San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez addresses guests and attendees at the open house sharing priorities and updates for his district including public safety, the water district, and all available resources for residents.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA — San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez hosted his annual open house last Thursday, bringing residents together with local government agencies, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations for an evening focused on public services and community connections.
The event was held Aug. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 8575 Haven Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga.
The gathering featured booths and representatives from agencies and organizations serving communities throughout the Second District.
Armendarez told attendees the event has continued to grow each year, with an increasing emphasis on bringing local nonprofits and small businesses into the event.
“For me, this is what it’s really about,” Armendarez said. “Our open house isn’t about the Second District supervisor. This is about every one of you who took the time to come out here and set up a tent.”
Armendarez said the event gives organizations an opportunity to showcase their work while allowing residents to learn more about the resources available in their communities.
He also thanked the participating organizations, elected officials and his staff for helping organize the event, saying preparations had taken weeks or months.
The open house included representatives from public safety agencies, water agencies and other local organizations.
Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Dennis Michael said the event provides residents with an opportunity to interact directly with the various services available throughout the district.
Michael said Armendarez represents Fontana, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, as well as Mount Baldy and unincorporated areas of the county.
He described the open house as a way for communities and agencies to come together, discuss issues and learn about available services.
“We’re out here today supporting his open house,” Michael said, noting the participation of fire and police departments, water districts and other organizations.
The Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department was among the agencies represented at the event.
Michael highlighted recent wildfire-prevention efforts in the city, including the installation of 30 fire-detection devices across the foothills in the urban-wildland interface.
According to Michael, the devices are designed to detect small fires within a 5-by-5-foot area and automatically transmit information to the city’s dispatch center.
The city also recently acquired a helipod capable of holding 800 gallons of water for helicopter firefighting operations in the foothills.
Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren said the event is important because it gives residents from throughout the district an opportunity to come together while learning about available resources.
“Oh, my God, it’s important, and I really thank our supervisor for doing this,” Warren said. “He’s bringing all of his cities, his unincorporated area, all together to celebrate each other.”
Warren said the event also provides residents with an opportunity to interact with agencies and organizations in a more informal setting.
“A lot of the citizens are going to show up and just have a good time,” Warren said.
Other organizations at the open house included Working Dogs for Warriors, which provides service dogs to veterans, as well as local food vendors and utility agencies.
Over 40 vendors participated, with some organizations sharing space because of the available room.
As the event concluded, Armendarez thanked the participating organizations and residents for attending despite the heat.
He also recognized the staff and interns who helped organize the event, saying the gathering could not have happened without their work.
