During the March 18 City Council meeting, Council Member Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González) recognized Leno and Liz Moreno, owners of Leno’s Rico Taco, with a Business Focus Recognition Award for their longstanding
and successful business in the City of Colton.
The formal presentation took place at the restaurant’s location at 549 W. Valley Blvd., where photos were taken to highlight the recognition on social media.
Originally established on Feb. 20, 1991,
By Christopher Salazar
Students at Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) protested a six percent tuition hike, approved by the Cal State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, arguing it disproportionately burdens first-generation and students of color.
Following a 2023 approval, tuition is set
to increase six percent every year for the next five years across all CSU campuses to address the $1.5 billion deficit. However, some students and faculty are skeptical of the budget crisis and have challenged the administration to be more transparent and accountable.
On Tuesday, March 11, Students For Quality Education, a student-led activist group, marched through the rain from the
Leno’s Rico Taco has been a mainstay in the Colton business community for 34 years. Nearly everyone in the city is familiar with the eatery. Known for its highquality, authentic food and its contributions to Colton’s cultural life, the business is both a vital community partner and a leader
John M. Pfau Library to President Tomas D. Morales’s office to hand-deliver their “Not-So Love Letters for Change,” as they chanted “Tuition hikes have got to go.”
“We're here to see if President Morales is here, because we would like to deliver him multiple letters of concerns on behalf of students and faculty here at CSUSB,” said strategic communications major Miguel Davalos.
Despite President Morales’s absence, an assistant agreed to schedule an appointment for the students to speak with him and deliver their petition letters.
Afterward, IECN spoke with Students For Quality Education about their concerns.
“It's never been more expensive to be a student here, but yet we're reaping none of the benefits of the increased tuition,” said Julian Olmos, a history student. “This is a four year institution, and only one in four students graduate in four years, and yet the president and the rest of the administration is getting a pay increase, it makes no sense.”
He added that the CSUSB is failing stu-
PHOTO DR. G L to R; Council Member Dr.G, and Leno Moreno, owner of Leno’s Rico Taco.
CSU Tuition, cont. next pg.
PHOTO CHRIS SALAZAR Students For Quality Education gathering outside President Morales’s office.
Leno’s (cont.)
- in community engagement and sponsorships.
In terms of menu offerings, Leno’s Rico Taco is second to none. In 2012, it was ranked among the top taco spots in the Inland Empire by The Sun newspaper. The review, which highlighted the restaurant’s 12 styles of tacos, nearly convinced Dr. G to try a beef taco—despite being a vegetarian—after reading the article’s mouth-watering description.
The reviewer wrote: “Every taco consists of a double 3-inch corn tortilla, with a generous amount of beef filling, and topped with diced onion, cilantro and chopped jalapeños.” And that was just the first sentence. Leno often explains his approach by saying, “You can’t
succeed in a very competitive food industry unless the quality of your product is first rate.”
For those who have visited Leno’s Rico Taco, this philosophy rings true in every order and every bite. Leno has loyal customers who have returned for decades. Dr. G himself is a regular, often stopping in for a great cup of morning coffee. The addition of a drive-thru in 2020 has made ordering and pickup fast and convenient.
According to Leno, giving back to the community is also key to running a successful business. For years, Leno’s Rico Taco has supported school programs, community groups, local firefighters, churches, and neighborhood events. Those who know Leno Moreno know he is deeply involved in community service, and through
- students by reducing class offerings, shortening library hours and cutting Student Services budgets.
In brief, the students expressed their grievances over student-administration mismatches.
“Is the school for profit? No, we're not,” said Angelina Tucci, a political science major. “We're a public education system. But, you know, all I see is help for the administration and not for the students.”
The students cited Morales’s six figure salary and the bloated administrative body, as examples.
“We're not against the school. We love the school,” said Rodolfo Carrillo, a double major in art and English. “We're just against the administration and how they've been handling issues.”
According to CSUSB Professor of Communications and Media Studies Thomas Corrigan, the central issue centers on the “so-called budget crises.”
“We're told by CSU administrators that we are in a budget crisis,” Corrigan said in an interview. “At CSU San Bernardino, we like to highlight that it’s a ‘so-called’ budget crisis, because a budget is a plan.”
Corrigan explained that a budget is a way to plan for and address priorities. However, a budget may not accurately reflect real needs and should, when needed, be adjusted. He added that the university has reserve funds to draw from.
“One thing worth highlighting is that the CSU has billions in reserves and investments,” he said, adding that these reserves are for upcoming projects and “capital investments” that could be used to “deal with the budget crisis.”
“One's a liquidity portfolio that is supposed to be for the operating needs of the CSU and its campuses,” Corrigan said. “I believe it's now at somewhere around $2.5 billion . . . that's the sort of funding that we should be asking: ‘You know
these efforts, he has achieved significant business milestones in sales, expansion, and civic involvement—contributions that have helped drive Colton’s economic growth.
Leno and Liz Moreno, along with their family and dedicated employees, are to be congratulated for 34 years of success in Colton. Their continued success is highly anticipated—and so is the smell and taste of their beloved menu items.
Through this recognition, the City Council honored the Morenos for their dedication, quality food, customer service, and outstanding reputation, along with their meaningful contribution to the local economy. Thank you to Leno’s Rico Taco for continuing to operate in the City of Colton.
what? What is this investment portfolio for, if not to make sure that our campuses are well supported to provide high quality, affordable education.’”
He explained that these “austerity measures” present challenges for students and faculty, claiming the process looks “like death by a thousand cuts,” whereby class offerings dwindle, students don’t graduate on time, and part-time lecturers, “who are disproportionately women and people of color,” teach less and less.
“I'm happy that our students are out here standing up and pointing out the challenges that they're confronting and asking to have a seat at the table,” Corrigan said.
In an email response, CSUSB spokesperson Alan Llavore acknowledged the challenges students may face with the tuition hike. However, he emphasized that financial aid adjustments would offset the costs for many.
“60 percent of all CSU undergraduate students (those with the greatest financial need) will have their tuition fully covered by grants or waivers, and financial aid will be adjusted to cover the additional cost of tuition,” Llavore said. “The other 40 percent of CSU undergraduate students either have their tuition partially covered by grants or waivers or have family incomes greater than $127,000.”
The university defended the increase, citing the need for additional funding to expand academic support, research opportunities, and course availability to help students graduate on time. Additionally, officials pointed to the state budget crisis, noting that the CSU system faces a projected $375 million cut next year.
“Systemwide, based on the governor's preliminary spending plan released in January of this year . . . for CSUSB, that means a projected $18 million reduction in support from the state,” Llavore said.
To mitigate the impact, CSUSB officials say students and faculty are advocating for increased state support, while faculty and staff are working to “maintain program quality despite constrained budgets.”
By Manny Sandoval
NSG Impact Boxing & Community Center officially opened its doors Saturday, March 22, with a ribbon cutting attended by heavyweight boxing legend Deontay Wilder and several Rialto city officials, marking a major milestone for founder Darious Harris and his mission to uplift local youth through sport, education, and mental wellness.
Held at 898 W. Rialto Ave., the grand opening drew a large crowd, including Mayor Joe Baca Sr., Councilmembers Andy Carrizales and Edward Montoya Jr., and members of the police and fire departments.
"NSG Impact is continuously working to make Rialto a stronger community," said Councilmember Carrizales.
"This center is undoubtedly going to elevate the organization’s reach—allowing them the bandwidth to positively impact even more youth in our city."
For Harris, a Golden Gloves champion himself, undefeated professional boxer, and certified USA Boxing coach, the moment was five years in the making.
After securing the site in December 2024, Harris and his team quickly transformed the 1,300-square-foot facility into a fully outfitted boxing and community center, complete with speed bags, heavy bags, weights, a stairmaster, treadmill, and classroom equipment for workshops.
“It was surreal seeing everyone get up there—Deontay, the police department, the fire department—and the support from the city was incredible,” said Harris. “We stand for doing right by the people, and this is just the beginning.”
Wilder’s attendance was a show of personal support, not a publicity stunt. “Me and Deontay are like brothers from another mother,” Harris said. “I told him I was having a grand opening and he just came. We didn’t have to pay him. It was cool to bring a heavyweight champion to Rialto—I don’t think that’s ever happened.”
The champion also made a bold gesture during the event, pledging to double all donations made that day. Councilmember Montoya contributed $1,000, with Mayor Baca, Councilmember Carrizales, and Karla Perez each committing to match the amount.
Beyond boxing, NSG Impact is broadening its reach with programs tailored to youth development and family engagement. Harris is launching a three-month financial literacy series in partnership with Chase Bank, teaching teens and young adults about credit building and money management.
The center will also host Sunday creative sessions with the group Curls, Quails, and Crowns, and will begin offering Social Emotional Learning (SEL) classes—including antibullying curriculum—in the coming weeks.
“Boxing taught me how to relax under pressure and deal with the worst situations. That’s what I want to pass on,” said Harris. “We’re helping kids strengthen their mental health, build self-love, and believe in themselves.”
NSG Impact currently serves students at Kesler, Rialto, Kolb, Frisbie, and Jehue Middle Schools. While the schoolbased SEL programs are non-contact, the new facility gives students a chance to explore amateur boxing in a safe, USA Boxing-certified environment.
“It was great for me to meet the parents, and for them to see open sparring,” Harris said.
“Now if their kids want to really pursue boxing, they have a location to train and compete.”
In February 2025, the Rialto Police Department honored Harris as its 2025 Citizen of the Year for his consistent dedication to community service.
Under his leadership, NSG Impact has hosted free dental and vision clinics—including eyeglass distribution and extractions—along with annual backpack drives and toy giveaways, distributing more than 5,000 toys each year.
Looking ahead, Harris plans to partner with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health to reduce youth recidivism, expand staffing, and ultimately move into a larger facility to serve more families.
“We already have a waitlist,” he said. “Now that we have the center, the goal is to tackle that waitlist—and make sure every kid is served.”
For more information or to sign up for youth or adult classes, visit neverstopgrindingimpact.org or nsgboxing.com.
CSU Tuition (cont.)
Public Safety
Elderly Redlands Man Threatened and Scammed Out of $25K by Quan Lin, Fake FBI Agent
By Community News
A53-year-old El Monte man was arrested this week on charges of fraud and elder abuse after he scammed a 73-year-old Redlands man out of $25,000 and returned the following day to collect an additional $35,000.
On Monday, March 17, the victim was contacted on the phone by a man claiming to be an FBI agent. The victim was told to provide $25,000 cash to a courier, or he would be arrested for having child pornography on his computer. The victim was instructed to withdraw the money from his bank, place it in an envelope and wait at his residence for the courier to pick up the cash. The victim complied with the instructions and the money was collected.
The next day the victim was again contacted by phone and told the FBI had warrants for his arrest and he needed to provide another $35,000. After the second call, the victim notified
Redlands Police.
RPD detectives and members of the department’s Community Engagement Team worked with the victim and were able to intercept the suspect prior to the transaction.
Quan Lin, 53, of El Monte, was arrested as he arrived at the victim’s residence. He is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail at Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on charges including crimes against an elder or dependent adult; grand theft; and theft by false pretenses.
Lin has been linked to similar scams in other communities. Redlands Police detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information on the suspect, this incident or similar incidents is asked to contact Detective Eric Strobaugh by email at estrobaugh@redlandspolice.org, by phone at (909) 798-7659 or call Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681.
According to the FBI, millions
of elderly Americans are victims every year of financial fraud. Residents are encouraged to be alert and avoid becoming a victim. Be cautious of unsolicited communications or anyone demanding money, gift cards or other valuables. Law enforcement officers will NEVER demand payment to avoid arrest. If you think you or a family member is a victim of fraud, contact police immediately. More information about elder scams and how to avoid them is available from the FBI at fbi.gov/howwe-can-help-you
Anyone with information regarding crime or suspicious activity is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681 ext. 1. Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system at www.cityofredlands.org/reportcrime. Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the City of Redlands 311 mobile app available for Android, iPhones, and iPads.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson Issues Statement
Regarding Jehue Middle School Incident Community News
On March 24, 2025, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against either child in the incident that occurred on March 10, 2025, at Jehue Middle School.
Confidentiality laws prohibit our Office from discussing details of the matter. An incomplete portion of the incident was captured on video that was released to the public. Upon review of the entire investigation
and facts of the case, our Office declined to file any charges against anyone involved in the incident.
Unfortunately, disinformation that either child had been charged with a crime was inaccurate. In these types of instances, juveniles can only be cited. Only then is the case referred for prosecution.
Although not a factor in our filing decisions, no party involved in the incident or their families desired prosecution. Additionally, filing decisions will never be swayed by protest,
press conferences and media statements that rely upon disinformation, hyperbole and agendas.
This was an anomaly. My expectation is that both children can move on from this and will not be defined by the conduct. I am confident that the school district will continue to take the proper steps to assist these students and ensure measures are in place to avoid similar circumstances in the future.”
-San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson
Op-Ed
Three Steps to Consider this Spring to Help You Live a Healthier Lifestyle
By Dr. John Chang, West Region Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of California
Spring into health this season by refreshing your well-being routine and building healthier habits for the rest of the year. While many Americans make health a primary focus of their New Year’s resolutions, 57% of recent survey respondents said they take up healthier lifestyle choices only after having a medical concern.
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time to get moving and focus on living a healthier lifestyle. There’s no better time to get started than today.
Here are three steps you may start taking right away:
Choose a primary care provider and access preventive screenings.
A primary care provider can help guide you on your health journey, and studies suggest that access to primary care providers may help people live longer. Yet more than 30% of American adults don’t have a primary care provider.
One important item to check off your health care checklist each year is an annual wellness visit with a primary care provider –even if you feel healthy. A preventive care visit may help you better understand your health and detect any problems early.
If you don’t currently have a primary care provider, check with your health plan for in-network doctors in your area or other options for accessing care like virtual care options. Health plans usually cover preventive care, which means you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to an in-network provider.
You may also be eligible to earn rewards through your health plan for activities like your annual wellness visit, getting certain preventive screenings or completing a health survey. Some health plans also offer coverage for certain health screenings like those for breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Check with your health plan to understand your coverage and eligibility and talk to your employer about benefits and wellness programs that may be available to you.
Walk 15 to 30 minutes each day.
Getting outside during the day and enjoying the sunshine may be an important source of Vitamin D, boost your mood and help you sleep better.
Taking regular walks, even for 15 to 30 minutes, may be a simple way to get some sun and fresh air, get your steps in and keep your body moving. In fact, a recent study found that walking more may help extend life expectancy by up to 11 years. Ideally, adults should aim each week for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity like a brisk walk, or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity activity like jogging or running.
Some employers now offer wellness programs as part of the health benefits available to their employees. Some employersponsored health plans offer eligible members access to programs that allow employees to earn financial incentives for meeting certain health goals like walking 5,000 steps a day, tracking 14 days of sleep or completing a health survey.
Track and improve your sleep.
Many people struggle with their sleeping habits, with more than one-third of adults in the U.S. reporting regularly not getting enough sleep. Experts recommend adults get 7 or more hours of sleep a night. Maintaining healthy sleeping habits may be beneficial for both your physical and mental well-being, from helping to reduce stress and improve your mood to lowering risk for some chronic conditions.
To help improve your sleep, consider avoiding alcohol, caffeine and too much screen time before going to bed, and try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
Adding these tips into your daily routine may be a great way to boost your overall health and well-being this spring.
PHOTO REDLANDS PD
Quan Lin, 53, is taken into custody by Redlands Police on charges of fraud and elder abuse after attempting to scam a 73-year-old local man out of $60,000 by posing as an FBI agent.
San Bernardino Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Highlights Women's Empowerment at Monthly Meeting
By Denise Berver
The San Bernardino Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrated Women’s History Month at its monthly meeting on March 20, at Las Patronas restaurant on Highland Avenue.
The event featured a panel of accomplished women who shared personal stories and advice with a full house, focusing on the theme of women’s empowerment.
Maribel Santa Cruz, property manager at Studio D, served as master of ceremonies and introduced each speaker by highlighting their professional achievements and their connection to the evening’s theme. Topics ranged from financial literacy to achieving work-life balance, with each speaker offering heartfelt insight intended to inspire the audience.
Speakers included poet and San Bernardino Valley College professor Guadalupe Ortiz; actress and producer Dr. Luisa Lopez; Mrs. International and founder of nonprofit True Colors Carla Marquez; social media influencer and Las Patronas owner Iris Yazbek; and
Karen Diaz, CEO of LTL Financial Group.
Veronica Corona, chair of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, was in attendance to show support for the San Bernardino chapter, which was established in 2024.
Representatives from Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes’s office presented each speaker with a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate, honoring their “meaningful impact on the future of Hispanic entrepreneurs in San Bernardino.”
Founder Juan Hernandez said the chamber was born out of a need to serve the Hispanic business community in San Bernardino, drawing inspiration from similar chambers in nearby cities like Ontario. Since its founding, the organization has experienced steady growth in membership and attendance.
For more information about the San Bernardino Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or to apply for membership, visit www.cchsb.org or follow @cchsb2024 on Instagram.
PHOTO DENISE BERVER
Maribel Santa Cruz, property manager at Studio D, served as emcee for the San Bernardino Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s History Month celebration on March 20 at Las Patronas restaurant in San Bernardino.
PHOTO DENISE BERVER
Mrs. International Carla Marquez joins Chamber founder Juan Hernandez, emcee Maribel Santa Cruz, and a member for a photo at the conclusion of the meeting.
E-sports
Showdown at SBVC: Tekken 8 Tournament With Cash Prizes March 28, Open to Public
By Manny Sandoval
Competitive fighting game fans are in for a thrilling showdown this Friday, March 28, as San Bernardino Valley College’s Film Department hosts Wolverine Fight Fest 4, an in-person Tekken 8 tournament designed to unite gamers from across the region.
The event runs from 1 to 6 PM in room MC-142 and is open to the public. Entry is $15, with a $5 discount for those who bring their own PlayStation 5 and monitor. Attendance is capped at 35 players.
“Every time someone signs up, it adds to the prize pot,” said Aiden Estrada, an SBVC film student and tournament organizer. “In the past, we've seen pots reach up to $400.”
The base prize pool starts at $100 and will grow with each registration. Spectators can catch the action in person or via livestream at Twitch.tv/SBVCFTVM. Parking is free in Lot 11.
Estrada, whose favorite fighting game is Street Fighter 6, said the event is about more than just competition.
“The energy is high, and it’s all about meeting new people,” he said. “Everyone’s always nice and chill. You make new friends and learn more about the game.”
The Fighting Game Community, or FGC, continues to grow at SBVC with another tournament planned for April 25.
Registration for Wolverine Fight Fest 4 is available now at Start.gg/WFF4.
Crafton Hills College Girls Empowerment Camp Inspires Future Firefighters
Community News
Crafton Hills College (CHC) Fire Academy Cadre Captain Theresa Rivera, in partnership with local community organizations, led a Girls Empowerment Camp that saw the participation of 22 young women. The event, supported by multiple fire agencies and community partners, was designed to provide hands-on experience with fire service tools and skills.
Notable departments such as Calimesa Fire, Cal Fire/Yucaipa Fire, Redlands Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, AMR Redlands Division, Rialto Fire, Redline Rentals, and members of the local EMS and fire cadre contributed to the camp's success. Female firefighters played a critical role, serving as mentors and inspirations for the participants.
CHC Interim Associate Dean of Public Safety and EMT and Paramedic Program Director Amanda Ward emphasized the camp's impact, stating, "There was this overwhelming sense of ‘I really can do this’ from the girls, which was exactly the mission of the day. That message was reinforced by the women currently working in the field who came out to show what’s possible. The participating firefighters truly excelled in demonstrating that spirit."
Participants engaged in activities such as rappelling, operating chainsaws, using nail guns, climbing aerial ladders, and practicing searchand-rescue techniques in smoke-filled environments. The event fostered an atmosphere of encouragement and self-determination, showcasing that women can excel in the fire service.
"The energy was so wonderful," continued Ward. "I could see a spark not only in the eyes of the attendees but also in the firefighters who came to support it. One firefighter shared how the energy and attitudes the girls came with were so impressive and how clear it was that they can be valued members of this workforce."
A participant reflected on her experience, saying, "I started this out nervous and pretty scared, but once I realized my team was truly there to support me, as well as the other instructors/firefighters, I felt a new confidence to push through my struggles and second thoughts and trust that with time, effort, and passion, I can achieve my goals in the fire industry. This camp changed my perspective so positively!”
Due to its overwhelming success, the Girls Empowerment Camp will now be an annual event held during Women’s History Month, as part of CHC’s outreach master plan.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Aiden Estrada (left) and Isaiah Serano (right), both SBVC film students, provide live commentary during a previous Esports competition broadcast on Twitch.
PHOTO CHC
Participants of the Girls Empowerment Camp pose in front of a fire truck at Crafton Hills College. Led by CHC Fire Academy Cadre Captain Theresa Rivera and supported by local fire departments, the camp provided young women with hands-on fire service training, aiming to inspire confidence and demonstrate career opportunities in firefighting.
PHOTO CHC
A participant at the Girls Empowerment Camp, guided by a Crafton Hills College Fire Academy instructor, skillfully operates a chainsaw during a hands-on exercise designed to introduce young women to essential firefighting skills.
Thank you for sponsoring IECN’s Cesar Chavez Day edition in El Chicano, Colton Courier, and
Thank you for sponsoring IECN’s Cesar Chavez Day edition in El Chicano, Colton Courier, and
Thank you for sponsoring IECN’s Cesar Chavez Day edition in El Chicano, Colton Courier, and Rialto Record. Your support helps us continue delivering meaningful news to our communities! Rialto Record. Your support helps us continue delivering meaningful news to our communities! Rialto Record. Your support helps us continue delivering meaningful news to our communities!
Diana Z. Rodriguez
Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District
Website: SBCCD.edu
Eloise Gómez Reyes
California State Senator, 29th District
Phone: (909) 888-5360 Website: sd29.senate.ca.gov
Joe Baca Jr.
San Bernardino County 5th District Supervisor, Vice Chair
Phone: (909) 387-4565 Website: bosd5.sbcounty.gov
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
California State Senator, 19th District
Phone: (909) 335-0271
Website: sr19.senate.ca.gov
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Phone: (909) 888-3228 Website: sbcss.net
Dr. Stephanie Houston
Chair, San Bernardino Community College District, Board of Trustees
