2/26/2020 Former San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies at age 90 – San Bernardino Sun

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/25/sbs-l-obit-tidwell-0226/ 1/5

By By BRIAN ROKOSBRIAN ROKOS | | brokos@scng.combrokos@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise | The Press-EnterprisePUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: February 25, 2020 at 7:01 p.m.February 25, 2020 at 7:01 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: February 26, 2020 at 8:29February 26, 2020 at 8:29a.m.a.m.

Former San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell, shown in an undated file photo,Former San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell, shown in an undated file photo,died Feb. 25, 2020, at age 90. (File photo)died Feb. 25, 2020, at age 90. (File photo)

Floyd Tidwell, who helped modernize the San Bernardino County Sheriff’sFloyd Tidwell, who helped modernize the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s

Department as sheriff from 1983 to 1991 and remained involved in the communityDepartment as sheriff from 1983 to 1991 and remained involved in the community

well after his retirement, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, at age 90.well after his retirement, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, at age 90.

NEWSNEWSCRIME + PUBLIC SAFETYCRIME + PUBLIC SAFETY

Former San Bernardino CountyFormer San Bernardino CountySheriff Floyd Tidwell dies at ageSheriff Floyd Tidwell dies at age9090

2/26/2020 Former San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies at age 90 – San Bernardino Sun

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/25/sbs-l-obit-tidwell-0226/ 2/5

Tidwell died of natural causes at 2:25 p.m. at St. Bernadine Medical Center in SanTidwell died of natural causes at 2:25 p.m. at St. Bernadine Medical Center in San

Bernardino, said Gabriel Morales, a San Bernardino County supervising deputyBernardino, said Gabriel Morales, a San Bernardino County supervising deputy

coroner.coroner.

The sheriff’s department announced Tidwell’s death in a Twitter message.The sheriff’s department announced Tidwell’s death in a Twitter message.

“It is with deep sadness that we report the death of retired Sheriff Floyd“It is with deep sadness that we report the death of retired Sheriff Floyd

Tidwell. Sheriff Tidwell began his law enforcement career in 1950 and served inTidwell. Sheriff Tidwell began his law enforcement career in 1950 and served in

various capacities throughout his 40-year career. He leaves behind an incrediblevarious capacities throughout his 40-year career. He leaves behind an incredible

legacy and will be greatly missed,” the department post said.legacy and will be greatly missed,” the department post said.

Tidwell’s legacy, however, was tarnished by his 2004 guilty plea to concealingTidwell’s legacy, however, was tarnished by his 2004 guilty plea to concealing

stolen property. Prosecutors said at the time that Tidwell had removed firearmsstolen property. Prosecutors said at the time that Tidwell had removed firearms

from evidence rooms while he was sheriff and given many of them away.from evidence rooms while he was sheriff and given many of them away.

Tidwell, the son of a Big Bear cattle rancher, was known for his Old West look byTidwell, the son of a Big Bear cattle rancher, was known for his Old West look by

frequently wearing cowboy boots. But he brought the department into the currentfrequently wearing cowboy boots. But he brought the department into the current

age with a number of improvements, current Sheriff John McMahon said.age with a number of improvements, current Sheriff John McMahon said.

Tidwell participated in the design and construction of the sheriff’s headquartersTidwell participated in the design and construction of the sheriff’s headquarters

on 3rd Street in San Bernardino and the West Valley Detention Center in Ranchoon 3rd Street in San Bernardino and the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho

Cucamonga. He also led the improvement of the radio system — an importantCucamonga. He also led the improvement of the radio system — an important

development in a massive county with far-flung population centers — anddevelopment in a massive county with far-flung population centers — and

installed computers in patrol cars.installed computers in patrol cars.

McMahon said Tuesday that his family knew Tidwell even before McMahonMcMahon said Tuesday that his family knew Tidwell even before McMahon

became a deputy in 1985. Tidwell attended the victory party when McMahon wonbecame a deputy in 1985. Tidwell attended the victory party when McMahon won

election in 2014 after being appointed by the county Board of Supervisors in 2012.election in 2014 after being appointed by the county Board of Supervisors in 2012.

“He was the sheriff at a point when a lot of big things happened in the“He was the sheriff at a point when a lot of big things happened in the

department, whether it be infrastructure or overall the ability of deputies todepartment, whether it be infrastructure or overall the ability of deputies to

communicate and modernize what we do today in law enforcement,” McMahoncommunicate and modernize what we do today in law enforcement,” McMahon

said in a phone interview. “He was what a lot of people described as larger thansaid in a phone interview. “He was what a lot of people described as larger than

life. He was one of the icons in our department. A genuine, nice person. It was alife. He was one of the icons in our department. A genuine, nice person. It was a

pleasure for me to know him professionally and personally.”pleasure for me to know him professionally and personally.”

After Tidwell retired, he helped bring the dormant sheriff’s rodeo back to life,After Tidwell retired, he helped bring the dormant sheriff’s rodeo back to life,

worked with other community endeavors and appeared in local parades.worked with other community endeavors and appeared in local parades.

“He was always trying to give back and do whatever he could to make this a“He was always trying to give back and do whatever he could to make this a

county a better place after retirement,” McMahon said.county a better place after retirement,” McMahon said.

San Bernardino County SheriffSan Bernardino County Sheriff@sbcountysheriff@sbcountysheriff

2/26/2020 Former San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies at age 90 – San Bernardino Sun

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/25/sbs-l-obit-tidwell-0226/ 3/5

It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Retired SheriffIt is with deep sadness that we report the death of Retired Sheriff Floyd Tidwell. Floyd Tidwell.

Sheriff Tidwell began his law enforcement career in 1950 andSheriff Tidwell began his law enforcement career in 1950 and served in various capacities throughout his 40-year career. served in various capacities throughout his 40-year career.

He leaves behind an incredible legacy and will be greatly missed.He leaves behind an incredible legacy and will be greatly missed.

169169 3:42 PM - Feb 25, 20203:42 PM - Feb 25, 2020 · · Hesperia, CAHesperia, CA

29 people are talking about this29 people are talking about this

Tidwell also encountered controversy in retirement, however. InvestigatorsTidwell also encountered controversy in retirement, however. Investigators

looking into allegations against the bail bond business owned by Tidwell’s sonslooking into allegations against the bail bond business owned by Tidwell’s sons

found guns at their homes that the men said were given to them by Tidwell. Thefound guns at their homes that the men said were given to them by Tidwell. The

investigation determined that Tidwell had helped himself to more than 500investigation determined that Tidwell had helped himself to more than 500

firearms that the department had booked, storing some of them at his Phelanfirearms that the department had booked, storing some of them at his Phelan

home. In 2004, Tidwell pleaded guilty to four felony counts of concealing stolenhome. In 2004, Tidwell pleaded guilty to four felony counts of concealing stolen

property. He paid a $10,000 fine and did not serve jail time. Tidwell’s attorney saidproperty. He paid a $10,000 fine and did not serve jail time. Tidwell’s attorney said

at the time that Tidwell had inherited a system in which the sheriff was expectedat the time that Tidwell had inherited a system in which the sheriff was expected

to dispose of the guns.to dispose of the guns.

2/26/2020 Former San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies at age 90 – San Bernardino Sun

The charges were reduced to misdemeanors at sentencing after the judge saidThe charges were reduced to misdemeanors at sentencing after the judge said

Tidwell had sufficiently cooperated with the investigation and had returned someTidwell had sufficiently cooperated with the investigation and had returned some

of the weapons. District Attorney Mike Ramos said at the time that he disagreedof the weapons. District Attorney Mike Ramos said at the time that he disagreed

with the reduction of charges.with the reduction of charges.

Funeral services had not been announced as of Tuesday night.Funeral services had not been announced as of Tuesday night.

2/26/2020 Retired county Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies, age 90 - News - vvdailypress.com - Victorville, CA

https://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20200225/retired-county-sheriff-floyd-tidwell-dies-age-90 1/4

By Rene Ray De La Cruz Staff Writer

By Matthew Cabe Staff Writer Posted Feb 25, 2020 at 5:23 PM

SAN BERNARDINO — Floyd Tidwell, who spent 40 years with the SanBernardino County Sheriff’s Department, served as the county’s sherifffor two terms starting in 1983, and pleaded guilty to concealing stolenfirearms in 2004, died Tuesday. He was 90 years old.

Sheriff John McMahon’s office announced Tidwell’s death Tuesday inan inter-office memo obtained by the Daily Press. The department alsoposted about his passing on its Facebook and Twitter pages.

“Sheriff Tidwell left behind an incredible legacy and will be greatlymissed,” said the memo, which included a pending funeral service atSunset Hills Memorial Park in Apple Valley.

Tidwell, a High Desert resident, announced his retirement in 1989 afteryears of modernizing the Sheriff’s Department. County residentsbemoaned the highly respected lawman’s departure as the end of “theera of the cowboy sheriff,” according to a San Bernardino Sun reportfrom that time.

In June 1982, Tidwell, who was then undersheriff and a Coltonresident, was first elected Sheriff, beating out rival Charles Callahan by a25% margin, according to a previous Daily Press report. He wasendorsed by outgoing Sheriff Frank Bland during that campaign.

Retired county Sheri� Floyd Tidwell dies,

age 90

2/26/2020 Retired county Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies, age 90 - News - vvdailypress.com - Victorville, CA

https://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20200225/retired-county-sheriff-floyd-tidwell-dies-age-90 2/4

He was re-elected in 1986 in a landslide victory that garnered him 80.5%of the total vote. Tidwell’s opponent, Lawrence Henson, a resident ofHesperia, received 19.4%, the Daily Press reported.

Tidwell officially turned in his badge Jan. 7, 1991, the same day RichardWilliams was sworn in as his successor. His retirement ended a careerthat started in 1950 when he became a volunteer deputy sheriff.

Two years later, he began his first assignment as a deputy sheriff at theBig Bear Station, according to the department’s memo.

A promotion to sergeant came in 1957. Tidwell remained at the BigBear Station until 1960, when he was promoted to captain and firstcommander of the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center. In 1962, he waspromoted to area inspector in charge of the desert and mountainstations.

Tidwell became the area inspector in charge of the Central PatrolDivision, the Special Enforcement Detail, the Plans and TrainingDivision and the Sheriff’s Academy in 1967, according to the memo.

In 1973, he was promoted to Sheriff’s executive officer and was placedin command of the Bureau of Administration. He was appointedassistant sheriff in 1979. That was followed by an undersheriffappointment in 1981.

During his first term as sheriff, Tidwell led the design and constructionof the Sheriff’s Headquarters building and the West Valley DetentionCenter, which opened shortly after his retirement.

In the book, “Images of America: San Bernardino County Sheriff’sDepartment,” author M. David DeSoucy said Tidwell also broughtchanges to the department, including the motto, “Dedicated to YourSafety.”

He also officially changed the title of sheriff’s office to sheriff’department, created the “Career Criminal Division” and introducednew, blue-striped patrol units.

2/26/2020 Retired county Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies, age 90 - News - vvdailypress.com - Victorville, CA

https://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20200225/retired-county-sheriff-floyd-tidwell-dies-age-90 3/4

“He was fond of the color blue and a directive was put out that only hecould use blue ink, which became his signature trademark,” DeSoucywrote.

A photo in the book shows Tidwell donating blood while beinginterviewed by members of the media. As sheriff, he also implemented anew blood donor program that remained active throughout his tenure.

During his career, Tidwell also served as the Director of the Office ofPublic Safety for the County of San Bernardino, the memo said.

Tidwell brought mobile data terminals to patrol units along with 800MHz radios. He was also appointed Sheriff emeritus by the Board ofSupervisors upon his retirement, the memo said.

In March 2004, the Los Angeles Times reported that the county hadlaunched a probe a year earlier into whether Tidwell illegally gave oneof his sons dozens of guns that belonged to the Sheriff’s Department.

At the time, David Call, Tidwell’s attorney, acknowledged his client wasbeing investigated, telling the Times that Tidwell was “prepared tomeet” any charges brought against him.

“They should know that (Tidwell) is a hero to this county; he’s biggerthan life ... it’s like they’re claiming John Wayne was a criminal,” Calladded.

Tidwell, in May 2004, pleaded guilty to four felony counts of concealingstolen firearms, according to a previous Daily Press report. He was 74 atthe time.

Court records showed that Tidwell signed out 523 firearms from theSheriff’s Department’s property division between April 1983 andNovember 2003. He was charged for 38 recovered guns, the Daily Pressreported.

He paid a $10,000 fine and served no jail time. Then Assistant DistrictAttorney Mike Risley said “jail was never an option.”

2/26/2020 Retired county Sheriff Floyd Tidwell dies, age 90 - News - vvdailypress.com - Victorville, CA

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“This is both because of (Tidwell’s) age, and because he served thecounty well in many ways for many years,” Risley said at the time.

The charges were later reduced to misdemeanors at sentencing.

Tidwell is survived by his wife of 12 years, Jean; son, Jeff, a retiredSheriff’s Department sergeant; his wife, Sheri; son, Boone, a retiredSheriff’s Department detective; his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Robin; andnumerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227,

RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com, Instagram @renegadereporter, Twitter

@DP_ReneDeLaCruz.

City Editor Matthew Cabe can be reached at MCabe@VVDailyPress.com or

760-490-0052. Follow him on Twitter @DP_MatthewCabe.

2/26/2020 210 Freeway between Redlands and San Bernardino getting new lanes – San Bernardino Sun

1/5

By By JENNIFER IYERJENNIFER IYER | | jiyer@scng.comjiyer@scng.com | Redlands Daily Facts | Redlands Daily FactsPUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: February 26, 2020 at 6:47 a.m.February 26, 2020 at 6:47 a.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: February 26, 2020 at 6:48February 26, 2020 at 6:48a.m.a.m.

Traffic crawls along the 210 Freeway at Baseline St. in Highland on Tuesday, Feb. 18,Traffic crawls along the 210 Freeway at Baseline St. in Highland on Tuesday, Feb. 18,2020, eight days prior to the 210 Freeway and Baseline interchange project2020, eight days prior to the 210 Freeway and Baseline interchange projectgroundbreaking slated for Feb. 26. The 210 Freeway widening project, upgrading thegroundbreaking slated for Feb. 26. The 210 Freeway widening project, upgrading theBase Line Street interchange with the freeway, is close to completion. (Photo by CindyBase Line Street interchange with the freeway, is close to completion. (Photo by CindyYamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Work is starting on a nearly $200 million project aimed to ease congestion on theWork is starting on a nearly $200 million project aimed to ease congestion on the

210 Freeway between Redlands and San Bernardino.210 Freeway between Redlands and San Bernardino.

LOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWS

210 Freeway between Redlands210 Freeway between Redlandsand San Bernardino getting newand San Bernardino getting newlaneslanesMotorists should be aware of lane closuresMotorists should be aware of lane closures

2/26/2020 210 Freeway between Redlands and San Bernardino getting new lanes – San Bernardino Sun

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/26/210-freeway-between-redlands-and-san-bernardino-getting-new-lanes/ 2/5

The The project will add a lane in each directionproject will add a lane in each direction between Sterling Avenue in San between Sterling Avenue in San

Bernardino and San Bernardino Avenue in Redlands, rehab pavement in the sameBernardino and San Bernardino Avenue in Redlands, rehab pavement in the same

area and upgrade the Base Line Street interchange in Highland. Aarea and upgrade the Base Line Street interchange in Highland. A

groundbreaking ceremony is set for Wednesday, Feb. 26, and an open house forgroundbreaking ceremony is set for Wednesday, Feb. 26, and an open house for

the following week.the following week.

Crews are preparing for construction, removing brush and debris this week at theCrews are preparing for construction, removing brush and debris this week at the

Base Line interchange. Construction is expected to end in summer 2023.Base Line interchange. Construction is expected to end in summer 2023.

In a presentation to the Highland City Council earlier this month, Dennis SaylorIn a presentation to the Highland City Council earlier this month, Dennis Saylor

with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority said the new lanes arewith the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority said the new lanes are

slated to go in the existing freeway median. Acceleration and deceleration lanesslated to go in the existing freeway median. Acceleration and deceleration lanes

and auxiliary lanes also are planned.and auxiliary lanes also are planned.

“That will eliminate where it (bottle)necks down from three lanes to two lanes, so“That will eliminate where it (bottle)necks down from three lanes to two lanes, so

that should, hopefully, improve traffic congestion through that area,” he told thethat should, hopefully, improve traffic congestion through that area,” he told the

council on Feb. 11.council on Feb. 11.

Periodic slab replacement will take place between Sterling and Fifth Street inPeriodic slab replacement will take place between Sterling and Fifth Street in

Highland, and between Fifth and Lugonia Avenue the asphalt pavement will beHighland, and between Fifth and Lugonia Avenue the asphalt pavement will be

replaced with concrete.replaced with concrete.

2/26/2020 210 Freeway between Redlands and San Bernardino getting new lanes – San Bernardino Sun

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/26/210-freeway-between-redlands-and-san-bernardino-getting-new-lanes/ 3/5

Lanes will be added to the 210 Freeway between Sterling Avenue in SanLanes will be added to the 210 Freeway between Sterling Avenue in SanBernardino and San Bernardino Avenue in Redlands. (SCNG)Bernardino and San Bernardino Avenue in Redlands. (SCNG)

Base Line Street will be widened from Buckeye Street to Seine Avenue inBase Line Street will be widened from Buckeye Street to Seine Avenue in

Highland, with the bridge over the 210 gaining two more lanes. Turn lanes will beHighland, with the bridge over the 210 gaining two more lanes. Turn lanes will be

added.added.

Both westbound on- and off-ramps, and the eastbound on-ramp also will beBoth westbound on- and off-ramps, and the eastbound on-ramp also will be

widened, and drought-tolerant landscaping will be added. The bridge will bewidened, and drought-tolerant landscaping will be added. The bridge will be

accentuated with wrought iron fencing, colored metal plates and a brick veneer.accentuated with wrought iron fencing, colored metal plates and a brick veneer.

Total cost for the lane addition and the pavement rehab is about $167 million andTotal cost for the lane addition and the pavement rehab is about $167 million and

is funded through the is funded through the Measure I half-cent sales taxMeasure I half-cent sales tax in the county, and state funds. in the county, and state funds.

About 58% of the $31.7 million for the interchange project will come from SBCTAAbout 58% of the $31.7 million for the interchange project will come from SBCTA

Measure I money, and about 42% will be paid by the city of Highland.Measure I money, and about 42% will be paid by the city of Highland.

2/26/2020 210 Freeway between Redlands and San Bernardino getting new lanes – San Bernardino Sun

Saylor told the council the projects will take about three and a half yearsSaylor told the council the projects will take about three and a half years

complete, though the agency will try to shorten that.complete, though the agency will try to shorten that.

Motorists should be aware of construction workers and equipment, k-rails, laneMotorists should be aware of construction workers and equipment, k-rails, lane

closures and detour signs.closures and detour signs.

“I’m glad to see it finally coming to fruition,” Highland Mayor Larry McCallon said“I’m glad to see it finally coming to fruition,” Highland Mayor Larry McCallon said

at the meeting. “It will alleviate the current problem, but … we need to widen theat the meeting. “It will alleviate the current problem, but … we need to widen the

210 Freeway all the way from the county line to the 10, adding another lane in210 Freeway all the way from the county line to the 10, adding another lane in

each direction to accommodate the growth that’s going to happen in this region.”each direction to accommodate the growth that’s going to happen in this region.”

The groundbreaking is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at 27727 Base Line in Highland.The groundbreaking is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at 27727 Base Line in Highland.

Parking is available on Pluto Street.Parking is available on Pluto Street.

At another event, SBCTA staff will be available to answer questions any timeAt another event, SBCTA staff will be available to answer questions any time

between 6 and 8 p.m. March 4 at Highland City Hall, 27215 Base Line.between 6 and 8 p.m. March 4 at Highland City Hall, 27215 Base Line.

Information: 877-55-SBCTA or info@gosbcta.comInformation: 877-55-SBCTA or info@gosbcta.com

2/26/2020 Exercise your right to vote March 3 | Editorials | bigbeargrizzly.net

www.bigbeargrizzly.net/opinion/editorials/exercise-your-right-to-vote-march/article_90f2dac6-5837-11ea-845d-b397f4bb583d.html 1/2

http://www.bigbeargrizzly.net/opinion/editorials/exercise-your-right-to-vote-march/article_90f2dac6-5837-11ea-845d-b397f4bb583d.html

Our Point of ViewExercise your right to vote March 3Feb 26, 2020

Not too long ago, the California primary was held in June. By the time it rolled around, the nationalcandidates were all but decided. Moving the primary to March, better known as Super Tuesday,gives California voters a say in something besides state and local elections.

Voting is a right that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You should exercise that right. Do your homework,vote your conscience. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, vote.

The Big Bear Grizzly doesn’t often endorse candidates, especially at the state or national level. Wefeel in 2020 there are a number of qualified candidates who will rise to the top following the primary.If the time comes we feel the need to support a candidate on Election Day in November, we will doso.

In Big Bear, Measure I is the main item on the ballot we at The Grizzly feel will impact thiscommunity significantly. No one wants to pay more taxes. Living in California is expensive to thepoint the exodus to other states is growing daily.

The Grizzly has done its homework. We’ve asked questions, we’ve looked at the numbers, looked atthe alternatives and considered both sides. The Grizzly supports Measure I.

We feel that Measure I is the best option to continue to provide the level of fire service necessary toprotect our community. Big Bear is a resort community dependent on tourism. Those who say it’soverrun with visitors should consider moving. The goal of a tourist-driven economy is to increasetourism.

The Grizzly agrees that the visitors need to pay theirfair share when it comes to impacting the infrastructureof the community, including the fire service. Measure I

2/26/2020 Exercise your right to vote March 3 | Editorials | bigbeargrizzly.net

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addresses that need. It’s up to the resorts and lodgingfacilities to pass that cost along to their customers ifthey so choose.

A 6 cents per square foot annual assessment for a1,500 square foot home is $90 per year under

Measure I. That’s $7.50 a month or less than 25 cents per day. To us, that’s a small price to paywhen we need help in an emergency.

Even those who live within the Big Bear City Community Services District area who already pay the$135 annual assessment, the cost is manageable. Your annual tax assessment for fire will increaseto about $225. That is still less than what you were paying a year or so ago with the state fire feeyou didn’t have a chance to vote on.

In an emergency, when you call 9-1-1 you want to know that your call will be answered and help willbe dispatched quickly. If Measure I fails, a station is closed and fire service levels reduced, we know the consequenses could be dire. Are you willing to take that chance for 25 cents a day?

We don’t disagree that San Bernardino County Fire is an alternative. But County Fire has its ownbudget problems. And local control is a better alternative in every aspect when possible.

We at The Grizzly urge you to vote on March 3. And we encourage you to vote yes on Measure I.

2/26/2020 From heat wave to winter storm, get ready for changing weather – San Bernardino Sun

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/25/from-heat-wave-to-winter-storm-get-ready-for-changing-weather/ 1/4

By By NIKIE JOHNSONNIKIE JOHNSON | | nijohnson@scng.comnijohnson@scng.com | |PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: February 25, 2020 at 4:34 p.m.February 25, 2020 at 4:34 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: February 25, 2020 at 5:06February 25, 2020 at 5:06p.m.p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, is expected to be the warmest day of the week, withThursday, Feb. 27, 2020, is expected to be the warmest day of the week, withwidespread highs in the 80s. (Courtesy of National Weather Service)widespread highs in the 80s. (Courtesy of National Weather Service)

If you’re in the mood for sunshine and flip-flop weather, Southern California’sIf you’re in the mood for sunshine and flip-flop weather, Southern California’s

five-day forecast is going to sound pretty good.five-day forecast is going to sound pretty good.

NEWSNEWS

From heat wave to winter storm,From heat wave to winter storm,get ready for changing weatherget ready for changing weather

2/26/2020

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/25/from-heat-wave-to-winter-storm-get-ready-for-changing-weather/ 2/4

Sign upSign up for our breaking news email newsletter: When major local news for our breaking news email newsletter: When major local news

happens, you will be the first to know. happens, you will be the first to know. Subscribe hereSubscribe here..

If you’d prefer to pull out a sweater and maybe see some rain, well, there’s goodIf you’d prefer to pull out a sweater and maybe see some rain, well, there’s good

news for you, too.news for you, too.

That’s because a heat wave will cover the region this week, pushing temperaturesThat’s because a heat wave will cover the region this week, pushing temperatures

into the 80s across much of the region, then is expected to retreat rapidly over theinto the 80s across much of the region, then is expected to retreat rapidly over the

weekend, with highs plunging 15 to 25 degrees in the course of three days.weekend, with highs plunging 15 to 25 degrees in the course of three days.

Gusty winds should peak Wednesday morning, Feb. 26, said Casey Oswant, aGusty winds should peak Wednesday morning, Feb. 26, said Casey Oswant, a

meteorologist with the National Weather Service.meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Wind advisoriesWind advisories are in effect through Wednesday afternoon for the Los Angeles are in effect through Wednesday afternoon for the Los Angeles

County coast, mountains and San Fernando Valley, and through midday ThursdayCounty coast, mountains and San Fernando Valley, and through midday Thursday

for the Inland Empire. Gusts could hit 35 mph along the coast, 45 mph in thefor the Inland Empire. Gusts could hit 35 mph along the coast, 45 mph in the

valleys and foothills, and 50 mph in the mountains. Forecasters warn that thevalleys and foothills, and 50 mph in the mountains. Forecasters warn that the

winds could affect vehicles, knock down tree limbs and cause power outages.winds could affect vehicles, knock down tree limbs and cause power outages.

Thursday should be the warmest day of the week, and one of the warmest of theThursday should be the warmest day of the week, and one of the warmest of the

year. (It’s expected to be a few degrees cooler than Feb. 1, when much of Southernyear. (It’s expected to be a few degrees cooler than Feb. 1, when much of Southern

California had its hottest day so far of 2020 and Anaheim tied an 85-year-oldCalifornia had its hottest day so far of 2020 and Anaheim tied an 85-year-old

record by reaching 87 degrees.)record by reaching 87 degrees.)

Highs Thursday should get into the 80s everywhere except along the coastsHighs Thursday should get into the 80s everywhere except along the coasts

(Newport Beach: 72) and in the mountains (Big Bear Lake: 57). That’s a solid 12-15(Newport Beach: 72) and in the mountains (Big Bear Lake: 57). That’s a solid 12-15

degrees above average for this time of year.degrees above average for this time of year.

“(The) current forecast keeps temperatures below records, but some may inch“(The) current forecast keeps temperatures below records, but some may inch

pretty close,” according to a weather service outlook.pretty close,” according to a weather service outlook.

Friday should be a couple of degrees cooler, but the real cooldown happens overFriday should be a couple of degrees cooler, but the real cooldown happens over

the weekend.the weekend.

“Saturday will be kind of a transition day,” Oswant said. “An area of low pressure is“Saturday will be kind of a transition day,” Oswant said. “An area of low pressure is

going to move into Southern California. That is going to help knock thegoing to move into Southern California. That is going to help knock the

temperatures down. By Sunday, we’re expecting high temperatures to be about 10temperatures down. By Sunday, we’re expecting high temperatures to be about 10

degrees below normal.”degrees below normal.”

That means highs in the low 60s or even upper 50s across Southern California —That means highs in the low 60s or even upper 50s across Southern California —

and with some precipitation expected, snow levels could be as low as 4,000 feet,and with some precipitation expected, snow levels could be as low as 4,000 feet,

according to the weather service’s Los Angeles office.according to the weather service’s Los Angeles office.

2/26/2020 From heat wave to winter storm, get ready for changing weather – San Bernardino Sun

It’s too soon to predict how much rain could fall, but forecasters are expecting aIt’s too soon to predict how much rain could fall, but forecasters are expecting a

light to moderate amount, and that the mild storm won’t stick around pastlight to moderate amount, and that the mild storm won’t stick around past

Monday.Monday.

2/26/2020 Frontier Airlines adds 3 nonstop flights from Ontario to Seattle – San Bernardino Sun

https://www.sbsun.com/2020/02/25/frontier-airlines-adds-3-nonstop-flights-from-ontario-to-seattle/ 1/5

By By STEVE SCAUZILLOSTEVE SCAUZILLO | | sscauzillo@scng.comsscauzillo@scng.com | San Gabriel Valley | San Gabriel ValleyTribuneTribunePUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: February 25, 2020 at 4:04 p.m.February 25, 2020 at 4:04 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: February 25, 2020 at 4:05February 25, 2020 at 4:05p.m.p.m.

Jonathon Nield, senior manager of route planning for Frontier Airlines, announces newJonathon Nield, senior manager of route planning for Frontier Airlines, announces newnonstop flights from Ontario International Airport to Seattle on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.nonstop flights from Ontario International Airport to Seattle on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.(Photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).(Photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).

NEWSNEWS

Frontier Airlines adds 3 nonstopFrontier Airlines adds 3 nonstopflights from Ontario to Seattleflights from Ontario to SeattleThe low-cost airline will soon serve 9 cities fromThe low-cost airline will soon serve 9 cities fromONTONT

2/26/2020 Frontier Airlines adds 3 nonstop flights from Ontario to Seattle – San Bernardino Sun

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Frontier Airlines will add three nonstop flights a week from Ontario to Seattle,Frontier Airlines will add three nonstop flights a week from Ontario to Seattle,

increasing to nine the number of cities the discount airline serves from the Inlandincreasing to nine the number of cities the discount airline serves from the Inland

Empire airport, airline and airport officials announced on Tuesday, Feb. 25.Empire airport, airline and airport officials announced on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The Denver-based low-cost airline will add nonstop service from OntarioThe Denver-based low-cost airline will add nonstop service from Ontario

International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Tuesdays,International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Sundays starting June 2, marking the sixth new city Frontier willThursdays and Sundays starting June 2, marking the sixth new city Frontier will

service from ONT in the next few months, Ontario airport officials confirmed.service from ONT in the next few months, Ontario airport officials confirmed.

“Ontario is becoming a very large part of our investment,” Jonathon Nield, senior“Ontario is becoming a very large part of our investment,” Jonathon Nield, senior

manager of route planning for Frontier Airlines, said at a new conference at themanager of route planning for Frontier Airlines, said at a new conference at the

airport Tuesday morning.airport Tuesday morning.

The inaugural flight from Austin, TX., arrives as Frontier Airlines celebrates its firstThe inaugural flight from Austin, TX., arrives as Frontier Airlines celebrates its firstflights to and from Austin, TX, at Ontario International Airport in Ontario, CA.,flights to and from Austin, TX, at Ontario International Airport in Ontario, CA.,Thursday, October 12, 2017. (Staff photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/InlandThursday, October 12, 2017. (Staff photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/InlandValley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

Frontier will fly from Frontier will fly from ONT to Las Vegas, Miami and NewarkONT to Las Vegas, Miami and Newark starting in April, as starting in April, as

well as San Salvador in May and Guatemala City in June.well as San Salvador in May and Guatemala City in June.

The direct flights to Seattle will be on an Airbus A320 airplane with 186-seatThe direct flights to Seattle will be on an Airbus A320 airplane with 186-seat

capacity. Frontier is offering a $49 one-way introductory rate that includes taxescapacity. Frontier is offering a $49 one-way introductory rate that includes taxes

and fees, or $98 round trip, Nield said. The fares are available now, but Nield didand fees, or $98 round trip, Nield said. The fares are available now, but Nield did

not say how long the low fare would last. “We manage it based on demand,” henot say how long the low fare would last. “We manage it based on demand,” he

said.said.

Frontier is apparently competing with Alaska Airlines, the other air carrier thatFrontier is apparently competing with Alaska Airlines, the other air carrier that

operates nonstop flights to Seattle out of ONT.operates nonstop flights to Seattle out of ONT.

2/26/2020 Frontier Airlines adds 3 nonstop flights from Ontario to Seattle – San Bernardino Sun

Airport officials note that Airport officials note that Frontier was one of the first airlines to begin addingFrontier was one of the first airlines to begin adding

new flightsnew flights after the city of after the city of Ontario and the county of San Bernardino took overOntario and the county of San Bernardino took over

the airportthe airport from Los Angeles in fall 2016, helping the airport to grow the number from Los Angeles in fall 2016, helping the airport to grow the number

of passengers for three straight years. In 2019, the airport welcomed 5.5 millionof passengers for three straight years. In 2019, the airport welcomed 5.5 million

passengers, a 9.1% increase in passenger volume from the year prior.passengers, a 9.1% increase in passenger volume from the year prior.

“Ontario International Airport’s convenience paired with Frontier’s low fares and“Ontario International Airport’s convenience paired with Frontier’s low fares and

friendly service have proven to be a combination for success and we look forwardfriendly service have proven to be a combination for success and we look forward

to enhancing our valued partnership,” Daniel Shurz, Frontier’s senior viceto enhancing our valued partnership,” Daniel Shurz, Frontier’s senior vice

president of commercial, said in a prepared statement.president of commercial, said in a prepared statement.

With the coronavirus in China, Chinese tourism may be decreasing in SouthernWith the coronavirus in China, Chinese tourism may be decreasing in Southern

California. The U.S. has banned flights to China. But since Frontier doesn’t fly toCalifornia. The U.S. has banned flights to China. But since Frontier doesn’t fly to

Asia, Nield said the outbreak most likely will not affect its flights.Asia, Nield said the outbreak most likely will not affect its flights.

“We are a domestic airline so we are not at this point worried but we are still“We are a domestic airline so we are not at this point worried but we are still

keeping an eye on it and figuring out what the impact on us might be,” Nield said.keeping an eye on it and figuring out what the impact on us might be,” Nield said.

Mark Thorpe, ONT’s chief executive officer, said the airport may see a drop inMark Thorpe, ONT’s chief executive officer, said the airport may see a drop in

international travel in February, continuing into the next several months. international travel in February, continuing into the next several months. ChinaChina

AirlinesAirlines operates one flight from ONT to Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport. A operates one flight from ONT to Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport. A

flight arrives from Taiwan every day around 5 p.m. and passengers move throughflight arrives from Taiwan every day around 5 p.m. and passengers move through

a separate terminal at ONT, away from domestic arrivals, although departinga separate terminal at ONT, away from domestic arrivals, although departing

passengers leave from Terminal 2, with other domestic airlines.passengers leave from Terminal 2, with other domestic airlines.

“I figure our international passenger numbers will be slightly down,” Thorpe said.“I figure our international passenger numbers will be slightly down,” Thorpe said.

Meanwhile, Frontier is ramping up for new direct flights to Central America toMeanwhile, Frontier is ramping up for new direct flights to Central America to

serve the local Guatemalan and Salvadoran communities, Nield said.serve the local Guatemalan and Salvadoran communities, Nield said.

“We’ve uncovered a very large Salvadoran and Guatemalan community not only“We’ve uncovered a very large Salvadoran and Guatemalan community not only

in the L.A. region but a large concentration lives in the Inland Empire,” he said.in the L.A. region but a large concentration lives in the Inland Empire,” he said.

Adding flights to Las Vegas serves tourists who find the three-and-a-half-hourAdding flights to Las Vegas serves tourists who find the three-and-a-half-hour

drive a hassle. And once there, a car in Las Vegas is unnecessary.drive a hassle. And once there, a car in Las Vegas is unnecessary.

“A lot of people don’t like having their cars there. Plus a lot of resorts are charging“A lot of people don’t like having their cars there. Plus a lot of resorts are charging

(to park) their cars,” Nield said.(to park) their cars,” Nield said.

2/26/2020 Dan Flores develops 4-point plan to end homelessness - Inland Empire Community News

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Dan Flores develops 4-point plan to end homelessness

Colton School Board Member and candidate for Fifth District Supervisor Dan Flores

recently unveiled his multi-pronged plan to help solve the growing problem of

By Community News - February 25, 2020

2/26/2020 Dan Flores develops 4-point plan to end homelessness - Inland Empire Community News

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homelessness in San Bernardino County. 

“California is facing a crisis when it comes to the number of homeless living on the

streets,” said Dan Flores.  “The fact is nearly half of the unsheltered adults in our county

suffer from mental illness and/or substance use disorder.  Creating housing alone won’t

solve the problem—it’s a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted solution.”

The 2019 San Bernardino County Point in Time Count indicated a 23% increase in the

number of homeless living in the county compared to 2018.  Of the 703 chronically

homeless adults counted, 40% have a mental health disability, 45% suffer from a substance

use disorder, and 30% were released from a correctional facility within the past year.

“The cost of failing to address homelessness is clear.  Our hospitals have become a

revolving door for the homeless and our jails are overburdened with mentally ill inmates

who have a history of homelessness and would be better treated in a community-based

program.  It’s costing us millions and it’s not solving the problem,” Flores said.

To fix chronic homelessness, Flores has developed a 4-point plan named Operation

Crossroads:

· The establishment of a multi-departmental Homeless Outreach Team to meet homeless

where they are and help get them off the street.  This includes mental health professionals

who will conduct field assessments and determine eligibility for emergency housing and

services.

· The expansion of the Behavioral Health Unit at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to

address the lack of beds for psychiatric patients.  Emergency rooms are impacted by adult

and juvenile psychiatric patients because there are not enough psychiatric facilities that can

accept them.  This causes delays in the ER and slows response times for other patients

needing emergency medical help. Expanding the number of beds at the County’s

Behavioral Health unit, and including a pediatric unit, will help unclog our local

2/26/2020 Dan Flores develops 4-point plan to end homelessness - Inland Empire Community News

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emergency rooms and expedite treatment for psychiatric patients, many of whom

experience homelessness.

· Implementation of Laura’s Law, which allows for court-ordered treatment to be provided

to those with a serious mental illness and a history of hospitalizations, jail time, or violent

behavior.  For those who resist treatment and have a history of violence or incarceration,

Laura’s Law serves as a tool that allows police officers, family members, and medical

professionals to petition a judge for court ordered treatment.

· Expand the Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in county jails to combat

the growing opioid crisis.  MAT Programs use medications to help individuals overcome

their addiction to opioids. In Rhode Island, the post-release overdose death rate dropped

61% within one year after the state implemented a MAT Program within its correctional

facilities.  In 2019, San Bernardino County joined a state sponsored pilot program to

implement a MAT program in its jails. I will push for additional local funding to expand

the MAT program in order to reduce opioid related overdoses and recidivism within our

county.

Flores’ plan has received support from health care and law enforcement professionals:

“In our County I see and treat the homeless in our Emergency Departments every day,”

said Dr. Rodney Borger, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at ARMC.  “The chronically

homeless that have serious mental health and substance abuse problems are the hardest to

treat.  Dan understands that we must address these underlying problems by building our

capacity to prioritize treatment of mental health disorders.  Allowing the severely mentally

ill to live on the streets is not the answer, and we can do better,” added Dr. Borger.

Deputy District Attorney, and President of San Bernardino County Public Attorneys

Association, Rick Lal said “Just as with many communities around the country, the

growing problem of chronic homelessness in San Bernardino County is of great concern to

all.  We support Dan for his proactive willingness to tackle this difficult issue which affects

everyone.” Lal further added “His well-reasoned approach and solid commitment to

finding solutions is emblematic of the type of leadership that Dan will bring to our

County.”

“I am committed to doing whatever it takes to reduce the number of chronic homeless in

our county,” said Flores.  “We can’t settle for doing the same thing and expect different

2/26/2020 Dan Flores develops 4-point plan to end homelessness - Inland Empire Community News

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results. As County Supervisor, I will be at the forefront, tackling the tough issues like

mental health and addiction in order to get people off the streets.”

Dan Flores, a Colton native, has served on the Board of Education for the Colton Joint

Unified School District since 2012 and is the Chief of Staff for 5th District Supervisor Josie

Gonzales.

Community News

2/26/2020 Los Angeles Times - eNewspaper

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Race sharpens the swipes on housingSome candidates for L.A. supervisor face attacks for beingin elected office as homeless crisis grew

AN ENCAMPMENT under the 405 Freeway in L.A. Homelessness is one of the topissues seven candidates for L.A. County supervisor must confront. (Francine Orr LosAngeles Times)

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BY DAKOTA SMITH

With some 19,000 homeless residents living in Los Angeles County’s 2nd SupervisorialDistrict, the candidates running to replace Mark Ridley-Thomas on the Board ofSupervisors are united in their pledge to ease housing costs and bring people indoors.

At debates, they pitch expanded emergency street services, building prefabricated housingand policies to stop speculative developers from snatching up homes and driving upprices.

But of the seven candidates running in the March 3 primary election, many have served inpolitical office as homelessness has worsened and tents have proliferated in South L.A.and elsewhere in the district. That has prompted attacks in a race rife with questions overwhether more could have been done to head off the crisis.

“People who have been in positions of power to do something,” candidate and socialentrepreneur Jorge Nuño said at a debate in downtown L.A. last week, “from the CityCouncil to the state, where were they?”

In addition to Nuño, the field includes state Sen. Holly Mitchell, L.A. City CouncilmanHerb Wesson, former L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry, attorney Jake Jeong,businessman René Rigard and Carson Mayor Albert Robles.

HERB WESSON’S housing initiatives as city councilman have been scrutinized by hisrivals. (Al Seib Los Angeles Times)

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Ridley-Thomas is termed out and running for the Los Angeles council seat being vacatedby Wesson.

Whoever wins will join the five-member Board of Supervisors, which manages a $36-billion budget and oversees social services for the county’s 10 million residents. Inunincorporated areas of the district, the board is the equivalent of residents’ city counciland the supervisor their mayor.

As of late February, Wesson had raised the most money in the race, making him a targetfor rival candidates seeking to burnish their records and policy proposals. This isespecially true on homelessness and housing — the top issues in the race to represent 2million people in a district that includes skid row, Ladera Heights, Inglewood, Lawndale,Gardena, Compton and Lynwood.

Mitchell, in an interview with The Times, took a swipe at Wesson, accusing him of failingto include more affordable housing in the L.A. developments he approved on the CityCouncil.

Mailers sent by Perry’s campaign blame Wesson for the tents and the rising cost ofhomeless housing, as funded under the citywide bond program Proposition HHH.

At debates, moderators quiz the candidates on gentrification, affordable housing and lawstargeting homeless people. Audience members do the same. The 2nd District has thelargest homeless population in the county, and a significant number of the region’s Latinoand black residents.

The district also has a high percentage of adults and families living in vehicles, said JohnMaceri, chief executive of homeless services provider the People Concern. Jennifer Hark-Dietz, executive director of People Assisting the Homeless, or PATH, said rents have risenso much that it has become hard for her agency to continue paying rent for tenants on theverge of losing their housing.

Mitchell told The Times that there was “room for a more aggressive vision and leadership”from Wesson on affordable housing.

When asked about Mitchell’s comments, Wesson shot back: “What did she do? “I’m notknocking her, but what did she do? We put more resources together to address this issuethan anyone.”

Wesson served as council president from 2011 until January. His campaign touts a recordthat includes helping pass a citywide plan to address homelessness and helping putProposition HHH before voters. The first housing development funded with the $1.2-billion bond program opened recently at Vermont Avenue and 88th Street after numerousdelays. More are expected to open this year.

If elected supervisor, Wesson wants to create an emergency rental assistance program toprovide loans to tenants. To curb displacement, he also has proposed capping rents inapartment buildings near new luxury housing and allowing the county to buy apartmentbuildings where developers are seeking to evict tenants.

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At a debate last month, Mitchell targeted a city policy that Wesson helped spearhead,which requires some unused city land to be used for affordable housing. She argued thepolicy would segregate poorer residents and result in smaller tax revenue for localschools.

“Social scientists and urban planners have opined for years that a healthy community isan integrated community,” the senator told the audience. She wants all new housingdevelopments built in the county to include at least 20% affordable housing.

Mitchell’s record on homelessness includes legislation she authored to prevent landlordsfrom rejecting tenants solely for using government rent subsidies. She also has pushed toexpand housing and resources for foster children, and require law enforcement to betrained to handle people with mental health issues.

During the January debate, she praised the county for its work shifting people from itsGeneral Relief financial aid program to federal aid. Recipients get more money and thecounty is able to save money.

Mitchell also wants to create a community land trust to buy properties and resell them toresidents at a more reasonable price. She also wants to offer homeowners tax breaks tobuild accessory dwelling units and rent them to low-income tenants.

Perry touts her record representing some of the city’s most impoverished areas while sheserved on the City Council from 2001 to 2013. She helped open a 650-bed homelessshelter in South L.A. and organized monthly walks to skid row to coax people to seekservices as a council member. If elected, Perry has proposed creating an “emergencyvillage” equipped with doctors to treat those with mental health issues and physicalailments, and help transition people into housing.

Although federal aid hasn’t kept pace with the scope of the problem, Perry said she’dcreate a Marshall Plan — referring to the aid program for Europe after World War II — toconvene federal, state, county and city governments to fund housing, and preventive andsupportive homeless services.

Asked about the high percentage of black families who are becoming homeless at a debatelast week, Perry said that she’d seek to increase how much people can get from thecounty’s current General Relief program, which is $221 a month. She told The Times thatmany people “run out of money before the end of the month and wind up on the street.”

Perry, the chief executive of a nonprofit focused on infrastructure development, also hastold voters she will “rewrite” Proposition HHH to encourage developers to build housingfaster and cheaper. However, the bond program was approved by city of L.A. voters, notthe county, and the money has largely been allocated for projects.

Rigard, who founded an investment company, said he wants to create a “publicinvestment” department to teach underserved communities about managing theirpersonal finances and investing. He also wants to study “capsule hotels,” in which peoplesleep in pods, as a model for affordable housing.

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Nuño, who runs a marketing and printing company, has proposed a partnership betweenthe county and public schools to monitor students and families at risk of becominghomeless.

Jeong helped lead opposition against a city-backed homeless shelter in Koreatown twoyears ago. He said he supports such emergency housing but questioned the effectivenessof the city’s current program. He drew applause at a debate last month when he said thatpolitical leaders fell short of their promises on homelessness.

“What has happened up until today?” Jeong said.

Many of the ideas being touted by the candidates for supervisor aren’t new. Neither is thecriticism.

With housing costs among the highest in the country, elected officials at all levels ofgovernment have been pushing plans to build shelters and housing faster, do it quickerand cheaper, and be more efficient about helping homeless people with mental illness andaddiction issues.

Such efforts have invariably been slow to get off the ground, though.

One of the latest plans to fail was Senate Bill 50, which, if passed by the state Legislature,would have allowed mid-rise apartment complexes near transit stops and job centers,increasing the density of single-family neighborhoods across California.

Mitchell was part of the contingent of L.A.-based lawmakers who came out in oppositionto the bill, which had been roundly criticized by residents of South L.A. as a vehicle forgentrification.

However, Robles, a candidate for supervisor and the mayor of Carson, supported the bill.In an opinion piece he co-wrote, he said it would ensure that every city “fairly shares” theresponsibility of building housing. In an interview, Robles also pointed to new veterans’housing units built in his city as an example of his leadership.

Robles said residents approach him at the grocery store and when he’s getting his carwashed to talk about the crisis.

“The No. 1 issue on every voter’s mind is homelessness,” he said.

LOCAL

Gov. Newsom is making these sites in Sacramento,Placer available for homeless shelters

BY THERESA CLIFT

FEBRUARY 26, 2020 05:00 AM

During his State of the State address last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would make 286 state-owned properties across California available to local officials to use for homeless shelters orservices.

“The state is stepping up by making land available to cities and counties willing to meet thismoment head-on,” Newsom said in a news release. “I invite local leaders to use this land on whatworks for their community’s homeless needs so that we can begin to make meaningful progress tohelp individuals experiencing homelessness.”

There are dozens of state-owned sites in Northern California the state has made available forpotential shelters, according to a map released by the Department of General Services. Hereare the sites in the Sacramento region:

▪ A Site at the Cal Expo fairgrounds. City Councilman Jeff Harris last year proposed a parking lot atCal Expo off Ethan Way be used for a large homeless shelter, but it did not materialize. Darrell Steinberg plans to look into whether this site, which appears to be a different location thanthe one Harris proposed, could be used for a shelter, said Mary Lynne Vellinga, his spokeswoman.

2/26/2020 Northern California state-owned spots for homeless shelters | The Sacramento Bee

▪ Caltrans yard, just south of Evergreen Street and east of Royal Oaks Drive in north Sacramento.Steinberg plans to look into whether the property could be used, Vellinga said.

▪ The Armory next to Woodlake Park in north Sacramento. The state also included this site in a listof state-owned properties where affordable housing could be built. UC Berkeley graduate studentsare working to develop plans for affordable housing at the site, which they plan to submit to thestate for consideration, Vellinga said.

▪ Caltrans-owned site under the W/X freeway near Alhambra Boulevard in North Oak Park. Thecity is already planning to open a 100-bed shelter with services for adults there this spring.

ONE SPOT IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY

▪ Park and ride lot near the corner of Jackson Road and Sunrise Boulevard.

YUBA CITY

▪ Armory at 310 B St.

▪ Caltrans-owned site off Colusa Highway near the Yuba Sutter Mall

SITES IN PLACER, SAN JOAQUIN, SUTTER COUNTIES

▪ Armory at next to Lawrence Park, at 333 N. Washington St. in Lodi

▪ Caltrans-owned site just east of Highway 65, just north of Waltz Road north of Lincoln

▪ Armory in Placerville at 212 Armory Road, near the Placerville Speedway.

▪ Caltrans-owned site near corner of Cornelius Avenue and El Centro Boulevard in Nicolaus.

2/26/2020 Los Angeles Times - eNewspaper

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Virus’ spread in U.S. is seen asinevitableTelecommuting and online schooling are cited as possiblesteps in an outbreak.BY COLLEEN SHALBY AND JAMES F. PELTZ

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised communities to takeprecautions in the event that the coronavirus spreads — something that officials believe tobe inevitable.

“Ultimately, we expect we will see coronavirus spread in this country,” said NancyMessonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and RespiratoryDiseases. “It’s not so much a question of if, but a question of when.”

Messonnier advised parents to talk to schools about the possibility of internet-basedlearning in the event that COVID-19 spreads and students would need to refrain fromattending classes in a school building, and for businesses to think about how to useteleconferencing meetings in the event that employees would need to work from home.Messonnier said officials would also need to consider whether large community-basedevents would need to be canceled in such an event.

There is still no vaccine for the virus, which has killed more than 2,700 people — mostlyin mainland China. Though the CDC’s mandatory quarantine prompted health officials toscramble and has stirred growing fears within communities, it is one of the few toolsofficials believe can mitigate the spread of the disease.

Messonnier reminded people to take proactive steps in washing their hands and cleaningexposed surfaces. She also reiterated that despite fears over coronavirus, the flu still posesa greater risk to the public.

There are 53 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States — 40 of those arerepatriated individuals from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Stock prices plummeted for the second consecutive day as investors grew increasinglyskeptical that the virus would soon be contained, thus raising prospects that the outbreakcould do further damage to the global economy.

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The Dow Jones industrial average, which had skidded 1,032 points Monday, dropped anadditional 879.44 points Tuesday to 27,081.36 for a decline of 3.2%. The blue-chipaverage now has dived 8.4% since setting a record high Feb. 12.

The S&P 500 fell 3% on Tuesday and the Nasdaq composite index lost 2.8% in the worstselling on Wall Street since the fall of 2018. Stocks of companies involved in travel, energyand consumer goods continued to take the worst hit amid fears of a slowdown inconsumer spending and demand for crude oil and gasoline.

American Airlines Group fell 9.2%, Marriott International lost 8%, American Express Co.fell 5.7% and Exxon Mobil Corp. dropped 3.8%. As they fled stocks, many investorscontinued buying U.S. government bonds.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell to a record low 1.34%. There’s alsospeculation that the Federal Reserve might have to cut interest rates in response to anyvirus-sparked slowdown in economic growth. Richard Clarida, vice chair of the centralbank, said in a speech Tuesday that while the U.S. economy “is in a good place” and that“U.S. inflation remains muted,” the Fed is “closely monitoring the emergence of thecoronavirus.”

He said it was “still too soon to even speculate about either the size or the persistence” of avirus- related economic disruption, but “if developments emerge that, in the future,trigger a material reassessment of our outlook, we will respond accordingly.”

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Coronavirus turns into politicalbattleCities from Alabama to O.C. resist hosting quarantine sites.BY LUKE MONEY

The coronavirus has yet to become a major health threat in Orange County. But aproposal to eventually place some patients at a state-owned facility in Costa Mesa hassparked a political battle in which wary residents are speaking in conspiratorial, evenapocalyptic terms.

“Expose the hidden agenda to bring coronavirus into our city,” one wrote on a posterboard outside a federal courthouse in Santa Ana on Monday.

“Life will end as we know it,” added another.

At the focus of their fury is a proposal to use the Fairview Developmental Center as acoronavirus quarantine site, a notion that drew swift and fierce condemnation from city,county, state and federal officials representing the area.

It’s probably only the first round in a brewing battle — one pitting higher-level healthofficials working to stem the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 against thecommunities expected to play host to those efforts. Officials in Alabama have also beenfighting efforts to locate patients in that state, and there even has been rumbling ofopposition from people living by quarantine zones near military bases.

But as the number of confirmed cases surpasses 80,000 worldwide, and U.S. healthofficials warn the disease will inevitably spread stateside, public health experts warn thatcontending with the fallout from the epidemic’s indirect symptoms — fear, paranoia andmisinformation chief among them — may prove just as vital as treating the sickness itself.

“You’re dealing with fear, discrimination and stigma, and that can be much harder tocontain and control and move against than the actual virus,” said Dr. Timothy Brewer, aprofessor of epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and of medicineat the university’s David Geffen School of Medicine. “And that’s the big challenge, becausethat’s not necessarily a discussion you can win with facts and being rational.”

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offered its most seriouswarning that the United States should expect the coronavirus to become a more serioushealth issue and that it was time to prepare.

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“Ultimately, we expect we will see coronavirus spread in this country,” said NancyMessonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and RespiratoryDiseases. “It’s not so much a question of if, but a question of when.”

Stock prices dropped sharply Tuesday for the second consecutive day as investors grewincreasingly worried about how much the virus would damage the global economy.

One element of the response is using sites like Fairview to house patients. The 114-acreproperty once housed adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities but is nowlargely empty as the state plans to close the facility.

It’s unclear how many sites are under similar consideration. The California Health andHuman Services Agency has confirmed it considered other possibilities, including theSonoma Developmental Center, Army National Guard Camp Roberts and closed youthcorrectional facilities.

“Safely and securely isolating our fellow Californians who are under federal care is animportant way to keep all of our communities safe from novel coronavirus, and we willcontinue to communicate with local partners — both those in Costa Mesa andcommunities that are being greatly impacted by shortages of hospital isolation beds,” theagency said in a statement.

Regardless, Costa Mesa officials are adamant that Fairview is not a suitable location —citing concerns with public health and a lack of specifics about the proposal. The city hasobtained a temporary restraining order to halt the transportation of anyone infected withthe coronavirus to the city.

“While we have nothing but compassion for those who are suffering from this virus, thehealth and welfare of our community is our top priority,” Mayor Katrina Foley saidMonday. “Bringing those infected into this densely populated area is simply the wrongapproach.”

A similar situation unfolded recently in Alabama, where local and state officials pushedhard against a proposal to potentially locate patients in Anniston.

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said Sunday that he had spoken with President Trumpand received assurances that plan was off the table. Costa Mesa, though, has received nosuch guarantee.

“California must not have the pull to get taken off the list,” Jennifer Keller, the city’sattorney, said during a court hearing Monday. “Alabama does.”

Daniel Beck, an attorney for the federal government, said Fairview was “determined to bea superior site,” because the facility has individual rooms with bathrooms attached, whichwould facilitate isolation and allow several patients to be monitored in a small area.

Of the patients who remain at Travis Air Force Base and hospitals in Northern California,about 10 “units” of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 but do not havesymptoms could be isolated at Fairview, Beck added. A unit could be an individual or afamily.

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While attempting to quell the warring sides, presiding U.S. District Judge JosephineStaton expressed empathy for the patients whose future is hanging in the balance.

“These are American citizens who have been unfortunately ... and unfairly inflicted withthis virus,” she said. “No one should say, ‘Not in my backyard,’ as a general rule.”

Communities are dealing with the threat in different ways. San Francisco Mayor LondonBreed on Tuesday declared a local emergency, even though there have been no confirmedcases.

“We see the virus spreading in new parts of the world every day, and we are taking thenecessary steps to protect San Franciscans from harm,” she said.

Experts said officials face a difficult balancing act of preparing for the virus while tampingdown unfounded fears in the public.

“Fear is part of a survival instinct, so when people are faced with a novel disease likeCOVID-19, they’re trying to answer basic questions for themselves: ‘Where did the diseasecome from? How is it spreading? Am I at risk? Is my family at risk?’ ” said MonicaSchoch-Spana, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “Becausediseases like COVID-19 are very unfamiliar, what people do is distinguish between ‘us’and ‘them.’ ”

That phenomenon played out earlier this month, when workers at March Air ReserveBase in Riverside County, and their families, reported being verbally attacked by peopleafraid of their proximity to those under quarantine.

“One of the big challenges, whenever you have an outbreak with a new pathogen, isdealing with the fear and the misinformation,” Brewer said. “So right now you havepeople who are all up in arms in Orange County about a virus that has caused [57] cases —documented cases that we’re aware of — in the United States, and no deaths. At the sametime, we’ve had probably 26 million cases of influenza, probably about 14,000 deaths inthe United States alone, and I guarantee you that a lot of people who are upset in OrangeCounty have not gotten their flu vaccines. And that’s the disconnect we have.”

During an interview Tuesday, Brewer occasionally had to stop and cough. He’s beenunder the weather, he said, dealing with an ailment that’s not COVID-19.

“People are very worried about this virus, but they forget about all the other viruses thatmove around,” he said.

Times Community News staff writer Faith E. Pinho and Times staff writer Colleen Shalbycontributed to this report.

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Mayor acts to get S.F. readyEmergency decree comes even though city hasn’t confirmedany COVID-19 cases.BY COLLEEN SHALBY

San Francisco Mayor London Breed has declared a local emergency amid coronavirusfears.

“Although there are still zero confirmed cases in San Francisco residents, the globalpicture is changing rapidly, and we need to step up preparedness,” Breed said in astatement Tuesday. “We see the virus spreading in new parts of the world every day, andwe are taking the necessary steps to protect San Franciscans from harm.”

While three people have been treated for COVID-19 at San Francisco hospitals, there havebeen no confirmed cases of the illness in the city.

Breed made the announcement following the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention’s warning that the virus is likely to continue to spread.

“Ultimately, we expect we will see coronavirus spread in this country,” CDC DirectorNancy Messonnier said. “It’s not so much a question of if, but a question of when.”

San Francisco’s declaration, effective immediately, will be in place for seven days and willbe voted on by the Board of Supervisors on March 3.

The decree will allow the city to allocate resources around coronavirus mitigation efforts.Such efforts include staffing, the coordination of agencies throughout the city, theallowance of future reimbursement by the state and federal governments and increasedawareness throughout the city on coronavirus preparation methods.

Santa Clara and San Diego counties have issued similar declarations.

San Francisco’s health officer, Dr. Tomás Aragón, said that decision was based in part onthe high volume of travel between the city and Wuhan, China — the epicenter of thecoronavirus outbreak.

“We are prioritizing children, people who live in congregate settings and vulnerablepopulations as we plan to reduce the potential for harm from the virus in the community.We have been working closely with the Chinese community, who are so impacted by thissituation, and also at risk for stigma and discrimination,” he said.

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Breed reiterated the CDC’s call for schools and businesses to prepare for the likely spreadof cases and prepare for possible school closures or work-from-home needs.

Messonnier advised parents to talk to schools about the possibility of internet-basedlearning in the event that COVID-19 were to spread and students needed to refrain fromgoing to school. She suggested businesses consider teleconferencing if employees shouldneed to work from home. And Messonnier said officials would also need to considerwhether to cancel large community-based events.

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Traveler is quarantined at basePoint Mugu naval facility could house more arrivals fromLAX, officials say

BY COLLEEN SHALBY

An international traveler who arrived before dawn Monday at Naval Base Ventura Countyat Point Mugu has been put under a federal 14-day quarantine for coronavirus, officialssaid.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Sunday in a statement that thebase could house passengers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. The

A WORKER at LAX wears a mask as a precaution against coronavirus earlier thismonth at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. (Genaro Molina Los Angeles Times)

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department was not immediately available to comment on how many travelers could besent to the Point Mugu location.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper assigned the base the task of housing Americanssuspected of exposure to coronavirus or possible infection. The Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention says it is monitoring anyone who has traveled through Hubeiprovince, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.

No one being quarantined at the base has displayed any symptoms of coronavirus, Capt.Jeff Chism said in a letter to sailors, families and employees of the naval facility. Anyoneshowing signs of the illness would be transported off the base.

While under quarantine, doctors will assess whether anyone has contracted COVID-19,which has killed more than 2,600 people — mostly in China.

Although the base provides a space for the quarantine, officials said it isn’t involved inexecution and planning. Anyone under quarantine would not have any contact withDepartment of Defense personnel.

“I am asking for your support as we host a group of people undergoing an uncomfortabletransition. First, your safety is a primary concern, as is the dignity and privacy ofrepatriating personnel,” Chism said.

Those at the base have been instructed not to take photos of anyone quarantined duringarrival and were warned that “minor changes” to daily life may occur while the quarantineis underway.

Earlier this month, nearly 200 Americans were quarantined at a Riverside County basefor two weeks. The group arrived at March Air Reserve Base from China and was releasedFeb. 11 after all tested negative.

It was the CDC’s first mandated quarantine in more than 50 years. It sent health officialsscrambling and stirred panic but was viewed as one of the few tools to protect against thespread of the virus, which currently has no vaccine and a two-week incubation period.

According to the CDC, 1,336 of the department’s staff have been involved in the COVID-19response. Of those, 497 have been deployed to 39 locations in the United States andinternationally, including CDC quarantine stations at U.S. ports of entry, state and localhealth departments, hospitals and military bases that are housing quarantined patients.

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By By CITY NEWS SERVICECITY NEWS SERVICE | | news@socalnews.comnews@socalnews.com | |

PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: February 25, 2020 at 6:08 p.m.February 25, 2020 at 6:08 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: February 25, 2020 at 6:11February 25, 2020 at 6:11p.m.p.m.

Rep. Gil Cisneros, D-Fullerton, announced Tuesday, Feb. 25, that $8 million inRep. Gil Cisneros, D-Fullerton, announced Tuesday, Feb. 25, that $8 million in

state funds have been allocated for his congressional district to aid residentsstate funds have been allocated for his congressional district to aid residents

whose homes were damaged by wildfires.whose homes were damaged by wildfires.

NEWSNEWSLOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWS

Rep. Gil Cisneros’ 39th districtRep. Gil Cisneros’ 39th districtreceives $8 million in wildfirereceives $8 million in wildfirehome-rebuilding aidhome-rebuilding aid

2/26/2020 Rep. Gil Cisneros’ 39th district receives $8 million in wildfire home-rebuilding aid – Orange County Register

The money from the California Department of Housing and CommunityThe money from the California Department of Housing and Community

Development will be given to NeighborWorks Orange County, NHSDevelopment will be given to NeighborWorks Orange County, NHS

Neighborhood Lending Services and Habitat for Humanity of Greater LosNeighborhood Lending Services and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los

Angeles.Angeles.

“We’ve seen the devastating effects of wildfires in our community and across“We’ve seen the devastating effects of wildfires in our community and across

California,” Cisneros said. “They can destroy homes, cause health problems, andCalifornia,” Cisneros said. “They can destroy homes, cause health problems, and

turn lives upside down.”turn lives upside down.”

The congressman, whose 39th Congressional District includes parts of LosThe congressman, whose 39th Congressional District includes parts of Los

Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, said “rebuilding a home after aAngeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, said “rebuilding a home after a

tragedy like this can be a difficult financial challenge,” especially for low-incometragedy like this can be a difficult financial challenge,” especially for low-income

residents.residents.

“While we cannot fully replace everything that has been lost, this funding from“While we cannot fully replace everything that has been lost, this funding from

the CalHome Disaster Assistance Program can help families in California’s 39ththe CalHome Disaster Assistance Program can help families in California’s 39th

District with rebuilding their homes and their lives,” Cisneros said.District with rebuilding their homes and their lives,” Cisneros said.

NeighborWorks Orange County, which provides mortgage assistance for first-NeighborWorks Orange County, which provides mortgage assistance for first-

time homebuyers, will receive $1 million. NHS Neighborhood Lending Services,time homebuyers, will receive $1 million. NHS Neighborhood Lending Services,

which provides similar services, will receive $3.2 million, and Habitat forwhich provides similar services, will receive $3.2 million, and Habitat for

Humanity will get $3.7 million.Humanity will get $3.7 million.

The money comes from disaster declarations for wildfires in October 2017;The money comes from disaster declarations for wildfires in October 2017;

December 2017 through January 2018; July 23 through Sept. 19, 2018; and Nov.December 2017 through January 2018; July 23 through Sept. 19, 2018; and Nov.

8-25, 2018.8-25, 2018.

Cisneros’ district includes the cities of Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights,Cisneros’ district includes the cities of Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights,

Brea, Buena Park, Anaheim Hills, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, ChinoBrea, Buena Park, Anaheim Hills, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Chino

Hills, Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights.Hills, Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights.