Hesperia's restaurants continue to clean up their act

For the second year in a row, Hesperia restaurants have become cleaner, according to information compiled from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health's Web site.

Since 2005, the county's Division of Environmental Health has been grading food establishments with a letter rating system. While all rated businesses are required to display their grades publicly, the Division of Environmental Health has all ratings available on its Web site for public viewing.

Of the 182 food establishments rated, 89 percent -- or 163 restaurants -- passed with an A grade, a huge increase from the 126 businesses who received an A grade out of 166 from last year, or 75 percent of restaurants. In 2005, only 87 out of 148 earned an A grade, or 60 percent.

The number of businesses to receive perfect scores has also risen from last year, going from five to six. Ararat Market, Hesperia Lake Store, International Gourmet/Catering, Little Sisters Truck Wash, Nutrition For Seniors, and Victor Valley Moose Lodge 1808 all earned 100 point scores. While many of the listed businesses may not fit in with the classic idea of a food establishment, any business selling food products must be rated. This is the second year in a row Little Sisters Truck Wash has gotten a perfect score.

Nine businesses earned 99 point scores this year as well, including Baker's Burgers, Jack In The Box on the 13000 block of Main Street, Julianos Italian Restaurant, Lake Silverwood Stores and Stack, Nutricion Infantil, Panda Express, Sky Marketing Inc, and World Grill.

For the first time since grading has been done in Hesperia, no food establishments received a C grade. For the past two years, one C grade has been given out in the city. The lowest rated businesses as of April 11 are Bob's Big Boy and Main Street Liquor Market & Gas, both of which tied with 81 points. The six other lowest rated are Alberto's Mexican Food, Cold Stone Creamery, Jimmy's Carnitas, Red Baron Pizza on the 17000 block of Main Street, Degarcia's Restaurant, and Sun Liquor. This is the second year in a row that Bob's Big Boy and Degarcia's Restaurant have appeared on the bottom of the list.

For more information and details, visit the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health's Web site at http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/dehs/