Victor Hernandez, Assistant to Senator Ochoa Bogh of the 23rd District, holds office hours on the third Thursday of each month in Wrightwood at the Community Building to assist folks needing to connect with California’s many government agencies such as the Department of Parks and Recreation, California Public Utilities Commission, Department of Rehabilitation, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Department of Insurance, to name a few of the over 250 agencies. The idea is to listen to the needs of the residents and help direct them to the right agency to resolve issues, in some cases contacting the agency himself.

At the January 18th meeting, two residents from the community stopped in to ask which avenues to take to address many questions and concerns of the community. One need was funding and support for the Wrightwood Trail, a quaint walking trail running through Wrightwood. Another need was obtaining homeowners insurance in the mountain community because it is at high risk for fires. The fire station remaining in Wrightwood was a concern, and there was a need for a sheriff station in Wrightwood, along with other needs and concerns in the community. Victor and the residents talked about avenues that could be taken to get answers to these needs in the community.

The 23rd State Senate District covers portions of Riverside, San Bernadino, and Los Angeles counties. This pilot office is convenient for residents needing to connect with the senator to help solve issues within her district. Everyone in the community may attend, ask questions, and find resources, including folks from Wrightwood, Phelan, and Pinon Hills. Office hours are from 11 am -1 pm every third Thursday of the month at the Community Building in Wrightwood.