“Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” —Edward Sandford Martin     Volunteers Key to County Libraries The San Bernardino County Library operates 31 branches in unincorporated communities and cities throughout the County. These branch libraries provide residents with access to books, Web-connected computers, family-oriented events, educational programs, literacy tutoring, and much, much more. Unfortunately, budget constraints have forced the County to reduce some library operating hours, but those cuts would have been much greater without one of the library system’s biggest assets—volunteers. Artisan Loft Features Local Arts, Crafts Libbi Shorts is living her dream of opening a studio/art gallery/general store in the Second District mountain community of Mt. Baldy. The Mt. Baldy Artisan Loft, which opened in October, sells coffee, sodas, snacks, and Forest Service Adventure passes along with artwork and crafts such as paintings, jewelry, pottery and scarves all created by local artists. Police Chaplain Brought Joy to Many On Christmas Eve, Roger V. Hurley would put on his Santa Claus suit and visit children in the pediatric ward at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana. He handed out teddy bears and other trinkets and sang Christmas songs to help bring a little cheer to sick and injured boys and girls who had to spend the holiday in hospital beds. Community Celebrates 125th Anniversary The community of San Antonio Heights located north of Upland on a mesa beneath the towering San Gabriel Mountains celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. This unincorporated community is known for its crescent and circular streets, its annual Christmas star, its monthly backyard produce exchange, its annual Christmas sing-along and its assortment of beautiful homes, including century-old Victorians, mid-century ranches, quaint cottages, and gated mansions. Snow Removal Guide and Map Available As winter weather approaches, I am once again sharing the Snow Removal Guide prepared by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works. You can view and download a copy of the latest Public Works Snow Removal Guide by clicking here. The guide includes County Road Yard phone numbers, tips on how to avoid property damage by snowplows, and other advice on how to be prepared for the snow. Rural Residents Receive Fire “Fee” Bills Last month, thousands of San Bernardino County residents who live in rural areas received bills for the so–called “California Fire Prevention Fee.” This $150–per–habitable–structure charge applies to residents who own property in State Responsibility Areas (SRA). Most unincorporated communities in the County are considered to be within an SRA even if they are already served by a local fire agency and aren’t even close to a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection station. 11/03/2012 The Mountain Sunrise Rotary Charity Auction will take place from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Arrowhead Country Club, 250 Golf Course Road, Lake Arrowhead. Tickets available at the Tea Exchange, Lake Arrowhead Country Club or by calling Armand LeSage at (909) 337-3544. 11/08/2012 Supervisor Janice Rutherford will host “Breakfast with your Supervisor” at 7:30 a.m at Famous Daves, 11470 4th Street, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $12 per person. RSVP at (909) 387-4836.   11/01/1776 The Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded. The mission was the seventh of 21 missions founded in Alta California. 11/04/1841 Pioneer John Bidwell led the first wagon train into California. 11/05/1968 California native Richard Nixon was elected the 37th President of the United States. Last Issue’s Answer: The mountain community of Running Springs was once known as Hunsaker Flat. Question: What is the name of San Bernardino County Sheriff who was slain in a rifle duel on May 25, 1861?   10/12/2012 Residents will soon receive contested State tax bills 10/01/2012 Foothill Family Shelter Seeks Thanksgiving Donations 10/23/12 IE United Way Gives Fontana Kids New GOAL 10/01/2012 Fontana Sheriff's Station October Newsletter   Was The Rutherford Report forwarded to you? Click here to subscribe.