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Monthly Archives: June 2014
Government Works: Increased training on elder abuse for law enforcement
Did you know the Department of Aging and Adult Services came up with a way to raise awareness about elder abuse for law enforcement officers?
The department created a two-sided pocket-sized accordion style card that provides officers with penal codes applicable to elder and dependent abuse. Having a quick reference on hand allows officers to file proper charges against alleged perpetrators .
Social workers provide the informational card and training directly to local law enforcement at law enforcement departmental meetings.
Through the use of the Law Enforcement Information Card and associated training, there has been increased participation in elder and dependent abuse investigations by local law enforcement agencies and improved relationships between social workers and law enforcement.
Just recently, the National Association of Counties recognized Aging and Adult Services with an Achievement Award for the program.
Click here to view the P.C. 368 Law Enforcement Card.
This is an example of how Government Works.
File your Assessment Appeals Application online!
The annual filing period for Assessment Appeals opens July 2, 2014. For your convenience and to ensure timely, accurate processing of your application, file online! You will receive immediate confirmation of receipt of your application. You will have the ability to review the information entered prior to submission to ensure that all necessary fields have been completed. For those filing multiple appeals, common data between applications is retained which reduces the need to enter redundant information. Access the Clerk of the Board website at http://sbcounty.gov/cob/OtherServices/AssessmentAppeals.aspx to file online application and to get additional information.
Click here for more information
Buying a home? Learn to do it right.
If you are going to be purchasing a home soon, please consider taking an educational course. Courses offer lots of information to perspective homeowners. If you have any questions please contact Community Development and Housing at 909.387.4389
Click here for a list of courses in July and August: Save Your Home SB County.
Free HIV testing available
The 20th Annual National HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27, 2014. With an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV and one in six unaware of their infection in the United States, this testing initiative’s message “Take the Test, Take Control” is a giant step in the right direction toward an AIDS-free generation.
The County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health Clinic Operations is hosting its annual free HIV testing event on Friday, June 27, 2014. The event will be at the corner of Baseline Avenue and “F” Street, in the city of San Bernardino from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
One of the goals of President Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy is to reduce new HIV infection rates by 25% by the year 2015. This will take a combination of strategies: increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention efforts in our communities, and increasing the number of people living with HIV who know their status. Although great strides have been made in the prevention of the spread of HIV, according to the 2010 AIDS Surveillance Report by the California Office of AIDS, there are up to 7,000 new cases of HIV in the state each year.
“Early HIV diagnosis is critical, so people who are infected can fully benefit from available life-saving treatments,” said Maxwell Ohikhuare, M.D., County of San Bernardino Health Officer. “Finding out whether you are infected with HIV is the first step to improving your health, and the health of your community.”
On June 27, 2014 HIV Testing counselors will be available to provide free testing and prizes, as well as answer any questions regarding HIV to community members who would like to know their HIV status. The Department’s Clinic Operations section provides conventional HIV antibody testing at all public health clinic locations. Additionally, rapid HIV testing which provides results in 20 minutes is offered via a mobile testing unit at various alternative testing sites throughout the County of San Bernardino.
For more information on National HIV Testing Day events or about HIV/AIDS and testing, call the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health, AIDS program at (800) 255-6560, or Clinic Operations at (800) 722-4777.
Team Save at Inland Empire 66ers game on Thursday
Team Save will be at the Inland Empire 66ers game on Thursday, June 26. It is a $25,000 Giveaway Nite!
Stop by the booth to get information on foreclosure prevention, credit counseling, down payment assistance and free legal assistance.
Spin the Prize Wheel for a chance to win tickets to the 66ers or the Quakes. If you have any questions, contact Community Development and Housing at 909.387.4389.
Government Works: Kiosks make it easy
Did you know the Department of Child Support Services has implemented six self-service kiosks in the public reception areas of each of its three offices, as well as its office located at the local child support court?
These kiosks offer customers the opportunity to open a case, access information about the status of their case, make a payment toward their child support obligation, or obtain answers to questions they may have about the program.
Customers may also access information about community services which assist in addressing other non-child support issues they may be experiencing. The six kiosks were installed in September 2012. During 2013, 4,461 customers spent over 265 hours using the department’s kiosks.
On June 13, the National Association of Counties recognized Child Support Services with an Achievement Award for their innovative kiosks.
This is an example of how Government Works.
Fireworks alert from County Fire
Possession of any type of fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, is against the law in any unincorporated area of San Bernardino County. In the event a fire occurs due to the unsafe use of fireworks, the responsible persons are likely to face criminal charges and be held liable for damages.
“Safe and Sane” fireworks are only allowed in the following cities: Adelanto, Chino, Colton, and Rialto, as well as specific locations in Fontana, Grand Terrace, and San Bernardino. Please call the fire department in these cities for more information. All fireworks are illegal elsewhere in the county. All fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California.
With San Bernardino County facing a dangerous wildland fire season, the County Fire Department has increased its vigilance in enforcing state and county firework laws to protect public health and safety. Fire officials will be issuing citations for the illegal use of fireworks, with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense. Property owners may be cited if they allow fireworks to be possessed, stored or used on their property.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, on a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. than all other causes combined. While “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed in some San Bernardino County communities, the County Board of Supervisors and County Fire encourage residents to watch fireworks at community celebrations rather than use their own.
When using fireworks where allowed, County Fire offers some safety tips:
Always use fireworks (“Safe and Sane” only) with an adult present. Even a “Safe and Sane” sparkler burns at a temperature that ignites clothing easily
Always read and follow label directions
Always have water (garden hose/bucket) and a fire extinguisher within reach
Always place fireworks on a firm, non-combustible surface, like a sidewalk or pavement
Never alter fireworks
Never re-light “dud” fireworks
Homemade fireworks are often deadly; leave the making of fireworks to the experts
Never point, throw or mishandle fireworks
In addition to fires, fireworks cause deaths, blindness, and maiming injuries to children and adults every year.
For more information on fireworks safety, contact your local fire station.
Have a SAFE celebration!
Kids: Avoid summer ‘brain drain’ at the County Museum
A series of informal programs at the San Bernardino County Museum will help kids “Avoid Summer Brain Drain” this July. Activities are included with paid museum admission. No reservations are required, and the whole family is invited.
“The museum is sponsoring Avoid Summer Brain Drain to make summer fun and productive for all ages,” said Jolene Redvale, the museum’s curator of education. “When children participate in summer activities that engage their brains through creativity and active thinking, they retain more of what they learn in school and are better prepared for the new school year.”
Programs are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in July from 11 am to 3 pm except July 4, when the museum will be closed. Museum education staff and volunteers select the activities on the day of the program. Among the activities are family games to play together, crafts, painting with watercolors, building with wooden blocks, making flip books, folding origami creations, and more. Visitors can call the museum at (909) 307-2669 after 10:30 a.m. to find out the activity of the day.
“Keep your brain active!” said Redvale. “Find personal talents, enjoy fun and creative activities, make memories, and learn something new. Activities are appropriate for all ages, and families find that playing, creating and learning together is especially fun.”
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.
Upcoming weekend of family fun at Victor Valley Museum
Families can spend some time together learning about trees, doing crafts, hearing stories, and making puppets at two different events over the July 12 and 13 weekend at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. Activities are suitable for the whole family, and are included with paid museum admission.
On Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m. join Maggie Foss for a lively presentation about trees. Foss, a retired museum educator, will give an illustrated talk with an introduction to forests in California. She will discuss how forests are regulated and cared for, and explain how forest products are used. Hands-on and craft activities are included in the program. “Trees” is best suited for ages 6 and above.
On Sunday, July 13, it’s Story Time from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Curtis L. Green, field representative for 1st District Supervisor Robert Lovingood, will read three storybooks aloud, including Danny and the Dinosaur. As part of Story Time, kids and their parents can make their own puppets to take home.
The Victor Valley Museum is a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student). Children under 5 and San Bernardino County Museum Association members are free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.
The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669.
Town hall set for improving Valley Boulevard in Bloomington
Join the County of San Bernardino at the Bloomington Town Hall to be held on Thursday, July 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mary Lewis Elementary School, 18040 San Bernardino Avenue in Bloomington.
See ideas developed since last year’s Community Fair. Talk about Bloomington’s history, how your community is doing today, and help plan for the future. Generate new ideas for changes that can foster a healthier Bloomington. Come be a part of an interactive workshop where you will have the opportunity to map out your ideas. Community input will inform and shape physical and programmatic improvements through a Valley Corridor Specific Plan.
For more information, call 909.387.4431 or visit www.valleycorridor.com.
