Item #46 at yesterday’s Board Of Supervisors meeting
Adopt Resolution to Establish Weight Limit on Walnut Bridge at Zanja Ditch, in the Mentone area pursuant to County Code Section 52.0126(a).
Direct the County Road Commissioner to perform such acts as necessary to implement the terms of the Resolution. (Presenter: Brendon Biggs, Assistant Director, 387-7906)
The County Update is now publishing three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and also as needed, in order to share important news and resources in our battle against COVID-19 and to keep our economy running. We remain here for you. #SBCountyTogether
For latest Statistics and link to our COVID-19 Community Testing page, scroll to the bottom of today’s Update
All residents urged to get tested at convenient sites using easy-to-use nasal swabs
County Overcomes Testing Supply Shortage with New Supplier
Responding to a recent statewide shortage in COVID-19 testing materials, San Bernardino County has contracted with a new supplier to secure an adequate supply of test equipment and is now encouraging all County residents to get tested.
“Now that our testing capacity has expanded and stabilized, we hope that every resident, regardless of whether they have experienced any symptoms, will make an appointment to get tested,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “Testing is free, painless, takes only a few minutes, and can be obtained without a doctor’s prescription.”
The County is now offering testing with an appointment at 10 locations, using an easy-to-administer nasal self-swab. Results can also be expected in no more than 5 days, but usually within 72 hours. There is no cost to take the test, however County residents will be asked to enter insurance information when setting an appointment in order to assist taxpayers in recouping some of the costs associated with testing.
New supplier, improved nasal tests
The County’s new supplier is Fulgent Genetics, a Southern California-based genetics testing company that provides diagnostic testing for improved patient care. The company’s COVID-19 polymersace chain reaction (PCR) tests involve a relatively short nasal swab, which most patients consider much less uncomfortable than the longer “nasopharyngeal swabs” commonly used earlier during the pandemic. Fulgent collaborates with Healthvana, an HIPAA-secure information portal, to provide test results 3-5 days after testing.
The County has established testing sites In Fontana, Hesperia, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino and Victorville, along with the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. In addition, tests (and other services) are provided to underserved and vulnerable populations at County Health Centers in Adelante, Hesperia, Ontario and San Bernardino.
In addition, COVID-19 testing is being conducted at various state-run testing sites, as well as sites operated by private clinics, certain Rite-Aid Pharmacy locations, and HMO-operated facilities. State sites and private clinics may be using providers other than Fulgent, and testing methods vary at these other locations. Residents are encouraged to visit the County’s Testing Sites webpage to see all the County, state and private testing options, and to schedule an appointment.
Benefits of widespread testing
Public health experts believe that many of the people who carry the coronavirus do not know it, since they exhibit no symptoms of the disease (referred to as asymptomatic carriers). As a result, hundreds of thousands of infected people could be unintentionally spreading the virus to others.
“Increasing the number of people tested is essential to lowering the infection rate, getting the County back to work, and allowing recently reopened businesses to stay open,” said County Public Health Director Corwin Porter. “Testing gives us a better idea of community spread and the scope of infections, and helps us concentrate medical resources where they are needed most. And working in concert with our contact tracing team, we can better stop the spread of the virus.”
Expanded testing and lowering our positivity rate will help San Bernardino County get off the state’s Monitoring List and allow more flexibility in our reopening efforts.
Porter cautioned, however, that a negative test result should not be seen as permission to stop being cautious.
“Regardless of your test results, you still need to avoid gathering with people outside your immediate household.” Porter said. “You also should continue social distancing, continue wearing a face covering whenever in public, and diligent washing of your hands. Expanding our testing is an essential step in our war against COVID, but we’ve already seen what can happen if we relax prematurely.”
County Libraries Now Open for Summer with Limited Hours
Most San Bernardino County libraries have begun opening their doors with limited library services and modified hours. Although COVID-19 conditions are continually evolving, locations in the High Desert, Chino, and more will be operational Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some variations for some locations.
Libraries have implemented a variety of safety measures, including temperature testing for all employees, installation of sneeze guards at all service counters and removal of some furniture to ensure proper social distancing. In addition, computer sessions have been reduced to one hour and face coverings are required for all employees and visitors.
The move to reopen comes as San Bernardino County libraries is featuring an online Summer Reading Program. Students can use their library card to register on Beanstack, an online tool for facilitating reading programs and begin logging in their reading progress for reward badges and potential prizes. Programs are organized into several age categories, with an adult program also available for participation.
County libraries also offer program kits to library card holders for weekly crafts tutorials hosted on Facebook Live. Participants follow along online and are provided with instructions and materials in a prepackaged kit available for pickup at their open local library. Patrons are also strongly encouraged to visit the County Library website to place items on hold, use self-checkout, and have access to all available eContent such as audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines.
Don’t Wait! County Offering Free Face Masks to Nonprofits
The County is now providing complimentary disposable face masks to help 501(c)3 organizations throughout San Bernardino County.
To obtain free masks through the County’s Purchasing Department, please email a request to vendor@pur.sbcounty.gov. In your email, share documentation designating your organization as a 501(c)3 non-profit, along with the number of masks needed for your organization. The Purchasing Department will contact you when the complimentary disposable masks may be picked up.
Mask are available as supplies last, so don’t delay. The County is also asking that our County nonprofits only request what they need so we can help as many as possible.
15 Jail Inmates and 11 Sheriff’s Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
Fifteen County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Three inmates are at the West Valley Detention, two are at the High Desert Detention Center, eight are at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center, and two are at the Central Detention Center.
A total of 232 County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Many of the inmates are only experiencing minor symptoms of the virus. The infected inmates are in isolation, being monitored around the clock, and are being provided with medical treatment. One hundred and eighty-six inmates have recovered from the illness.
All inmates continue to be provided with face coverings, cleaning supplies, soap, and are urged to wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day. They are routinely reminded of the need to practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Eleven department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home. A total of 152 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19. One hundred and thirteen (113) employees have recovered from the virus; other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks.
Latest Stats
32,230 Confirmed Cases
(up 1.7% from the previous day)
409 Deaths
(up 1.5% from the previous day)
248,086 Tested
(up 1.9% from the previous day)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobiletab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
For all COVID-19 related information, including case statistics, FAQs, guidelines and resources, visit the County’s COVID-19 webpage at http://sbcovid19.com/. Residents of San Bernardino County may also call the COVID-19 helpline at (909) 387-3911 for general information and resources about the virus. The phone line is NOT for medical calls and is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have questions about social services, please call 211.
The above text came directly from San Bernardino County. To learn which libraries are reopening, click here. Mentone is listed. – MM
On Tuesday night the COMET and Chamber of Commerce met by telephone conference call. Here are some highlights:
From Scott Ward, field representative for Dawn Rowe: the County Board of Supervisors has voted to place the repeal of the fire tax on the November ballot. Some areas in the desert are not paying the fire tax but will have a vote, as well as those who are paying. Readers may access more information by utilizing this link.
Small business owners who have been impacted by the pandemic may apply for assistance at this link.
Pandemic numbers have been escalating, partly due to increased testing as well as other causes. There are over 24 locations for free testing, for which you need an appointment. The closest location to Mentone is Citrus Valley High School, he said. Chamber members stated it takes up to 10 days to hear the results, in one case even when those tested were positive. You may view more testing sites here.
Regarding fireworks: if you see something, say something. Take a picture. You may report the location at the San Bernardino County Fire website; here is the link. For more instructions, see under Sheriff’s Department below. For the latest on SB county fireworks, please see the website here.
The County has extended its contract for legal services to seniors, so those who are receiving them may rest assured they will continue for now.
From Nohelia Orellana, field representative for Assemblyman James Ramos: the County is running a 54B deficit but is asking for help from the State for small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Bills are being introduced, mostly related to COVID-19. One asks the Legislature to make it illegal to sue a restaurant for a customer who contracts the virus. Another regards suicide prevention among Native American tribes and another tribal lands. Readers who have lost their jobs and are having difficulty receiving unemployment are encouraged to contact Ramos’ office.
Regarding COMET’s counsel’s February letter to Ms. Orellana, requesting that Assembly Ramos’ office re-submit the bill making it illegal to demand annexation in exchange for water, she said she was told that because it’s been such a long time (since 1996) there was not much they could do and it would be reviewable at the LAFCO (Local Area Formation Commission) level. By law, LAFCO’s duties are ministerial, only: to supervise whether new developments comply with the law; it does not supervise annexations. When assured that it was not a LAFCO problem or project, she said she would try to re-submit or re-introduce it. As previously reported, the bill never made it past an aide in Senator Morrell’s office and Senator Leyva’s office has never responded to a similar request by COMET’s counsel.
From Rachel Achilly, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office: the Department has had COVID-19 cases, mostly in the jails. Regarding fireworks, the County will fine and even jail violators of the no-fireworks law in this area. Each offense carries a fine of $1,250 and can go up to $6,000. Fireworks are illegal to set off in any area where they are not sold. They can be sold only in Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino and south of the Freeway. However, moving or aerial fireworks are illegal everywhere. Only those fireworks that are safe and sane are legal to buy in those communities, she added. If anyone sees a neighbor setting off fireworks, even in their backyard, the observer is encouraged to report it and a video or snapshot is welcome because it is presently a misdemeanor, which means that the Sheriff or Fire Department investigator must see it in order to arrest the persons responsible. She added that a photo or video must show the address clearly visible. Some Fire Department investigators have law enforcement authority. A representative from the Red Brennan Groups shared its efforts to get the Fire Tax repealed.
Other news: the Library may be reopening July 6 (this was before the latest shutdown news), the Senior Center later on. No meals will be served, however. The June 13 celebration of Mentone’s development and Film Festival were, of course, postponed due to the pandemic. Hopefully, in 2021 the celebrations will be able to be held. As far as the Mill Creek Casino Night, “We will see,” said Jim Lotito, co-owner/proprietor and Ways and Means Committee co-chair. He added that the Mill Creek Cattle Company was operating at 25-30% of its regular business and hoped that business would pick up by December. Someone defined a “bar” as a place that doesn’t provide food, so it technically doesn’t fall under the definition of a “bar” and, as of Tuesday night, could stay open.
Chairman David Wilder mentioned CalTrans and the members discussed its slowness to paint the straight-ahead arrow at the corner of Wabash and the Boulevard (westbound), which it promised to do at least two years ago; he promised to bring it up again and ask that it be done sooner rather than later.
Op-Ed:
It is certainly a shame that, in an area that is paying the fire tax (get out and vote it down in November), those who set off illegal fireworks – 2-3 times a night between dark and 10 p.m. in Mentone – can be guilty of only a misdemeanor. That means that, unless you get a photo or video with the home’s address clearly showing, they can set one off, you report it and the Sheriff arrives but there is nothing to see and the miscreants lie so the Deputies have to leave. Then the miscreants do it again and again, each time spacing them out so the Sheriff cannot view them. It should be made a felony, which is reportable by an eyewitness and thus more prosecutable.
Those who do this in quiet neighborhoods like Mentone should be arrested and punished because of the impact on those who have PTSD from honorably serving in the military and everyone’s pets (f you’ve ever cleaned up dog poo, including diarrhea, off a rug at 3 a.m., as I have, you understand why folks want to be able to put their pets out at night). It is incomprehensible that anyone should think it’s “fun” or “clever” to disturb everyone else’s peace simply because they can get away with it.
It seems the misinformation never stops: first, CALAFCO, which has nothing to do with Redlands’ extortionate annexation of Mentone territory, successfully lobbied to keep the proposed legislative amendment out of the Senate, most probably because of some personal ties with someone in Redlands’ city council.
Now, Assemblyman Ramos’ office – and he did nothing to help Mentone with this problem before he went “upstairs” – thinks it has a “statute of limitations” problem. Senator Leyva’s office “next door,” whose website requests proposed legislation, failed to respond to a similar request. Someone, somewhere, sometime, has to recognize that “little, old Mentone” has rights, too, and that time has already come long ago.
Maybe readers would start a letter-writing campaign to Ramos, Leyva and Senator Mike McGuire, chairman of the threshold Finance and Governance Committee, to demand that this legislation – which has already been reviewed and revised by Legislative Counsel – be submitted to the Senate.
The “Donut Hole” – the businesses around the intersection of Alabama and Lugonia, was excluded from Redlands’ control by Legislature, so why not Mentone? Of course, Redlands is receiving that area’s sales taxes, but doesn’t have to provide fire, police and other services, so that was a win-win for it. (The Donut Hole developers’ attorneys, based in Redlands, sold them a bill of goods, but that’s another story for another time.)
Local businesses, especially restaurants, are hurting; everyone likes to eat something someone else prepared so why not patronize the local businesses, even if it means you still have to wash the dishes? So many businesses have failed elsewhere that it would be a shame to see some of our local ones also “go away,” after many years of serving the community.
Concerned residents in San Bernardino County continue to report the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks in many jurisdictions. While San Bernardino County Fire officials follow up on these reports, the lack of evidence of reported violations often hinder investigations. In order to issue citations or make arrests, County Fire officials must have definitive proof of suspects engaged in illegal activity. This criminal act carries a fine of $1,250 for the first offense with the possibility of arrest.
To aid investigations into these dangerous activities, the San Bernardino County Fire Office of the Fire Marshal has created a new tool called The Illegal Fireworks Reporter to report any use or sale of illegal fireworks in San Bernardino County. Residents may make an anonymous report by accessing this platform through a QR code distributed throughout the county, as well as through links on SBCFire.org.
With the help of concerned residents, fire investigators and law enforcement will be able to respond and conduct investigations that will increase community safety and reduce the risk of damage or serious injury in San Bernardino County communities.
“The Office of the Fire Marshal takes the illegal use or sale of illegal fireworks very seriously,” stated Fire Marshal Mike Horton. “The Illegal Fireworks Reporter tool will allow us to partner with our residents more effectively to reduce these dangerous activities. I’m very proud of the men and women at the Office of the Fire Marshal who continue to find innovative solutions to keep our communities safe.”
To make an anonymous report, residents may visit https://bit.ly/SBCoReportFireworks. Be sure to include the date, time, and specific location of the alleged activity. Any photos and videos of incidents will aid in the investigation of alleged violations. Photos and videos may be included in the submission of each report.
Partnering with residents continues to be a one of the most effective tools in community risk reduction. San Bernardino County Fire thanks each resident for doing their part to keep our county safe.
From Tom Murphy at Red Brennan Group: “All, As many of you know, the San Bernardino County Supervisors voted April 7th to place FP5 repeal on the November 2020 ballot. This is a win! We will keep you updated as we continue with this effort. However, the Red Brennan Group is contemplating further legal action against the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District in the matter of FP5 expansion and the protest process. We are considering a lawsuit in Federal court based on equal representation and due process claims. Our organization is in the process of identifying plaintiffs. If you, or someone you know, was unable to respond to the Protest Process in September 2018 for any, or all, of the following reasons: Never received notification letter Unable to obtain a protest form No internet access No access to hardware or software required to locate or print a form And they fit into one of the following profiles: Profile One – District Resident/Property Owner Resident of San Bernardino County Registered to vote in San Bernardino County Property owner with property located in the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Profile Two – California Resident/Property Owner Resident of California Not a resident of San Bernardino County Property Owner with property located in the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Profile Three – Non-resident/Property Owner United States Citizen Not a resident of San Bernardino Not a resident of California Property owner with property located in the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District The Red Brennan Group would be interested in direct contact via a follow-up interview. If you are interested please send an email to tmurphy@redbrennan.org or contact Tom Murphy at (760) 810-5830. Please DO NOT REPLY ALL to this email!! However, feel free to forward this email to people you believe may fit into one of the three profiles. Tom Murphy”
On May 12, the Planning Commission will consider the following proposal and its agenda items reads as follows: “PUBLIC HEARING to consider the following applications for a 0.71-acre site located at 1248 North Wabash Avenue (APNs: 0298-042-17-0000 and 0298-042-18-0000) in the Highway Commercial (C-4) District:
1. Conditional Use Permit No. 1139 – A request to construct a new Jack in the Box restaurant with approximately 3,000 square-feet in floor area and one drive-through lane, as well as associated new parking lot with 30 spaces, on-site landscaping and lighting, and related site improvements including perimeter walls, driveways, and utility connections. The proposed project is exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15303 (New Construction of Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
“2. Commission Sign Review No. 462 – A request to construct a pedestal sign up to 12 feet high, and a total area of approximately 24 square-feet per sign face.
“3. Lot Line Adjustment No. 648 – A request to merge two lots into a single 0.71-acre parcel for development. The proposal is exempt from environmental review in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations). It encompasses the former party store/strip mall and the vacant land across Naples from the RV storage facility. If readers object, following are the instructions how to do so, from the Commission’s e-mail: “ll votes during the teleconferencing meeting will be conducted by roll call. The meeting can be observed online via the City’s website and on Redlands TV Channel 3 (Spectrum) and Channel 35 (Frontier).
“HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS: Following public health recommendations to limit public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, City Manager Charles M. Duggan Jr., acting as the City of Redlands Emergency Services Director has directed that Planning Commission meetings be closed to the public until further notice or until the current local State of Emergency has been lifted. The Council Chamber will not be open to the public during the Planning Commission meetings.
“In order to have your public comment read into the public record at the meeting, members of the public are asked to submit comments prior to 3:00 p.m. the day of the Planning Commission meeting by email at PlanningCommission@ cityofredlands.org or through the public comment form on the City’s website at www.cityofredlands.org/webform/planning-commission-comments-form. You can also submit a comment by voice mail by calling (909) 307-7333 prior to 3:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.
“In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance with public comment, please contact staff at the Development Services Department, (909) 798-7555 ext. 2, at least two hours prior to the meeting to make alternate arrangements (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
“If you challenge any proposed development entitlement listed on this Agenda in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised prior to the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission prior to this public hearing.
” ‘NOTE: Any writings or document distributed to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding an open session agenda item less than 72 hours before this meeting are available for public inspection at the Planning Commission’s website (https://www.cityofredlands.org/planning-commission).’ “
MM has observed people out and about in Mentone without masks. If you haven’t already heard, on Tuesday Erin Gustafson, M.D., MPH, acting San Bernardino County Health Officer, ordered ALL County residents – including essential workers – to wear masks, whether scarves without holes, bandannas, neck gaiters (whatever they are), or other face coverings, when they leave home – and that only for “essential” activities. The Order is in addition to the Health Officer’s March 17 and March 27 orders and Governor Newsom’s March 19 order, to stay home except for essential activities, such as grocery or medication pickup.
The Order is enforceable by “the Sheriff and all Chiefs of Police.” It’s not fun but it’s necessary, and will remain in full force and effect until the “all clear” is given. Violation of the Order is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both, according to the Order. Easter gatherings, other than with just immediate family, are discouraged if not illegal.
Feeling lonely or isolated and needing to visit with someone besides the ones you see every day and are probably tired of talking to? Skype, Google Hangout, BlueJeans, Facetime and Zoom are available to connect and see each other face to face, some in groups [Ed.’s note: one wag suggested combing one’s hair before signing on].
One dating website, for example, encourages people to have a “date” by eating “together” with the same foods and visit while eating. [Ed.’s note: that should lower the number of “quaranteens” we’ll see about 13 years from now!]
According to sbcovid-19, there are now four (4) confirmed cases in Mentone. Given the ~10,000 residents Mentone is reputed to have, MM believes that’s a pretty good number, up from only three (3) last week; perhaps it’s reflective of Mentonites’ desire to stay well (except for certain unnamed ones who had “unprotected” parties with out-of-their-home guests over the weekend)? Stay safe, Mentone!
If you’re curious about current numbers you can look at sbcovid19.com. Somewhere I saw the other day that there were 7 confirmed cases in Redlands. I made an emergency trip to the dentist the other day, through Redlands – of course: adults were jogging, running, biking, walking, no masks. Kids were out playing without masks and looked at me in my mask in my car as though I were from another planet. Maybe that’s why they have cases there?
So far, MM hasn’t heard about any cases in Mentone; I guess Mentonites’ toughness and independence pay off! To say nothing of common sense! Of course, some of those “Redlands” cases could be Mentonites hospitalized there (hopefully not). Everyone please keep safe out there and one day soon we’ll have MACA and COMET/Chamber meetings again and like will be back to normal, whatever that turns out to be. In the meantime, won’t you note what lessons you’ve learned from this pandemic? MM
C.O.M.E.T.’S counsel hasn’t yet received any notification from the California Supreme Court whether it will order the [subordinate] Fourth District Court of Appeals to consider C.O.M.E.T.’s Petition for Writ of Mandate to the San Bernardino Superior Court to reconsider or reverse its denial of C.O.M.E.T.’s request for damages in its lawsuit against the City of Redlands and San Bernardino County LAFCO (“Local Area Formation COmission,” which oversees annexations).
In the meantime, everything else sits: the San Bernardino Superior Court closed March 17 for all but emergency matters, like restraining orders, until April 30, although courthouses apparently are still open in the high desert. All other matters and deadlines are extended by 30 days. The Fourth District Court is open on shortened hours but the Supreme Court is apparently completely open, hearing arguments by teleconferencing. MM will keep you posted on the progress of the lawsuit. MM
According to Richard Corneille, retired from the SBCWCD and president of the Water Board, at the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday, January 28, the District does not provide water; it comes from Northern California. The District’s job is to capture as much of the River and other sources such as the mountains, as possible and replenishes our water supplies underground. Its main intake is in the Wash just east of Garnet Street and also east of the aggregate mining by CEMEX, etc., which pay the District for doing so The District is comprised of 50,000 acres, 70,000 acre feet of water, only 1,000 acre feet of which would supply one or two homes for a year. (Also, see brochure below)
The SBCWCD purchased 25 acres of the former Lockheed property (now Seven W Enterprises) and its basins; in response to audience members’ questions he said the water quality is constantly monitored for toxins. Lockheed paid for cleanup for years, he stated. The District plans to keep the area in its present habitat and as a buffer, protecting several native animal and floral species (but not Mentone residents, he admitted in response to an audience member’s joke). The San Bernardino Municipal Water District is much larger, he explained. The District also owns and rents a four-bedroom house to Steps4Life, which provides transitional housing for persons, from homeless to their own home, said Corneille. MM
