2013 | livability.com/victorville ®
Victor valley, california
Reach for the stars The Lewis Center takes education to new heights
flourish here The High Desert is ideal for businesses, families
Here’s to Your Health The Victor Valley’s residents have access to many wellness options
sponsored by the victorville Chamber of Commerce hotel luxury
at an apartment budget.
• Full kitchens with refrigerators, microwave ovens and dishwashers
• tempur-pedic ® mattress beds
• Free daily housekeeping service
• Free daily breakfast
• Free high-speed Internet access
• LOW weekly and monthly rates
14786 Monarch St. • Victorville, CA 92392 760.843.3800 • www.hotelextendedstudio.com hotel extended studio Top 10 Summer Fairs
VANCOUVER, WA Clark County Fair ROCK SPRINGS, WY Sweetwater County Fair MT. JULIET, TN Wilson County Fair SHREVEPORT, LA The State Fair of Louisiana VICTORVILLE, CA San Bernardino County Fair Victorville CROWN POINT, IN Lake County Fair made the list. LOUISVILLE, KY Top 10 Summer Fairs Kentucky State Fair See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com. PUYALLUP, WA The Puyallup Fair WEST DES MOINES, IA Iowa State Fair SYRACUSE, NY New York State Fair
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 3 th anniversary5 2013 edition | volume 5 issue ®
Victor Valley, California
contents
Features
8 here’s to Your Health The Victor Valley’s residents have 14 access to many wellness options
12 reach for the Stars The Lewis Center takes education to new heights
14 flourish here The High Desert is ideal for businesses, families
departments
6 almanac 16 chamber Report 17 biz Briefs 18 economic Profile 19 health & Wellness 21 education 23 local Flavor 24 arts & Culture 27 sports & Recreation 29 community Profile
on the cover The Victor Valley Bicycle Club meets to hit the trails surrounding Bell Mountain in the desert of Apple Valley. Photo by Michael Conti
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste. 12 Please recycle this magazine
livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 3 ®
®
Victor Valley, Ca
editorial project Manager mitch Kline content Director Lisa battles Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Contributing writers Barbara Biehler, John Fuller, Joe Morris, Jessica Mozo Senior Graphic Designers stacey allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williams Digital Edition Graphic Designers erica lampley, kara leiby, Kacey Passmore Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, martin B. cherry, Michael Conti color imaging technician Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager Graham Leach Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan
Here’s Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman to Your Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Health Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim HOlmberg MANY WELLNESS OPTIONS V.P./business Development clay perry V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester STORY BY KEVIN LITWIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL CONTI taying healthy has become “Our hospital obviously helps V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens easier in the Victor Valley, patients who are sick or injured, where communities have plus many of our efforts these days v.p./Travel publishing Susan Chappell Sdeveloped programs, involve getting into the community athletic events and farmers markets and focusing on wellness initiatives,” that make it easy for residents to Christensen says. “I work with V.P./Sales rhonda graham, find nourishing foods and ways several organizations throughout to burn calories. the High Desert that want to The communities of Adelanto, promote health and wellness in herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville their communities.” are all participating in the Healthy Controller Chris Dudley High Desert initiative, which Farm Fresh establishes individual wellness Christensen says several programs for residents. One of farmers markets have been Senior Accountant Lisa Owens the many people keeping a finger established in the different cities on the pulse of healthy living in the and towns to offer fresh produce Victory Valley is Allen Christensen, to the Victor Valley’s residents, Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland community benefit analyst and and even St. Joseph Health, healthy cities coordinator at St. Mary sets up a farmers market Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman St. Joseph Health, St. Mary. on its hospital campus every Friday.
The Victor Valley Bicycle Club rides down Apple Valley Road. sales support Coordinator alex marks
8 THETHE VICTORVICTOR VALLEYVALLEY LIVABILITY.COM/VICTORVILLELIVABILITY.COM/VICTORVILLE 9 sales support project manager sara quint system administrator daniel cantrell Web creative director allison davis Web Content Manager John Hood Web designer II Richard stevens Web development lead Yamel Hall Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden Share with a friend Creative Technology Analyst becca ary audience development Director deanna nelson Easily share an interesting article, stunning photo or New Media Assistant Alyssa DiCicco Distribution Director Gary Smith advertisement of your business on Facebook, Twitter Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake or via email. Receptionist Linda Bishop
HAVE A BLOG OR WEBSITE? Images Victor Valley is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Victorville Chamber of Commerce and Embed the digital magazine in your site to add its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the compelling, local information. magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected]. For more information, contact: Victorville Chamber of Commerce DO MORE THAN JUST 14174 Greentree Blvd., Victorville, CA 92395 Phone: (760) 245-6506 • Fax: (760) 245-6505 READ ABOUT IT www.vvchamber.com Visit Images Victor Valley online at livability.com/victorville Experience the community through video and find links ©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN to other sites for additional information. 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.
Member The Association of Magazine Media Member Custom Content Council livability.com/victorville Member Victorville Chamber of Commerce
4 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livability.com/victorvilleWhat’s Online Photos See more great photos of the The Victor Valley in our online photo galleries.
2013 | livability.com/victorville ®
victor valley, california
reach for the stars The Lewis Center takes education to new heights
flourish here The High Desert is ideal for businesses, families
here’s to your health The Victor Valley’s residents have access to many wellness options
sponsored by the victorville chamber of commerce Digital magazine Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.
Facts Video living here Get the most up-to-date info on cost Watch quick videos Learn the basics about local of living, top employers, schools, of local attractions. neighborhoods, schools and population demographics and more. health-care providers. 4 Th e Vi cto r Valle y Almanac Welcome to The Victor Valley An introduction to the area’s people, places and events
Energizing Sliding Through Treetops San Bernardino Navitat Canopy Adventures shows visitors a new side of Wrightwood’s forests by carrying them aloft on zipline Shocking developments are taking place in tours. Located in the San Gabriel Mountains, Navitat’s San Bernardino County as alternative energy Wrightwood location is the West Coast counterpart developer Abengoa begins construction on of Navitat’s first zipline park in Asheville, N.C. The the Mojave Solar Project. Funded by a $1.2 Wrightwood location features rappelling obstacles, billion loan from the Department of Energy’s suspended sky bridges and 10 ziplines that range from Recovery Act loan program, the project will 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length and vary between 200 feet ease the crunch on fossil fuel usage by and 300 feet above the ground. John Walker, a zipline harnessing the sun’s power. This solar panel course developer, designed the Wrightwood course to array will use Abengoa’s proprietary last about four hours and have the smallest possible parabolic trough technology to generate environmental footprint. Visit www.navitat.com for more. 250 megawatts for 75,000 to 187,500 homes. Construction is expected to create 830 temporary jobs and 60 permanent jobs. The Preserving the Kicks project is scheduled for completion by 2014. Find out more at www.abengoasolar.com. Victorville is home to the Route 66 Museum, a refuge for artifacts left behind from the renowned highway. The museum entertains about 10,000 visitors each year, and includes among its exhibits folk art from the Hula Ville roadside attraction. Victorville offered fans of the Mother Road a special treat in 2012 by hosting the International Route 66 Festival. The festival included a classic car poker run, a screening of American Graffiti at the Skyline Drive-In in Barstow, and a food and wine festival at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds.
6 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 7 New Life in Fast Facts n Open road and the Desert clear skies create The Mojave River Fish Hatchery is a perfect conditions major sanctuary for trout breeding in for motorcyclists, Victorville. The hatchery has benefited from and the Victor Valley years of improvements since construction is home to a Harley- began in 1947. Today, the hatchery contains Davidson Owners 40 ponds and supplies about two-thirds Group. Victor Valley of catchable trout stocked south of the H.O.G. #0362 has Tehachapi Mountains. The hatchery is rides throughout commonly known as the hatchery in the the year. desert because it sits on the outskirts of n The Mojave River the Mojave Desert. This arid environment flows through requires that the water supplying the Victorville, and hatchery be derived from wells connected the city’s elevation to the often dry Mojave River. Learn more at is 2,875 feet above www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/MojaveRiver. sea level.
n The cement industry has The Victor Valley At A Glance provided a firm foundation for POPULATION BEGINNINGS growth in the Victor Victorville: 107,539 Incorporated in 1962, Victorville – the Valley, and it remains San Bernardino County: 2,035,210 largest city in the Victor Valley – was an important founded in 1895 and originally named industry today. LOCATION Victor after Jacob Nash Victor. The name The Victor Valley is in southwest was changed in 1901 to avoid confusion n Several people California, at the southern edge with the town of Victor, Colo. claim to have of the Mojave Desert. FOR MORE INFORMATION encountered ghosts Victorville Chamber of Commerce at the High Desert What’s Online 14174 Greentree Blvd., P.O. Box 997 Center for the Arts, a facility that provides Take a virtual tour of The Victor Valley, Victorville, CA 92393 entertainment courtesy of our award-winning Phone: (760) 245-6506 options, such as photographers, at livability.com/victorville. Fax: (760) 245-6505 www.vvchamber.com improvisational comedy shows and burlesque to children’s theater, 127 concerts and film screenings.
15 n Contact, Lethal Weapon and Victor Valley The Hitcher are SAN BERNARDINO just some of the 58 films shot in and around Victorville. 40 247 Adelanto 15 Apple Valley Lake n The second- Havasu 138 Victorville longest commercial Hesperia 247 runway in the U.S. is at Victorville’s
30 San Bernardino 62 62 Southern California Logistics Airport.
6 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 7 8 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 9 Here’s to Your Health Residents have access to many wellness options
Story By Kevin Litwin | Photography By michael conti taying healthy has become “Our hospital obviously helps easier in the Victor Valley, patients who are sick or injured, where communities have plus many of our efforts these days Sdeveloped programs, involve getting into the community athletic events and farmers markets and focusing on wellness initiatives,” that make it easy for residents to Christensen says. “I work with find nourishing foods and ways several organizations throughout to burn calories. the High Desert that want to The communities of Adelanto, promote health and wellness in Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville their communities.” are all participating in the Healthy High Desert initiative, which Farm Fresh establishes individual wellness Christensen says several programs for residents. One of farmers markets have been the many people keeping a finger established in the different cities on the pulse of healthy living in the and towns to offer fresh produce Victory Valley is Allen Christensen, to the Victor Valley’s residents, community benefit analyst and and even St. Joseph Health, healthy cities coordinator at St. Mary sets up a farmers market St. Joseph Health, St. Mary. on its hospital campus every Friday.
The Victor Valley Bicycle Club rides down Apple Valley Road.
8 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 9 10 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 11 “We have a vendor on site from noon-4 p.m. to offer fruit and vegetables to our employees who otherwise would be unable to visit such a market,” he says. “St. Joseph Health also hosts twice-a-year free workshops called Healthy Eating Active Living, or HEAL, that show residents how to shop strategically, personalize exercise programs, cook healthy and much more.” Run, Bike, Eat Healthier Meanwhile, other examples of health and wellness efforts in the High Desert include a Maverick 5K Mud Run in Adelanto every July, a Mojave Narrow Half Marathon in Victorville in June, an Apple Valley Reverse Triathlon each September and a Route 66 5K Turkey Trot in Victorville on Thanksgiving Day. Other initiatives in Victorville are a 5K and 10K walk/run and bicycle tour organized by the Victorville Chamber of Commerce, while the city of Victorville implemented a Vending Machine Nutrition policy in April 2011 so that vending machines in public schools and public buildings have at least 50 percent of food/snacks offered that meet national nutrition standards. More Future Plans Victorville is also studying a nonmotorized transportation plan on the city’s growing west side, intending to eventually construct a safe network of on-road and trail bike and walking routes. The plan is for the network to link public facilities, retail centers and other areas of interest. “There are also many swimming opportunities available to residents in the communities throughout the High Desert,” Christensen says. “Wellness is a priority these days in our region, with the city, county, chamber, hospitals and other organizations trying to do our part to advance the wellness effort.”
Clockwise from top left: The Victor Valley Bicycle Club rides along the trails near Bell Mountain; Kylan Jones uses a speed resistance parachute at Hook Park; High Desert Farmers Market; Marcos Lima uses the circuit fitness system at Hook Park.
10 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 11 Reaching for the Stars The Lewis Center takes education to new heights
12 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 13 Story By Jessica Mozo | Photography By michael conti
hile teaching spread out on three campuses in is now at the University of kindergarten and Apple Valley. Hawaii and says she felt much directing a Young The Norton Space and better prepared for college than WAstronauts science Aeronautics Academy in San other incoming freshmen,” Judy program at Mojave Elementary Bernardino is the Lewis Center’s McFadden says. School in 1985, Rick Piercy had a other charter school, serving grades bright idea. He invited students K-6. Each year, the NSAA adds Goldstone Apple Valley and their families to come to a grade level, with the goal of Radio Telescope school at night to see Halley’s becoming a K-12 school by 2018. The Lewis Center also features Comet through a telescope, and the the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio response of more than 200 attendees Academy for Telescope, a project with NASA and overwhelmed him. Academic Excellence the Jet Propulsion Laboratory that “It was after 10 o’clock when we Judy and Ron McFadden of allows teachers to access a 34-meter finished, but we knew astronomy Victorville sent all three of their radio antenna via the Internet. was something that captured the children to the Academy for “Mission Control is in our imagination of children,” Piercy Academic Excellence. Mojave River campus and is open recalls. “So we began raising “Our oldest daughter, Erin, to teachers and students, not only money to build an observatory.” graduated in 2011, and our twin in the Victor Valley, but we work girls, Cori and Dena, will graduate with schools in 38 states, 14 The Lewis Center Is Born in 2013,” Judy McFadden says. countries and two U.S. territories,” Five years later, the Apple Valley “They’ve all really thrived there. Piercy says. “Our GAVRT program Science and Technology Center It’s not a huge school, so you can be has a free online training opened. Now called the Lewis the big fish. The teachers really care curriculum open to all schools Center for Educational Research, too – several teachers really took an including homeschoolers and the facility oversees two charter interest in our kids.” private schools. Students at the schools and has been called “one All three of the McFadden girls middle and high school level work of the most interesting, unique were involved in AAE’s ROTC with NASA scientists and actually and unusual educational program, and the twins are aiming control these nine-story-high, institutions in the nation.” for careers in the Air Force. million-pound antennas from their One of the Lewis Center’s “For my kids, AAE was a perfect classrooms and gather real data charter schools is the Academy for match. They’ve done very well on that is being used to promote our Academic Excellence, a K-12 school state tests and SATs, and my oldest understanding of the universe.”
From left: The Lewis Center for Educational Research’s Thunderbird Campus; A classroom at The Lewis Center for Educational Research’s Mojave River Campus; Rick Piercy serves as the Lewis Center’s founder, president and CEO.
livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 13 Business A Manufacturing Oa s i s Affordable business, living location in the High Desert
Story By John Fuller | Photography By michael conti
ill Scott was looking for a business- and running through it and is near Interstates 40 and 10. family-friendly location in the early 1990s, “It’s an affordable place to live and work,” Scott and he found that and more in the Victor says. “Building and land costs are much less than BValley. The owner of Scott Turbon Mixer anywhere in Southern California.” Co. laid down roots in Adelanto, where his business Scott’s story is repeated scores of times with costs are lower and his family can flourish. manufacturers, both large and small, relocating “It’s a very business-friendly environment here that to the Victor Valley. has allowed us to grow and prosper,” says Scott, who “We have been very entrepreneurial with our moved to the Victor Valley from Los Angeles along economic development strategy,” says Keith Metzler, with 25 workers and their families when the assistant city manager for the city of Victorville. company’s new facility opened in 1995. Scott Turbon For example, the city built a large capacity wastewater Mixer, which makes stainless steel mixers and mixing treatment plant, as well as other infrastructure systems for the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, improvements, to attract companies to the area, personal care and chemical industries worldwide, has particularly food and beverage manufacturers. 50 employees in the 25,000-square-foot facility. That strategy paid off recently when Dr Pepper/ Scott says the location is ideal from a business Snapple decided to build a $120 million facility and quality of life perspective. The Victor Valley is employing 200 people. located near major interstate highways, with easy “We have extra capacity to bring in even more access to major California and western U.S. markets. companies like that,” Metzler says. The location is also ideal for recreation activities with the Pacific Ocean less than 90 minutes away Business Flocks to SCLA Complex and beautiful mountain and desert areas even closer. Metzler also oversees the Southern California Logistics Airport, one of the major economic drivers High Desert Affordability a Hit With Business in the High Desert Region. The Victor Valley’s affordable housing and business SCLA is located on the site of a former U.S. Air costs and abundant water supply position it well for Force base which has been transformed into a business and residential growth. The BNSF multimodal distribution hub. SCLA is a dedicated (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) Railroad has major logistics and industrial park on 5,000 acres. With lines through the region which has Interstate 15 modern airport, rail and proximity to major highways,
14 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 15 Above: An employee welds a bridge connecting two tanks at Scott Turbon Mixer Co. in the city of Adelanto. Below: An employee fabricates pipe that is designed for a large industrial mixer at Scott Turbon Mixer Co.
SCLA is a prime hub for companies to efficiently move goods to U.S. and international destinations. Over the past several years, aviation, food and beverage, and distribution companies have been attracted to the site. Its industrial tenants include Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Newell Rubbermaid and Plastipak Packaging. Aviation tenants include General Electric Aircraft Engines, Pratt & Whitney, Leading Edge Aviation Services, The Boeing Company and Pacific Aerospace Resources and Technology. One of the newest tenants is United Furniture Industries, which moved into an existing building at the SCLA development and plans to employ more than 400 workers. The company makes and ships sofas, recliners and sectionals under the Simmons brand. UFI officials say they chose the Victorville location after an exhaustive search and made their decision largely based on the community’s “probusiness atmosphere” and the proximity to major West Coast markets from California’s high desert. Victorville’s Foxborough Industrial Park has 233 acres of land for development. Major tenants at the park include Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Nutro Products, Church and Dwight (makers of Arm & Hammer products) and ConAgra Foods. Like any new, growing area, there is always a huge demand for skilled workers. A number of manufacturers like Scott Turbon Mixer are partnering with local high schools and colleges to attract, train and recruit qualified workers.
14 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 15 Business Chamber Report Chamber stays involved in many projects
rom courting a Macy’s endeavor,” says Michele Spears, “There were 275 participants Fdepartment store to helping president/CEO of the Victorville for the inaugural event, and Stride residents stay healthy, the Chamber of Commerce. The new Ride Glide goes along with a Victorville Chamber of Commerce store is set to open in March 2013. Healthy Victorville initiative that remains committed to improving Other chamber projects is being promoted throughout the community. include a new annual wellness the city,” Spears says. “I was in charge of a focus event called Stride Ride Glide at group called My Macy’s that helped SCLA. It features 5K and 10K runs, They Mean Business iron out the business development along with bike rides at Southern Another annual occurrence details that go along with such an California Logistics Airport. that the chamber organizes is a Business Showcase Expo at the Victorville Conference Center. “It’s a fun way for vendors to see their clients, as well as meet new ones,” Spears says. She adds that the chamber also plans workshops aimed at educating the public. A workshop in August 2012 saw the chamber partner with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department to inform store owners about new high-tech crime trends in retail, and how such trends can be combated. “The chamber also scored well on a recent survey sponsored by the Western Association of Chamber Executives that asked our members to rate us,” Spears says. “I’m pleased to say that the Victorville chamber scored higher on every question than the national average.”
Streamlined to Serve Spears says the sluggish economy has forced the chamber to streamline operations, with a major move being to cut $30,000 in staff salaries and expenses. The chamber also eliminated a few events it usually sponsors, but continues to back its most popular ones – such as the monthly Victorville Morning Insight breakfast meetings. “The chamber’s main mission is still about best serving our 485 members, and how we can help them grow their individual businesses,” she says. “That part of the Victorville chamber will never change.” – Kevin Litwin
16 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 17 Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define the victor valley’s strong economic climate
Scorecard Business At A Glance $2 billion Annual Retail Sales
$18,304 The Cake Shop Victorville Cycles Retail Sales Biz: Specialty bakery Biz: Bicycle and accessory retailer Per Capita Buzz: Located in Apple Valley, The Cake Shop Buzz: Home to a wide selection of bicycles, offers cakes for any occasion or event, such Victorville Cycles has been serving local cyclists as weddings and birthday parties, as well as since 1974. The shop features brands such as $182 cupcakes. In addition, the shop provides Trek, Haro and Giant and offers accessories million pastries and desserts including cinnamon rolls, including helmets, lights, cargo trailers and Annual Hotel muffins, cream puffs, brownies, pies, cookies more. Victorville Cycles is open from 10 a.m. and Food Sales and more. Smoothies, coffee beverages, hot until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from chocolate and green tea are also available. 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays. http://bakerysweets.com http://victorvillecycles.com 8,084 Total Number Decorating Den Interiors Bear Valley Party Rentals of Firms Biz: Interior design firm Biz: Party supply rental shop Source: U.S. Census Buzz: Decorating Den Interiors, operated by Buzz: Bear Valley Party Rentals supplies items QuickFacts interior designer and general contractor Donald including chairs, tables, tents, linens, glassware Tatera, works with residential and commercial and more for special events such as weddings, clients to create and implement decorating corporate events, parties and banquets. plans. With a team of designers, Tatera helps Decorative items are also available, as well as clients with reupholstery, artwork, furniture, lighting accessories, dance floors, helium tanks, flooring and more. Decorating Den Interiors platforms and stages. A family-owned and is based in Apple Valley and serves the High -operated company, Bear Valley Party Rentals Desert area. was established in 1991. http://teamtatera.decoratingden.com http://bearvalleyrentals.com
Donna J. Wells, CPA – Partner [email protected] • www.mierscpa.com
Victor Valley College • Career training Your Future … Our Passion • Vocational career training • Career education For more information, call • Degree & transfer education (760) 245-4271 • Business & industrial 14350 Civic Dr., Ste. 180 • Victorville, CA 92392 contract training Tel: (760) 245-5341 • Fax: (760) 241-2992 18422 Bear Valley Rd. • Continuing education Victorville, CA 92395 • Complete student services Barstow: 135 Cal Ave. • Barstow, CA 92311 www.vvc.edu • Online classes
16 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 17 economic profile
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW The Victor Valley has a lot going for it: a strategic location; market access via highways, air, rails and ports; lower operating costs than most of California; and one of the most affordable housing markets in the West.
Ontario International Airport 21% (909) 937-2700 Blue-Collar Jobs www.lawa.org/welcomeont.aspx
Southern California education Logistics Airport TAX STRUCTURE (760) 243-1900 30% www.logisticsairport.com 1.5% Associate Degree Local-City/County sales tax Victor Valley 9% Transit Authority 6.25% Bachelor’s Degree (760) 948-3030 State Sales Tax www.vvta.org 7.75% 6% Total Sales Tax Graduate Degree TOp industries
income TRANSPORTATION Retail Trade: 5,542 employees Government: 4,179 employees Apple Valley Airport $19,410 Health Care & Social Per Capita Income (760) 247-2371 www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us Assistance: 3,905 employees $50,424 www.sbcounty.gov/airports Accommodation & Food Average Annual Hesperia Airport Services: 3,112 employees Household Expenditure (760) 947-0807 Administrative & Support www.airnav.com/airport/l26 workforce & Waste Management: Los Angeles 1,323 employees International Airport 79% (310) 646-5252 Transportation & White-Collar Jobs www.airport-la.com Warehousing: 934 employees
This section is sponsored by
18 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 19 Health & Wellness Being Hospitable Residents have access to top medical facilities
esidents of the Victor Valley enjoy a wealth of Rhealth options, with major hospitals and plenty of physicians and specialists in the community. St. Mary Medical Center is part of the St. Joseph Health. The hospital offers a wide range of services from wellness and prevention programs to an emergency department and heart care services. This High Desert hospital has served the area for more than 50 years. It currently has 206 beds and the first local wound care center in the High Desert equipped to perform hyperbaric oxygen therapy. St. Mary’s offers an outpatient surgery pavilion, mobile health services, robotic-assisted surgery and pediatric care. Victor Valley Community Hospital The 101-bed Victor Valley Community Hospital
was recently purchased by KPC Global, which i t on
announced plans to invest $25 to improve the c l 45-year-old facility during the next five years. e cha i
The hospital offers emergency services, an intensive m care unit, neonatal ICU, peri-operative services, a cardiac catheterization lab, and also houses The Center, which provides one-stop, preventative diagnostic imaging in areas such as mammography, ultrasound and bone densitometry testing. Desert Valley Hospital Desert Valley Hospital recently underwent an expansion to upgrade and add patient rooms, catheterization labs, operating suites, an open-heart surgery suite and a digital radiology system. DVH also continues to receive awards and recognition, including being named a Top 100 Hospital for 2012 by Thomson Reuters. Desert Valley Hospital has 83 beds.
Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente has a four-story medical center on Park Avenue in Victorville that offers services such as mammography, oncology treatment, pediatrics, a 24-hour emergency department and a pharmacy.
More Medical Groups Victor Valley has several medical groups that offer primary- and specialty-care physicians. These include High Desert Primary Care, Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group, Desert Valley Medical Group, Alliance Desert Physicians, Choice Medical Group, Kendra Care Medical Group and Premier Healthcare. – Kevin Litwin
18 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 19 Victor Valley Union High School District
Victor Valley High School University Preparatory School 16500 Mojave Dr. 16925 Forrest Ave. Victorville, CA 92395 Victorville, CA 92395 • Grades 9-12 • Grades 7-12 – Parent Choice School • Career Technical Education: Culinary Arts, Medical Technology, • National Blue Ribbon School Video Game Design • Title I Achievement School (four consecutive years) • Pre-Engineering (STEM): Robotics, Automotive, Construction • Six-Year WASC Accreditation • Six-Year WASC Accreditation • Distinguished School Award • U.S. News ranked “One of the Best High Schools to Watch in California” • Professional Learning Communities • Professional Learning Communities • U.S. News ranked “One of the Nation’s Best High Schools” • Virtual High School
Silverado High School Cobalt Middle School 14048 Cobalt Rd. 13801 Cobalt Rd. Victorville, CA 92392 Victorville, CA 92392 • Grades 9-12 • Career Technical Education: Culinary Arts, Medical Technology • Grades 7-8 • Pre-Engineering (STEM): Robotics • Middle Grade Alliance Recipient for Academic Excellence • Early College Campus (High School & College Credits) – Partnered with Victor Valley College and Barstow Community College • Pre-Engineering (STEM): Robotics • State Recognized Early Childhood Program • Leadership (ASB) • Professional Learning Communities • Professional Leadership Communities
Adelanto High School Hook Junior High School 13853 Seneca Rd. 15000 Hook Blvd. Victorville, CA 92392 Victorville, CA 92392
• Grades 9-10 • Grades 7-8 • Opens August 2012 • Pre-Engineering (STEM): Robotics • State-of-the-Art Facility • Leadership (ASB) • Pre-Engineering (STEM): Technology and Solar • Professional Learning Communities • Professional Learning Communities
Goodwill Education Center Lakeview Middle School 14045 Topaz Rd. 12484 Tamarisk Rd. Victorville, CA 92392 Victorville, CA 92395
• Grades 9-12 • Grades 7-8 • Alternative Education • Pre-Engineering (STEM): Robotics • Credit Recovery • Leadership (ASB) • Independent Studies • Professional Learning Communities • Adult20 EducationTh e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 21 Education
The Regional Public Safety Training Center in Apple Valley hosts Victor Valley College’s Fire Technology program. michael conti
Class Distinction the Victor Valley Offers Education Opportunities to Ensure Student Success
rimed to meet the needs of a 21st-century Victor Valley College Pworkforce, the Victor Valley provides For years Victor Valley College has served the educational opportunities for students of all ages. educational needs of one of the largest geographical regions in California. Offering more than 430,000 STEAM 2020 Initiative square feet of building space on its main campus Building a foundation for success, STEAM 2020 in Victorville, VVC has an enrollment of more than is an initiative for promoting and identifying 13,000 students every year. The college offers strategies to increase student excellence in the a variety of two-year degrees and certificate fields of science, technology, engineering, arts programs, and online classes are available for and mathematics. STEAM 2020 partners with students hoping to become professional firefighters, the San Bernardino County Alliance for Education VVC’s Fire Technology Program provides accredited to help prepare students from elementary to courses that meet standards set by the California postsecondary school to enter high-paying, highly State Fire Marshal’s Office. Advanced courses are skilled occupations after leaving the classroom. also available for specialized jobs within the fire
20 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 21 Education
service including fire prevention The college has developed an anyone interested in an entry- specialist, company officer and innovative curriculum around this level health-care career including chief fire officer positions. The pioneering technology including those who wish to become nurses, college’s new, 41,500-square-foot solar installation, operations and health-care administrators, Eastside Public Safety Training maintenance courses. pharmacy techs or dental Academy trains students for assistants. San Joaquin Valley careers in firefighting, law Other Colleges College is a two-year, private enforcement and emergency and Universities junior college helping students medical services using live drills Azusa Pacific University, a prepare for careers in business in real life settings. comprehensive Christian university, or a variety of medical or Victor Valley College’s features more than 80 bachelor’s, technical fields. Serving both Associate Degree Nursing master’s and doctoral degree young students and adult Program offers the instruction programs on their main campus learners, University of La Verne, and training necessary for a two- in Azusa, at seven Southern which is a private, four-year year associate’s degree. Students California regional campuses school, offers undergraduate can then take the NCLEX exam and online. Focusing on the needs to doctorate degrees in many required to become licensed of working adults, Brandman professional and arts programs. registered nurses. University has 52 bachelor’s, – Barbara Biehler Students seeking jobs in green master’s and certificate programs technology can get the training through the blended formats of they need right on VCC’s campus. online and classroom instruction. Together with SolFocus, VVC built Cambridge College also focuses the largest solar plant in North on the needs of working adults, What’s Online America utilizing concentrator with a number of degree programs Read more articles about the The Victor photovoltaic systems, producing offered online or at their Rancho Valley’s learning environments by going approximately 30 percent of the Cucamonga campus. to livability.com/victorville. campus’ electricity needs. Four-D College seeks to educate Local Flavor Desert Delights Enjoy Great Tasting Food at Two Award-Winning Establishments in the victor valley
f you’re looking for great food, Overland will wrap your selections Molly Brown’s offers many Itwo local establishments in the in small quantities, label and flash- signature dishes such as the Victor Valley, Overland Meat freeze them for you – a great way hobo skillet, stuffed French Company and Molly Brown’s to buy quality meat at below toast with blueberries and cream Country Cafe, have been serving grocery store prices. cheese, and the Paul Bunyan: some of the best food the High Stop by Overland’s three eggs cooked the way Desert has to offer for more Delicatessen for lunch to enjoy you like them with bacon, ham, than 20 years. made-to-order sandwiches filled sausage, potatoes and pancakes with Boar’s Head meats and or French toast. Overland Meat cheeses. Overland’s deli menu Come to Molly Brown’s Company features a pastrami sandwich, for lunch and fill up on one Overland’s Meat Shop in voted one of the best in the of their burgers, sandwiches, Apple Valley features cuts of desert, their turkey and avocado salads, soups or chili. Molly USDA Prime grade, all-natural sandwich on squaw bread, soups, Brown’s also serves hot plate beef with no added steroids, salads, and more than 100 lunches with meat choices, hormones or antibiotics. You imported and microbrewed beers. along with potatoes, a vegetable, can also find New Zealand Overland can also cater your biscuit or cornbread. You’ll lamb, grass-fed buffalo burgers, next special occasion, providing never leave hungry. premimum cuts of pork, free- diners with a selection of party “We are known for our big range poultry and fresh seafood. platters or hot lunch buffets. portions, quality ingredients “If you purchase any of our and our friendly service,” says beef, pork, seafood or poultry,” Molly Brown’s Molly Brown’s co-owner Diana says Overland co-owner Sue Country Cafe Brown. “Our customers become Fetters, “we will tell you how to Hungry diners from around like friends.” prepare it, give you suggested the High Desert have enjoyed Stop by one of Molly Brown’s cooking times, and will even fine country-style dining at Molly four locations in Helendale, season your selection with our Brown’s County Cafe for two Hesperia or two in Victorville own house rub at no charge.” decades. Voted Best Breakfast to get your home-cooking fix. Order freezer meat packs and by the Victorville Daily Press, – Barbara Biehler i t on c l e cha i m y b os t o ph Above from left to right: A customer purchases meat at the Overland Meat Company’s Meat Shop in Apple Valley; Overland Meat Company’s Delicatessen offers a turkey sandwich on squaw bread with sliced avocado and provolone.
livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 23 Arts & Culture
Get Busy the Victor Valley features live performances and enriching attractions
usic and theater anchor the Marts scene in the Victor Valley, and culture enthusiasts have museums and attractions that showcase the area’s history and lifestyle.
Live Entertainment in the Valley In its 50th year, the Victor Valley Community Concert Association is noted as the best concert series in the High Desert. Each season has a special focus, and performers include individual musicians and groups. All concerts are presented at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center. The Performing Arts Center hosts monthly events and includes two theaters: the Main Stage, which seats approximately 490 people, and the Black Box theater, which seats up to 120. The Main Stage is used for larger performances in music, dance, theater, as well as lectures, while the Black Box is suited for smaller, more intimate performances. Specialized classes are also held in the center for students who are studying acting, make-up, costuming and more.
High Desert Center for the Arts An equally popular locale is the High Desert Center for the Arts, which dates back to 1943 when it was operated as a USO
i site. Troupes that work with t
on children, as well as other theater c l e and music groups, use the 170- cha i
m seat theater and art gallery. y b Some former visitors seem to os t o be unable to stay away, too, as ph Members of the Victor Valley College’s physical education department the center reportedly has some rehearse a performance at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center. hangers-on from its earlier days
24 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 25 and from nearby Old Town defunct attraction that featured Victorville. According to the a 9-foot dancing hula girl sign. California Society for Ghost Research, the center’s otherworldly Celebrations and cast includes a Spanish War Special Events soldier, Mojave Indians and an Spice of Life is a multi-cultural actor in a Hamlet costume. festival held each year in Victorville. The event includes Huck Finn Jubilee music, dance, food and crafts. The Huck Finn Jubilee is an The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans annual event held at the Mojave Sunset Chapel, which is located Narrows Regional Park. It features at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, has live music, camping, food and a been providing one of the area’s craft village. An arm wrestling most beautiful backdrops for competition is one of the highlights. weddings and special events since opening its doors in 2007. Route 66 Museum Helping to keep that traffic San Bernardino coming through Victorville is County Fairgrounds the California Route 66 Museum, The San Bernardino County which celebrates that famous Fairgrounds is another route from Chicago to L.A. frequented attraction consumed The museum is a snapshot of with horse shows, bridal events, Victorville history, with exhibits family reunions, corporate and of memorabilia that includes the business functions, car rallies Actors rehearse a performance at remnants of Hula Ville, a now- and other events. – Joe Morris the High Desert Center for the Arts.
24 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 25 MITSUBISHI CEMENT CORPORATION
5808 State Hwy. Lucerne VaLLey ca 92356 (760) 248-7373
Proud to Be Part of The High Desert Community
www.mitsubishicement.com
26 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 27 Sports & Recreation Get Outside, Get Active the Victor Valley’s residents enjoy soaking up the sun
hanks to golf courses, race Conservation Area plan of 1980. horseback riding and more. Skiing Ttracks, cycling clubs, parks A major destination for ATV is available at Big Bear Mountain, and more, the Victor Valley’s riders and outdoor enthusiasts in where there are two resorts, and outdoor options are plentiful. general is El Mirage Dry Lake, Mountain High near Wrightwood. which features an off-highway These ski areas offer snow sports Fore Evermore vehicle recreation area. It’s part of during winter months and a solid Green Tree Golf Course, a a 24,000-acre tract of public and collection of biking and hiking former private club, is a par 72, private land that also includes the trails during warmer weather. 6,600-yard course. It is known El Mirage Dry Lakebed, the The Victorville Speedway has for tree-lined fairways, water and Shadow Mountains, El Mirage a 1/8-mile dirt track and hosts sand traps. The 18-hole Apple Basin and the Twin Hills area. a variety of racing events for Valley Golf Course, known for motorcycles, sidecars and having “pure putting surfaces,” Cycling Clubs speedway cars. Racetown 395 is now open to the public. Victor Valley Bicycle Club is MX Park in Adelanto has five In Barstow, Tees & Trees Golf open to both competitive cyclists motocross tracks including Course is a nine-hole course and recreational riders. The club a stadium track that can noted for scenery, tight play and prepares participants to take part accommodate national events. water hazards. Nine-hole play is in the many local cycling events Racing takes place on the also available at Ashwood Golf offered throughout the year such weekends. Racing fans can also Course in Apple Valley, which as Tour de Apple Valley. enjoy Grangé Motor Circuit, which has three different courses. Mountain bikers may prefer to provides a track for go-karts and join the High Desert Mountain SuperMoto vehicles that covers ATV Paradise Bikers. Members traverse the trails just under one mile. The facility The High Desert offers several of Bell Mountain, Honda Valley, also offers track time to qualified places to get off the road, with Oak Hills and other locations. vehicles, a pro shop, storage units trails that range from moderate and other amenities. to extreme. Both four-wheel more Places to Play And for bowling fans, there’s vehicles and motorcycles have A major outdoor interest in the Victor Bowl Bowling Center. plenty to choose from, with valley is Mojave Narrows Regional The facility offers 40 lanes with specific areas that were set aside Park, which features activities automatic scoring for league and for them in the California Desert such as fishing, camping, hiking, family bowling. ess r y P l i a , D gg ui Q m f Ji esy o rt o Cou t o h P Grangé Motor Circuit in Apple Valley features a track that covers just under one mile and measures 25 to 30 feet wide. The track, which welcomes both go-karts and SuperMoto vehicles, includes 14 turns and a 950-foot straightaway.
26 Th e Vi cto r Valle y livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 27 Ad Index
C3 AAA Auto Club 28 Mountain Pacific of Southern California Insurance Agency
26 Alaska USA 25 San Joaquin Federal Credit Union Valley College
22 Brandman University 26 Southwest Gas Corporation 18 CEMEX 16 St. Mary Medical Center C4 Desert Valley Hospital 19 Sterling 2 High Desert Senior Communities Primary Care 17 Victor Valley College C2 Hotel Extended Studio 20 Victor Valley Union 17 Miers & Miers Certified High School District Public Accountants
26 Mitsubishi Cement Corporation
visit our Products for advertisers every stage of life AAA Auto Club of Southern California Mitsubishi Cement Corporation www.aaa-calif.com www.mitsubishicement.com • Homeowners Insurance • Auto Insurance Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Mountain Pacific Insurance Agency • Boat Insurance www.alaskausa.org www.mountainpacificagency.com • Renters Insurance Brandman University San Joaquin Valley College • Condo Insurance www.brandman.edu/victorville www.sjvc.edu • Motorcycle/Snowmobile/ ATV Insurance CEMEX Southwest Gas Corporation • Business Insurance www.cemex.com www.swgasliving.com • Personal Liability Desert Valley Hospital St. Mary Medical Center • Personal Property Insurance www.dvmc.com www.stmaryapplevalley.com • Investment/ Retirement Products High Desert Primary Care Sterling Senior Communities • College Savings Plan www.hdpcmg.com www.koelschseniorcommunities.com • Identity Theft Hotel Extended Studio Victor Valley College www.stayhgi/victorville.com www.vvc.edu
Miers & Miers Victor Valley Union Certified Public Accountants High School District www.mierscpa.com www.vvuhsd.org
Millie Hyder CA License #0778302 15431 Anacapa Rd., Ste. J Victorville, CA 92392 (866) 734-5333 [email protected] www.MountainPacificAgency.com
On Your Side
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Nationwide Securities Inc., P.O. Box 15621, Wilmington, DE 19850, (877) 839-1133. Member FINRA. DBA Nationwide Advisory Services LLC in AR, FL, IL, WY. DBA Nationwide Advisory Services in MA, NY, OK. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, the Nationwide framemark, On Your Side and Life Comes at You Fast are feder- ally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2011 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.
28 Th e Vi cto r Valle y community profile
SNAPSHOT The Victor Valley comprises the cities of Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto and the Town of Apple Valley in San Bernardino County. It is the largest metropolitan area between San Bernardino and Las Vegas.
land area 20% 73.178 55 and Over Square Miles (Victorville) Marital Status: cost of living 54% Married $49,002 Median Household Income 46% Single $112,833 Ethnicity: Median Home Price 48% CLIMATE $850 White Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment ° 7% 99 Black July High Temperature household information 42% ° Hispanic 31 Age: January Low Temperature 3% ” 32 6 Median Resident Age Other Annual Rainfall (vs. National Average Annual Rainfall of 37”) 33% transportation 19 and Under time zone 47% 23 minutes Pacific 20-54 Median Travel Time to Work
This section is sponsored by
FEATURED OFFER Destination: Hawaii, Costa Rica, Tahiti, Caribbean, Mexico Let us plan your tropical vacation today! AAA Member Benefit: $50 per booking optional activity voucher Tropical Escapes Contact a AAA Call: 760-247-4722 Apple Valley Travel Agent today! 760-843-8270 Victorville
Rate quoted is per person, based on adult double occupancy for travel select dates shown. Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers, changes to deposit and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without notice at any time. Rates quoted are per person, based on adult double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Rates, terms, conditions, availability and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits and savings. Not responsible for errors or omissions. The Automobile Club of Southern California, AAA Texas, LLC, AAA New Mexico, LLC, AAA Hawaii, LLC, Alabama Motorists Association, Inc. and the Automobile Club of Missouri act as agents for Pleasant Holidays. CTR #1016202-80
livab i lit y.co m/ vi cto rvi lle 29