inmates Behind Bars
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 1 approved a proposal to expand the Adelanto Detention Center, a move that will add space for additional inmates and help deputies to spend more time patrolling and less time transporting arrestees.
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FIRST 100 DAYS PRODUCTIVE FOR NEW SUPERVISOR
It has been 100 days now since Brad Mitzelfelt was appointed to serve as First District Supervisor for San Bernardino County. During his first 100 days in office, the Supervisor has made significant progress.
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Supervisors Announce Plans for Tracking Gang Members
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 17 unanimously approved a proposal by Vice-Chairman Gary Ovitt and First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt calling for a pilot program to track parolee gang members in San Bernardino County.
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Supervisor Mitzelfelt joined officials from the Probation and Sheriff's Department to announce a plan to track gang members using Global Positioning Satellite technology.
Board Creates $1,000 Rewards to Catch Illegal Dumpers
The Board of Supervisors on April 17 continued to make San Bernardino County an unfriendly place for illegal dumpers, approving an agreement with WeTip Inc. to create a reward program for those who turn in guilty parties.
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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt moves a discarded television set during a community cleanup in Phelan on April 14. Volunteers helped remove more than 200 tons of trash and hard-to-dispose-of items this weekend in the Tri-Community, El Mirage and Lenwood. Lucerne Valley is hosting a similar cleanup day on April 28.
FOCUS ON FILMING
What do Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Jessica Alba, Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, Vince Vaughn, and Nicolas Cage all have in common? Each appeared in one of the 25 motion pictures filmed in San Bernardino County during 2006.
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Mitzelfelt Appointed Chairman of High Desert Corridor Board
First District San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on March 29 announced his appointment as Chairman of the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors. The members of the board, who met for the first time on March 28, include Supervisor Mitzelfelt, Supervisor Michael Antonovich from Los Angeles County and city council representatives from both counties. Supervisor Antonovich, who nominated Mitzelfelt for the chairmanship, will serve as Vice-Chairman of the board.
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Supervisor Mitzelfelt greets President George W. Bush at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville.
Mitzelfelt Reinstates Free Access to County Landfills for Bureau of Land Management
First District San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on March 16 re-issued passes to the Bureau of Land Management allowing the agency full and free use of county landfills. The Supervisor said he reissued the dump cards in an effort to assist the BLM with ongoing desert cleanup efforts and to help promote improved cooperation between the County and the federal land management agency. The passes had been revoked by the County several years ago due to policy disputes between the agencies. "I have set forth a goal of cleaning up and beautifying our desert, and the BLM is an important partner in that effort," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "I hope that by cutting the BLM's costs and red tape associated with their access to our landfills we will be helping their cleanup efforts."
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supervisors support group home legislation
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 27 adopted a position in support of pending legislation regarding group homes. The bills, which are currently making their way through the state legislature, would give local governments more control over the placement and licensing of group homes.
Group Homes are used by government agencies for residential placement of a variety of different types of people who are under state care or supervision. Group homes may be used to house foster children or elderly residents, but are also sometimes used to house parolees and sex offenders.
At a sex offender placement conference held March 19 in Sacramento, state and local leaders discussed the threats to public safety caused by sex offenders group homes. One goal of the conference was to discuss better methods of dealing with the placement of paroled sex offenders. Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who attended the conference, said he joined local government representatives in calling for the state to allow more local control regarding locations and regulation of group homes. "This has been the position of our county and our cities for years," said Mitzelfelt. "We have a responsibility to protect our residents from these predators and current state law limits our ability to do that."
Click on the following links for more information on the bills.
Board Approves Plan to Provide Health Care in Needles
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 13 took steps to ensure the people of Needles will again have access to vital health care services within their city limits.
The Board authorized administrators at the County’s hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, to manage and operate the Colorado River Medical Center (CRMC) in Needles as a Critical Access facility and restore many medical services that were moved by the current private-industry provider to a new hospital across the state line in Arizona.
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Supervisors Adopt Anti-Dumping Measures
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on March 13 approved a number of measures aimed at attacking the problem of illegal dumping in San Bernardino County. This action approved the passage of a new County Ordinance that will create fines and penalties for dumpers.
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Mitzelfelt Pledges Funds for Tours to Showcase Desert
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on March 1 pledged to contribute $25,000 to the Barstow-Kelso Heritage Railroad project. The project will consist of Saturday bus tours from the Harvey House in Barstow to the Kelso Depot in the Mojave National Preserve. The tours will showcase historic points and natural wonders in the Preserve. A National Park Service Ranger will accompany each tour group to provide information to passengers on the trip. The bus tours will be part of a pilot-project with the hope to eventually offer tours by rail.
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SUPERVISORS APPROVE IMPROVEMENTS TO PHELAN COMMUNITY CENTER
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 27 voted to approve $40,000 in improvements to the Phelan Community Center. The funds will be used for much-needed repairs and upgrades at the center. The project will include the purchase and installation of a new heating and air-conditioning unit and the facility repairs due to damage sustained as a result of recent inclement weather.
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NACO APPOINTS MITZELFELT TO PUBLIC LANDS STEERING COMMITTEE Supervisor Vows to Fight for Local Funds
The National Association of Counties (NACo) on February 26 announced the appointment of San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to its Public Lands Steering Committee. The committee is charged with oversight and advocacy pertaining to all matters relating to federally owned public lands, including tax immunity problems, shared natural resource payments, payments in lieu of taxes (PILT), and federal land management programs.
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Mitzelfelt Applauds Approval of Gang Injunctions
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 6 approved the creation of a Gang Injunction unit at the District Attorney's office. The unit will complement existing staffing currently engaged in the County's War on Gangs.
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Mitzelfelt Joins Colleagues in Pushing for Student Physical Fitness
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on February 6 announced that he would join Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in encouraging local students to improve their health and physical fitness.
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MITZELFELT SECURES FUNDS FOR HIGH DESERT PARKS
On January 30, Supervisor Mitzelfelt was successful in securing more than $1.2 million in funding for park improvements in the High Desert. The funding is part of a total allocation of more than $3.5 million the County received from a Proposition 40 grant to the County. Proposition 40 is the Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act approved by California voters in 2002.
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Supervisors Move to Get TV Back On-the-Air
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on February 6 approved a $50,000 expenditure to replace equipment necessary to broadcast television service in the Lucerne Valley area. The equipment requires replacement due to vandalism and thefts that occurred last year. Channels 2, 4,7,9 and 11 have been off-the-air since the vandalism last year.
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MITZELFELT SELECTED AS LEADER ON MULTI-STATE COALITION
Supervisor Mitzelfelt on January 26 was selected to serve as Vice-Chairman of the QuadState County Government Coalition. The coalition is a joint powers authority established between counties in four western states, including California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.
"Many of the issues addressed by QuadState pertain to the Mojave Desert region, and my district contains about 17,000 square miles of that desert," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "My goal as Vice-Chairman is to ensure that our voices are heard on federal natural resource and public lands issues."
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MITZELFELT LAUDS PROGRESS AROUND APPLE VALLEY AIRPORT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on January 23 approved a proposal to construct 18 new hangars at Apple Valley Airport. The action is the most recent in a series of airport improvements made by the County, and First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said he anticipates continued progress at and around the airport in the near future.
"These improvements are part of a larger vision, shared by the County and Town of Apple Valley, to make Apple Valley Airport the hub for a North Apple Valley industrial and commercial district," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "The airport has great potential and I’m pleased to see the Town of Apple Valley proposing land uses that both protect the airport from encroachment and benefit from proximity to the airport".
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SUPERVISOR MITZELFELT:
'At your service'
As your newly appointed First District Supervisor, I want to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and how I plan to serve you on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
Before being appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, I served for six years as the Chief of Staff for the First District Supervisor’s office, a job I believe prepared me to assume this position of leadership. During that time, I had the opportunity to play an active role in drafting new policies and developing new programs in County government. Some of these accomplishments include developing budgets that added more Deputy Sheriffs than at anytime in the past 20 years and dramatically increasing Fire Department facilities, equipment and staffing each year.
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Brad Mitzelfelt Appointed First District Supervisor
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on January 10 voted to appoint Brad Mitzelfelt as First District Supervisor. The Board met to consider the appointment and selected Mitzelfelt from an original field of 13 candidates, from which two semifinalists were interviewed.
"I am honored and humbled by this appointment. I'm looking forward to working the hardest I've ever worked for the residents of the First District and San Bernardino County," said Mitzelfelt after his appointment. "I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me and expressed their confidence in me."
San Bernardino County's First District covers an area of over 17,000 square miles, making it the largest Supervisorial district in the nation. The district, which spans much of the Mojave Desert, includes the cities of Adelanto, Barstow, Hesperia, Needles, Twentynine Palms, Victorville and the Town of Apple Valley, in addition to dozens of unincorporated communities.
Mitzelfelt stated that his priorities as Supervisor would include public safety and health, transportation, economic development and quality of life. "I have an obligation to look out for the well-being and best interests of First District residents, and I intend to do so," he said.
Mitzelfelt thanked Board members for giving him the opportunity to succeed former Supervisor Bill Postmus. "I'd like to thank my colleagues for their confidence in me," he said.
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