'State of the County' Highlights Accomplishments, Developments

It was my honor to speak during last week’s "State of the County," hosted by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce. I joined my San Bernardino County colleagues CEO Leonard X. Hernandez, Board Chair & 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman, Undersheriff Horace Boatright and Superintendent Ted Alejandre in providing updates on the many accomplishments and developments here in our region.

As always, I will continue to advocate for our veterans and seniors while pushing Sacramento to assist with critical highway improvements on Highway 395, 18 and the Cajon Pass. These improvements are necessary to alleviate traffic, provide safe routes, and contribute to healthy air quality.

Additionally, our Sheriff's department has my full support to continue the important work they are doing battling illegal marijuana grows and the influx of fentanyl in our communities.

Here are some highlights from the event:

Public Safety

• Operation Hammer Strike has now expanded to two permanent teams, freeing up deputies from our regional stations. These teams will continue to focus on eradicating illegal cannabis grows throughout the county. Since the program’s inception, close to $1 billion in illegal marijuana (street value) has been taken off the streets. Additionally, during the service of these search warrants, teams seized over 1.4 million cannabis plants, 97 tons of processed marijuana, and 175 pounds of concentrated cannabis, along with over 350 firearms. 
• Since 2014, the Sheriff’s HOPE Team has conducted 5,296 contacts of homeless individuals in the High Desert. Of those contacts, 3,046 were referred, 1,758 were assisted, and over 500 were housed. The Countywide "Point in Time Count" data shows an increase in homelessness due to mental health and substance abuse issues. To date in 2022, the team has made 684 total contacts, 484 referrals, 122 assists, and has housed 77 individuals.
• Sheriff Shannon Dicus and Undersheriff Horace Boatright recently met with State Attorney General Rob Bonta, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to share information on the impact of illegal cannibis in our county. “We got great feedback from them, but also a promise that they will be there to help us through this process,” said Sheriff Boatright.

Education

• Four districts in our region received the state’s pivotal practice award for their ingenuity and creativity during COVID. The awards went to Apple Valley USD, Lucerne Valley USD, Victor Elementary and Silver Valley USD. “These districts made sure their students were connected to learning during that time,” said Superintendent Ted Alejandre.
• Graduation rates are a priority for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Several years ago, the County was far behind the state average. Now, it is at the state average with a 88 percent graduation rate. “I commend the districts out in the High Desert because they are at 90 percent graduation rate and higher,” said Alejandre. “They aren’t just focused on what students need to graduate from high school, but what industry they are going to get into.”

County Stats

• San Bernardino County is one of the fastest-growing areas in California, with 2.2 million residents and a 23 million market base. We are home to 96,000 Veterans, 266,000 seniors, 63,000 businesses and a 190,000-person labor force. The median age is 33, and our unemployment rate is 4 percent.
• The County’s fiscal outlook is very strong, with an $8.4 billion budget this year. The County is spending $800 million one-time investment monies for buildings, infrastructure, road projects, and water projects. Several regional park improvements are also in the works, including high-speed Internet connectivity, campground updates and rebuilds/repairs.
• Since 2010, San Bernardino County has won more than 523 National Association of Counties awards for its innovative methods of governance. This year, San Bernardino County was No. 1 in the nation with 82 NACO awards. As a comparison, Riverside County received eight this year.
• Ontario International Airport is doing well, and is the fastest recovering and fastest growth airport in North America. The airport is now flying direct to Hawaii, and soon will be adding direct flights to England and Sweden. The County is currently making plans to build a new terminal and expansion, hopefully in the next couple of years. 

How can our First District staff serve you? Contact us at (760) 995-8100 or email Supervisor.Cook@bos.sbcounty.gov.