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| In This Issue... | June 12, 2009 |
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Mitzelfelt Earns National Award for Immigration Screening Program County Requests Federal Reimbursement for Jailing Illegal Aliens Mitzelfelt Awards Youth Intervention Funds in Barstow and Victorville Mitzelfelt Dedicates Veterans Memorial Park in Wrightwood Supervisors Approve Support Services for Military and Families Mitzelfelt Elected Vice President of SANBAG County, Hesperia Sign Agreement to Build High Desert Government Center Thirty Firefighters to be Added with Homeland Security Grant County Seeks $3.75 Million in Stimulus Funds for Crime Programs County Secures Funds for Lenwood Rail Crossing, Needles Highway and Lone Pine Canyon Road Mitzelfelt Presents $25,000 Check to High Desert Red Cross for Disaster Preparedness County Uses Funds to Create Summer Jobs and Reading Program for Youth New Aviation Technology Class Available
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Mitzelfelt Earns National Award for Immigration Screening Program The National Association of Counties (NACo) on June 11 notified First District San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt that he has been selected to receive a 2009 NACo Achievement Award in recognition of his creation of a program to identify illegal aliens in the County's jails. Mitzelfelt allocated $100,000 last year to create a Remote Video Immigration Screening program, which expanded the County's existing program from one jail to five jails using video conferencing equipment and existing staff. "Our immigration screening program has been very successful in identifying illegal immigrants in our jails and through this use of technology we're now able to identify even more inmates for deportation," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "In addition, the technology saves us hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in staffing costs because we are able to use existing trained staff to screen inmates throughout the County." The innovative program is saving the county approximately $260,000 annually in staffing costs, in addition to identifying additional immigration offenders. The NACo Achievement Awards Program recognizes counties for improving the services they deliver to the public. The awards focus on innovation and the use of technology. In 2005 the Sheriff's Department entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide training for designated Sheriff's staff to perform certain immigration enforcement functions, including screening inmates to determine if they are in the country illegally. Criminal illegal aliens are then referred to ICE for deportation. "Quick identification of illegal immigrants in our jails provides several benefits," added Mitzelfelt. "Our program helps prevent their release back into the community, reduces recidivism, frees up jail bed space and potentially helps us to increase reimbursements from the federal government for incarceration costs." NACo Executive Director Larry Naake congratulated Mitzelfelt, saying, "NACo is proud to confer this award and recognize your county's hard work to promote quality, efficient, and responsive management and administration." County Requests Federal Reimbursement for Jailing Illegal Aliens The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 12 voted to request reimbursement from the federal government for costs incurred by the County for incarcerating inmates who are in the United States illegally. "Dealing with illegal immigrants is primarily a federal issue, but when they commit crimes in our county, local resources are impacted," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "I urge Congress to not only continue funding criminal alien reimbursement, but I would like to see the federal government take responsibility for the problem and fully reimburse us for our costs. San Bernardino County taxpayers shouldn't have to shoulder this burden, and should urge their elected officials to oppose current efforts to do away with SCAAP." San Bernardino County experiences a significant amount of crime committed by illegal aliens, with more than 4,000 illegal aliens incarcerated in the County jail system last year. The funds provided by the federal government cover only a fraction of the County's costs. State and local government budgets in areas near U.S. borders are significantly impacted by federal immigration policies. To address the situation, the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) was created to reimburse state and local costs for incarcerating criminal aliens. SCAAP reimbursements have not come close to covering the costs incurred. The federal reimbursement the County expects to receive this year is $2 million, while costs for managing the issue of illegal criminal aliens average $24 million per year in San Bernardino County alone. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has implemented a successful program in recent years, in cooperation with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, to screen, identify and deport immigration offenders arrested in the County. The program identified more than 4,000 illegal aliens in County jails last year who were subsequently referred to ICE for deportation. Mitzelfelt Awards Youth Intervention Funds in Barstow and Victorville On May 19 Supervisor Mitzelfelt presented $20,000 to the Barstow Police Activities League in support of its youth programs. The funds were presented at Barstow City Council meeting in support of the city's PAL program, which is run by the Barstow Police Department in cooperation with the Barstow Sheriffs' Office. "Street gangs are one of the largest crime threats to society," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "The addition of gang intervention programs to the Barstow PAL will strengthen their ability to make a positive impact on the lives of local youth." The Barstow Police Activities League is an established youth program that has successfully served Barstow and the surrounding areas. The new gang intervention programs, funded by Mitzelfelt, will focus on programs to attract youth and create opportunities so that members of law enforcement can mentor them. The program also provides scholarships and other financial support for school athletic programs. "As our youth programs grow, I am confident that we will see reductions in gang activities in our communities," added Mitzelfelt. Last night's donation is the most recent element of a multi-million-dollar effort throughout the First District to develop and support programs designed to give young people productive and healthful alternatives. Supervisor Mitzelfelt has made such programs an integral component of his two-pronged strategy in the War on Gangs, which includes both tough and vigorous enforcement, as well as prevention and intervention to keep youth from joining gangs in the first place. Victorville's innovative Uturn anti-gang program received a major boost on June 11 from Supervisor Mitzelfelt who presented a $50,000 check to city leaders during a press conference at City Hall. "I've supported several youth and gang intervention programs but Uturn is unique because it involves the entire family," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "I'm proud to assist this component of our on-going effort to expand youth programs throughout the High Desert because Uturn helps address the gang problem at its source. Young people who are involved in healthy, enriching activities are far less likely to get involved in gangs and drugs." The Uturn program began two years ago and is a partnership among the County, the City of Victorville, and the state and federal governments. Mitzelfelt has also made contributions to Boys and Girls Clubs, Police Activities Leagues, the YMCA and other programs designed to keep youth on a productive path. He has directed more than $5 million to such programs as part of his commitment to a two-pronged strategy in the war on gangs – vigorous enforcement combined with innovative prevention and intervention programs. "In these tough economic times it becomes increasingly difficult to continue community programs for our youth," said Victorville Mayor Rudy Cabriales. "It speaks volumes of the partnership between the County and City government and our shared commitment to provide our hometown youth with the tools they'll need to be productive and ultimately stay away from gangs." Unlike other prevention based programs, Uturn focuses on the entire family. The program aims to strengthen the family structure and create a greater sense of belonging to the community, thus making gang life less attractive. The program will accept selected families that commit to a minimum of three years to participate in the program. They will participate in individual and family counseling, classes, workshops, family trips, career field trips for youth, job training and education for adult family members, and structured community service for all members of the family. Mitzelfelt Dedicates Veterans Memorial Park in Wrightwood On the occasion of our nation's 141st celebration of Memorial Day weekend, Supervisor Mitzelfelt joined with military veterans and state and federal leaders to dedicate the new Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Park and Memorial. "It is an honor to dedicate this park in honor of those servicemen and women who paid the highest price for the freedoms we enjoy," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. For years, a group of veterans would meet for Saturday breakfasts in the Wrightwood village. The discussion would often turn to the possibility of Wrightwood having its own tribute to American veterans. Discussions became more serious, and eventually a dozen of the veterans formed the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Committee. On December 1, 2007, the organization met for its first official meeting to determine the feasibility of a monument. The first two challenges were to determine how they would raise the money for a monument, and to determine where it could be placed. The committee put together an aggressive fundraising plan to raise the $14,000 needed for the purchase of a monument, but still did not have a location. The Committee then turned to Supervisor Mitzelfelt, a Marine Corps veteran. He decided to have the County purchase two vacant parcels in the Wrightwood village that would expand Wrightwood's park space and also provide the veterans with a location to display the monument. In June 2008 the purchase was completed at a cost of $160,000. The Committee then launched its fundraising efforts and were immediately overwhelmed by the support of local merchants as well as the community as a whole. Donations for the monument flooded in, with many local contractors and builders offering to donate their services. The group quickly raised the $14,000 needed, and in the Fall of 2008 ordered the monument, which would take nine months to cut and design. The monument, which stands six feet tall, three feet wide, and eight inches thick, is made of a solid granite slab and is designed to be dedicated to all past, present and future serviceman and women of all branches of the military. In February 2009, the memorial monument was delivered, and in April work on setting the monument began. The concrete for the base of the monument was donated by Hi-Grade Materials. Kevin Hetzel donated the truck that brought the concrete. Construction of the monument was donated by Anderson Construction, and the cranes to set the monument were donated by McDaniel Crane and Aerial Crane. Additionally, the Timberline Lions Club provided a flagpole, which now stands next to the monument. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works designed and constructed the parking lot and the San Bernardino County Special Districts Department landscaped the park, in addition to providing picnic tables and a walkway that connects to Vivian Null Park. The dedication ceremony included music by the Navy Southwest Ceremonial Band, remarks by Colonel Wes Weston of the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, and a fly-over by a P-51 Mustang. Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Committee leaders Carl Smith and Tom Pinard officiated the ceremony. Supervisors Approve Support Services for Military and Families The Board of Supervisors on May 12 approved $900,000 in funding to support mental health services for military families in San Bernardino County. The County contracted with Morongo Basin Mental Health Services and Victor Community Support Services to provide the Military Services and Family Support Project. "Members of our military and their families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the High Desert and served as a U.S. Marine during Operation Desert Storm. "Not only are members of our military and their spouses impacted, but children in military families can face adjustment difficulties when living with an absent parent who is serving during a time of war." The Military Services and Family Support Project is a new prevention and early intervention program for military families in San Bernardino County and includes in-home screening and assessment for active duty, reserve, National Guard and recently retired military families. The program provides case management and referrals for military families in need. Each provider is expected to serve a minimum of 50 clients and their families per year. In addition to family members who can suffer anxiety, men and women returning from active duty can carry the emotional scars of prolonged battle fatigue and possibly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The County, through its Behavioral Health and Veteran's Affairs offices, is currently working to determine which families are most in need of these services. Military families interested in receiving assistance may call Michelle Dusick at (909) 873-4432. In a separate action on June 9, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Residents approved a contract with the State of California to fund a Veterans Claims Representative located at the Veterans Home of California in Barstow. The representative will assist veterans who need assistance processing claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "The men and women who served honorably and now live in the Barstow area deserve all the assistance we can provide," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the High Desert. "I am gratified that we can partner with the state to assist veterans in ensuring they receive the full benefits to which they are entitled." Services provided by the Veterans Claims Representative include analyzing and preparing claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, initiating appeals when necessary, and representing veterans at administrative review boards. The $45,000 contract with the California Department of Veterans Affairs will fund a part-time Veterans Claim Representative from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. The state had been providing the services but when the state-employed claims representative retired, the County entered an agreement with the state to ensure the service continued. Although the services are being provided at the Veterans Home in Barstow, the representative is also available to assist any veterans in the area. For information or to schedule an appointment, call (760) 252-6257. The Veterans Home in Barstow opened in 1996 and is now home to approximately 174 veterans, many of whom are eligible for benefits. Mitzelfelt Elected Vice President of SANBAG Supervisor Mitzelfelt was unanimously elected Vice President of San Bernardino Associated Governments, the county's transportation commission, during the agency's regular Board of Directors meeting on June 3. "I would like to thank the other elected officials on the SANBAG Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve in a leadership role on this critical body," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the High Desert. "I look forward to strengthening the partnership between the High Desert and all communities in the County by pursuing flexible and creative solutions to our transportation needs." SANBAG oversees many of the major road, freeway and interchange projects in San Bernardino County. The 29-member Board of Directors is made up of all five County supervisors and an elected representative from each of the County's 24 cities. The agency's budget next year is $387 million. During the past year, Supervisor Mitzelfelt has served as chairman of SANBAG's Mountain/Desert Committee and has worked effectively with other elected officials to ensure that the High Desert and rural areas receive their full share of transportation funding. Among his priorities are completing several of the major interchange and arterial projects that will bring much needed relief to congestion in the region, including the La Mesa/Nisqualli interchange in Victorville, the Ranchero Road interchange in Hesperia, and the Yucca Loma Bridge in Apple Valley, in addition to bridges over railroad lines at Vista Road in Helendale and Lenwood Road in Barstow. Those projects are expected to be under construction in the next few years. "Getting those projects completed will improve traffic flow throughout the region. In addition, they will improve public safety, stimulate the economy, and greatly improve the quality of life for all desert residents," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. Former Vice President and Montclair Mayor Paul Eaton was unanimously elected president. New officers are seated in July. It is common practice that the vice president is elected president the following year. County, Hesperia Sign Agreement to Build High Desert Government Center The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 2 approved an agreement with the City of Hesperia to build a state-of-the-art government center that will make a full array of County government services available locally to High Desert residents by next year. "I am very excited to move this project forward," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents the area. "High Desert residents deserve to have easy access to County services without having to drive to San Bernardino. This project has been a priority of mine and it's gratifying to know that our local residents will have a high-quality facility in a central location to serve their needs for decades to come." The High Desert Government Center will be a two-story, 66,900 square-foot office building on 4.42 acres, donated by the City of Hesperia, at the corner of Smoketree Street and Seventh Avenue in Hesperia. The Center will be built by the City in conjunction with Hesperia's new police station – an arrangement that will reduce costs for both facilities. The cost of the County building will be $29.2 million, or $2.8 million less than the original estimate of $32 million. The design of the building will complement the existing civic center, which already includes City Hall and the Hesperia Branch library. At the insistence of Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who has served for the past two years on the California Seismic Safety Commission, the building will meet "essential facility" standards to ensure the Center will be functional after a major earthquake. It will also incorporate energy efficiency features to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certificate standards. "The construction of the new San Bernardino County High Desert Administration Building is another example of how collaboration between two agencies results in huge benefits for the citizens of Hesperia and the High Desert," said Hesperia Mayor Thurston "Smitty" Smith. The building will include offices for numerous County departments, including the Recorder, Environmental Health, Veterans Services, Assessor, Agricultural/Weights and Measures, Public Works, County Fire, Code Enforcement, Planning, Building and Safety, Registrar of Voters, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Human Resources and the Board of Supervisors. Construction is expected to begin this summer with the project complete by late 2010. Thirty Firefighters to be Added with Homeland Security Grant An additional 30 paid-call firefighters will be recruited after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for additional staffing on May 19. "Our county has seen more than its share of devastating fires in recent years," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "This funding will give a much needed boost to our fire department staffing levels and will improve the safety of both firefighters and the public by ensuring they have adequate resources." The County secured a $532,025 grant from the Department of Homeland Security under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. The grant will enable the County Fire Department to recruit, train and retain 30 paid-call firefighters for two years. The SAFER program is designed to assist local fire departments to increase their staffing and deployment capabilities with paid-call firefighters to enhance response times and provide more efficient service during emergency situations. Paid-call firefighters are similar to volunteer firefighters except that they receive a modest hourly wage while on duty. They work side-by-side with full-time firefighters, providing critical support and reinforcement during emergency incidents. "Particularly in remote areas, such as the desert, paid-call firefighters are a critical component in protecting the public," said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen. "Our full-time and paid-call firefighters are proud of the excellent service they render to the public, and expanding this program means we can provide an even higher level of service." The County has roughly 300 paid-call firefighters. Recruitment of the additional 30 is under way immediately. Information is available at www.sbcfire.org. "I would like to thank the paid-call firefighters who are willing to perform this dangerous job in the service of their communities," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "They work shoulder-to-shoulder with our full-time firefighters to help make our communities safer." County Seeks $3.75 Million in Stimulus Funds for Crime Programs The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 5 authorized seeking grants totaling more than $3.75 million to support victims of crimes, and add personnel for crime scene investigations, high-tech investigations and dispatch. "The work load on our law enforcement personnel has increased greatly in recent years," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "These federal stimulus funds will also help us assist crime victims, while providing much-needed staffing for investigations and dispatch." The Board authorized applying for funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. The County is seeking $920,000 to develop new programs and expand existing services for victims of crimes. The money would fund six advocates for two years. That will cover the cost of four existing advocates and restore two other positions that were slated to be deleted next fiscal year. The County is also seeking $1,253,000 for five positions for the Sheriff's specialized investigations units. The Crime Scene Investigations unit would receive three positions to improve the capability of the Sheriff's Department to respond to crime scenes and provide training related to evidence collection. The Hi-Tech Crime Detail would receive two positions. The detail was established in 1999 to specialize in computer, audio and video forensics. Since 2003, the workload of the detail has nearly doubled from 304 cases to 585 cases with no increase in staffing. Two additional detectives will improve the turnaround time for cases. The Sheriff's Department is also seeking $1,579,000 to fund 10 dispatchers for the Desert and Valley Communications Centers. The call volume at the dispatch centers has increased by 60% in the last six years. The Department has had to rely on overtime to ensure adequate staffing. The addition of 10 positions would provide better service to the public and reduce the need for overtime. County Secures Funds for Lenwood Rail Crossing, Needles Highway and Lone Pine Canyon Road On May 12 a new Needles Highway and an important rail crossing in Barstow took major steps after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors accepted more than $4 million in federal money for the projects. "These are both critically needed projects that will improve traffic flow and safety, and spur economic development," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "By securing this funding, we are ensuring that design work and environmental review will continue in a timely manner." The Board accepted $3.8 million for work on Needles Highway and $237,500 for the Lenwood Road rail crossing in Barstow. A bridge that will cross over the railroad tracks at Lenwood Road is currently in the design phase. It is listed as one of the top priority rail crossings in the county. It is anticipated that the bridge will facilitate industrial development in the area, leading to local job creation. "I would like to thank Congressman Jerry Lewis for the Needles Highway funding, and Congressman Buck McKeon for his help with Lenwood Road," added Supervisor Mitzelfelt. Needles Highway stretches 17.4 miles from just south of Interstate 40 in the City of Needles to the Nevada state line not far from Laughlin, Nevada. It has received about $8 million in federal funding in recent years. The project is still undergoing environmental review. When the environmental review and final design are complete, it is possible some early construction work could begin in about two years with the funding currently available. The entire project is estimated to cost $60 million. The existing highway is narrow, with sharp turns and dips. The new highway will be realigned, with improved sight lines, passing lanes and flood control features. At the request of First District County Supervisor Mitzelfelt, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 19 approved $199,902 for road improvements along Lone Pine Canyon Road, located in the West Cajon/Wrightwood area. "It is essential that we continue to build, maintain and upgrade our local roads and infrastructure," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "These improvements will make Lone Pine Canyon a safer road for motorists by increasing their line of sight and also by diverting water off the road, which causes icy conditions during winter months." A dip crossing located 0.4 miles south of State Route 138 on Lone Pine Canyon Road obstructs the sight distance of vehicles traveling in both directions. It was determined that eliminating the dip crossing would increase the level of safety for motorists. The improvement will consist of raising the road and installing a pipe culvert for runoff water crossing the road. There were 19 bids on the project and the project was awarded to T.B.U., Inc., which was the lowest bidder. Mitzelfelt Presents $25,000 Check to High Desert Red Cross for Disaster Preparedness Supervisor Mitzelfelt on May 15 presented a check for $25,000 to the High Desert Chapter of the American Red Cross at its High Desert headquarters in Victorville. "Public safety is my highest priority and an integral part of public safety is ensuring that we are prepared for a disaster," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "These funds will enhance the Red Cross's ability to serve individuals and families affected by a disaster by providing them with the food, shelter, and supplies they need during difficult times." The Red Cross plans to use the funds for disaster related response purposes, some of which include: assisting with payment of motel fees, food, clothing, medical supplies, and other costs related to sheltering those who are affected by local disasters or emergencies. The High Desert American Red Cross has been serving the High Desert for nearly 20 years and has been one of the area's premier emergency response organizations. The American Red Cross has distinguished itself by aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. "I would personally like to thank Supervisor Mitzelfelt for this generous contribution of $25,000," said Bill Pyle, who serves as Executive Director of the High Desert Red Cross. "Supervisor Mitzelfelt has dedicated much time and effort to disaster preparedness, and these funds will go a long way to help ensure that our High Desert is better prepared for a disaster." Earlier this year, Supervisor Mitzelfelt allocated $75,000 to purchase four Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trailers that were loaded with supplies for responding to disasters and also to be used to train volunteers. Supervisor Mitzelfelt sees disaster preparedness as being critical for his High Desert district, especially considering that many communities are remote and often isolated during a disaster. County Uses Funds to Create Summer Jobs and Reading Program for Youth More than1,500 young people in San Bernardino County will be placed in jobs and have the opportunity for on-the-job training after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on April 28 accepted $15.8 million in federal stimulus money designated for workforce training. "With unemployment at its highest level in decades, these expanded programs will help us lay the foundation for a sustained recovery by getting young people started in the workforce," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, whose High Desert district has been especially hard hit by the economic downturn. "This will help our local businesses by providing workers and reducing their costs, and will stimulate the local economy by putting money in the pockets of these young workers." The Board of Supervisors approved $5,797,251 in contracts to provide a Summer Youth Employment Program, which is being administered by the County's Workforce Investment Board. The program will pay the salaries of eligible youths, ages 14-24, during the upcoming summer. Youths will be placed with employers that are participating in the program. The remainder of the $15.8 million will be used to provide services and training to adults and laid-off workers. Among the agencies receiving funding are Apple Valley Unified School District, which will receive $444,594 to place140 youths at job sites. Hesperia Unified School District will receive $346,334 for 100, Lucerne Valley Career Academy will receive $258,800 for 50, and Mental Health Systems Inc. in Needles will get $123,066 for 25 youths. Each agency already has a waiting list of eligible young people. The stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is targeted at adults, laid-off workers and youths to prepare them for the job market. The funding was awarded by formula based on unemployment rates and need. Trainees will receive instruction in industries that have a demand for skilled workers, including health care, aviation, transportation and logistics, manufacturing and green industries. Workers also will receive training in general skills that are required for a wide variety of jobs. "Aside from spurring the local economy and helping young people develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives, it means they will be spending their summer hours in positive and constructive activities," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. In a separate action, the Board of Supervisors on May 12 accepted a $16,800 grant from Target Corporation which will be used to pay for a youth summer reading program at several county libraries. "Our reading program provides a positive and educational activity to keep children interested in learning during summer months," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. "Thanks to the support of the Target Corporation, our kids will have another opportunity to get involved in reading and the arts." The summer reading program is designed for preschool and elementary school aged children. The 2009 summer reading program will focus on the arts and will help to provide cultural enrichment to children. The County Library applied for the grant in September 2008. The grant award will pay for guest artists and performers for a total of 56 programs at 14 branch locations where there are Target stores in or near the same community. "The goal of these programs is to conduct an organized reading program that creates a fun, social opportunity and motivates our children to read," added Supervisor Mitzelfelt. Library branches in communities within the First District that are hosting the programs sponsored by Target Corporation include Adelanto, Apple Valley and Hesperia, however all County Library branches offer other summer programs for youth. For more information, please visit the County Library website at www.sbcounty.gov/library or call Susan Erickson at (909) 387-5738. New Aviation Technology Class Available The School of Aviation Technology at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville on May 15 announced it has immediate openings for a fourth class. The class is scheduled to begin as soon as they receive enough qualified students to fill it. Three other airframe and powerplant (A & P) mechanic classes were held since the beginning of March this year when the school opened its doors. "I'm very pleased with the success of this school," said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who secured more than $500,000 for the school. "With the state our economy is in now, we need this school more than ever. With the cooperation of the City of Victorville, the companies at SCLA and the County Workforce Investment Board, we've created a tremendous opportunity for local residents." In addition to the $500,000 provided by Supervisor Mitzelfelt, the County's Workforce Investment Board contributed $75,000 in Workforce Investment Act funds, and $179,600 in Employment Training Panel funds for a total County contribution of $754,600. Graduates from the program will be eligible for licensure as A&P mechanics, an occupation that is, and will continue to be, in high demand. Existing aviation maintenance firms at SCLA have indicated a need to hire up to 200 A&P mechanics per year. Entry level A&P mechanics earn $40,000 to $45,000 per year and experienced mechanics can earn more than $100,000 per year. "I encourage anyone interested in this specialized training to contact SCLA regarding registration. These continued classes at SCLA are another positive step in our local efforts to assist residents who find themselves out of a job or in the need of a career change," added Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who also serves as Chairman of the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority, the joint powers authority with the responsibility for redeveloping the former George Air Force Base. "Having a pool of FAA certified mechanics could actually attract aerospace employers to the area," added Mitzelfelt. Funds from the County sponsored program are available for qualified students through June 2010. Persons seeking information about financial aid should call the Employment Resource Center at (760) 949-8526 and students interested in registering for the program are encouraged to call SCLA at (760) 243-1904. |