Here is the San Bernardino County News Roundup for December 9, 2007:

Violent crime up 6% - San Bernardino Sun

Through the first 10 months of 2007, violent crime in the city ticked up just more than 6 percent from the same period last year, according to police statistics, but crime overall was down 10 percent from 2005.

Plan eyes 'smart growth' - SB Sun

Traditionally ordered neighborhoods and a giant, urban commercial center are coming next to Edenglen at the eastern end of the New Model Colony in south Ontario.

Budget shortfall could force service for blind off the air - SB Sun                                                                

About 900 visually impaired people might soon lose an information source.

The Leonard year begins - Victor Valley Daily Press

Hesperia’s new mayor, selected unanimously by the City Council, hopes to maintain momentum with commercial development that is finally arriving.

Victorville among fastest growing cities - V V Daily Press

Victorville is one of the four fastest-growing cities in California under 300,000, according to a new study by the Southern California Association of Governments.

High Desert corridor seeks engineering bids - V V Daily Press

Planners for the High Desert Corridor, which one day will link the Victor Valley and Palmdale, are now seeking bids from engineering firms to outline how the project can be financed and built.

Activists seek tougher scrutiny of police - Riverside Press Enterprise

As San Bernardino extends a crime-fighting program to the city's Westside, activists are calling for more civilian oversight of the Police Department.

Treasurer's office offers easier Internet, phone options for paying - Redlands Daily Facts

With the Dec. 10 property tax deadline approaching, Treasurer-Tax Collector Dick Larsen is encouraging property owners to take advantage of new features that make paying property taxes online or by phone quicker and easier.

Registrar approves recall petition - Hesperia Star

After six months of work and a false start along the way, a group seeking to recall three members of the Hesperia Unified School District school board has an officially approved petition ready for signing.