VICTORVILLE, Calif. – Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Brad Mitzelfelt (R-San Bernardino County) today announced his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the newly formed 8th District of California.

Supervisor Mitzelfelt said that upon learning of the planned retirement of U.S. Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands), he will be forming a Congressional Campaign Committee immediately.

“Congressman Lewis has been a great representative for California, and I would be honored to continue to fight for the principles that have guided his distinguished service,” Mr. Mitzelfelt said.

“The out-of-control growth in the size and scope of the federal government while at the same time it drastically cuts military spending and refuses to secure our borders is putting our nation on a dangerous path,” he added. “I will use the experience I’ve gained in local government, the private sector and as a Marine to help protect our security, rebuild the economy and help turn this country around.”

As Supervisor, Mr. Mitzelfelt fought to save one million jobs by leading the fight for the California Jobs Initiative. He has also helped create renowned worker-training programs.

The Supervisor pushed successfully to expedite expansion of county jails, which proved timely as the state is now sending thousands of additional felons to counties. His steadfast support for public safety recently earned endorsements for re-election to the Board of Supervisors by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos and Sheriff Rod Hoops.

To fight government corruption, Brad Mitzelfelt has supported numerous reforms, including the “Sunshine Ordinance” that makes it easier for the public to obtain county documents and prevent officials from destroying public records. And he co-sponsored a new proposed local law to limit the amount of money that can be contributed to or received by candidates for county offices.

Supervisor Mitzelfelt promised to fight for a more secure border and noted that he created an award-winning program to identify and help deport illegal immigrants in the county’s jails.

A veteran of 10 years of active and reserve military service, Brad served as a U.S. Marine in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. A married father of a young son, he is a lifelong Republican and a native Californian.

Link: http://votebrad2012.com/news.php#articles

APPLE VALLEY – A man of faith who loves his country as much as he worries about its current direction, Wally Linn is a community leader who won’t sit back and gripe. Instead he applies himself to finding a solution through educating, inspiring, motivating and mentoring today’s youth.

“I think the only way to change the direction our country is heading is through our youth,” Linn said. “I only have a few years. I am going to use them to help save our country.”

After a successful career in banking and politics throughout Southern California, the former mayor of La Palma said he moved to the Victor Valley to “slow down and stop doing so much.”

For this 72-year-old, the idea of “slowing down” consists of continuing to work in banking, organizing one of the most successful events of its kind in the Inland Empire, sitting on several boards, being a member of several service organizations and being a representative for 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. … (Continued below) …

… From the Daily Press, December 25, 2011 … By Gretchen Losi, Special to the Daily Press … (Continued below) …

“The bible doesn’t say anything about retiring, so I don’t have any vision of that,” Linn said.

Mitzelfelt, for one, couldn’t be happier that this is Linn’s philosophy.

“I’ve had the good fortune of knowing Wally for several years. He is a valuable member of my team,” Mitzelfelt said. “He’s a great community leader and servant. He’s selfless and generous and charitable. A great asset to the community.”

Linn’s first passion is improving the country by reaching its youth.

In troubled times, Linn managed to bring together 1,600 people from businesses, nonprofits, schools and government agencies and, for two hours, all thoughts were focused on the foundations of God and Country.

By enlisting the financial support of the business community, over 700 high school students were able to experience the positive display of unity, prayer and patriotism through his God and Country event at the Victorville fair grounds. The event sold out its first year.

“This is a testament to the hard work of Wally Linn, but also to his very character, as he doesn’t just promote God and Country, he lives it in his daily life,” said town of Apple Valley manager and friend Frank Robinson. “He is a gifted servant. I am blessed to know him and thank him for his strength and resolve.”

Robinson worked with Linn on the event and has witnessed firsthand his commitment to enriching the lives of those who live in the High Desert. He describes Linn as a man of deep faith and conviction about God and the greatness of America.

“I believe Wally felt a calling to develop and produce perhaps the most successful and well attended patriotic event ever hosted in the High Desert. The first year was amazing; this year was phenomenal,” Robinson said. “He is truly an inspiration to those of us who know him.”

Linn’s God and Country program is such a success, several groups across the nation have contacted him asking if they can use his program as a model for their own communities.

“He does it because he really cares,” said Apple Valley councilman and friend Scott Nassif. “He cares about our youth and the direction they are heading. He cares about how government impact is on the economy and business in general. He doesn’t complain but instead is always trying to think of solutions.”

Linn has been involved with the Police Activities League in Apple Valley for about four years and currently sits on the board, said Trish Hill, chief financial officer of the program and a friend of Linn. The organization is a police outreach program that touches the lives of local children and teens through several programs including SHOCK.

Hill said Linn takes a genuine interest in the young people he meets in the program. She said while some board members take their own vehicles to SHOCK outings, Linn makes sure he sits on the bus with the kids, using that time to not only talk with the kids but also listen.

“He’s an all-around great guy. He’ll do anything he can to help people, kids, the family, the community,” Hill said. “I really admire him.”

Linn took a particular interest in one youth who, like himself, lost a parent at a young age. He mentored this youth and identified with him, offering words of encouragement throughout the years. Linn said that young man was recently accepted into a culinary school in New York with a scholarship.

“That day we met I just gave him my card and told him if he ever needed someone to talk to I would be there,” Linn said. “I just mentored him through the years.”

When not busy with his daily grind, he enjoys a good game. Being from Pennsylvania he is a die-hard Steelers fan and, having lived in Orange County for many years, is also a huge fan of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. But currently he can’t stop bragging about Denver Bronco and devout Christian Tim Tebow.

“Is he a story or what?” Linn asked. “His Christian values is just what our country needs to hear about right now.”

Linn says he is humbled by being honored as a Daily Press 2011 Person of the Year, as he feels he is but a servant spreading the important message of God and Country through his community while reaching out to today’s young people.

“It’s not me,” Linn said. “I am just a vehicle.”

 

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‘Service aims to help commuters trim travel costs’

VICTORVILLE – The Victor Valley Transit Authority has landed a $1.5 million federal grant to launch a new van pool service for local commuters.

The subsidized program, expected to launch sometime this spring, should offer a more affordable option for residents driving or carpooling to Inland Valley areas, including locations within San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties.

About 47 percent of Victor Valley residents have roundtrip commutes of more than an hour, according to the 2011 Inland Empire Annual Survey by California State University, San Bernardino.

The average driver spends about $750 a month on fuel and car expenses, whereas the average van pool rider spends about $224 a month, according to VVTA General Manager Kevin Kane.

“You don’t have to put the wear and tear on your car, and plus with it being a van the cost gets lower because you can fit more people,” Kane said.

Three years of subsidies from VVTA’s new Federal Transit Authority Bus Livability Grant should knock the van pool price tag down further, bringing a 70-mile round-trip rider’s cost to less than $150 a month. … (Continued below) …

… From the Daily Press … December 21, 2011 … By Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer … (Continued below) …

… Modeled after the Los Angeles Metro program, VVTA’s van pool service will connect commuters headed to similar destinations and contract with private vendors to loan out the vans. One person in the group will be responsible for managing the pool and driving the van.

The small size and self-driving aspect of van pools make them an attract alternative to busing.

“We’ve tried to have commuter bus service but haven’t been able to make it pencil out,” noted 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who helped VVTA win the new grant as part of San Bernardino Associated Governments.

VVTA tested a commuter bus service for three years in the early 2000s, but Kane said the ridership was dismal. A 2009 long-distance commuting survey found the biggest problem was that there were few central locations that worked well as drop-off points.

“Once they get down to the bottom of the hill, they’re spreading out in so many different directions,” Kane said.

VVTA’s job will be to ensure the riders of each pool are headed to locations in close proximity to one another.

The new grant will fund 75 van pools during the first year, 155 in the second year and 255 pools in the third year.

“We’re hoping that it will be so successful that it will be able to run itself after the grant runs out,” Kane said.

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Link: http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/pools-31962-victorville-vvta.html

 

SAN BERNARDINO – The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors agreed this week to fund up to $3.4 million for drainage improvements needed for construction of Apple Valley’s Yucca Loma Bridge, which is now scheduled to begin around fall 2012.

Yucca Loma Road suffered damage during the intense storm events last December. The town of Apple Valley requested that funding earmarked for flood control in Apple Valley be assigned to the Yucca Loma drainage project.

According to a press release from 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, the drainage improvements are critical to protecting existing property and for construction of the Yucca Loma Bridge.

The bridge will give drivers another east/west route through to Victor Valley, without facing the congestion of Bear Valley Road or Highway 18. It will tie into the planned La Mesa/Nisqualli interchange at Interstate 15 in Victorville. … (Continued below) …

… From the Daily Press, December 15, 2011 … ‘County contributing up to $3.4M to Yucca Loma project; Bridge construction scheduled to begin in fall 2012’ … From Staff Reports … (Continued below) …

…Acting as the governing board of the Flood Control District, the Board of Supervisors approved the funding Tuesday. The town will be responsible for the remaining cost of the project.

The bridge is scheduled to go under construction around fall 2012 and be complete in 2014, according to the release.

“The Yucca Loma Bridge and Yates Road project are regionally important to the entire Victor Valley, and this funding demonstrates a great cooperative effort between Apple Valley and the County,” Mitzelfelt said. “With construction of the La Mesa/Nisqualli Interchange beginning in January, it is critical to keep the Yucca Loma project on track to create a new and complete east-west corridor in the Victor Valley.”

Get complete stories every day with the “exactly as printed” Daily Press E-edition, only $5 per month! … To subscribe to the Daily Press in print or online, call (760) 241-7755…

Article link: http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/loma-31878-project-san.html

SAN BERNARDINO – The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, December 13, agreed to fund up to $3.4 million for drainage improvements necessary for construction of the Yucca Loma Bridge in Apple Valley.

“The Yucca Loma Bridge and Yates Road project are regionally important to the entire Victor Valley, and this funding demonstrates a great cooperative effort between Apple Valley and the County,” said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. “With construction of the La Mesa/Nisqualli Interchange beginning in January, it is critical to keep the Yucca Loma project on track to create a new and complete east-west corridor in the Victor Valley.”

During the intense storm events of December 2010, Yucca Loma Road suffered extensive damage. The Town of Apple Valley requested that funding already earmarked for flood control improvements in Apple Valley be assigned to the Yucca Loma drainage project. The drainage improvements are critical to protecting existing property, and are also essential for construction of the bridge.

The San Bernardino County Flood Control District Zone 4 Advisory Committee in May 2011 recommended that $3.4 million of Zone 4 funding be directed to the Yucca Loma project. Acting as the governing board of the Flood Control District, the Board of Supervisors enacted that recommendation today. The Town will be responsible for funding the remaining cost of the project and will be responsible for operation and maintenance. The drainage improvements are already part of the Apple Valley Master Plan of Drainage.

Supervisor Mitzelfelt has long envisioned the Yucca Loma Bridge along with the extension of Yates Road to Green Tree Boulevard as a part of a new east-west corridor that will tie into the new La Mesa/Nisqualli interchange at Interstate 15 in Victorville, taking traffic off of Bear Valley Road. More than two years ago, the Supervisor initiated regular meetings between the three jurisdictions to insure the projects were all adequately funded and constructed within a similar timeframe. The bridge is scheduled to be under construction around fall 2012 and be complete in 2014.

The County provided local matching funds for a federal grant obtained by Apple Valley that covered the preliminary design and environmental work for widening Yates Road, which is within the County’s jurisdiction. The County will pay for the Yates Road construction, which should begin soon after work on the bridge gets started.

… From the Office of Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, San Bernardino County, First District … December 13, 2011 … For more information, contact David Zook: (909) 387-4830 www.sbcounty.gov/mitzelfelt

Public Safety Ops Center OK’d for Desert … Nisqualli-La Mesa Interchange Contract Awarded … VVWRA manager appointed to Workforce Board … County plans $7M flood control project … ‘Hats Off to our Vets’  … Mitzelfelt Volunteers Awarded … Copyright 2011 – Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, 12127 Mall Blvd., Suite A, Victorville, CA 92392 – www.joinbrad.com

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday [Dec. 6] agreed to increase the construction budget of the High Desert Public Safety Operations Center in Hesperia by 45 percent.

Tuesday’s approval by the board inflates the center’s budget from $11.5 million to $16.75 million. The additional $7.75 million will be to cover the cost of a $3 million crime lab for the Sheriff’s/Coroner’s Department and a $4.75 million 800-megahertz radio upgrade project.

In August, the board approved an initial budget of $727,000 to get the city of Hesperia, the lead agency on the project, started on design and environmental studies. The operations center will be housed in the Jerry Lewis High Desert Government Center on Smoke Tree Street.

“Construction of a Public Safety Operations Center in the High Desert will greatly improve the capability and responsiveness of our emergency responders, especially in the event of a disaster,” Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said in a news release Tuesday. … (Continued below) …

… From The Sun, Dec. 8, 2011 … ‘Emergency Operations Center Budget Skyrockets’ … By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer … (Continued below) …

… The center will include a High Desert hub for the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, 911 call and dispatch centers for the county Fire Department and an Emergency Operations Center.

A need for such a center in the High Desert has long been recognized by the county. In 2002, an analysis of the county’s existing public safety communication system concluded it could not withstand projected future growth, and that the facilities were inadequate.

A subsequent analysis in 2007 concluded that existing communications facilities were subpar, according to a report prepared for the Board of Supervisors.

The center, scheduled for completion in 2013, can function either as a county-wide emergency operations center or serve High Desert residents exclusively should the Cajon Pass be closed due to earthquake, adverse weather or other disaster, said Tracey Martinez, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Article link: http://psc.apcointl.org/2011/12/08/high-desert-calif-emergency-operations-center-budget-skyrockets/

Former Victorville Mayor Terry Caldwell called the La Mesa/Nisqualli Interstate 15 interchange project a “logistical nightmare,” but this week there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.

The San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), our regional transportation agency, awarded a contract to Riverside Construction Company, Inc to begin construction on a much needed interchange and offramp system. Local officials hope the interchange, along with the widening of Nisqualli Road, will help alleviate traffic on Bear Valley Road.

“After two decades of planning and waiting, this is a momentous day for everyone who drives in the Victor Valley,” said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. Both Mitzelfelt and Victorville lawmakers have been working on this improvement. … (continued below) …

… From Best Syndication News, December 8, 2011 … By Dan Wilson … (Continued below) …

… “I would like to thank my colleagues on the SANBAG Board for working with me to move this project forward,” Victorville Mayor Ryan McEachron said. “The unanimous vote today to award the construction contract to Riverside Construction Company will allow for this project to be built and the reduction of traffic congestion for the entire Victor Valley.”

Another project, the extension of Green Tree Boulevard and the Yucca Loma Bridge, should help commuters in and out of Apple Valley. Currently the only east/west corridor routes are Bear Valley Road and Highway 18.

“I know many folks thought they would never see it happen, and, indeed, we have had challenges and hurdles, but it has been an amazing collaborative effort among Victorville, SANBAG and the County to bring this critical project to fruition,” Mitzelfelt said.

Hesperia is also working on their own interchange at Ranchero and the Interstate 15. The project is expected to ease traffic at the Bear Valley offramp. Mitzelfelt is hopeful that this project will be completed in the next few years.

David Zook, a spokesperson for the supervisor’s office, said the $31.8 million Nisqualli interchange should be completed in late 2013.

Article link: http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20111207_nisqualli_interchange.htm

SAN BERNARDINO – Logan Olds, general manager of Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority, has been named one of 10 new volunteer members to the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County.

First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt appointed Olds to the public-private volunteer board, which oversees the use of federal dollars to train the local workforce and support local employers.

The board partners with the county’s largest industry sectors to identify workforce needs, create training programs and prepare residents for in-demand jobs. The board also provides job placement, job search and career counseling services. … (Continued below) …

… From the Daily Press, December 02, 2011 … From Staff Reports … (Continued below) …

… The other nine new board members include: Joseph Williams, founder and CEO of Youth Action Project; Thomas Flournoy, deputy chief of the state Employment Development Department’s Inland Empire Workforce Services; Larry Flood, owner of Express Employment Professionals; Jose De La Cerra, human resources manager for La-Z-Boy in Redlands; Lance Bauer, owner of Barrister Professional Services, LLC; Lionel Chadwick, CEO of Hi Desert Memorial Health Care District; Kenneth Boshart, founder and president of Boshart Engineering; James Na, owner of Three Star Janitorial Warehouse Co.; and William Sterling, president and owner of Sterling Synergy Systems Inc.

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Article link: http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/workforce-31668-general-investment.html

SACRAMENTO – The California State Association of Counties announced this week that San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt has been selected as a Merit Recipient in its 2011 Challenge Awards.

The award is for his Community Liaison program, which he initiated in his office to reduce taxpayer costs while maintaining excellent service to constituents.

“At a time when government is obliged to do more with less, the Community Liaison program I started in my office allowed me to reduce full-time staff while maintaining close ties with the communities and constituents in my district,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt.

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) received more than 250 entries for its Challenge Awards, which are designed to recognize programs that are innovative, unique, cost-effective and easy to replicate.

The offices of other county supervisors have contacted Mr. Mitzelfelt’s First District Office and expressed interest in implementing a similar program.

As a part of his efforts to lead by example in balancing the county’s budget, Supervisor Mitzelfelt reduced his staff by five full-time positions, including two field representatives.  That brought the net staffing savings to $430,345 out of a total of $2.5 million in cuts to his district budget since he took office.

The First District remains the largest supervisorial district in the contiguous United States at 15,700 square miles, even after losing more than 1,600 square miles through redistricting, which took effect in October.

“In a district as large as this one, with its great diversity of issues and constituencies, it’s imperative I have representatives who can resolve issues, ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, and keep me informed about the communities I’m privileged to represent,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “Community Liaisons are established leaders in their communities and are uniquely qualified to provide quality service to our citizens at minimal cost to the taxpayer.”

Community Liaisons work no more than 25 hours per month and receive a modest stipend to cover authorized expenses, such as automobile mileage.

The four liaisons attend community functions, listen to constituents and help resolve issues. This allows the two remaining field representatives to focus more on complex on-going projects and issues.

More information about the awards is available at: http://www.csac.counties.org/default.asp?id=3274

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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt To Run For Congress ‘A man fed by faith, hungry to save the country’ ‘VVTA nabs $1.5M grant to launch van pools’ ‘County contributing up to $3.4M to Yucca Loma project’ County to Contribute $3.4 Million to Apple Valley’s Yucca Loma Bridge Project Headlines: December 11, 2011 Public Safety Operations Center OK’d for High Desert ‘Nisqualli / La Mesa Interchange and Offramp Contract Awarded’ ‘VVWRA general manager appointed to Workforce Investment Board’ Mitzelfelt Gets Statewide Award for Employing Cost-Saving Volunteers

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