The Mitzelfelt Memo is a periodic electronic newsletter from the office of Brad Mitzelfelt, First District Supervisor for the
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| In This Issue... | November 12, 2008 |
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County to Collect Holiday Gifts for Troops and Their Families Improvements Coming to Outlying Desert Fire Stations County Efforts Help Secure Funds for Increased Desert Fire Protection Join the Largest Earthquake Drill in U.S. History County Expands High Tech Tracking of Criminals Barstow Sheriff Station Expansion Moves Forward Mitzelfelt Kicks Off Senior Fitness Program Playground Equipment Approved for Adelanto Park Supervisors Approve $1 Million in Park Upgrades Improvements Coming to Twentynine Palms Mobile Medical Clinic to Serve County Residents Wrightwood Winter Traffic Spurs Recommendations
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County to Collect Holiday Gifts for Troops and Their Families
San Bernardino County has unveiled its plan to again partner with Yellow Ribbon of America to collect holiday gifts for troops and their families. The County Department of Veterans Affairs will partner with the nonprofit group to collect and distribute holiday gifts in a repeat of last year’s operation which successfully collected about 50,000 items to send to troops serving overseas. Although gifts will again be collected for troops this year, the focus will be on collecting gifts for the children and families of the troops. “Our troops have an important job to do – the last thing they need to be doing is worrying about whether or not their children will be taken care of during the holidays,” said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who is himself a veteran. “We’re hoping to ease their minds by ensuring their kids and families are well cared for.” The Department of Veterans Affairs will coordinate the collections, and individual County department heads will work with their employees to collect items. The Department of Veterans Affairs is placing collection boxes at County fire stations, branch libraries and other County offices. Suggested donations include pre-paid phone cards, gift cards and new, unwrapped toys. Yellow Ribbon of America will collect the care packages and distribute them to families the group has been providing holiday care packages to the troops and their families since 2004. While most items collected will be distributed to military families, the County will work with Touch of Home Support 4R Deployed Military – a Crestline-based nonprofit – to send any donated comfort items such as hygiene products, snacks, books, and magazines to local troops serving overseas. Improvements Coming to Outlying Desert Fire Stations The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on October 7 authorized improvements at County fire stations in the communities of Hinkley and Trona. Supervisors approved plans to replace the Trona Fire Station parking lot and to purchase a vacant lot next to the Hinkley station to accommodate future expansions. “Ensuring adequate fire facilities in our communities is vital to preserving public safety,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the areas. “But it’s especially important in our outlying areas.” The improvements are the most recent in a series of improvements to fire safety in outlying areas. A much-needed fire station in the Goffs area Kelso took its first step toward becoming a reality in August when the Board of Supervisors approved the sale of surplus land to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District. The station would augment fire protection and rescue services in the eastern Mojave Desert and along the transportation corridors of I-40, Highway 95 and Route 66 (National Trails Highway). It would also provide additional coverage for the communities of Baker, Needles and Havasu Lake. Goffs is 30 miles west of Needles and 50 miles east of Amboy. Supervisor Mitzelfelt also continues to work toward planning a fire station to serve Interstate 40 in the area between Ludlow and Amboy. On June 24, Supervisor Mitzelfelt secured Board of Supervisors approval for $300,000 to go toward design work for the station. County Efforts Help Secure Funds for Increased Desert Fire Protection Supervisor Mitzelfelt on October 10 announced success in an effort by San Bernardino and other Western counties to secure additional federal funds to offset the costs of providing services in areas with large federal land ownership and low property tax base. The Supervisor said he intends to ask the Board of Supervisors to use these funds, which could amount to $5.6 million over four years, to build and staff a much-needed fire station along a remote portion of Interstate 40, along with other fire and emergency service improvements. Mitzelfelt has proposed that a new County fire station be built in the area between Ludlow and Amboy, where accident response times from the Barstow, Baker or Needles areas can be as long as 45 minutes to an hour. The additional funds are a result of the President’s October 3rd signing of the financial institutions “bailout” legislation, which included an unprecedented allocation of full funding for the Department of Interior’s Payments In Lieu of Taxes program (PILT). PILT partially assists counties in funding local services in areas dominated by federal lands, like the Mojave Desert, but it has not been funded to the level authorized by statute since its inception in 1976. Supervisor Mitzelfelt serves on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Public Lands Steering Committee. The committee has directed the advocacy efforts of NACo, who along with San Bernardino County's public lands consultant and Director of Legislative Affairs and other Western counties helped secure the additional dollars. "I'm gratified to see our efforts over the past eight years to increase PILT funding helped elevate this issue to a high-profile position within a high-profile legislative package,” Mitzelfelt said. Supervisor Mitzelfelt credits increased safety along the interstate corridors between Nevada and California to the County’s fire station in Baker that opened in two years ago, along with increased staffing and equipment. These resulted from significant General Fund support. He also credits mutual aid with other agencies, including the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Fire Department, which responds to hundreds of calls off the base per year. Mitzelfelt recently recognized Base Fire Chief Robert Wyman for his department’s recent selection as the Best Large Fire Department in the Defense Department. Join the Largest Earthquake Drill in U.S. History To help motivate every resident to get ready for an inevitable major earthquake, a coalition of business, community and government leaders have organized The Great Southern California ShakeOut – a series of events from November 12 through 16 that will comprise the largest earthquake disaster drill in U.S. history. As a member of the California Seismic Safety Commission, Supervisor Mitzelfelt serves as co-chairman of the San Bernardino County ShakeOut Campaign and has been working to encourage community involvement in the drill. “We received an impressive response from community groups, schools, churches, city governments and emergency professionals and volunteers who will be participating,” said Mitzelfelt. “But it’s not too late to get involved – I encourage those still interested in participating to come to one of our events.” All County residents are invited to participate by attending one of two public events being hosted by Mitzelfelt. The first event will be held Wednesday, November 12, from 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Victor Valley College. The second event will be held Thursday, November 13, the day of the ShakeOut drill, from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. Supervisor Mitzelfelt will speak at each event followed by Kathleen Springer, senior curator for geological sciences at the County museum, who will give an eye-opening description of the science behind the ShakeOut scenario and the consequences of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault. More information about the drill is posted at www.shakeout.org. County Expands High Tech Tracking of Criminals The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on October 7 approved plans to expand available options for law enforcement officers to track convicted criminals in the County. The methods include tracking offenders with Global Positioning Satellites, home-based electronic monitoring for offenders on house arrest, and alcohol monitoring for offenders with alcohol-related convictions, such as driving under the influence. “As advances in technology provide new tools for law enforcement officials to track offenders, it’s important that we make those tools available to our officers,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “Expanding electronic surveillance of criminals will help our law enforcement officers to keep a closer watch over them, resulting in a more efficient use of resources and a safer community.” Supervisors approved an agreement with to provide GPS tracking of gang members and sex offenders on probation and electronic monitoring services for offenders under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Department. In addition, a contract was approved to provide alcohol monitoring services to offenders on probation. All of the tracking services are offender-paid. Supervisors approved an ordinance setting a fee schedule for offenders on electronic monitoring. The rate for offenders on house arrest will be $15 per day. That rate may be adjusted downward based upon an offender’s ability to pay. GPS and alcohol monitoring services will also be provided to offenders who will pay for monitoring services on a sliding fee scale based on their ability to pay. Beginning in 2009, the County is required by Penal Code Section 1202.8 (Proposition 83, Jessica’s Law) to place all current high-risk sex offender probationers on GPS tracking. San Bernardino County first began tracking sex offenders by GPS in 2005. In another effort to address overcrowding in County jails, the County is pursuing a plan to add 1,368 additional beds to the Adelanto Detention Center county jail, increasing the capacity from 706 to 2,074. In addition to the Adelanto expansion, plans are also being developed to expand the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center near Devore. Barstow Sheriff Station Expansion Moves Forward The much-needed expansion of the Barstow Sheriff’s station took another step forward on October 21 when the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors selected a firm to perform design work for the project. “The public safety staff who keep us safe deserve to have good facilities,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “With area growth, which has led to a need for additional staff in the station, this expansion will allow deputies and staff to better serve the public.” Supervisors approved a $180,000 contract with WWCOT of Riverside to provide design and construction administration services for the project. The entire project is expected to cost about $3.5 million. Staff working out of the Barstow station are responsible for covering 10,000 square miles of the County and have been using the same facility for 40 years. As deputies, commanders and support staff have been added to fill growing needs, the station has become overcrowded. About 4,800 square feet of the existing building at 225 E. Mountain View will be remodeled and another 4,000 square feet will be added, along with increasing the parking lot by 40 spaces. The Barstow station is in a unique situation, not only for covering a geographic area that stretches from Trona and Red Mountain to Baker and the Nevada state line, but also for the numerous agencies that deputies and investigators work hand-in-hand with, including the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, the National Park Service, the California Highway Patrol, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Barstow Police Department. Construction work for the expansion and remodeling is scheduled to begin in June 2009 and take about a year to complete. Mitzelfelt Kicks Off Senior Fitness Program Supervisor Mitzelfelt on October 29 kicked off a program at the Victorville Senior Center to help seniors stay fit and active. The program, which uses Nintendo Wii game systems, was unveiled in Victorville but will soon be available at 35 senior centers throughout the County. “Promoting physical activity for seniors is an important component of healthy aging,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “The Wii systems will promote activity and social interaction for seniors as part of the County’s overall healthy aging initiative.” The program is the newest component of the County’s efforts to promote healthy aging, which also includes healthy aging fairs, nutrition programs, and other exercise programs held at senior centers. Nintendo Wii systems offer a variety of games, such as bowling, tennis, boxing, baseball and golf, which require significantly more physical activity than traditional video games. The County has also purchased the license to an exercise program designed specifically for seniors. The games have been shown to improve motor skills, range of motion and balance for seniors, while providing a safer alternative to the actual sports. Ten senior centers in Mitzelfelt’s First District will receive Wii systems, including centers in Phelan, Adelanto, Hesperia, Lucerne Valley, Barstow, Hinkley, Newberry Springs, Big River and Trona. Playground Equipment Approved for Adelanto Park The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on October 21 authorized $80,000 to be used for the construction of new playground equipment and other improvements at Marconi Park in Adelanto. “Ensuring the presence of safe recreational opportunities for our youth is important to their quality of life,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the areas. “These park improvements will be a welcome addition and will provide a positive outlet for local youth.” In addition to playground equipment being installed, other improvements will include picnic tables, a drinking fountain, benches, wood chips for the play area and more. The improvements are expected to be completed within the next year. The park’s amenities are currently limited to athletic fields for soccer and football. The fields were constructed using state park funds secured by the city. The initial project included the installation of bleachers and lights for athletic events but the park currently lacks a play area for younger children. “The City appreciates this partnership with Supervisor Mitzelfelt in bringing needed recreational activities to Adelanto,” said Adelanto City Manager Jim Hart. Supervisors Approve $1 Million in Park Upgrades The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on October 21 approved nearly $1 million in upgrades at regional parks in Victorville and Needles. “Our regional parks at Mojave Narrows and Moabi showcase wonderful natural resources in our deserts,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the areas. “Each park is an oasis in the midst of our expansive deserts – providing opportunities to escape from our hectic way of life.” Supervisors approved a $588,020 project at Moabi to improve the park’s RV camping area. The improvements will allow the park’s RV visitors the convenience of full utility hook-ups at the campsites along the Colorado River. Moabi Regional Park is located adjacent to the Colorado River in Needles and has been in operation for more than 30 years. The park currently has 25 RV camping areas located along the Colorado River. Each area has four campsites, along with three group areas containing ten campsites. Water and electrical connections have already been installed at the RV sites and will soon have sewer connections as well as a result of the Board’s action. Moabi is the most attended park in the County’s regional park system. In addition to camping, it also offers fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing. Supervisors also approved a $370,000 contract to construct improvements at Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville, including a new ADA accessible restroom, sidewalks, and electrical improvements to the boathouse and other buildings. Mojave Narrows, located along the west bank of the Mojave River, offers fishing, boating, camping, hiking, horseback riding, playgrounds and a zero-depth water play area, and is conveniently located in the heart of the Victor Valley. Mojave Narrows is also home to the annual Huck Finn Jubilee. Improvements Coming to Twentynine Palms The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on October 21 authorized improvements at a senior center and park in Twentynine Palms. The improvements include a project to install an emergency generator at the Senior Community Center and a project to design an indoor theater and outdoor amphitheater at Pioneer Park. “These improvements are important to both public safety and quality of life in the Twentynine Palms area,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the area. “These are investments in the future of Twentynine Palms.” Supervisor Mitzelfelt allocated funds for both projects through the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. San Bernardino County administers the CDBG program in an effort to improve community facilities and services. The generator will ensure that the facility always has electrical power available, even during disasters, making the facility available for use as a shelter or operations center in times of emergency. The generator is also critical for ensuring the availability of a cool place for seniors if a disaster or power outage should occur during periods of high summer temperatures. Supervisors also approved the use of $18,000 to design a project to build a 300-seat indoor theater and a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater at Pioneer Park. The project is being constructed through a partnership between the City, County and Theatre 29, a local non-profit group. The mission of Theatre 29 is to bring quality, family-oriented theater to Twentynine Palms while offering opportunities for children and citizens to experience the live arts. Once planning documents are completed, Theatre 29 will pursue additional funds for construction of the project. “We’re ecstatic to have support from the County as we begin our process of planning and fundraising for a new regional arts center in Twentynine Palms,” said Gary Daigneault, President of Theatre 29. “We are a victim or our own success and we now need larger quarters.” The group currently uses a 91-seat theater housed in a former roofing truss factory, which has proven to be too small for crowds drawn to events hosted by Theatre 29. Mobile Medical Clinic to Serve County Residents The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on November 4 accepted the donation of a mobile medical clinic from the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation. The mobile clinic will be used by the County-operated Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) to improve the health of residents throughout the County by providing health screenings and other services. “County residents face multiple barriers to accessing healthcare services, including homelessness, lack of insurance, poverty, transportation and unemployment,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “This new mobile medical clinic will provide new access to primary, preventative and health education services to needy residents throughout the County – especially those in outlying areas.” The mobile clinic, valued at $364,000, will enable ARMC medical personnel to reach residents who cannot travel to ARMC, which is located in Colton. The County will target services toward the elderly, homeless, public housing residents, low-income school children and their families. “The goal of this program is to take healthcare to those who can’t access care at other facilities – especially residents in areas like the High Desert,” said ARMC Medical Director Dr. Dev Gnanadev. Through the use of the mobile clinic, ARMC expects to provide primary, preventative and health education services to approximately 8,640 patients each year. The clinic is scheduled to provide services throughout the County, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, approximately six hours each day. The clinic will serve as an extension of ARMC similar to its three Family Health Centers. The clinic will be staffed by several healthcare professionals, including a Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner, Health Education Specialist/Registered Dietitian, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Eligibility Worker/Clinic Assistant, and a Security Technician/Driver. The services provided on the mobile clinic will be provided at no cost to the public. However, reimbursement from third party payees will help to fund the ongoing cost to operate the mobile medical clinic. ARMC is also seeking private sponsorship for the clinic. The goal is to provide primary, preventative and health education services to the medically under insured and uninsured populations living throughout the County regardless of their ability to pay. Wrightwood Winter Traffic Spurs Recommendations A coalition created to address winter traffic problems in the Wrightwood area on October 23 held its final planning meeting before the beginning of the winter season. The group made several recommendations for improving traffic flow in and out of the winter resort community. “I would like to thank all of the agencies, local businesses and residents who have participated in this effort,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the area and who worked with Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich to lead the coalition’s efforts. “The Wrightwood area offers many recreational opportunities in an idyllic mountain setting, but ensuring a smooth flow of visitors in and out of town has been a challenge. With implementation of the consortium’s recommendations, I’m hopeful we can better balance the needs of visitors, businesses and local residents.” The consortium was formed earlier this year after local businesses and residents voiced concerns to the offices of Supervisors Mitzelfelt and Antonovich regarding severe traffic congestion, parking issues and overcrowding that occurred last winter. The Supervisors’ offices responded jointly by forming a working group of government agencies, community groups and local business people and residents to develop solutions to the concerns. Members of the group included several federal, state and county agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, California Highway Patrol, CalTrans, several county agencies from both Los Angeles and San Bernardino County, including the Sheriff’s Department, Public Works, the Fire Department, and the Office of Emergency Services. Several local community groups participated, including the Wrightwood Communications Group, Disaster Preparedness Group, CERT Team, Property Owners Association, and Fire Safe Council as well members of the Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Mountain High Ski Resort. Some recommendations discussed by the group include:
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