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Monthly Archives: February 2019
Virulent Newcastle Disease Update: Quarantine Boundaries Modified in Southern California
California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones today modified Southern California’s quarantine area to further restrict bird movement as work continues to eradicate virulent Newcastle disease (VND). The quarantine mandates the reporting of sick birds and prohibits poultry owners from moving birds in all of Los Angeles County, and in large areas of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The modified quarantine extends from the northern and southern borders of western Riverside County to the Salton Sea—including the Coachella Valley—and as far east as Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County, with a northern boundary of State Route 58 at the Kern County line. The quarantine language and a map may be found at CDFA’s VND Web site.
The quarantine requires bird owners to allow diagnostic testing, to isolate poultry from other species, to cease exhibitions, to stop the shipping and receiving of birds, and to enhance biosecurity.
“By modifying the quarantine area in Southern California, we are building upon an ongoing effort to eradicate virulent Newcastle disease,” said Dr. Jones. “The primary way that VND spreads is by people moving sick birds. Extending the prohibition of bird movement across a larger area is the next logical step in being able to stop the spread of the virus and to eradicate the disease.”
VND is a nearly-always fatal respiratory infection in poultry. Birds may seem healthy but will die within days of being infected. There is no cure. The virus is also transmitted by people who have VND on their clothes or shoes, and by equipment or vehicles that can transport the disease from place to place.
There are no human health concerns provided that any meat or eggs are cooked properly. People who come in direct contact with the virus may develop conjunctivitis-like symptoms or run a mild fever.
The only way to stop the virus and eradicate the disease is to euthanize birds. This includes all infected birds as well as birds within heavily-infected areas.
Since May 2018, staff from the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been working in joint incident command to eradicate VND in Southern California. The highly contagious virus has resulted, or will soon result, in the euthanasia of more than one million birds in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
Birds from four poultry industry producers in Riverside County and two poultry industry producer in San Bernardino County have also been infected with VND and all birds in those facilities have been or will be euthanized.
For more information about movement restrictions, biosecurity, and testing requirements, please call the Sick Bird Hotline (866) 922-2473 or email SFSPermits@cdfa.ca.gov.
Leading housing policy authority featured at Dome Talks
Rothstein’s book The Color of Law documents the drivers of residential segregation in America
Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America, is the featured Dome Talks speaker on Thursday, Feb. 28 at the San Bernardino County Museum.
Rothstein, a former New York Times columnist, is a research associate at the Economic Policy Institute and a Fellow at the Thurgood Marshall Institute of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Haas Institute at the University of California–Berkeley. The Color of Law expands upon and provides a national perspective on his recent work that documents the history of state-sponsored residential segregation, as in his report, “The Making of Ferguson.”
The book examines the common misperception that divisions in communities were primarily the result of individual prejudices, income differences, or the actions of private institutions like banks and real estate agencies. Starting in the 1920s, during a time when millions of African Americans moved in a great historical migration from the south to the north, The Color of Law investigates and exposes the laws and policy decisions — some now forgotten or rescinded — passed by local, state, and federal governments that actually promoted discriminatory patterns that continue to this day.
Museum Director Melissa Russo remarked “the topic of segregation, and how we got there, is a significant historical topic for our region, and a timely one as policies around housing continue to evolve today. By hosting a speaker like Richard Rothstein, the museum can play a unique role in helping to interpret and define this history and how it applies to the Inland Empire, in order to engender conversations and policies that help shape future decisions.”
All Dome Talks evenings open at 6:30 p.m. for a light reception sponsored by the San Bernardino County Museum Association. Rothstein’s talk starts at 7 p.m. and will include sales of his book and signing.
Tickets for the evening are $25 ($18 museum members), subject to availability as the Dome Talks theater has limited seating. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sbcounty.gov/museum or may be purchased at the Museum’s Guest Services Desk.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating 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. Parking for Dome Talks is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.
This is NOT the weekend for roadside snow play
Southern Californians looking to play in the snow this weekend won’t find any of it by the side of the roads in the San Bernardino County mountains.
The Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs areas are open for business and great for food, shopping and general relaxation, but Thursday’s relatively warm storm washed away most of the snow.
Snow conditions are great in the higher-elevation Big Bear area, but both of the roads between the San Bernardino and Big Bear valleys are closed while they recover from this week’s storms. The only way into Big Bear and to the area’s two major ski resorts is through the High Desert on Highway 18.
For those who plan on visiting the local mountains this weekend, the county continues to urge visitors to be safe, smart, and polite.
–Heavy fog is common on mountain highways. Motorists are reminded to be alert, slow for weather conditions and use headlights while driving. Avoid travel during storm events and check road and weather conditions before you travel. Motorists should anticipate delays and longer travel time.
–Carry tire chains, but do not stop in the roadways to put them on. Chains are not a convenient option for motorists when ice and snow are present. They are required. Motorists must carry chains or other legally compliant traction devices. The San Bernardino Mountain regions have Caltrans-permitted and -trained chain installers available during periods when chains are required.
–Motorists are urged to drive carefully and use turnouts to allow faster traffic to pass.
–Stock vehicles with water, snacks, blankets, a charged cell phone, flashlight and a full tank of gas before visiting the mountains. For safe winter driving tips and chain control information please go to http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html. Check out Caltrans’ “Quick Map” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. For real-time traffic, download the Quick Map app on iTunes or Google Play.
–Be courteous. The mountains are a full-time home to thousands people. Visitors should carry their trash with them or use one of the dumpsters located along state highways 18 and 330, which are generously provided through a partnership between county government, Caltrans and Burrtec.
–Park only in areas clearly designated for parking. Illegally parked vehicles, especially those blocking roads or snow plows, will be quickly towed away.
Law enforcement will be present in greater numbers and will actively enforce laws concerning driving, chains, parking, roadside play and littering.
Generation GO! : High school seniors begin county internships
More than 100 San Bernardino County high school seniors got a jump start into careers on Wednesday as they began internships with more than 20 county departments.
The internships are part of Generation Go!, a countywide program established by the County Workforce Development Board providing work-based learning opportunities to high school students. A key component of its work is ensuring that the county’s youth are ready to enter the workforce with the skills needed to compete today and for the future.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman, County Chief Executive Officer Gary McBride and Deputy Executive Officer Reg Javier offered encouraging remarks to the students during their orientation Wednesday. McBride expressed a particular connection with the students, recounting how he began his career with the county at a young age in an entry-level position. 
Generation Go! is an essential element of Vision2Succeed, a project of the Countywide Vision aimed at preparing San Bernardino County residents for the jobs we have and the jobs we want to attract.
The county is currently seeking businesses that are willing to provide work-based learning experiences as part of a high school curriculum. Targeted industries include utilities/energy, logistics/transportation, construction/engineering, automotive, manufacturing and culinary.
Be safe and courteous when visiting the mountains
Recent storms have transformed the San Bernardino County mountains into a winter wonderland, and mountain residents, public safety agencies and government service providers are bracing for the usual mass migration of snow lovers from all parts of Southern California.
County government joins mountain residents and businesses, police and fire agencies, Caltrans and other mountain “locals” in welcoming weekend visitors while urging them to be courteous, be prepared, and be safe in their quest for snow and adventure.
- Snow and rain are expected throughout the weekend. Heavy fog is common on mountain highways. Motorists are reminded to be alert, slow for weather conditions and use headlights while driving. Avoid travel during storm events and check road and weather conditions before you travel. Motorists should anticipate delays and longer travel time.
- Carry tire chains. Chains are not a convenient option for motorists when ice and snow are present. They are required. Motorists must carry chains or other legally compliant traction devices. The San Bernardino Mountain regions have Caltrans-permitted and -trained chain installers available during periods when chains are required.
- Motorists are urged to drive carefully and use turnouts to allow faster traffic to pass.
- Stock vehicles with water, snacks, blankets, a charged cell phone, flashlight and a full tank of gas before visiting the mountains. For safe winter driving tips and chain control information please go to http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html. Check out Caltrans’ “Quick Map” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. For real-time traffic, download the Quick Map app on iTunes or Google Play.
- Be courteous. The mountains are a full-time home to thousands people. Visitors should carry their trash with them or use one of the dumpsters located along state highways 18 and 330, which are generously provided through a partnership between county government, Caltrans and Burrtec.
- Park only in areas clearly designated for parking. Illegally parked vehicles, especially those blocking roads or snow plows, will be quickly towed away.
Law enforcement will be present in greater numbers and will actively enforce laws concerning driving, chains, parking, roadside play and littering.
Regional Parks now hiring lifeguards and pool managers for summer swim season
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend the San Bernardino County Regional Parks opens its swim complexes for families to enjoy. We would like to invite any interested candidates to apply as a Lifeguard or Pool Manager at one of our Regional Parks for the 2019 Summer Season.
The department will be hosting a one-day hiring event on March 2, 2019 where potential same day job offers could be made. If you are unable to attend the event, applications will be accepted online continuously through April.
Regional Parks will be offering lifeguard certification training in March. Candidates who are selected at the hiring event, will be able to obtain certifications paid for by the department.
All applicants are required to have C.P.R. and First Aid certifications, prior to the first day of employment. Lifeguards will be required to show proof of current Lifeguard Certifications, valid through September 2019. All requirements must be met before the first day of work. Bilingual abilities strongly desired.
The following positions are available for the 2019 Summer Swim Season:
| Pool Manager – $ 17.00 hourly (2 at each site)
· 21 years of age or older · 5 Years of Lifeguard Experience · 1-2 Years of Supervisory Experience |
Senior Lifeguard – $ 14.00 hourly (2 at each site)
|
Returning Lifeguard – $ 13.00 hourly
|
New Lifeguard – $ 12.50 hourly
· 16 Years of age or older
|
Preferred work location is not guaranteed and will be decided by Park staffing needs.
Please visit www.sbcounty.gov/jobs and apply today!
County leads trade mission to South Korea
The county will lead local business leaders on a mission to South Korea in April to expand trade and investment opportunities for the county’s investors.
South Korea is California’s sixth largest export destination. In 2017, California exported more than $9.6 billion to South Korea, making California the top U.S. exporting state to South Korea.
“This mission is a tremendous opportunity for businesses in our county to grow their exports and foster international trade. By doing so, we ultimately enhance the performance of businesses here at home and drive job creation in the county,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “Supervisor Robert Lovingood and I are looking forward to working with the county’s business community in face-to-face meetings with our government and private-sector counterparts in South Korea.”
“Strengthening ties between our county and South Korean business leaders during this mission allows for our Economic Development Agency to work directly with Korean businesses that may be considering an investment in the county,” said Supervisor Lovingood. “In addition to marketing San Bernardino County’s products and services, this mission provides an opportunity for us to connect with and assist Korean companies wishing to establish or expand operations here in the county.”
San Bernardino County companies in all industry sectors are participating or will be invited to participate in this trade mission. Participating companies will have one-on-one, pre-qualified appointments targeted to their objectives, whether that is developing or expanding direct export sales, locating distributors or agents, or conducting market research, among other goals. Company recruitment for the South Korea mission will begin shortly and will be handled through the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency.
Furthermore, the mission will also enhance relationships between San Bernardino County and South Korea in order to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the County. South Korean FDI into the
United States has more than doubled in recent years, increasing from $19.9 billion in 2011 to $40.9 billion in 2016.
The South Korea mission will also complement the recent trends observed in regard to businesses reshoring their manufacturing operations back to the US. The County of San Bernardino offers many compelling advantages to companies with offshore operations that are seeking to simplify their supply chains, reduce labor costs and bring jobs back into the US; this Mission will enhance awareness of the County as a destination for manufacturers interested in strategic reshoring. Over 10,000 total US jobs were restored from Korea between 2010-16; the County is strategically positioning itself to be a part of this job creation with this Mission.
The South Korea mission is scheduled for April 20-27, 2019, with Seoul being the primary destination for this mission. Highlights for this mission include targeted one-on-one business meetings for participating County businesses, exploring foreign direct investment and reshoring opportunities, meetings with government and industry association officials, along with briefings on the market. Participating San Bernardino County companies will hold pre-arranged meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.
The County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency is promoting an international trade and investment program countywide. The primary goal of this program is to inform business about opportunities to expand markets on a global scale and attract investment from abroad. To find out more about this program or other key initiatives or services offered, please visit http://www.sbcountyadvantage.com
Deputy Fire Chief Trapp to serve as interim chief
County Chief Executive Officer Gary McBride has announced that Deputy County Fire Chief Donald W. Trapp will serve as interim chief during a nationwide recruitment for a new chief to succeed Mark Hartwig, who is leaving County Fire on Feb. 15 to begin serving as fire chief for Santa Barbara County.
“We would like to thank Don and all of the dedicated men and women of the Fire Protection District for their service and leadership during this transition period,” McBride said.
“I am honored to lead such a talented team of men and women who are proud to be serving in their communities,” Trapp said. “Through teamwork and collaboration with our partner agencies and the communities we serve, we will continue efforts towards community risk reduction plans. Looking for ways to reduce operating costs while still providing the highest level of fire, rescue and emergency medical services remains a priority.”
Trapp has served the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District for 29 years, promoting through the ranks in the Valley, Wrightwood, North Desert and Lake Arrowhead areas. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Administration in July 2015, and has served as Deputy Chief of Operations from 2017 to present. He is responsible for overseeing all fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations.
Trapp serves on the state Firescope Operations Team and serves as the Operational Area Coordinator.
Trapp became interested in the fire service right out of high school and became a paid-call firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Temecula. He began his full-time fire service career with San Bernardino County Fire in 1989 in Fontana.
Throughout his career in County Fire, Trapp has remained heavily involved in the communities served by the district. He has served on the Emergency Medical Services committee, and co-chaired both the Operations Leadership Team and the Hiring, Testing & Development committees.
