Supervisors Dawn Rowe (left) and Janice Rutherford hosted a breakfast at The Tudor House for their constituents. Lewis Murray, who has served as Rutherford’s field representative for the mountain communities, will fill the same role for Rowe.

About 50 people braved the nasty rain and fog to meet with Supervisors Rutherford and Rowe at The Tudor House.

(Photos by Mary-Justine Lanyon)

Breaking bread with our supervisors

By Mary-Justine Lanyon

It was the last Breakfast with the Supervisor hosted by 2nd District Supervisor Janice Rutherford. She shared the spotlight at The Tudor House on Nov. 7 with 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, who represents the Rim communities as a result of redistricting.
“We have had a lot of success up here with the projects we’ve worked on,” Rutherford said. “COVID meant the federal government gave the county a boatload of money.” Many of those funds were shared with local organizations and agencies.
A future project Rutherford would like to see completed is a permanent library in Running Springs.
“You have taught me so much about what it is to be a mountain resident, an unincorporated community in the largest county in the United States. Thank you for teaching me, for helping me provide resources for your community in the right places.
“Thank you for your friendship,” Rutherford said.
She added she is looking forward to coming back as a vacationer and perhaps, someday, as a part-time homeowner.
In introducing Rowe to the 50 or so folks who attended the breakfast, Rutherford described her as a “very hard worker. She will be present in your community. She will be a fantastic representative for you.”
Rowe began her remarks by thanking Rutherford for her mentorship. As much as she has learned, she is looking forward to learning more.
“I learned there are different personalities on the mountain. Some overlap and play nicely and some don’t.”
Touching on a hot mountain topic, Rowe said she understands the financial implications of short-term rentals and their impact on residents. “I’m a huge private property rights proponent. I hope to continue to mitigate negative impacts.”
The 3rd District is comprised of 10,000 square miles. It is, Rowe noted, one of the only districts with mountain, valley and desert issues.
“It’s my job to answer your questions even when it’s not an answer you like,” Rowe said. “When I can’t get the answer you want, I want to explain it in a compassionate way.
“Janice was the first person to reach out to me when I was appointed to the board of supervisors,” Rowe said. “She has a servant’s heart in wanting to do the best for you. It has been a privilege to have her as a mentor.”
Turning to Rutherford, Rowe said, “It is an honor to follow in your footsteps.”
Rowe then introduced Chief Dan Munsey of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, saying, “To have a fire chief who is immersed in our communities is a blessing.”
Chief Munsey joked that he had always wanted to be on The Tudor House stage.
“Some of the best times in my life has been fighting fires but that’s not my primary job. My primary job is to prevent fires. I can only do that with your help. It does not escape me that I know most of you here and you are the active ones in the community. We need to get other people involved,” the chief said. “I truly need your support to prevent those fires.”
Looking at the two supervisors, Chief Munsey said that he is “amazed by the dedication these two supervisors have brought to our communities. The board has transitioned – we haven’t always seen this kind of engagement. They have been great representatives to you.”
And, speaking to Supervisor Rutherford, Chief Munsey said, “The only person who could step into your shoes is Supervisor Rowe.”