City of Needles 817 Third Street, Needles, California 92363 (760) 326-2113 • FAX (760) 326-6765
www.cityofneedles.com
Mayor, Janet Jernigan
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Councilmember Tona Belt
Councilmember Ellen Campbell
Councilmember Jamie McCorkle
Councilmember JoAnne Pogue
Councilmember Henry Longbrake
City Manager Patrick J. Martinez
MEMORANDUM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PATRICK J. MARTINEZ, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: WEEKLY MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 22, 2024
1. On March 20, 2024, San Bernardino County celebrated its 2nd Annual Job and Resource Fair at El Garces, spearheaded by Supervisor Dawn Rowe. This significant event united City of Needles public officials, city staff, and residents to forge connections with various agencies offering essential services from multiple governmental levels and local non-profit organizations like IEHP and Tri-State Community Health Center. Attendees had access to vital resources, including necessary record issuance, document recording, property assessments, assistance with record-clearing and expungements, and specialized support for veterans regarding VA benefits and identification cards.
In a commendable move, the Public Defender's office has pledged to conduct a follow-up workshop in Needles to help community members navigate the complexities of clearing their records, focusing on crafting effective letters for court cases. Moreover, during the event, the County's Department of Public Health (DPH) took proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of Needles residents by administering vaccinations in a collaborative effort with the mayor's office. The overwhelming success of this initiative has paved the way for another vaccination drive, underscoring the power of unity and collective effort in achieving communal goals. The enthusiasm and positive outcomes from these collaborative endeavors are genuinely inspiring. Additional insights and information are provided in the accompanying photo.
2. City Staff was notified by Congressman Raul Ruiz’s Office (25th District), the San Bernardino County Needles Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic and Recovery Clubhouse Project received $1 Mil. in Earmarks. This substantial financial endorsement is a landmark achievement for our community, signifying a leap towards substantial positive change and enhanced well-being for our residents.
Outlined on Congressman Ruiz's website, the project aims to transform the existing facility at 1600 Bailey Ave, Needles, CA 92363. The ambitious plan involves
expanding the clinic's footprint by 1,688 square feet, bringing the total area to 5,216 square feet. This expansion is critical, given the clinic's 20-plus years of operation in Needles and the doubling of its clientele from 205 to 395 annually over the last seven years. Despite this growth, the number of staff increasing from six to eleven, the facility's size has remained unchanged. The proposed renovations promise to elevate the quality of service provided, incorporating enhanced treatment spaces, advanced telehealth capabilities, dedicated areas for both individual and group therapy, medical examination rooms, additional office and cubicle spaces, and a specially designed waiting area for children and youth. The inclusion of restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a commercial kitchen, a wellness room, and a resource room in the construction plans reflects our commitment to a holistic approach to health and recovery.
This initiative represents a significant victory for our community. I am eager to collaborate with Department of Behavioral Health Director Georgina Yoshioka and our local DBH team, offering any support necessary to ensure the seamless progress and realization of this pivotal project.
3. Needles Tourism, in partnership with the River Valley Artist Guild, is hosting the first-ever Needles Art in the Park event. This cultural showcase will occur at the El Garces Train Depot at 950 Front Street from 9 am to 4 pm on March 22nd and 23rd. To complement this vibrant artistic celebration, a Crafts Fair will also be held at Santa Fe Park on Saturday, March 23, offering various handmade items and unique finds. This weekend promises to be a feast for the senses and a testament to our community's rich, creative spirit.
4. Arrowhead Credit Union, in collaboration with the ArrowHeart Foundation, is proud to host the "Feeding Our Community" event dedicated to nourishing our neighbors.
This heartwarming gathering will occur at the Needles Senior Center, 1699 Bailey Avenue. Complimentary hot meals will be available from 11 am to 2 pm, served on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. This initiative reflects our commitment to community support and giving back. For more details, please see the attached flyer.
5. In May, the Housing Authority of the City of Needles (HACN) eagerly anticipates the rollout of its HUD-VASH program, a synergistic partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This initiative expertly combines HUD's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with the VA's extensive case management and clinical services, which are dedicated to furnishing stable housing solutions for the homeless veteran population in Needles. As a precursor to this launch, an open house is scheduled for March 27, 2024, at 4 pm in the City Council Chambers. City staff will present the latest updates on the program and engage with landlords keen on participating in this virtuous endeavor by providing housing. The allocation of 30 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers to HACN represents a notable advancement in our commitment to supporting our veterans. We encourage interested parties to review the attached flyer for more detailed information.
1. SB COUNTY RESOURCE FAIR
1. SB COUNTY RESOURCE FAIR
3. NEEDLES ART IN THE PARK
Saturday, March 23
11am–2pm
Needles Senior Center
1699 Bailey Ave
Needles, CA 92363
Feeding Our
Community
In Partnership With:
Easy Pickup No ID
Required
While
supplies Last
The Details:
Free Hot Meals
4.. ARROWHEART EVENT
You're Invited to Support our Local Homeless Veterans
The Housing Authority is hosting its first meeting to provide updates and obtain your thoughts about options for Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher program and Landlord outreach/retention for The Housing Authority City of Needles administrative team and surrounding community partners. ❖ Homeless Veterans Support Groups
❖ Homeless Veterans Resources
❖ Landlord Incentives
❖ VASH Voucher Program Process
❖ VASH Voucher Application Process
March 27, 2024
4:00 PM start time
Needles Council
Chambers
Questions? Want more info? Angelica Deermerl 760-326-2115, ext. 173 I [email protected] Can't make it? Contact Angelica or visit cityofneedles.com to take a survey after the event.
5. VETERANS HOUSING
City of Needles 817 Third Street, Needles, California 92363 (760) 326-2113 • FAX (760) 326-6765
www.cityofneedles.com
Mayor, Janet Jernigan
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Councilmember Tona Belt
Councilmember Ellen Campbell
Councilmember Jamie McCorkle
Councilmember JoAnne Pogue
Councilmember Henry Longbrake
City Manager Patrick J. Martinez
MEMORANDUM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PATRICK J. MARTINEZ, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: WEEKLY MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 29, 2024
1. Needles Tourism proudly presented the inaugural Needles Art in the Park event in collaboration with the River Valley Artist Guild on Saturday, March 23, 2024. This cultural exposition showcased a remarkable collection of 125 pieces by 18 talented local artists, celebrating the vibrant art scene of Needles. Due to its overwhelming success, plans are underway to bring the event back next year. Additionally, the Crafts Fair at Santa Fe Park, which featured eight vendors from the Tri-State area, attracted visitors to our downtown, showcasing the area's beauty and community spirit. For more details, please see the attached photo.
2. Arrowhead Credit Union, in collaboration with the ArrowHeart Foundation, hosted the "Feeding Our Community" event on Saturday, March 23, 2024, dedicated to nourishing our neighbors. Community residents were welcomed to the Needles Senior Center and served a complimentary hot meal. The ArrowHeart Foundation served 350 meals in total. This initiative reflects our commitment to community support and giving back. For more details, please see the attached photo.
3. On Monday, March 25, 2024, the City Council Development Task Force, the Chair of the Planning Commission, and City Staff embarked on an insightful tour of motelto-apartment conversion projects in El Centro, California. Highlighting a significant achievement in housing innovation, a developer has masterfully transformed twelve properties from motels into apartment units across several cities within Imperial County. Given the economic parallels between Imperial County and Needles, this initiative sheds light on a successful strategy to repurpose 900 motel rooms into apartment conversions, directly addressing the housing crisis in California. By creating efficiency units, also known as micro-apartments, this project offers a viable solution for workforce housing, demonstrating a practical approach to solving the state's housing challenges and inspiring similar development strategies in Needles. For more details, please see the attached photos.
4. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Colorado River Station, in collaboration with the Needles Police, generously supported the Needles High School Hiking Club through a charitable donation of $2,425 at the March 26, 2024, City Council meeting. This contribution will enable the club to embark on an enriching weekend adventure in Sedona, packed with hiking and other healthoriented outdoor activities. The funds were raised through community donations and in honor of Steve Jernigan, reflecting a deep commitment to giving back. This donation was facilitated by the River Dayz Fund, an initiative by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Colorado River Station/Needles Police, dedicated to fostering charitable efforts that enrich the local community. For more details, please see the attached photo.
5. The Housing Authority of the City of Needles (HACN) Staff held an open house on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, to share the latest developments regarding the allocation of 30 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers, a collaborative effort between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). HACN is excited to launch its HUD-VASH program in May, marking a significant step in a collaborative initiative.
This program uniquely integrates HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with the VA’s comprehensive case management and clinical services.
The initiative is designed to provide stable housing solutions for the homeless veteran population in the Tri-State Region, underlining a commitment to supporting those who have served our country.
6. On Thursday, March 28, 2024, "Good Morning Needles, Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast," the Needles Chamber of Commerce welcomed San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson as the keynote speaker.
Addressing a gathered audience of business owners and community members, DA Anderson outlined the mission of his office to deliver exemplary customer service and remain attentive to the community's needs. He shared updates on vital initiatives, including a comprehensive fentanyl awareness campaign and training programs. These efforts are part of the Awareness Campaign and Trainings (A.C.T), a strategic response by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office to the urgent need for accessible education and training resources. Aimed at empowering the community to counteract issues threatening its well-being, growth, and safety, such as the fentanyl crisis, human trafficking, and both teen and adult domestic violence, the office is committed to proactive engagement. Please follow the provided link for further information and access to educational videos and materials.
7. The City Council, supported by funding from the Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority, took a significant step towards sustainability by allocating funds to aid a non-profit organization in reducing the city's organic waste disposal levels.
This year, the City Council has decided to distribute the $5,000 Edible Food Recovery grant among three deserving recipients: St. Vincent De Paul, Set Free Church of Needles, and Fire House Ministries. These non-profit organizations play a crucial role in the community, with programs that support edible food recovery and contribute to a substantial reduction in waste directed to landfills, embodying a
commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare. Refer to the attached photo.
8. Tri-State Community Healthcare is excited to announce the return of its annual Needles Easter Egg Hunt for its second year. Children of all ages are invited to join the fun, with a chance to find 5,000 eggs hidden just for them. The event will be filled with festivities, including gift baskets, prizes, face painting, and memorable photos with the Easter Bunny. Set against the historic backdrop of Santa Fe Park at 950 Front Street, the hunt will occur from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday March 30, 2024 (tomorrow). This event is shaping to be a cherished community gathering, promising joy and excitement for families and children alike. Refer to the attached flyer for additional information.
9. The Needles Rodeo Association is thrilled to invite you to the 46th Annual Colorado River Round Up, a cornerstone event that embodies the spirit and heritage of the Tri-State region. Celebrated as the oldest local rodeo, this event is endorsed by the Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association, ensuring a showcase of skill, courage, and cowboy tradition. Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday April 5-6, 2024, at the iconic Needles Rodeo Grounds at 1001 San Clemente, this weekend promises an unforgettable rodeo experience.
But the excitement doesn't end with the rodeo; attendees can also relish in a variety of culinary delights from food trucks, local vendors, and delectable BBQ offerings.
For those eager to ensure their attendance at this must-see event, we have an exclusive presale ticket offer from April 1-4, 2024. Don't miss out on this steal of a deal-tickets for both days are available for just $ 10 and can be purchased from 10 am to 4 pm at the Rodeo Store, located at 920 West Broadway.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the excitement and community spirit of the Colorado River Round Up. For additional information, please refer to the attached flyer. Join us for a celebration of rodeo excellence and community camaraderie that will surely be your year's highlight.
1. ART IN THE PARK EVENT
2. ARROWHEART FOUNDATION
3. DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE
4. NEEDLES HIKING CLUB
6. NEEDLES CHAMBER BREAKAST
7. EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY GRANT
8. EASTER EGG HUNT
&PJIU...:.!i
&., ZDZ11
jt****
Grand Canyon Pro£ ional
Rodeo A ociation
anctioned rodeo
"Olde t local rodeo in the
��,-,.�-> tri- tate area put on by local "
Needles Rodeo Qv-ouV\ds
1001 SAIi CLB!1Elff[ • HEEDl.ll, CA
OR MORE IIIFOBMATIOII CW.. IIElDIB RODEO i O<lATIOU
760-333-5255
9.