 | Get e-mail updates when this information changes. |
Monthly Archives: September 2015
Get ready for the ShakeOut at the County Museum
The San Bernardino County Museum will host a special event, “Get Ready for the ShakeOut,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The museum will be joined by nearly three dozen other organizations to provide information about earthquakes that kids and families can use. Admission to the museum on that day is free because it is so important for Southern California residents to be well informed and prepared for an earthquake.
The Great California ShakeOut is an annual drill, this year scheduled for Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. Schools, business, government agencies, and individuals will Drop, Cover, and Hold On to practice how to react during an earthquake. The County Museum is holding “Get Ready” on the Saturday before the statewide drill.
“Last year more than 1,000 people got ready for the ShakeOut at the County Museum,” said Leonard Hernandez, the museum’s interim director. “The program was so successful that it was recognized with a National Association of Counties achievement award. Once again this year, we are offering free admission so everyone can access useful information that will serve them well, not just for the upcoming drill, but for the inevitable Big One.”
The day’s events will include hands-on activities, booths with information, special guest speakers, safety vehicles, first responders, and even the “Big Shaker,” an interactive earthquake simulator. All activities are included with free admission. Lunch will be available for purchase.
Get Ready for the ShakeOut and the County Museum’s other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under 5 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.
Family Fiesta at the County Museum on Saturday
It’s a Family Fiesta at the County Museum on Saturday, Sept. 26!
Ballet Folklorico performances will be at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
At 2 p.m., Curator of Paleontology Eric Scott with give a special talk on “Ice Age Fossils from Mexico.”
Lots of craft activities will be available for the whole family from noon to 4 p.m. And don’t miss the special exhibit, “Hispanic Heritage Art 2015,” curated by the Inland Empire Latino Art Association.
Join us on Saturday to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! All activities are included with museum admission.
The County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, in Redlands. We’re open Tuesdays through Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Adults $10; Senior/Military $8; Students $7; Children Age 5-12 $5; Under 5 free.
Questions? Call 909-798-8610.
Skilled, experienced executive tapped to lead County Museum
An exciting and positive new era for the San Bernardino County Museum will begin on Oct. 19 when Melissa A. Russo takes the helm as museum director.
Russo, who will become the County Museum’s first female director, has spent the past six years as Director of Institutional Advancement at the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland and previously served for 10 years as executive director of the Western Museums Association. She brings to San Bernardino County 23 years of experience as a high-achieving museum executive.
“Bringing Melissa Russo to San Bernardino County is a major step toward fulfilling the commitment made by the Board of Supervisors to put our museum system back on the right track,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos.
“This is one of many steps the Board of Supervisors has taken to provide our county community with a modern, fiscally healthy, and respected educational and cultural institution that will attract and engage visitors in record numbers, compete with all other Southern California museums, and responsibly preserve our county’s heritage,” Chairman Ramos said.
Russo, a Certified Fund Raising Executive, has a strong record of fiscal management, strategic planning, program planning and execution, fundraising, board development, and building good relationships with the public. She has a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA.
“I am thrilled and honored to have been chosen to lead the San Bernardino County Museum,” Russo said. “I look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors, the staff and the Museum Association. Together, I am confident we will reinvigorate the museum and, through vibrant community engagement, keep this extraordinary institution a truly vital resource in the life of this region.”
The San Bernardino County Museum includes a main facility in Redlands, the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley, and historic sites in Chino, Colton, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and Yucaipa.
The museum has struggled in recent years with drops in attendance, revenue, and association membership, as well as economy-driven budget cuts and staff reductions. A 2014 county-commissioned study by San Francisco-based Museum Management Consultants concluded the museum has tremendous potential and could benefit greatly from business-minded management and a greater focus on fundraising by the independent nonprofit San Bernardino County Museum Association.
The study pointed out that the nation’s best museums survive not primarily on government support, as has been the case with the San Bernardino County Museum, but rather on robust and consistent fundraising by non-profit associations. The consultant advised the museum association to partner with a fundraising consultant, increase the size and scope of its board, and consider assisting the county in funding key staff positions.
In January, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to begin implementing a series of the consultant’s recommendations, including filling the vacant director position with someone adept at business and management, and forging a more productive relationship with the museum association.
In May, the board adopted a short-term action plan to set the museum on a positive track until a long-range strategic plan could be developed under the leadership of a new director.
Museum attendance has increased during the past year.
Friends of Regional Parks holds golf tournament Oct. 16
The Friends of Regional Parks of San Bernardino County are excited to announce the 8th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 16.
The mission of Friends of Regional Parks is to preserve and protect outdoor park activities and our natural environment by enhancing and contributing to programs, educational opportunities and community involvement.
This year’s golf tournament will be held at Sierra Lakes Golf Course in Fontana and is hosted by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
Events begin at 6 a.m. with check-in and a putting contest. There is a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start, a 12:30 lunch banquet and a 1 p.m. awards ceremony.
Click here for entry fees and other details of the tournament or visit www.for-parks.org.
ARMC Pink Glove Dance aids breast cancer fight
Some walk. Some run. Arrowhead Regional Medical Center staff danced to celebrate cancer survivors for ARMC’s entry in the 2015 Pink Glove Dance competition. The Pink Glove Dance raises awareness and funds for the early detection of breast cancer.
“This year’s video submission has a decidedly more serious tone,” says Deborah Pease, assistant hospital administrator, professional services. “We are aiming to tell the story of one person’s journey with breast cancer. We’re hoping to let folks know they are not alone on this journey.”
The 90-second vignette features Sharon Kemp, employee and survivor, recounting her experience.
Back in 2009, Medline Industries, Inc. turned everyday exam gloves from green to pink. This sparked the beginning of the company’s breast cancer education campaign. The introduction of the pink gloves helps take the fear out of detection exams and reminds nurses about the importance of creating a comfortable, friendly and open dialogue with their patients. A few years later, Medline created the Pink Glove Dance video competition, bringing together nearly 200,000 healthcare professionals, patients and communities to celebrate hope for a cure and honor all who have been affected by the disease through the joy of dancing. More than 16 million YouTube views later, the Medline Pink Glove Dance competition has inspired nearly 1,000 dance videos and raised nearly $1 million for breast cancer charities nationwide.
“We have been part of this national competition for many years in the service of raising awareness for the early detection of breast cancer and to help raise funds for research and prevention,” Pease said. “As health care
professionals, we encourage regular screenings and support our own staff and patients who have survived breast cancer.”
Logon and view the video and vote for ARMC. Also, encourage your friends to vote by sharing this link on social media.
http://www.pinkglovedance.com/videos/2015-video-voting/large-bed/arrowhead-regional-medical-center/
Voting runs through Sept. 23.
Do you know your housing rights and responsibilities?
If you or someone you know rent a room, a house, apartment or mobile home, you will want to attend one of these informative presentations on evictions, security deposits, repairs, housing discrimination, and housing rights for persons with disabilities.
Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) will be presenting Housing Rights and Responsibilities during the month of October, in nine communities throughout San Bernardino County. The presentations will be for both English and Spanish speakers.
If you, or someone you know, would like to attend, please RSVP to IFHMB at 909-984-2254 ext. 122 or email aquijas@ifhmb.com for more information.
Click here for more information on the presentations.
Government Works: Health inspection program wins national award
An innovative program to assist restaurants and other food facilities in reducing health violations in San Bernardino County was recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
The Health Education Liaison Program, which was implemented in 2012, was one of 19 programs nationwide and the only program in California to receive NACCHO’s prestigious Model Practice Award.
The Department of Public Health’s Division of Environmental Health Sciences (DEHS) developed the program because critical violations, if left uncorrected, can directly contribute to foodborne illness, posing significant risks to public health and safety.
“Our goal is to help businesses in our county be successful, while also protecting public health,” said Division Chief Corwin Porter. “This award is a great honor and evidence of our commitment to delivering high-quality services to residents of San Bernardino County.”
As part of HELP, low-scoring food facilities are offered a focused one-on-one consultation with an experienced Registered Environmental Health Specialist. During the consultation, the HELP consultant makes recommendations that are tailored to meet the needs of each food facility. A final report is sent to the facility addressing any areas of concern and recommendations to maintain long-lasting results and compliance. HELP is also offered to new facilities wanting to understand health and safety regulations.
The Board of Supervisors acknowledged DEHS for winning the award at a special presentation on Aug. 11.
“This award is in recognition of the working partnerships between Environmental Health Services and food facilities throughout San Bernardino County”, said Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos.
HELP is now part of NACCHO’s online, publicly-accessible database of innovative best practices across a broad range of public health areas.
The services offered by DEHS are in line with the Countywide Vision to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors. Information on the Countywide Vision, Job Statement, and Paradigm can be found at www.sbcounty.gov/vision.
This is an example of how Government Works.
To learn more about HELP and other DEHS services, please visit our web page at www.sbcounty.gov/dph/dehs or contact us at (800)442-2283.
Talk, read and sing to your children
Talk. Read. Sing. ® Fest! is coming to Hesperia Branch Library on Saturday, Oct. 3 and Highland Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 7!
Enjoy FREE fun for infants, toddlers and preschoolers ages 5 and under as we champion the three little action words that make a BIG impact on your child’s learning.
In partnership with San Bernardino County Library, we’ll have special performances by Twinkle Time & Friends, Rafael & Katia’s Magic Show and guitarist Dan Crow. Take photos with Potter the Otter and other story characters. Participate in kid-friendly activities and don’t forget our book giveaway for children ages 5 and under!
Parents, don’t miss the special talks on the importance of Talk. Read. Sing. ® with your children before the performances take place.
Make it a play date! Join us on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hesperia Branch Library, 9650 7th Ave in Hesperia or Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highland Branch Library, 7863 Central Ave in Highland for all the early learning fun! For more information, call First 5 San Bernardino at (909) 386-7706 or visit First 5 San Bernardino on Facebook. Talk. Read. Sing. ® is a registered trademark of First 5 California.
Sheriff’s Rodeo tickets now on sale
The 16th Annual P.R.C.A Sheriff’s Rodeo is coming to Glen Helen Regional Park on Friday, Sept. 25 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 27. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The rodeo starts at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Challenged Children’s Rodeo begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday prior to the main event. Gates open at 1 p.m. Sunday and the rodeo starts at 5 p.m.
Several of the world’s top professional cowboys will be performing bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, barrel racing and team roping. Also performing will be the clowns and comedy trick-riding acts. This year’s entertainment will include Bobby Kerr Mustang Act.
Friday night’s event will be dedicated to bringing awareness to domestic violence. The rodeo will be making a donation to the “Man Up Crusade.” Wear purple this night to the rodeo – Take A Stand and Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence.
For Saturday,we will be asking, “Are you Tough Enough to Wear Pink?” Wear pink this night to the rodeo and show your support for breast cancer awareness. The rodeo will be making a donation to Loma Linda University Hospital for breast cancer research.
A dance featuring Eli V will follow the Friday and Saturday night rodeos.
Tickets are $15 each for Friday and Saturday’s shows. Tickets for Sunday’s show are $10 each – children 6 and under are free each night. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sheriffsrodeo.org
Proceeds from our event continue to support the youth in our community with the ultimate goal of developing them into responsible citizens. Cash donations will be given to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Challenged Children’s Rodeo, Children’s Fund, the 4H Club of San Bernardino, the Yucaipa Equestrian Center, the California State Horsemen’s Association, Loma Linda University Hospital for breast cancer research, Man Up Crusade bring awareness to Domestic Violence, East Valley Second Chance, and several service clubs.
Arrive early and meander among the merchandise vendors and partake in the food and beverages that will be available to you. The rodeo grounds are located in Devore a short distance from the I-15/I-215 interchange. Take the Devore turn off or Glen Helen Parkway.
Mark September 25, 26 and 27 on your calendars for this year’s Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo that benefits the children of San Bernardino County. The rodeo is made possible through generous donations from local businesses and organizations throughout the county.
Office of Emergency Services wins award for web-based program
Michael Antonucci, OES Emergency Services Manager, Robin Lindsay, OES Emergency Services Officer, and Mike Riley, Vice President CESA Southern Chapter.
On Sept. 2, San Bernardino County Fire Office of Emergency Services (OES) was awarded the California Emergency Services Association– Southern Chapter’s Silver Award for the SBCOA WebEOC – “Creating a Culture of Connectivity.” This award is presented to an organization, agency, or individual in the public, private and non-profit sector who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in the field of emergency preparedness, emergency services, or emergency response.
OES initially developed the San Bernardino County Operational Area (SBCOA) WebEOC Program to provide information sharing among county departments in the event of a local emergency. The initial goal was to utilize WebEOC as a vehicle for critical information collection from the Operational Area.
Over time SBCOA WebEOC has evolved into an Operational Area “Culture of Connectivity”. During activations SBCOA WebEOC has expanded into OA daily operations. It has been recognized as a “California-Centric” disaster communication model, reflective of Standardized Emergency Management System and a template for critical OA reporting up to CalOES via CalEOC.
SBCOA activates the OA EOC on average seven times per year. As a result, over 40 county departments with disaster roles are familiar with WebEOC as an incident management tool. In addition, WebEOC has become an integrated “daily operations tool” for OES emergency management.
To improve disaster communications and to explore the expansion of WebEOC for integrated “daily use” information management OES has formed a multi-disciplinary OA WebEOC Advisory Committee, which includes critical stakeholders such as the County Administrative Office, Public Health, Public Works, Human Services and the Communications Joint Powers Association. This collaboration greatly increases use during EOC Activations and likewise increases the overall value and sustainability of the WebEOC Program. The end result is a proven communications model and the embodiment of the San Bernardino County Fire OES Mission: “Through leadership and guidance, strengthen countywide emergency management capabilities…”
