Barstow Veterans Home FUTURE

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Assemblyman Obernolte Attends

CalVet Stakeholder Meetings

Sacramento, CA__ Monday August 10, 2020, Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) joined local elected leaders in a stakeholder process to determine the future of Barstow Veterans Home.

“During the stakeholder meeting, I made it clear in no uncertain terms that closure of this vital home is not an option,” said Assemblyman Obernolte. “We were able to save this home from closure in this year’s state budget, and I remain committed to find ways to better maximize the usage of this critical facility and ensure that our veterans can stay in our community.”    

Assemblyman Obernolte and wife Heather attended the Memorial Day activities in Barstow,  California. 

The Assemblyman spoke at the gathering of approximately 3500 supporters the importance 0f keeping the 

Barstow Veterans Home open.  “A community led Rolling Rally to raise awareness and help our local Veterans Home from closure.”  

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The 2020-2021 California State Budget requires CalVet to hold stakeholder meetings and provide a report to the Legislature by February 1, 2021 on a proposed plan for the future of Barstow Veterans Home.

The report must include a transition plan that will ensure that none of the home’s residents are involuntarily discharged without given an alternative placement option. CalVet is considering a range of options, including expansion of the skilled nursing facility in the home and conversion of the home’s intermediate care facility into a residential care facility for the elderly, which were both recommended in the 2020 Master Plan. CalVet is also considering the option of closing the home.

“There was good dialogue between stakeholders and members of CalVet on the further viability of the Barstow Veterans Home! The stakeholders were united in their support to keep the Barstow Veterans Home open,” said Barstow Mayor, Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre

”The City of Victorville recognizes the Barstow Veterans Home’s value, and we wholeheartedly support any effort to continue its much-needed quality of life and assisted living services to our region’s military veterans. With its proximity to five military installations, the Barstow Veterans Home is uniquely positioned to serve one of the highest concentrations of military veterans in all of California.  Continuation of these services is an absolute necessity,” said Victorville Mayor, Gloria Garcia.

CalVet has been charged with holding stakeholder meetings with all affected parties, including residents, staff, community members, local and state veterans’ organizations, and elected leaders.  These meeting are expected to continue through September.

Assemblyman Jay Obernolte represents the 33^rd Assembly District, which includes the San Bernardino County communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Baker, Barstow, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Big River, Crestline, Fort Irwin, Hesperia, Johnson Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Lenwood, Lucerne Valley, Needles, Oak Hills, Phelan, Running Springs, Silver Lakes, Trona, Twentynine Palms Base, Twin Peaks and Victorville.