Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Holiday Closure

 

The office will be closed for usual business and will re-open on 

January 4, 2022

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Agenda for December 24, 2021 Meeting

Special Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 - 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Facilitator: President R. Stapp
Directors: D. Schendel, G. Low, R. Stradling, B. Roeder-German
1. Call to order and Flag Salute
2. Roll call/Acknowledgment of guests/public comments/questions
3. Parks
a. Barstow Heights
b. Venner
4. Resolution 2021-3 Application submission for Grant Money
5. Other Business
Next Meeting Date: January 25, 2022, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 Meeting

Meeting to pass a Resolution to submit an application to the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) from Proposition 68 passed by the voters in June 2018.

Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 6pm.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Minutes of 9-28-2021 (Approved 11-29-2021)

Approved 11-29-2021

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
6:00 p.m.
1. Meeting called to order at 6:00 by President Stapp, Director Schendel leads Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low, Ronald Stradling and Blythe Roeder-German. Bill Little of SBC Public Works present.
3. Approval/consent items: Minutes of 8/24/2021, financial reports and bills/issued checks. Motion by Director Schendel to approve with a second by Director Low. Motion carried/items approved with no opposition.
**** Bill Little is present and provides an update to the Board regarding the status of the roads in the Heights. No major plans are in the works currently. “Chip seal” is the last project that was done which should hold for around 10 years. County is doing routine maintenance only. Management will conduct an evaluation of the area is to be done in 2024 for any major projects (chip seals and/or paving projects). Measure I is to replace rounds within the County. President Stapp inquires about large cracks. Mr. Little indicates this is normal in desert temperatures. Heights roads are around 30 years old and Mr. Little encourages residents to be pro-active and report any problems by calling 760-256-3631
4. Parks:
a. Barstow Heights Park— Squirrels still around.
b. Venner Park—
Both parks were busy, especially on Sunday.
Board discusses possible parks designs. Board agrees that “H” Street Park should be addressed first. The goal would be to replace the equipment under the shade structure and possibly extend out to the west. Budget preliminarily set of $100,000. Director Roeder-German will explore equipment theme/design and return to Carol. At that time bids will be sought for project. Options for demolition of existing equipment were discussed by Board.
5. Correspondence: Reviewed by President Stapp. Notice from Golden State Water asking customers for voluntary reduction of use was noted.
6. Office Building and Area: Nothing to report.
7. General Manager’s report: Written report reviewed by Board. It is agreed that Carol will re-deposit petty cash and that office account will be closed. Written report to become a part of these minutes.
8. Directors’ reports: Director Roeder-German on informs Board of trucks blocking vision in areas of Heights. Truck on Crestview has no engine. Owners will be towing away. Board agrees that a courtesy letter should be sent to property owner who is parking tow trucks in front of the “H” Street Park on Rimrock. Director Schendel notes “junk yard” houses in the area/Code enforcement will be notified. No reports from remaining Board members.
Board discusses roads and decides to ask Bill Little to attend next meeting to provide updates. Carol will contact him.
9. Executive Session: Not required.
Adjournment at 7:16
Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by
Carol Mauk,
General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

Off Road Reminders

Sheriff’s Department Reminding Residents About Off-Road Rules – High Desert Daily


The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is reminding residents that it is illegal to operate any Off-Highway Vehicle on public roadways and anywhere within city limits, including desert areas.

You can lawfully operate an off-highway vehicle on your own property, or on the property of another while in possession of written permission from that property owner, as long as you do not disturb the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or person by noise, dust, smoke or fumes.

In addition to riding on private property, there are a number of public riding areas located in San Bernardino County. Those areas include:

  • Dumont Dunes
  • El Mirage Dry Lake
  • Stoddard Valley
  • Rasor
  • Johnson Valley OHV Area
  • Eastern Mojave Desert
  • Park Moabi County Park
  • Parker Strip

To learn more about OHV laws and safety in California, click the link below.

https://cl.s11.exct.net/?qs=59165c179b00d541b6b9294f620a6351668dc5b6b294916606321539887ed2895225a828fa2689a14491adeecd568c2522325b0e06f45be909d7357955189e49

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Agenda for November 29, 2021 Meeting

Regular Meeting Agenda

Monday, November 29, 2021 - 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Facilitator: President R. Stapp
Directors: D. Schendel, G. Low, R. Stradling, B. Roeder-German

1. Call to order and Flag Salute
2. Roll call/Acknowledgment of guests/public comments/questions
3. Approval/Consent Items
Minutes of September 28, 2021
Financial/reconciliation report(s)
Financial Transaction print-out
4. Parks
a. Barstow Heights
b. Venner
5. Correspondence
6. Office Building and Area
7. General Manager’s Report
8. Directors’ Report (roundtable)
9. Other items as necessary
10. Executive Session – Litigation GC54956.99(A) and Personnel GC54957.1
Next Meeting Date: January 25, 2022, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

New Board Meeting Date

 The meeting from October 26, 2021 is rescheduled to Monday, November 29, 2021

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Calico Ghost Town Shines Bright for the Holiday Season

On Saturday, Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Calico Ghost Town will transform into a holiday festival with a photo opportunity with Santa, Christmas caroling and the annual tree lighting that is sure to amuse the merriest of little spirits in this picturesque Old West mining town.

Festivalgoers can sing along or simply listen to your favorite holiday melodies. There will be a reading of the favorite “T’was the Night Before Christmas”, contests for the whole family, crafts for kids, gunfights performed by our very own Calico Mountain Volunteers and The High D Boys will perform on Main Street Stage.

 

Avoid the lines and parking nightmares at shopping malls and browse our specialty arts & craft shops for that hard-to-buy-for relative, neighbor or friend. Some of our shops will be offering special discounts for holiday shopping.

 

Santa arrives at 11 a.m. with a cheery “Ho! Ho! Ho!” for photos with the children and will light the Calico Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. After the tree lighting, Lil’s Saloon will be providing complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.

 

Calico will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prices are $8 per adult, $5 children ages 4-11, and 3 years and under are FREE.

 

This year do something out of the ordinary. Come to an old Western town and share the experience of its beautiful decorations and the lighted tree high above the hills of Calico. The views are breathtaking!

 

Calico Ghost Town offers full and partial camping at the park. Reservations may be booked directly online at www.sbcountyparks.com. Cabins and bunkhouses are also available.  Please call 760-254-1123 to reserve.

 

Calico Ghost Town is located off I-15 at Ghost Town Road in Yermo, just 10 miles north of Barstow. Visit www.calicotown.com for detailed information on Calico and upcoming events.

Blood Banks in Need of Donations

Blood supply in San Bernardino County is at dangerously low levels and the Department of Public Health encourages residents to donate blood if they are able.

Life Stream will be at the Barstow Community Center on Tuesday, December 14th, 1pm to 6:30 pm.
“Blood donations save lives, and we know our community steps up when people are in need so I encourage those who can give blood to take the time to donate at your local blood bank,” said Josh Dugas, director of the Department of Public Health.
Here are the LifeStream donor centers within our county:
• San Bernardino Donor Center, 420 E. Hospitality Lane, Suite A7 in San Bernardino, 909.885.6503
• High Desert Donor Center, 12520 Business Center Dr. in Victorville, 760.843.9700
• Ontario Donor Center, 1959 E. Fourth St. in Ontario, 909.987.3158
People can also find a mobile blood drive near them by visiting LifeStream (lstream.org) or the American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org).

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Agenda for October 26, 2021 Meeting

Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, October 26, 2021 - 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Facilitator: President R. Stapp
Directors: D. Schendel, G. Low, R. Stradling, B. Roeder-German
1. Call to order and Flag Salute
2. Roll call/Acknowledgment of guests/public comments/questions
3. Approval/Consent Items
Minutes of September 28, 2021
Financial/reconciliation report(s)
Financial Transaction print-out
4. Parks
a. Barstow Heights
b. Venner
5. Correspondence
6. Office Building and Area
7. General Manager’s Report
8. Directors’ Report (roundtable)
9. Executive Session – Litigation GC54956.99(A) and Personnel GC54957.1
Next Meeting Date: November 23(?), 2021, 6:00 p.m.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is hosting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 23!

The event is meant to prevent pill abuse and theft by allowing residents to dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the Victorville Sheriff's Department, located at 14200 Amargosa Rd, Victorville. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Halloween at Calico!!!

 Calico Ghost Haunt – Parks (sbcounty.gov)



Thursday, September 30, 2021

Minutes of 8-24-2021 (Approved 9-28-2021)

 (Approved 9-28-2021)

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
6:00 p.m.
1. Meeting called to order at 6:03 by President Stapp, Director Low leads Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low, Ronald Stradling and Blythe Roeder-German. Kyle Woolley present.
3. Approval/consent items: Minutes of 6/22/2021, financial reports and bills/issued checks. Motion by Director Low to approve with a second by Director Schendel. Motion carried/items approved with no opposition.
4. Parks:
a. Barstow Heights Park— Grass area that was getting no water has improved. Grass is coming back green.
b. Venner Park—Board agrees to order Bee spring toy from WillyGoat Toys and Playgrounds. Matter was previously approved to look for and order a replacement for broken spring toy. Carol will order next week.
Both parks. Mr. Woolley reports that staff is being built back up and City parks are being improved. He has inspection sheets for both parks but will drop off next week to Carol. Additional trash information will be sent to Carol. Prop 68 grants still pending.
Board agrees to get bids from companies, including Pacific Play Systems to upgrade and improve parks equipment. All agree that H Street Park should be explored first.
5. Correspondence: Reviewed by President Stapp. No action.
6. Auditor Selection: After brief discussion. Motion by Director Low to hire Paul Kaymark as auditor is made, second by Director Stradling. Motion carried/approved with no opposition. Carol will contact him.
7. Office Building and Area: Carol will contact Kathy Fiero regarding a mural on the outside of office building that faces Rimrock Road. Security cameras need adjusting and cleaning, Carol will contact Hi Desert Alarm. All agree a change to Spectrum is needed for more efficiency.
8. Written/Oral General Manager’s report: Reviewed by Board, no further inquiries. Written report to become a part of these minutes.
9. Directors’ reports: Director Schendel questions tow trucks parking on park grounds. Carol will prepare a letter to send to residents doing this on Rimrock and on Crestview between J and K Streets and will look for further information. President Stapp indicates three main water breaks since June in the Heights. Information he received regarding the water tanks in the Heights indicates if they are finished within 5 years, that is hopeful. BLM seems to be the hold up. Old tank on H Street and new tank on I Street are both empty. No reports from remaining Board members.
Board discusses roads and decides to ask Bill Little to attend next meeting to provide updates. Carol will contact him.
10. Executive Session: Not required.
Adjournment at 6:50
Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by
Carol Mauk,
General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Calico Days!!!

 Calico Days Returns This Weekend

Celebrating the rich history of California’s Silver Rush, Calico Ghost Town's Calico Days returns this weekend. The event, planned for Saturday and Sunday, promises plenty of 1800s-style fun, including gunfighting shows and musical entertainment. Other events will include a miner’s triathlon, burro race, costume contest, pie-eating contest and much more.

Admission is $10 (12 & over) and $5 (youth 4-11). Kids 3 and under are free.

Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo. For more information, please call 760-254-1123



Thursday, September 2, 2021

Minutes of June 22, 2021 ***Approved 8/24/21***

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 6:00 p.m.

1. Meeting called to order at 6:03 by President Stapp, Director Stradling leads Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low, Ronald Stradling and Blythe Roeder-German. No guests present.
3. Approval/consent items: Minutes of 5/25/2021, financial reports and bills/issued checks. Motion by Director Low to approve with a second by Director Stradling. Motion carried/items approved with no opposition.

4. Parks:
a. Barstow Heights Park— No squirrel control conducted, but population is growing. Possibility of more trash cans discussed and a possible dumpster. Carol will contact City for more information.
b. Venner Park—Board still searching for replacement like broken toy. Pacific Play doesn’t have selection that compliments current types already in park. Direction Roeder-German will take the lead and look further into finding one with a cost of no more than $2500 including shipping. Also exploring additional waste cans for this park.

5. Correspondence: Reviewed by President Stapp. Notes water rates increase received by Golden State Water Co. Also, fee increase from LAFCO. CSDA Conference in San Jose mentioned to Board.

6. Office Building and Area: Discussion held regarding a mural on the outside of office building that faces Rimrock Road. Director Low notes he likes the inside and outside appearance of the building.

7. Written/Oral General Manager’s report: Reviewed by Board, no further inquiries. Written report to become a part of these minutes.

8. Directors’ reports: Director Roeder-German re-states desire for a mural on the office and the appeal it will hold. President Stapp notes large amount of trash left at Venner Park a few weeks ago. No reports from remaining Board members.

9. Executive Session pursuant to GC 54956.9(A) and GC 54957.1(a)(6). Closed session held regarding GC 54957.1(a)(6). Carol is excused from the meeting. Upon conclusion of closed session, Carol returns and notified of Board decision to increase pay to $24 per hour.
10. Budget for 2021-2022 Fiscal Year: Worksheet provided to Board in meeting materials. Board reviews and budget is determined. Copy of final worksheet attached to these minutes. Resolution 2021-2, adopting of 2021-22 Budget passed unanimously with roll call vote of all Board members.

Adjournment at 7:01

Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. as Board agrees to skip July meeting.

Submitted by

Carol Mauk,
General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Office Hours

 

The week of August 23, 2021 the office will be open 

9-12:30 on 8/23 and 8/24

Regular hours will resume on August 31, 2021

Agenda for August 24, 2021 Meeting

Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Facilitator: President R. Stapp
Directors: D. Schendel, G. Low, R. Stradling, B. Roeder-German
1. Call to order and Flag Salute
2. Roll call/Acknowledgment of guests/public comments/questions
3. Approval/Consent Items
Minutes of June 22, 2021
Financial/reconciliation report(s)
Financial Transaction print-out
4. Parks
a. Barstow Heights
b. Venner (toy replacement)
5. Correspondence
6. Auditor selection
7. Office Building and Area
8. General Manager’s Report
9. Directors’ Report (roundtable)
10. Executive Session – Litigation GC54956.99(A) and Personnel GC54957.1
Next Meeting Date: September 28, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Redistricting Effort Gets Underway

Redistricting Effort Gets Underway – High Desert Daily

The commission will meet in Barstow on August 19, 2021.

It’s time to map the future of San Bernardino County, and there are many opportunities for the public to participate.

Every 10 years, the county uses the newest U.S. Census data to redraw the boundaries of each of the five Board of Supervisors districts to ensure each has essentially has the same number of residents, preserves communities of interest such as cities as much as possible, and complies with the Voting Rights Act.

The County’s redistricting website offers a wealth of information on the process and schedule as well as contact information and a tool that allows anyone to create and submit their own map of the county’s new supervisorial districts.

This year, in response to a provision in the new voter-approved County Charter, the Board of Supervisors has appointed a seven-member Advisory Redistricting Commission to receive public testimony and recommend at least two possible sets of new district boundaries for adoption.

“Democracy works best when everyone’s voices are heard,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “That’s why we have created many opportunities for everyone in our county to participate in this process.”

The commission has held two public meetings and will hold at least 16 more, many of them in communities throughout the county, including the next meeting on Thursday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. in the Town of Apple Valley Council Chambers. The commission will meet in Barstow on Aug. 19 and in Montclair on Aug. 26. Information on upcoming meeting can be found on the redistricting website’s calendar page. All meetings can be viewed live on the County’s redistricting website and video recordings of past meetings can be viewed on the redistricting website’s past meetings page.

Sign up for email updates on county redistricting and receive notices about upcoming meetings and other opportunities to participate.

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Barstow Cemetery Information

 

Public Invited to Special Meeting For Barstow Cemetery District

The Barstow Cemetery District (Mountain View Memorial Park) Board of Trustees invites the public to attend a special meeting at 9 a.m. August 7 regarding its Landscape Conversion Project. The event will take place at the Mountain View Memorial Park, located at 37067 Irwin Road. For more information, please call 760-256-2797.

Office Closed

The office will be closed the week of August 3, 2021

Regular hours will resume Tuesday, August 10, 2021


Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Water Safety

 


Real ID from DMV

DMV Offers Free REAL ID Upgrade – High Desert Daily


(Victor Valley)– The Department of Motor Vehicles invites all eligible Californians who received driver’s licenses or identification cards during the pandemic but did not get a REAL ID to upgrade now for no additional cost. This offer is set to expire at the end of the year.

An office visit is required to get a REAL ID. During the pandemic, the DMV temporarily expanded eligibility to renew online or by mail to include Californians age 70 and older, and customers who had reached their limit on out-of-office renewals – customers normally required to renew in person. The DMV expects to issue about 5.7 million driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL IDs between March 2020 and July 2021 to customers eligible for one. A fee is paid at the time of driver’s license application for a new license or renewal. That fee will be waived for the customers who received a non-REAL ID during that time if they upgrade now at dmv.ca.gov/realidupgrade.

“We don’t want Californians to pay the price for not getting a REAL ID during the pandemic,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “While the federal government has extended the enforcement date for a REAL ID, there is no need to procrastinate. If you act now, you can take advantage of this offer and upgrade to a REAL ID for free.”

Beginning May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

To apply for a REAL ID, an applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. A list of qualifying documents and other helpful information can be found at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

The DMV is taking many steps to improve its services and make getting or upgrading to a REAL ID easier. By filling out the REAL ID application at REALID.dmv.ca.gov and uploading their documents, Californians can make an appointment, bring their confirmation code and documents with them to a DMV office at their convenience, even the same day, for express service – no appointment necessary. Once at a service window, it now takes less than 10 minutes to complete the REAL ID transaction.

The DMV encourages Californians to act now to complete the online application for a REAL ID before they come to the office and to be prepared with the appropriate documents to speed the process for everyone.

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Minutes of May 25, 2021 ***Approved 6/22/2021***

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
6:00 p.m.
1. Meeting called to order at 6:02 by President Stapp, Director Roeder-German leads Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low and Blythe Roeder-German. Director Stradling absent. No guests present.
3. Approval/consent items: Minutes of 4/27/2021, financial reports and bills/issued checks. Motion by Director Low to approve with a second by Director Roeder-German. Motion carried/items approved with no opposition.
4. Parks:
a. Barstow Heights Park— President Stapp conducted squirrel control. This time seemed to be more effective than previous time. Septic tank for park was flushed on 5/25/2021. Company recommends regular monitoring of tank. One net is loose on a basketball hoop. President Stapp will reattach to rim. Board discusses putting in a second basketball court and the current one is frequently used. Possible locations discussed, most convenient is next to current one. Director Schendel will explore options.
i. Beryl Street sidewalks, curb and gutter project was discussed. President Stapp contacted TRLS Engineering in the Victor Valley regarding project. After telephone discussion with them, it was determined that plans would cost $4000 to $8000. In addition to that JDR construction previously indicated that concrete work would run over $30,000 for each area. In addition to that would be County costs. Board decides to table project.
b. Venner Park— One spring rider in the park needs replaced. Price received from Pacific Play Systems for replacement, however, Board wants replacement like broken toy. Carol will check with company.
5. Correspondence: Correspondence reviewed by President Stapp prior to meeting. Items to note is LAFCO has revised their rates. Golden State Water is seeking approval through the PUC to raise rates. Auditor-Controller letter indicates that this district’s allocation for 2020-21 is $72,283.64 with general tax levy contribution of $2999.59 (total of $75,283.23).
SDRMA premium is coming due. Motion made by Director Low to pay insurance with a second by Director Schendel. Motion carried and approved with no opposition.
6. Office Building and Area: Al Fiero did yard clean up and maintenance.
7. Written/Oral General Manager’s report: Written report to become a part of these minutes. President Stapp will adjust security cameras that need done. Auditors was discussed, Carol will further research firms. Pest Control was done. Budget worksheet given to Directors to prepare for next month.
8. Directors’ reports: Director Schendel reports former Director Jacobs stopped by his shop. He also indicated that he paid a current employee of his business to pick up trash and clean up by the L Street exit. No reports from remaining Directors.
9. Executive Session pursuant to GC 54956.9(A) and GC 54957.1(a)(6) is not required.
Adjournment at 7:04
Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by
Carol Mauk,
General Manager/Secretary/Clerk