San Bernardino County and partner agencies are continuing response and recovery efforts following the December storms that brought heavy rain, flooding, and mud and debris flows to several communities, including Wrightwood, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia.
To help residents navigate recovery and access assistance, the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services is opening a Local Assistance Center (LAC) on Thursday at the Rick Novack Community Center in Hesperia. It will provide in-person support and recovery information from county, state, federal, and nonprofit agencies related to disaster losses, insurance guidance, employment assistance, and much more.
The LAC will be open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 8-9, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. Free transportation is available from Wrightwood (1275 CA-2) and Phelan (4176 Warbler Rd.), with shuttle pickups at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.
San Bernardino County’s Office of Emergency Services will be traveling to Wrightwood, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia today, Jan. 7. They will be accompanying U.S. Small Business Agency, State and County partners to conduct a Preliminary Damage Assessment, which helps officials evaluate storm impacts and identify potential recovery resources.
As a reminder, disaster attracts those looking to exploit vulnerable homeowners. Contracting without a valid license in a disaster area is a felony. Victims can end up paying for shoddy work, facing delays, or even having to start repairs all over again. Checking a license is quick and easy on the California Contractors State License Board website.
Additional recovery resources are available online. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through TENS and the Ready SB App. For insurance-related assistance, the California Department of Insurance consumer hotline is available at (800) 927-4357.