UPTHEHILL.. Six months after San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Robert A. Lovingood launched an inmate work crew initiative, more than 100 tons of trash and tires have been collected in High Desert communities.
Inmate and county work crews cleared 131 parcels, collecting 94.5 tons of trash and 1,980 tires within the First District, according to Lovingood.
“This is great news for the High Desert,” Lovingood said. “One of my goals has been to task inmates to help clean up our desert, and this is certainly a step in that direction. We will keep moving forward. ”
Lovingood gave special thanks to San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Director Andy Wingert and Code Enforcement Supervisor Ignacio Nunez for their work on the on-going project.
San Bernardino County Code Enforcement has a smart phone app that makes it easy to make it easy to report illegal dumping, graffiti and other code enforcement violations in unincorporated areas. The app is available for the iPhone and Droid by searching “SB Code.”
Property owners are the primary victims of illegal dumping. The County spends hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean up illegal dumping and hazardous waste. The County also holds regular community clean-up and recycling events. Property owners are encouraged to take steps to prevent illegal dumping on their property. Signs, physical barriers and routine cleaning are proven deterrents.
Lovingood encouraged residents to get involved by reporting illegal dumping. For crimes in progress, call your local law enforcement agency. Gather as much information as possible, including photos or video. But use caution if you come into contact with an individual illegally dumping. For illegal dumping not in progress, contact your city code enforcement department or WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Complaints in unincorporated areas may be made on the app, online at http://cms.sbcounty.gov/lus/CodeEnforcement/Complaints.aspx or by calling the countywide complaint hotline at (800) 722-3181.