County Librarian Melanie Orosco and Assistant County Librarian Kristin Stevens proudly display the “Best of the Best” award, recognizing their distinction as the inaugural recipient of Best Library in the Inland Empire. The San Bernardino County Library is proud to announce it has been named the first-ever recipient of the “Best of the Best” library in the region by Inland Empire readers — marking a historic milestone under this newly established category. This inaugural recognition highlights the library system’s exceptional service, innovation and lasting impact across the region. Selected directly by community members, the award underscores the trust and value that residents place in County Library as a vital resource for learning, connection and opportunity. “To be the very first library recognized in this category is an incredible honor,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “It reflects not only the dedication and passion of our staff as well as the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, but also the strong support of the communities we serve. We are proud to set the standard and will continue striving to exceed expectations.” From early literacy programs and student resources to workforce development tools, cultural events and innovative Garner Holt Animaker Spaces, the County Library continues to expand its offerings to support residents of all ages. Signature programs and events — ranging from hands-on learning experiences to community celebrations — have helped position the library as more than a place for books, but as a vital community cornerstone. The “Best of the Best” recognition highlights organizations that demonstrate excellence in service, community engagement and overall impact. Being selected by Inland Empire Magazine readers underscores the library’s role as a valued and essential resource throughout the region. The County Library extends its sincere gratitude to the community for its continued support and enthusiasm. The library looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to provide exceptional services that inspire, educate and connect. For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, events and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home. Additional County Update News – April 23, 2026 Board Actions, April 21 San Bernardino County Public Defender delivers Mobile Defense services in Lucerne Valley Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences; 76 arrests, 76 firearms recovered Preschool Services Week of the Young Child draws hundreds to the museum for early childhood education Arrowhead Regional Medical Center announces appointment of Chief Information and Digital Transformation Officer Andrea L. Daugherty April outreach efforts connect community members to essential support Mojave Narrows Regional Park to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony for new equestrian center Fresh finds and fresh reads: Highland Branch Library launches weekly Farmers Market in new partnership Applications now being accepted for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury SBC Through Your Eyes: Pioneertown Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes San Bernardino County history: Movies in the San Bernardino Mountains Things to do in San Bernardino County Pet of the Week: Sarka

Board Approves Funding for Community Programs

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HAHarvey Walden

3 minutes ago

Board Approves Funding for Community Programs

The Board of Supervisors took several actions during its regular board meeting on April 21. Board discretionary funding supports community initiatives The Board of Supervisors approved discretionary funding allocations to support community programs and services through the District Specific Priorities Program. Approximately $165,000 in previously allocated funds from First District Supervisor Paul Cook’s District Specific Priorities Program to Abundant Living Family Church – High Desert to support non-emergency transportation, case management and reentry services for individuals recently released from detention facilities, along with community support programs including food distribution and assistance for families in need. $100,000 from Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the Mt. Baldy Joint Elementary School District to support the roof replacement at Mt. Baldy Elementary School. $30,000 from Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to Upland-Rancho Cucamonga Post 8680, Veterans of Foreign Wars to support kitchen upgrades, including the installation of commercial-grade equipment to better serve veterans and the community. $20,000 from Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization to support youth arts programming, including leadership development and access to performing arts experiences for students. $10,000 from Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the Fontana Police Foundation to support the Shop with a Cop event, providing gifts, meals and community engagement opportunities for children in need. $10,000 from Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the California-Nevada District Exchange Clubs Charitable Foundation to support the Fontana Days Parade, including youth activities, community programming and event coordination. Treatment network expanded to increase access to substance use treatment and recovery services The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department is entering into an approximately $1.3 million contract with VARP, Inc. and expanded agreements with several community providers to increase access to substance use treatment and recovery services throughout the county. The action includes an additional $800,000 in funding to support services for individuals referred by San Bernardino County Children and Family Services, bringing the total available funding for these services to $4 million. Providers receiving updated agreements include High Desert Child, Adolescent and Family Services Center, Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inland Valley Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services and Cedar House Life Change Center. These services include early intervention, outpatient care and long-term recovery support, helping residents in need access treatment earlier and maintain recovery over time. By increasing access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services for individuals and families in need, the county is furthering the wellness goals of the Countywide Vision. Public Health federal grant The San Bernardino County Public Health Department received an approximately $669,000 grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program through February 28, 2027. The funding will support comprehensive health care and support services for individuals living with HIV, including medical care, case management, treatment linkage, food assistance and transportation services across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The program serves approximately 1,980 clients annually and focuses on improving access to care and reducing new HIV infections. By ensuring that individuals living with HIV have access to high-quality health care and support services, the county is working towards achieving the Countywide Vision. County workforce opportunities for youth The board approved San Bernardino County’s participation as a work experience site for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Forward Program through June 30, 2029. The program will provide youth and young adults, including individuals with little to no prior work experience, with paid, hands-on job training opportunities across more than 40 county departments. Participants will gain exposure to a wide range of career fields, including public safety, health services, public works, information technology and community development, while developing transferable workplace skills and professional networks. By strengthening workforce development pathways and supporting career readiness for youth, the county is furthering the Cradle-to-Career goal. Election security improvements state grant The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters entered into a grant revenue agreement with the California Secretary of State to receive up to approximately $243,000 in Help America Vote Act funding for enhanced election security and administration through Dec. 31. The funding will support a range of security improvements, including strengthening cybersecurity systems, upgrading physical security at election facilities, enhancing staff training on security and privacy protocols, and improving the county’s ability to respond to potential election-related incidents. The grant reimburses eligible costs associated with safeguarding voting systems, protecting sensitive voter data and ensuring the integrity of election operations. The program builds on ongoing efforts to modernize election infrastructure and maintain secure, accessible voting processes for residents. Regional solar energy consortium The board approved a $5,000 membership agreement with the University of California, Riverside’s Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy/Solar Valley Consortium for the 2026–27 term and designated a board representative to participate in the consortium. The consortium brings together public agencies, industry stakeholders and academic institutions to support solar energy research, promote clean energy development and attract businesses involved in renewable energy and storage. Participation provides access to data, policy collaboration and workforce development opportunities that support the growth of clean energy industries in the region. By strengthening regional partnerships and supporting renewable energy innovation, the county is working to achieve the Countywide Vision. Blake Street and Other Roads Project update The San Bernardino County Public Works Department is entering into an approximately $5.1 million construction contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc., for the Blake Street and Other Roads Project – Phase 1 in the Rialto area. The project will rehabilitate approximately 9.5 miles of roadway through pavement improvements and other treatments, as well as install and upgrade curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Additional improvements include updated traffic signage and striping to enhance roadway visibility and safety. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026 and be completed by fall 2026. The road improvements will be funded through SB 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account revenues. By maintaining and improving local road infrastructure that enhances safety, accessibility and mobility for residents, the county is working to achieve the Countywide Vision. Proposed 2026-27 Annual Action Plan and amendment to the 2019-20 Annual Action Plan The board conducted a public hearing and approved the proposed 2026-27 Annual Action Plan and an amendment to the 2019-20 Annual Action Plan, which will return to the board for a vote on May 5. The Annual Action Plan serves as the county’s roadmap, detailing how approximately $9.36 million in federal grant funding will be utilized to support infrastructure, affordable housing and homeless services for low- and moderate-income residents across the county’s unincorporated areas and 13 cooperating cities. The county’s projected 2026-27 allocation includes approximately $6 million in Community Development Block Grants, $2.78 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, and $562,000 in an Emergency Solutions Grant award. These funds will be strategically utilized to address essential community needs, ranging from Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant infrastructure and street improvements to the construction of new affordable housing units and the strengthening of the regional homeless response system, including street outreach and emergency shelter services. Additionally, the board approved a substantial amendment to the 2019-20 Annual Action Plan to reprogram $425,000 in Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus funding. This adjustment allows for the reallocation of $300,000 to support nutritional services through senior meal programs in the western region of the county, while the remaining $125,000 will be redirected to fulfill funding requirements for other eligible existing projects. Additional County Update News – April 23, 2026 San Bernardino County Public Defender delivers Mobile Defense services in Lucerne Valley Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences; 76 arrests, 76 firearms recovered San Bernardino County Library honored ‘Best of the Best’ in the Inland Empire Preschool Services Week of the Young Child draws hundreds to the museum for early childhood education Arrowhead Regional Medical Center announces appointment of Chief Information and Digital Transformation Officer Andrea L. Daugherty April outreach efforts connect community members to essential support Mojave Narrows Regional Park to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony for new equestrian center Fresh finds and fresh reads: Highland Branch Library launches weekly Farmers Market in new partnership Applications now being accepted for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury SBC Through Your Eyes: Pioneertown Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes San Bernardino County history: Movies in the San Bernardino Mountains Things to do in San Bernardino County Pet of the Week: Sarka

New CalFresh Work Requirements Begin in June

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HAHarvey Walden

1 week ago

New CalFresh Work Requirements Begin in June

Many CalFresh recipients will soon be required to meet new work requirements to maintain their benefits. The California statewide waiver that allowed certain CalFresh recipients to receive benefits without meeting requirements expired on Nov. 2, 2025. Most counties in California, including San Bernardino County, will implement Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work and community engagement requirements effective June 1. Under ABAWD rules, some adult CalFresh recipients must meet work and community engagement requirements to continue receiving benefits. This generally includes participating in employment, training or approved activities for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). Individuals who do not meet the requirements and do not qualify for an exemption may be limited to three months of CalFresh benefits within a three-year period. You may be subject to ABAWD work and community engagement requirements if you: Are 18 to 64 years old Are not residing with a child under the age of 14 in your CalFresh household Are physically and mentally able to participate for at least 20 hours per week Do not meet an exemption ABAWD exemptionsYou may be exempt from ABAWD work and community engagement requirements if you meet any of the following: Residing with a child under age 14 in the CalFresh household Pregnant Physically or mentally unfit for employment Receiving disability-based benefits or otherwise unable to work Participating in a qualifying substance use disorder treatment program A student enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education (if otherwise eligible) Complying with CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work or another comparable program Working an average of 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month Participating in a qualifying employment and training program Note: Individuals complying with CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work or another comparable program may also qualify for an exemption. Additional exemptions Individuals who meet the definition of Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian Other exemptions may apply based on individual circumstances Recent federal changes have also removed certain exemptions. Individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans or former foster youth may now be subject to ABAWD requirements unless they qualify for another exemption listed above. Take action nowIf you think these changes may apply to you, begin preparing now by exploring work, training or volunteer opportunities. San Bernardino County will provide resources and support to help you meet these requirements and maintain your benefits. Not all CalFresh recipients will be affected by this change. Additional guidance and resources will be shared as the implementation of new eligibility and verification requirements approaches. For the latest updates, please visit the following websites: Transitional Assistance Department California Department of Social Services Additional County Update News – April 16, 2026 Sheriff recognizes 56 exceptional service recipients Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences – April 6 through April 12 New amenities open at Prado Regional Park; more to come San Bernardino County to host May 5 Budget Workshop and Fiscal Overview Baker’s “lonely fire station” serves a critical lifeline along the I-15 First 5 San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital promote Week of the Young Child Animal Care partners with Wings of Rescue to give shelter dogs a second chance Did You Know: Topgolf SBC Through Your Eyes: Yucaipa Regional Park Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes San Bernardino County history: Samuel Merrill Things to do in San Bernardino County Pet of the Week: Brandy

Community Remembrances

New Amenities Open at Prado Regional Park

1 week ago

" Prado Regional Park’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 8, welcomes parks visitors in style. Left, Congresswoman Norma Torres, San Bernardino County Regional Parks Director Beahta Davis and Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman. Prado Regional Park’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new snack bar area. Antonio Davila, a Chino resident who attended the ceremony with his daughter, Diana, said this was his first time visiting Prado and said he is considering getting an annual pass A man and little girl sit in front of a pedal boat on a lake with a woman and a little girl sitting in the back. All are wearing life vests. San Bernardino County Regional Parks, along with the office of Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, welcomed the completion of Prado Regional Park’s newly renovated gatehouse, monument sign, food court and boat dock on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that captured the grandeur of the park nestled in the scenic hillsides of Chino. As part of a larger master plan to modernize and bring new amenities to Prado Regional Park, the gatehouse, boat dock and food court areas are just the beginning of more improvements that aim to uplift the park with new features and amenities for residents to enjoy, including future sports courts, expansion of the campground to include glamping, and adding new campground restrooms and showers. As the county continues to invest in Regional Parks, Hagman said the vision for investing in the park is to become a destination location and build a sense of community where families can explore the outdoors and spend leisure time together, supported by the Countywide Vision. “At Prado Regional Park, these improvements are really about what our visitors and community have been looking forward to. A place where families can come together and create lasting memories, whether that’s fishing, kayaking, grabbing a snack or relaxing by the lake. All of this is possible thanks to strong federal partnerships and continued county investment. Together, we’re delivering the kind of park our community deserves,” said Hagman. For Regional Parks Director Beahta Davis, the ceremony symbolizes more than the new infrastructure; it symbolizes easier park access for everyone who passes through the front gate. “The new gatehouse makes it easier for people who come in. When you turn into the park now, instead of it being a two-lane road, now there is a three to four-lane road, so when we have those larger events, we can open up four lanes and get people off Euclid Avenue and into the park sooner,” said Davis. Another beautiful improvement at Prado is the new food court and patio area, boat dock, pier and ADA path of travel from around the snack bar to the playground. “The food court not only offers a place for people to get food, but also a place where you can sit in the serene area and just enjoy the lake and nature all around us,” said Davis. “It provides another area where families can gather to enjoy lunch, dinner or a pedal boat ride on the lake.” Congresswoman Norma Torres, representing California’s 35th District, who secured federal funding for the new food court was on-site to present Regional Parks with a certificate of recognition and spoke about the importance of collaboration and community investment. “As an appropriator, I was proud to secure more than $3.13 million in federal funding to improve Prado Regional Park and expand access for families across San Bernardino County. This investment is helping rehabilitate the park’s food court area to not only meet modern health and accessibility standards, but to give park visitors a natural space to sit and enjoy the beautiful lake view while dining outdoors,” said Torres. Antonio Davila, a Chino resident who attended the ceremony with his daughter, Diana, said this was his first time visiting Prado and said he is considering getting an annual pass now. “On Easter Sunday, we were at Guasti Regional and we really like all the amenities there, but being a Chino resident, this is my first time here and I am looking at the splash pad and I said… this is so beautiful … I am looking into the annual pass now,” said Davila. “I live right across the street and I am so mad this is my first time here in four years. The tax dollars are being used very well here.” Another project nearing completion is the campground restroom and shower facility. In addition to the food court project, Torres also provided federal funding in 2024 for a new restroom and shower facility at Prado Regional Park’s campground. The project is in progress and is expected to be completed by Memorial Day. “Delivering a brand-new restroom and shower facility at the campground is a critical upgrade for visitors to fully enjoy extended stays at the park,” said Torres. “These projects are about more than infrastructure, they are about ensuring our public spaces are safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone in our community. I look forward to celebrating these improvements with our local partners and the families who will benefit for years to come.” During the ceremony, Davis added Regional Parks provides a cost-effective way for families to come together and enjoy nature and create memories, which is why the Prado master plan is vital to meeting the needs of the residents and expanding communities. “What’s next for Prado Regional Park are some new sports courts that are going to be over on the soccer fields. When completed we invite everyone to come on out to play some pickleball, tennis or maybe even some basketball,” said Davis. Regional Parks received several certificates of recognition, including one from Torres, as well as others from the city of Chino, presented by Councilmember Christopher Flores; Sen. Susan Rubio, 22nd District, presented by Anthony Moreno; Chino Valley Fire District, presented by District President and Regional Parks Commissioner Michael Kreeger; and Assemblymember Phillip Chen, 59th District, presented by Newton Viengkhou. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees were treated to refreshments at the food court area and free use of the pedal boats on the lake. Additional County Update News – April 16, 2026 Sheriff recognizes 56 exceptional service recipients Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences – April 6 through April 12 New CalFresh work and community engagement requirements begin in June San Bernardino County to host May 5 Budget Workshop and Fiscal Overview Baker’s “lonely fire station” serves a critical lifeline along the I-15 First 5 San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital promote Week of the Young Child Animal Care partners with Wings of Rescue to give shelter dogs a second chance Did You Know: Topgolf SBC Through Your Eyes: Yucaipa Regional Park Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes San Bernardino County history: Samuel Merrill Things to do in San Bernardino County Pet of the Week: Brandy "

New Amenities Open at Prado Regional Park

1 week ago

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