Remote Surveillance Trailer in Victorville, CA

Over the last year, many residents have contacted the Daily Press about the vacant Bank of America building at the busy corner of Bear Valley and Hesperia roads in Victorville.

Since the bank closed nearly 18 months ago, the almost 6,000-square-foot building in the Hi-Desert Plaza has been cleaned, remodeled and listed for sale.

High Desert resident Carolyn Reno, who drives by the building nearly daily, said she’s often wondered about the empty building.

“About a year ago, I saw people remodeling the building and thinking the bank would reopen,” Reno said. “After reading the paper, I found out that bank locations were being closed across the country, that’s when I figured it was the end of that Bank of America.”

With a current price tag of $2.9 million, the vacant building was part of the construction of the plaza in 1987, which included Vons grocery as the anchor store.

The plaza now includes numerous businesses, including Jack in the Box, Goodwill, Los Pollos Bros, Grocery Outlet and Community Bingo Hall.

Paul Casilla, broker associate at Lee & Associates, told the Daily Press that he’s fielded many calls about the property and conducted a few tours, with a possible offer coming this week.

Casilla added that the building may be used for a bank, credit union, financial services office, mortgage brokerage, legal firm, dental office, medical facility, real estate office, jewelry store, bicycle retail shop, motorcycle sales showroom, or any other retail/office use.

Bank closures

Since 2020, the closure of Bank America sites was part of the permanent and temporary closing of branches around the U.S., largely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages, economic experts said.

In 2022, Bank of America officials confirmed the soon shuttering of its financial center on Highway 18 in the Village of Apple Valley.

At that time, Bank of America spokeswoman Colleen Haggerty told the Daily Press the bank would permanently close on Aug. 16, 2022.

"Given BofA already has a remote ATM nearby the Apple Valley location, the ATMs there will not remain after the closing date,” she said.

Haggerty added that the Village location had been temporarily closed for the past five months to consolidate resources and staff.

During that time, customers migrated to several other High Desert Bank of America financial centers in Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia and Adelanto, she said.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

Victorville Daily Press

Foreheads perform the prayer rug bob in Mosques around the world as devotees pray in anticipation of the Maghrib prayer, which signifies the breaking of the Ramadan fast at sundown.

Ramadan is a Muslim period of fasting that focuses on intense prayer, acts of charity, and reconnecting with the Quran—the holy scripture of Islam. It is similar to the Christian concept of fasting during Lent but with a more rigorous schedule.

During Ramadan, participants fast from all food and water until sundown for an entire month at the first crescent moon in the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is said the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad by Allah through the Angel Gabriel over 1,400 years ago during this month.

High Desert Eid al-Fitr celebrations

There is a small but active Muslim community in the Victor Valley.

There are two mosques in Victorville- the Islamic Center of Victor Valley and the High Desert Islamic Society; and various others in the surrounding area.

The Islamic Center of Victor Valley offers daily Iftar services during Ramadan- the fast-breaking evening meal eaten after the sundown prayer that typically consists of dates and water to ease the digestive tract into consuming a full meal.

The Victorville center will also be hosting an Eid al-Fitr celebration starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, followed by prayer at 8 a.m. and coffee and doughnuts after.

Eid al-Fitr events near the High Desert

Islamic Center of Victor Valley

The Islamic Center of Victor Valley is the mecca of Muslim worship in the High Desert.

The Sunni Islamic Center is located at 15112 S. Mojave Drive and was established in 2013. Prayers and religious services are offered in English, providing accessibility and inclusivity to all attendees.

The center is open for daily prayers including the obligatory Jumaa Friday prayer from 1 to 1:45 p.m. The monthly Friday Night Program also spews a large turnout. A religious lecture is followed by dinner on the first Friday of every month.

One of the key features of the Islamic Center of Victor Valley is its commitment to being kid-friendly. It provides a safe and inclusive space for children, allowing families to worship together. The center also offers shared prayer spaces for women, ensuring that everyone can participate in religious activities.

For more information, call 760-524-7438.

The Islamic calendar influences Ramadan

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar.

Dates are calculated based on the lunar phases, and each new month begins when the waxing crescent moon appears in the sky. The 12-month lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, so Islamic months and holidays fall in various seasons depending on the year.

The Islamic calendar is also called the Hijri calendar, in which it is currently year 1446. The Hijri started in 622 C.E. when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina and established the first Muslim community.

Today, it dictates the religious observances of Muslims from Ramadan to Islamic New Year and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice.

McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.

Victorville, CA (March 24, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle accident that left one person injured Saturday night at the intersection of State Route 18 and Buttonwood St in Victorville.

The collision occurred at approximately 10:49 p.m. on March 22, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash involved two vehicles and took place along a heavily traveled portion of SR-18, not far from residential areas and local businesses.

Emergency responders from Victorville Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene quickly, providing immediate care to those involved. One person sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. The extent of the victim’s injuries has not been fully disclosed, but officials confirmed that the individual was hospitalized as a result of the crash.

Both vehicles sustained damage, and traffic along SR-18 was temporarily slowed as first responders worked to secure the area and investigate the circumstances of the accident. Authorities remained on scene for over an hour to gather witness statements and assess any roadway hazards.

Investigators have not yet released information regarding the cause of the collision. The crash remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

We send our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the person injured in this incident.

Car Accidents in California

Accidents on high-volume roadways such as State Route 18 are unfortunately all too common in Southern California cities like Victorville. The combination of high speeds, merging traffic, and limited visibility at night often contributes to crashes, especially in intersections where lighting and signage may be minimal.

In this case, the collision near Buttonwood St is a reminder of the risks that drivers face during late-night travel. Even a seemingly routine trip can take a dangerous turn in a split second. Emergency response and hospital transport were essential in minimizing further harm in this situation.

Every year, thousands of people across California suffer injuries in vehicle collisions. Many of these incidents occur in San Bernardino County, where major highways like SR-18 serve as vital arteries for commuters and commercial vehicles. Local agencies continue to evaluate traffic safety measures in areas like Victorville to improve road conditions and reduce future accident risks.

For injured victims, recovery often includes much more than physical healing. Emotional trauma, financial burdens, and extended medical care are all realities after a crash. Access to reliable support and legal resources can make a significant difference in helping individuals move forward.

Struggling to understand what steps to take after a crash? Local Accident Reports is here to help you take back control. Our team is committed to connecting injury victims with the local support they need—whether that’s medical care, transportation help, or trusted legal guidance. Let us be your starting point for recovery. Contact Local Accident Reports today and take the first step toward getting the support you deserve.