Greater High Desert Chamber Hosts Annual State of the County

It was a privilege to join the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce last week for its annual "State of the County" event.

I joined San Bernardino County's CEO Leonard X. Hernandez, ATC Ensen Mason, Chairman of the Board/4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman and Sheriff Shannon Dicus in sharing the many wonderful things happening here in San Bernardino County. According to analysts, we are the fastest growing county in the nation, and as a board we are committed to investing in our communities, businesses, infrastructure and public safety.

During the event, I shared my strong commitment to improving our roads throughout the First District. Both Highway 395 and I-15 are in dire need of safety upgrades. Just one accident on the Cajon Pass can result in backups of three to four hours, slowing down emergency vehicles and stranding motorists with very few exit lanes. Something also needs to be done about the semi-trucks inundating all of the lanes on our highways. I'm on a crusade to find solutions through my work with Caltrans, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District.

On the public safety front, I emphasized my strong support of our brave men and women in law enforcement, who are doing an incredible job eradicating the illegal marijuana grows throughout the region. Not only do these grows steal our valuable water resources during a time of drought, but they are poisoning our desert environment with dangerous pesticides and trash, and threatening the safety and quality of life for our residents.

I look forward to working on these issues and more on behalf of the First District. It's truly an honor to serve you.