The Colton Police Department recognized 26 members of its team during the 2024 Awards Ceremony held March 20, 2025 at the First Assembly of God Church.
The department celebrated a range of accomplishments including acts of lifesav-
ing, meritorious service, and dedication to duty across several divisions. Chief of Police Anthony Vega, who recognized each honoree during the ceremony, commended their dedication and performance.
Awards presented included Professional Staff Member of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Two individuals were also hon-
By Manny Sandoval
ored with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards for their work in DUI enforcement.
Additional recognitions included Chief’s Commendations, Meritorious Awards, two life-saving event honors, and a Unit Citation presented to a patrol team for exceptional teamwork.
PHOTO COLTON PD
Ceremony pose for a group photo on March 20, 2025 at the First
SBVC, cont. next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Bernardino Valley College President Dr. Gilbert Contreras speaks at the podium about the psychology of space.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
attendee writes a farewell message on the wall of San Bernardino Valley College’s historic Liberal Arts Building.
Clergy Leaders, Community Gather to Support Jehue Student and Demand Change
By Christopher Salazar
An outpouring of support for the 14-yearold girl involved in a classroom fight at Jehue Middle School gathered last Wednesday, March 26, as clergy leaders and roughly 75 community members congregated at the 16th Street Seventh Day Adventist Church in San Bernardino. Residents and activists demanded the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) commit to transformative reforms to ensure the safety, dignity and educational success for all youth—especially Black children.
According to numerous residents, the RUSD is failing its students. This sentiment has gained traction after violence between two 14-year-olds erupted in class last month, with footage of the incident going viral. To many, the primary issue is poor leadership. To others, the incident evinces antiBlackness.
“There is pervasive anti-Black racism in schools that Black students are experiencing, and it's a problem, and we need to really call for Black and brown solidarity,” Lanae Norwood, the principal of L. Norwood and Associates, said in an interview.
During the community gathering, the family’s attorney Na’Shaun L. Neal recounted the details of the March 10 classroom fight, specifying the leadup to the incident, highlighting the unnamed substitute teacher’s inaction and the racially charged atmosphere.
“The teacher fell asleep at the wheel,” Neal said. “This shy, intelligent, young, Black girl walked to a class and it was chaos.”
Neal explained that the teacher failed to notice that an unenrolled student was in the classroom. This student, according to Neal, bullied the young girl, who the family has requested remain unnamed. For privacy reasons, the 14-year-old boy involved in the incident also remains unnamed.
Neal continued, citing that the young boy sprayed the young girl with a water bottle—even after the bottle was taken and discarded by the substitute teacher. The young boy retrieved the bottle from the trash and sprayed the young girl “in a sexual manner.”
Afterward, the young girl was heckled as her pencil was taken from her and passed around.
“She was called a monkey, a Black bitch in the classroom,” Neal said.
The viral video shows the girl and boy shoving each other
until she swatted at his head with a laptop. He then slammed her head into a nearby school desk, rendering her unconscious.
Police initially cited both students. The girl faced a felony assault charge, while the boy faced a misdemeanor battery charge. However, District Attorney Jason Anderson declined to file the charges facing both students.
“Although not a factor in our filing decisions, no one involved in the incident or their families desired prosecution,” Anderson said in a statement.
“My expectation is that both children will not be defined by this and will move on from the conduct.”
While Anderson’s decision was praised by the clergy and those present at the church gathering, the central issue is justice for the young girl.
“So, let's be clear on it, the district attorney not filing charges is not justice,” Norwood said to the audience. “Justice is her family being made whole.”
More specifically, the matter centers on restorative justice.
“Restorative justice is giving space to people who have caused harm, to demonstrate remorse for the people that they have harmed, understand their experiences and then make a commitment to repairing that harm,” Norwood said in an interview. She added that the fight at Jehue Middle School was a missed opportunity for the administrators and the Colton Police department.
For many, this incident represents a flashpoint, a vindication of a systemic problem and the need for change.
“The Rialto Unified School District is in a process of transformation, from personnel to security to teaching, we are taking a deep dive,” said Dr. Stephanie E. Lewis, president of the RUSD Board. “We are making a difference with your help, with your pressure.”
However, there are differences of opinion regarding the primacy of racial tensions or insufficient supervision and preparation at RUSD schools.
Steven Figuerora, an education advocate, explained that he believes the Jehue affair is evidence of “district incompetence” more than racial divide. Although, he said he would amend his position if the students confirmed that racism was prevalent on campuses.
“So, if he made those comments, they are racial—it’s unacceptable,” Figuerora said in an interview, adding that only
the kids know what really happens on campus. “And if the kids feel, if they contend, there's racial issues on that campus, then there are.”
When asked about potential solutions, Figuerora suggested the creation of a human relations commission.
“I would recommend the establishment of a human relations commission for the purposes of analyzing not just race relations . . . but the overall culture . . . to review and issue a finding on how to improve,” Figuerora said. “It would involve parents, nonprofits and individuals knowledgeable in investigations.”
While such a commision may improve RUSD campuses, Pastor Sam Casey of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement echoed Figuerora’s complaint about poor preparation for teachers; however, he emphasized race continues to be a factor.
Following the community gathering, IECN asked Casey about the Jehue incident and the systemic problems facing the district.
“This was a complete failure and breakdown in systems that they already have in play,” Casey said. “Secondly, this is just systemic—period—not only for Black students, but all students of color.”
Casey then recounted his experience visiting schools after he started the African American Parent Advisory Council.
“When I would do what they would call ‘mystery customer shopping,’ to go visit school sites, to see how you would be received—I was literally ignored by office staff, literally ignored and treated horribly by principals,” Casey said. “So, if I'm feeling this, and I'm a district employee and they don't know it, imagine how parents who don't know how to have a voice and students who don't feel confident enough that anyone would even listen to them.”
Casey added that the community aims to use the violent breakout at Jehue to instigate change by centering “the people who are closest to the problem as part of the solution to the conditions that they find themselves in.”
The young girl's unnamed mother echoed Casey’s sentiment as she expressed her gratitude to the congregation.
“My daughter's story is not the only one, and that is heartbreaking truth,” she said. “What happened to her should never happen to anyone, and we are committed to turning our pain into purpose and fighting for policy change.”
SBVC (cont.)
- virtual reality experience developed by SBVC’s Marketing Department. Attendees had the opportunity to don headsets and walk through a digital recreation of the building, including its open courtyard and the Dreamers Resource Center (DRC), located just inside.
“This is more than just a building,” said SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras, who opened the ceremony with a land acknowledgment. “San Bernardino Valley College acknowledges that the land in which our facilities are sited is the ancestral territory of the Serrano people. Our histories and stories are intertwined in this space, and by sharing them in culturally appropriate ways, SBVC commits to honor, celebrate, and provide awareness to our Indigenous neighbors and partners.”
Reflecting on the building’s distinct character, Contreras added, “You really feel a sense of the 1970s with the courtyard and in areas where the offices are located. It's so important to understand the psychology of space — how space creates community, how space can advance learning, and how space can help advance what we stand for at SBVC.”
The Dreamers Resource Center, which opened in April 2014, has played a transformative role on campus, providing undocumented students with academic advising, mental health support, and guidance on California Dream Act and DACA policies.
It stands as a testament to SBVC’s commitment to equity and inclusion — and was one of the first of its kind in the state to have a dedicated counselor for AB 540 students.
“This center and the L.A. building has very much been the home for all undocumented students. It’s a space that has become a hope, an opportunity — a place where students have found not just resources, but community, empowerment, and resilience,” said Evelyn
Ruiz, DRC counselor.
Ruiz highlighted the DRC’s evolution over the last decade, including the addition of a second counselor. “We have created a safe space, a sanctuary where undocumented students are not only supported academically, but emotionally and mentally, ensuring that they feel a true sense of belonging,” she said. “The new space that we have in the DRC stands as a testament to the strength of our undocumented students and to the continued commitment of SBVC to foster a diverse and inclusive environment.”
Dozens of former professors and alumni, including some who studied or taught in the building during the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s, returned to share stories of its impact. Some recalled how it shaped generations of students; others laughed about the building’s infamous temperature fluctuations and its often-finicky elevator — quirks that became part of its identity.
Attendees were also invited to take a marker and leave farewell messages on the walls — a symbolic gesture that turned the aging halls into a living time capsule of memory and pride.
Many speakers noted the significance of the butterfly mural just outside the Dreamers Resource Center, a visual symbol of transformation and resilience. Angel Rodriguez, Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations and Strategic Communications, said there is a possibility that the mural may be preserved in some form, though plans are not yet finalized.
As the campus prepares to enter its centennial year, the farewell to the Liberal Arts Building is more than just the end of an era — it’s a celebration of the progress made within its walls and the people it empowered.
Inland Empire Sheds 6,200 Jobs in February, Unemployment Holds at 5.5%
By Manny Sandoval, IECN Publisher
The Inland Empire’s labor market remained steady in February with a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.5%, unchanged from January, according to new data from the California Employment Development Department. But beneath that stability lies a more complex story—one in which job losses across key sectors have outpaced gains, signaling ongoing challenges for the region’s economic recovery.
Between January and February, the Inland Empire lost 6,200 nonfarm jobs—a 0.4% decline in total employment. This is a notable reversal from the region’s typical trajectory: over the last five years, the Inland Empire has added more than 10,500 jobs on average during the same period. Sectors that traditionally show modest growth this time of year, such as construction, accommodation and food services, and transportation and warehousing, instead posted net losses.
The warehousing and storage subsector—long a dominant force in the region’s employment landscape—was the primary contributor to this contraction. It lost 6,400 jobs in February alone, a 5% month-over-month decrease. This downturn significantly exceeds the five-year historical average, where job losses in the sector have hovered closer to 1,800. The data points to a deeper shift in the regional logistics economy, which may be grappling with changes in global supply chains, rising automation, and shifts in consumer behavior post-pandemic.
Retail trade and construction also reported notable job losses, falling by 1,700 and 600 positions respectively. In contrast, sectors such as private educational services and health care and social assistance continued to expand, adding 1,100 and 1,200 jobs, respectively—underscoring persistent demand in these essential service industries.
According to Inland Empire Growth and Opportunity (IEGO), these trends highlight the need to align workforce development with evolving industry demand. While the Inland Empire has become a national model for apprenticeship and skills-based training programs, the latest data underscores the importance of accelerating those efforts. IEGO notes that the region’s ability to remain competitive will depend on expanding access to quality employment pathways in health care, clean logistics, and advanced manufacturing—sectors positioned for longterm growth.
“Employers continue to add jobs. The number of people starting to look for work continues to increase. We know the apprenticeship model works— for both employers and workers,” said Matt Mena, Executive Director of IEGO. “While the Inland Empire is a leader in apprenticeship innovation and expansion, we can do more to increase the quality, access, and impact of our region’s apprenticeship programs.”
Also noteworthy is the labor force contraction of 2,100 individuals in February—people who either moved out of the region or stopped actively seeking work. This decrease brings the total civilian labor force in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to 2.231 million, and may explain why the unemployment rate remained flat despite widespread job losses. In short, fewer people looking for work offsets the losses in payroll jobs.
While February’s employment report deviates from historic norms, it also provides a timely reminder of the structural changes shaping the Inland Empire’s economy. Regional leaders have an opportunity to respond with targeted investment in workforce retraining, sectoral partnerships, and job quality initiatives that meet the moment. The numbers reflect more than just a temporary setback— they represent a broader transition and call for strategic action.
Beware of AI Voice Scams Targeting Families
By David Stuckman, community member
Imagine answering the phone and hearing the distressed voice of a loved one claiming to be in jail, pleading for urgent financial help. The caller ID appears legitimate and their voice is unmistakable. Moments later, an “attorney” follows up, instructing you to send bail money through an instant, untraceable payment method.
It sounds like a nightmare scenario -- but it’s happening with alarming frequency. Scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) and voice-cloning technology to deceive families into handing over money, posing as incarcerated loved ones in distress.
How These Scams Work
With rapid advancements in AI, criminals can clone a person’s voice with just a few seconds of audio -- often taken from social media or online videos. Armed with this technology, scammers call unsuspecting families, mimicking the voice of a jailed relative and creating a sense of panic.
The call typically unfolds in two stages. First, the family receives a call from someone claiming to be their loved one in jail. The AIgenerated voice sounds eerily similar, even expressing fear and urgency. Caller ID may even dis-
play what appears to be a legitimate jail or law enforcement number. Second, immediately after, another call comes in from someone posing as an attorney. They claim to be handling the case and demand an immediate payment via Cash App, cryptocurrency, or another untraceable method -- often threatening legal consequences if the family hesitates.
Tragically, many well-meaning families have already fallen victim to these scams, losing thousands of dollars before realizing the deception.
Why AI-Generated Scams Are So Dangerous
For decades, families have relied on a loved one’s voice and caller ID to confirm identities. But now, neither can be trusted. AI technology has advanced to the point where even the most skeptical individuals can be fooled.
If you think this is just a farfetched possibility, consider the case last year involving actor Tom Hanks. Without his permission, AI was used to create several fake TV ads featuring his likeness, including a widely reported dental plan commercial. This demonstrates just how powerful and deceptive the technology can be.
Full op-ed published online at IECN.com.
Free Symphony Tickets Now Available to San Bernardino Library Card Holders
Redlands Students, Staff, and Partners Distribute 500+ Hygiene Items and Food Packs to Local Families
On Friday, March 22, 2025, RUSD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department partnered with Redlands Education Support Professionals Association (RESPA) and Feeding America to distribute snack packs, hygienic products, and produce.
“RESPA prides on giving back to the community. What a great way doing so by partnering with the Family and Community Engagement team,” shared RESPA President, Liz HuertaBrewster. “Typically, during spring, RESPA collects canned goods, but we wanted to do something different. Times are tough and prices have increased for essential items. We felt the community could benefit from hygienic items along with the snack packs and produce.”
District staff across school sites and depart-
ments were invited to donate hygienic items. Redlands U-Haul donated small size moving boxes to collect the items.
RESPA and the FACE team collected over 500 travel size and full-size hygienic items, including shampoos, conditioners, diapers, baby wipes, loofahs, socks, and more to distribute to the community.
Volunteers from REVs Black Student Union (BSU) Step Team, Redlands High School (RHS) Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC), San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Umoja, and District African American Parent Advisory Council (DAAPAC) cabinet members came together to organize and distribute the items.
“We will continue with this partnership and serve our community,” shared Brewster.
Community News
Those who have not had the opportunity to attend a San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra concert will now be able to go for free if they have a library card. The City of San Bernardino Public Library and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra recently partnered to provide free concert vouchers to all library patrons.
“This collaboration with the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra aligns perfectly with our mission to support the community by providing access to a wide range of cultural experiences,” shared Library Director Ed Erjavek. “This partnership will connect patrons to an incredible San Bernardino institution, fostering a love for music that will resonate for years to come."
Ticket certificates are available at all San Bernardino Library branches while supplies last. Each certificate is good for one ticket to a 2025 concert and multiple family members may obtain certificates providing each has a library card. There is a limit of one voucher per patron.
“We have designed our 96th season to inspire music lovers of all ages and interests and so we are particularly grateful to the San Bernardino Library system for this partnership designed to introduce orchestral music to even more in our community,” shared Symphony Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel.
The Symphony will perform five concerts in 2025, most are matinees to accommodate greater family and senior participation. The season recently opened with a concert inclusive of works by Mendelssohn and Bizet.
Future performances include the Symphony’s annual holiday concert, the annual concert under the stars with fireworks, a chamber concert, and an American jazz retrospective, as well as two concerts by the Symphony’s new Youth Orchestra in May and December.
Concluded Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano, “We believe music should be a shared human experience available to all and so it is with great anticipation that we look forward to welcoming new audiences to our performances.”
PHOTO SBVC
San Bernardino Symphony Conductor Anthony Parnther at the 2024 Fourth of July performance at SBVC.
PHOTO REDLANDS UNIFIED
(Left to right) REV BSU Step Team member-Naleiah Miller, REV BSU Step Team member-Erin Douglas, RHS AFJROTC-Cadet Major Katherine Valencia, RHS AFJROTC-Cadet 1st Lt. Leah Calkins, RHS AFJROTC-Cadet Major Gabriel (Gabe) Grcich. Community News
Loma Linda Pediatrician Urges Small Changes as Food Deserts
By Manny Sandoval
Many families across San Bernardino County live in what experts define as food deserts — neighborhoods without nearby access to full-service grocery stores that provide fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and whole grains.
Instead, these areas are often filled with gas stations and liquor stores that may sell cheese, bread, or some produce, allowing them to be labeled as “grocers,” but without offering the fresh and sustainable grocery options needed to support healthy families.
Dr. Gabrielle Pina, a Pediatric Hospitalist at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, said this limited access to nutrition places families — and especially children — at a long-term disadvantage.
“When families live in areas where grocery stores require a bus or a car, they resort to more processed foods with a longer shelf life like Top Ramen,” Pina said. “And with the cost, sometimes it puts families in a predicament of whether to pay bills or buy an apple — and it’s not fair to kids and their longevity.”
She explained that access to fresh produce is essential for healthy development, helping prevent type 2 diabetes and supporting brain development in children. Infants, in particular, require healthy fats for growth, and toddlers need fresh fruits and vegetables to avoid vitamin deficiencies.
Across cities like San Bernardino and Moreno Valley, many communities qualify as food deserts, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. These environments often force families to rely on inexpensive, shelf-stable
and Processed Foods Harm Inland Kids
foods — typically high in sodium, added sugars, and artificial dyes.
“These processed foods often mean kids are getting dessert for breakfast,” Pina said. “They’re sugar overloaded, and then can’t sit still in school — it affects their ability to be successful in everyday life.”
Still, Pina said she avoids judgment when working with families and instead encourages small, practical changes where possible.
“Do whatever you can to safely provide for your family,” she said. “And if you have the ability to limit processed foods or high-fructose syrups, do so. But this isn’t about shame — it’s about empathy and teamwork. These are small changes, and I can’t say I’m perfect, because I’m not.”
Pina frequently reminds parents that healthy eating habits begin at home.
“We can’t control what kids eat at school,” she said. “But if you want to eliminate processed foods, stop buying them. We have to model good behavior — show that drinking water, exercising, and eating fruits and vegetables is important.”
She offered three tangible steps parents can take to improve their children’s diets:
Limit sugary beverages – “Juice is useless. It’s not nutritious, and no one really needs it,” Pina said. “If kids are used to drinking juice regularly, start diluting it weekly. Do the same with chocolate milk — these liquid calories aren’t needed for bone or brain development.”
Control snack availability – “Kids will only eat what’s available to them,” she said. “Keep shelf-stable fruits on hand instead of chips or cookies — especially for teenagers.”
Watch ingredients and shop the perimeter – “My mom taught me we should only buy things from the perimeter of the store — that’s where you’ll find fresh breads, meats, fruits, and vegetables,” she said. “Avoid red dye and excess sugars like high-fructose corn syrup — red dye has been linked to hyperactivity and ADHD in children.”
For those living in food deserts, Pina suggests starting with simple swaps. Even with limited options, such as ramen or pre-packaged meals, families can reduce sodium by using only half the seasoning packet or cut back on butter by using smaller amounts.
She also encourages residents to explore local resources. In Moreno Valley, the city funds a community garden where her mother — a senior citizen — receives boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables; and many other Inland cities have similar programs. Residents can also connect with local community resource centers to find available nutrition support.
Pina, who works in Loma Linda — one of the five original Blue Zones where people live longer and healthier lives — points families to the Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones for more on the power of diet and lifestyle.
“Even small changes can make a difference,” she said. “This isn’t about perfection. It’s about doing what we can — together — to build healthier futures for our kids.”
PHOTO CHC
Dr. Gabrielle Pina, a pediatric hospitalist at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, is urging Inland families to make small, attainable changes to combat the effects of food deserts and processed diets on children’s health.
Community News
Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) has announced awards totaling $40,000 to three nonprofits as part of its annual Women’s Giving Fund (WGF) grants. The WGF grants will provide resources to Inland Empire organizations that offer life-giving services to women and their families.
The 2025 Woman of Achievement, Debbie Cannon, President and CEO of the Academy for Grassroots Organizations, also received $5,000 for the charity of her choice that serves women in the IE. Additionally, four nominee finalists were each given $1,000 for the charity of their choice.
Nefertiti Long, Immediate Past Board Chair of IECF and Chair of the IECF Women's Giving Fund, shares her enthusiasm for the impact these grants will have on the community. She states, “We are thrilled to announce not only the grants we are presenting but also to share new insights into the experiences of women in our community. Our goal is to strengthen support for organizations dedicated to helping women transition from struggling to thriving.”
The 2025 grantees and their funded projects are: Co-
rona-Norco United Way to support their domestic violence program ($15,000); Inspire Life Skills, to support safe and stable housing and counseling sessions for young women ($15,000); and Soroptimist International of Corona, for their Live Your Dream Education and Training Award program ($10,000).
The grant awards were presented at the WGF Spring Fling on March 23, which was held at Chaffey College Community Center in Chino. Over 200 guests attended the annual brunch, where keynote speaker Cannon, shared an inspiring message.
The Women's Giving Fund also released its commissioned research study, entitled Thriving in the Inland Empire: Women and Well-Being through the Lens of Vital Conditions, presented by UC Riverside Center for Community Solutions. Guided by data, the Fund seeks to better understand the issues affecting the Inland Empire's women population, ensure all contributions are directed where the need is greatest, and support the community for maximum impact. Get at first look at the report here.
Some key data points:
In the Inland Empire, most women are struggling— they are getting by but are uncertain about the future. Prior research finds that people who are struggling are more likely to experience financial stress, un-
stable resources, and emotional strain, highlighting the need for policies and investments that strengthen the vital conditions for well-being in our region.
Thriving: 36% of women in the IE are thriving. Struggling: 58% of women in the IE are struggling. Suffering: 6% of women in the IE are suffering. Optimism Gap: 36% of women in Riverside County anticipate being worse off in 5 years compared to 9% of women in San Bernardino County
The Women’s Giving Fund (WGF) was established in 2017 by a diverse group of professional women whose goal is to create an inclusive opportunity for female donors to learn about women’s economic security issues, focus their giving on issues impacting women and children, and experience the power of collaborative philanthropy. Since 2018, when WGF grantmaking began, over $249,000 has been distributed to nonprofits and research benefiting women and families.
Based on funds raised each year, grants are made at least annually. A contribution of $200 or more to the WGF enables donors to participate in the annual grantmaking process as they identify and support the organizations that are most in need.
For more information or to donate to the Women’s Giving Fund, visit iegives.org/womensgivingfund
PHOTO IECF
Dina Walker and Women’s Giving Fund Committee Chair Nefertiti Long pose for a selfie.
PHOTO IECF
Dina Walker and Women’s Giving Fund Committee Chair Nefertiti Long pose for a selfie.
