Dunkin’ is doubling down in Colton. The national coffee and donut chain announced it will open a second location in the city this month—this time showcasing its cuttingedge “Next Generation” store design that promises faster service, upgraded technology, and a more energy-efficient experience.
Located at 811 W Valley Blvd., the new 1,750-square-foot restaurant is set to debut in April 2025 and will employ approximately 30 crew members. With a sleek, modern aesthetic and updated service model, the store is expected to meet the growing demand from residents and commuters alike.
This second location joins the city’s exist-
By Jeremiah Dollins, Pepper Bough Advisor
It’s annual tradition. The Yellowjackets kick off April with a huge game on the professional field at San Manuel Stadium. This year they faced league oppo-
nents, the Eisenhower Eagles, and despite errors in the first two innings, the Yellowjackets left the field with a 3-2 victory.
Jesse Ruiz had one of his best pitching performances of the season. He pitched a
ing Dunkin’ and reflects a broader statewide expansion by franchisee network Batter Boys Inc., which now owns and operates seven Dunkin’ restaurants across California.
The new store will feature Dunkin’s signature cold beverages served through a high-efficiency tap system—offering iced
complete seven inning game, gave up only two runs on three hits and one walk, and struck out seven.
“I felt confident in what I was throwing,” Ruiz said after the game. “It’s amazing to get to start on one of these stages. It’s a dream of mine to be here.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Yellowjackets continue to struggle to get consistent hitting, but in this one they got timely hitting, and produced four walks. Donavin Bobadilla and Andres Hernandez both hit timely doubles and scored.
“It’s a great league win,” coach Michael Esquivel said. “It’s a great win in front of a lot of people on a beautiful field. I feel super proud of the boys bringing it home today.”
With the victory, Colton evens their record to 2-2 in San Andreas league play, and improves their overall record on the season to 6-10.
“Right now, I’m proud of my team,” said senior Kyle Mejia after the game. “Our bats are finally waking up and we’re going back into league.” *Originally published in CHS’s Pepper Bough.
PHOTO OSCAR MALDONADO
Ruiz
on the mound for the Yellowjackets in
One Porta-Potty Is Easing San Bernardino’s Public Defecation and Urination Problem Tied to Raves and Homelessness
By Manny Sandoval
After years of finding human waste splattered on the walls of his downtown business, Alan Stanly says the solution is simple: put out more portable toilets.
Stanly, who owns The Enterprise Building in San Bernardino’s Ward 1, has long sounded the alarm about the lack of public restrooms for the city’s homeless population and the overflow of rave attendees.
With the NOS Events Center just blocks away, massive music festivals bring up to 50,000 people into the area multiple times a year, with attendees using surrounding streets, parking lots, and garages throughout downtown.
“This isn’t just a one-weekend thing,” Stanly said. “Every rave, it’s the same thing. Our building becomes a bathroom.”
This past weekend’s Beyond Wonderland rave, held March 28–29, was no different—except for one key change: the city placed a portable toilet outside The Enterprise Building.
“Historically, we’d average around 75 people urinating on our building, our doorways, our dumpsters on weekends when raves are held,” Stanly said. “This time, only two people urinated on our property. That’s the power of one porta-potty.”
According to San Bernardino’s January 2024 Point-In-Time Count, there are 1,417+ unhoused individuals in the city.
Stanly, who uses surveillance cameras to protect his property,
said the math is disturbing: if each person defecates once a day, that's a lot of waste.
“That’s 30,000 sh*ts a month, minimum,” he said. “Downtown San Bernardino is one of the dirtiest places in the state. You’ve got the parking garage behind us with years of old feces and stains. The city hasn’t done much until recently.”
Stanly said he’s sent countless emails to the city and regularly texts graphic photos to his councilmember, Ward 1’s Theodore Sanchez—often during dinner time—to highlight the severity of the issue. He claims it wasn’t until he contacted Mayor Helen Tran directly that things began to change.
“Mayor Tran made a phone call to Public Works, and they sent 20 porta-potties to Court Street Square,” Stanly said. “I asked her if we could get one near our building too—and she made it happen for the past two raves in a row.”
The recent outcome reinforces what other cities have learned through trial and error. In 2017, Los Angeles’ Mobile Pit Stop Program placed clean, staffed portable restrooms and sinks in areas with high homeless populations. The program proved so successful that the city extended it, citing significant decreases in public defecation.
“In L.A., my daughter lives in a nice part of town near UCLA,” Stanly said. “You can see the ocean from her balcony—and just across the freeway there’s an encampment with porta-potties and sinks. It stops hundreds of people from pooping on the ground and walking around with dirty hands. Why can’t we perma-
nently do that here?”
Back in San Bernardino, Stanly said the problem extends beyond waste. During major events, trash from the NOS Events Center often ends up downtown. Overflowing bins in Court Street Square were still full days later, as of Thursday, April 3, and winds blew discarded rave debris into nearby properties.
“While I was outside, one of our staff members, Robert, was picking up rave trash that had blown into the front entrance of our building,” Stanly said. “That shouldn’t be our responsibility. The city profits off these events—they should help manage the impact.”
He added that while rave attendees are often responsible for public urination—leaving behind a smell that lingers for days—it’s largely the homeless population that contributes to the defecation. “And it stinks,” he said. “Bad.”
In one recent incident captured on camera, Stanly said he saw a person mid-defecation and rushed out to offer them a bag.
“These are people. They have nowhere to go. This is a human need,” he said. “The city has a responsibility to provide sanitation—this is public health.”
Now, Stanly is urging the city to go beyond one toilet on one block and scale up the program.
“If one porta-potty kept 73 people from peeing on my building, imagine what five could do downtown,” he said. “This isn’t about complaining. This is about solutions. It’s working. Let’s keep going.”
Dunkin’ (cont.)
- coffee, iced tea, Cold Brew, and Nitro-Infused Cold Brew— as well as handcrafted espresso drinks made to order using upgraded machines.
Other key elements of the new location include a mobile pickup area for Dunkin’ Rewards members, a digital order status board for faster tracking, and a front-
facing bakery case that puts fresh donuts on full display. The restaurant has also been designed as a DD Green Achievement location, meaning it will use 25% less energy compared to standard Dunkin’ stores. An official grand opening date has not yet been announced, but store representatives say more information will be released in the coming weeks.
City Council Recognizes Week of Young Child and Early Education
By Dr.G (Dr. Luis S González), Community Writer
As part of the recent Council Meeting on April 1, Council Member Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González) presented a proclamation for the Week of the Young Child, which is observed nationally in recognition of all Early Care and Education (ECE) programs in the United States. Receiving the proclamation was Chris Rymer, Program Director for Early Care and Education in the City of Colton.
The City of Colton offers two programs: one for school-age children up to grade 6, and a preschool program. Over 300 children are involved in these programs.
During the presentation, Dr. G emphasized that early childhood education is critical, noting that educational leaders across the
country agree the early years of a child’s life are essential. It is during this time that the most rapid brain development occurs, laying the foundation for all future learning.
With this in mind, high-quality early childhood programs benefit not only our communities but also society as a whole.
Participation in these programs prepares children to succeed in school, earn higher wages as adults, and live healthier lives.
Through this presentation, the City Council formally recognized the importance of early childhood education, emphasizing that it should be valued, respected, and supported for the critical role it plays in educating tomorrow’s leaders.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A porta-potty in front of The Enterprise Building, between the building and the former Carousel Mall Parking Garage, is said to mitigate public urination during the weekend-long Beyond Wonderland Rave held March 29th-30th, 2025.
PHOTO DR. G
L to R; Council Member Dr.G, and Chris Rymer, ECE Program Director.
Public Safety
Brothers Open Fire on Teens in Colton, Critically Wounding Two; Arrests Made Weeks Later
By Manny Sandoval
Two San Bernardino brothers are behind bars on $1 million bail each following a violent drive-by shooting that left two teenage boys critically wounded in the 800 block of West Olive Street earlier this month, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced.
The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. on Monday, March 3, after the victims were involved in a verbal dispute with two Hispanic males inside a white Volkswagen Golf hatchback. Moments later, multiple shots were fired, striking both juveniles several times before the suspects fled the scene, investigators said.
Responding deputies from the Sheriff’s Central Station found the teens suffering from gunshot wounds and initiated an investigation into the attempted murder.
Detectives later identified the suspects as Raul Martinez Jr., 22, and his younger brother Bryan Martinez, 18, both residents of San Bernardino. Arrest warrants were issued for both on charges of attempted murder under Penal Code 664/187(a) and assault with a firearm under Penal Code 245(a)(2).
Nearly four weeks later, on Sunday, March 30, deputies located Raul during a routine traffic stop and found him in possession of a loaded firearm. He was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant and a new weapons violation.
The following day, on Monday, March 31, members of the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division and Central Station’s Multiple Enforcement Team served a search warrant at the Martinez brothers’ residence. Bryan was located at the home and arrested without incident.
Both suspects were booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.
Authorities have not disclosed the current condition of the victims, who remain unidentified due to their age.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Central Station at (909) 387-3545. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visit www.wetip.com.
The investigation remains ongoing.
San Bernardino Police Fatally Shoot Knife-Wielding Man After Threatening Juvenile Son
By Manny Sandoval
Adomestic violence call escalated into a fatal officer-involved shooting Saturday evening in San Bernardino after police say a man armed with a knife refused to drop his weapon and threatened his juvenile son.
The incident occurred around 5:32 p.m. on April 5 in the 1000 block of North Mountain View Avenue.
According to a press release from the San Bernardino Police Department, a relative contacted dispatchers and reported that the suspect had threatened to kill his juvenile son. Additional 911 calls from bystanders stated that the man was chasing the child through the street while armed with a knife.
When patrol officers arrived, they located the man and issued repeated commands for him to drop the weapon. Police say the suspect refused to comply with verbal commands and de-escalation attempts.
“Officers gave multiple commands and pleaded with the suspect to drop the knife,” wrote Sergeant Erik Campos in the release.
Officers deployed a Taser and less-lethal bean bag rounds in an effort to subdue the suspect, but authorities said the man continued to resist and then ran toward the residence while swinging the knife.
“It was at that point that an officer-involved shooting occurred,” the department said.
The knife was recovered at the scene, and officers immediately began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The San Bernardino Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, under the oversight of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective T. Montez at (909) 384-5762 or via email at Montez_Ti@sbcity.org. Sergeant E. Campos may also be reached at (909) 384-5613 or Campos_er@sbcity.org.
Mark Amabisca Arrested in Fatal Stabbing on East Highland Avenue in San Bernardino
By San Bernardino PD
On Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at approximately 12:48 AM, the San Bernardino Police Department’s dispatch center received a report of a stabbing in the 3400 block of East Highland Avenue.
Upon arrival, patrol officers located a male victim suffering from stab wounds. Paramedics were dispatched to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives were promptly called in to conduct the investigation.
During the investigation, detectives identified the
suspect as Mark Amabisca, a 34-year-old resident of San Bernardino. On April 7th, 2025, Amabisca was taken into custody in the 800 block of West Baseline Street in the City of San Bernardino. Detectives are attempting to identify any additional witnesses who may have been in the area when the stabbing occurred.
The San Bernardino Police Department is urging anyone with information about this case to contact Detective E. Chavez at (909) 384-5637 or via email at Chavez_Ed@sbcity.org. You may also reach Sergeant E. Campos at (909) 384-5613 or Campos_Er@sbcity.org.
Rialto Police Visit Businesses to Educate the Public on How to "Know Your Limit"
By Rialto PD
On April 4th, the Rialto Police Department visited local bars and restaurants to educate customers on the importance of monitoring how much they drink and to "know your limit." The "Know Your Limit" campaign will be from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Downtown Rialto area.
The "Know Your Limit" program raises awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and is an interactive way to show how much, or little, it can take to reach the legal limit to operate a vehicle.
Officers will ask customers how many drinks they have consumed and whether they believe they are still able to drive safely. Officers will then invite volunteers to take a breathalyzer test to see if they are able to guess their blood alcohol content (BAC). Customers are provided information on alcohol intake and average BAC levels.
It is illegal for anyone 21 or older to drive with a BAC of .08% or higher.
According to the California
Driver Handbook, it takes two drinks consumed within one hour by a woman between 120-160 pounds and three drinks by a man between 180-220 pounds to be over the legal limit of .08%. One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol), 12 oz. of beer (4.5% alcohol) or a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alcohol). The BAC lowers at a rate of .01% for every 40 minutes between drinks.
"The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make smart decisions about how they get home," Chief Mark P. Kling said. "It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that's why it is important that people know their limit."
The average cost of a first-time DUI offense is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Plan ahead and avoid the risk of a DUI by designating a sober driver.
Funding for the "Know Your Limit" program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
By Rialto PD
In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Rialto Police Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.
"Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do,” Chief Mark P. Kling said. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly. Stay focused, stay alert and help us keep our roads safe.”
According to the 2024 Califor-
nia Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, because of texting, was their biggest safety concern.
In 2022, there were 148 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.
The Rialto Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s handsfree cell phone law. Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app.
Six High-Performing SBCUSD Middle Schools Recognized
Curtis Middle School hosted its first KINGS (Knowledge, Integrity, Noble, Genuine, Self-confident) on Campus event. The event
community to welcome students to school, providing a boost of positivity and showing students that the community
Community News
Six middle schools in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) have been designated as 2025 California Schools to Watch by the California Department of Education (CDE), the California League of Middle Schools, the California Middle Grades Alliance and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
Curtis Middle School and Serrano Middle School earned redesignation under the CDE program. Both schools were originally designated Schools to Watch in 2016.
New to the elite club this year are Arrowview Middle School, Chavez Middle School, Paakuma’ K–8 School and Rodriguez PREP Academy.
California Schools to Watch are considered model middle schools that:
Educate students in any grades from grade 5 through grade 9
Provide every student with high-quality educational resources and support
Support the whole child, including physical, mental and social-emotional health
“Each school SHINES in its own way,” Superintendent Mauricio Arellano said, “but together they demonstrate that San Bernardino City Schools have the vision needed for student success.”
Some of the programs and practices that earned Curtis its redesignation were its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy career pathway, its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and its restorative justice program.
Curtis is one of only two middle schools in the state to have a Gold-certified career pathway, the highest honor awarded by the Linked Learning Alliance. The campus is also designated as a District demonstration school for PBIS.
Serrano was redesignated a School to Watch in part for its schoolwide implementation of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) practices and using AVID interactive notebooks
in all core classes. AVID is a nationally recognized program that fosters good note-taking, study and organizational habits and improves students’ self-esteem, resulting in academic achievement and college and career readiness.
Arrowview has achieved designation as a School to Watch for its dedication to Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS), while also fostering academic excellence through programs like AVID, STEM and Dual Immersion. The school promotes continuous student improvement through targeted academic interventions, extracurricular opportunities and a focus on creating a supportive environment for all students.
Dual Immersion provides instruction to all participating students in both English and Spanish during the school day so both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers have the opportunity to become bilingual, biliterate and multicultural.
Chavez was recognized as a School to Watch due to its commitment to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, its strong focus on student engagement and equity, and its dedication to PBIS and restorative practices.
Paakuma’ K–8 School has earned the Schools to Watch certification thanks in part to an instructional framework that focuses on continuous academic excellence, enhances existing programs and expands opportunities for student growth and engagement, ensuring all students are wellprepared for high school and focused on college and career success.
For Rodriguez PREP, this recognition stems from a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning through strong relationships and student accountability.
The school’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) program ensures all students engage in hands-on, inquirydriven learning that enhances critical thinking for success across all subjects.
Families can pre-enroll their school-age children in SBCUSD’s award-winning schools now for the 2025–2026 school year by visiting https://www.sbcusd.com/departments/studentservices-division/enrollment-placement-services.
about their success.
PHOTO SBCUSD
gathers together members of the SBCUSD staff and
cares
Seven San Bernardino County Fathers Graduate from Fatherhood FIRE Program, Gaining Skills in Parenting, Financial Literacy, and Family Stability
Felix, Jennifer Verduzco, Emily, Mila, Daniel, and Nathaniel Felix, Francis, Alessia, Annalisa, and Francesco
Tayvion, and Tayeden Tinsley and PFCE Program Manager Lashawn Love-French.
Community News
San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department proudly acknowledges the milestone achievement of seven fathers who graduated on Jan. 25, 2025, from the Fatherhood FIRE (Family-Focused, Interconnected, Resilient, and Essential) program.
The three-month program empowers fathers with financial literacy, positive parenting and relationship skills, and builds stable families by helping fathers become actively involved in their children’s lives.
A Cohort Committed to Growth
The Fatherhood FIRE program empowers fathers with the tools and education to overcome fatherhood challenges and confirm the worth of emotional presence in their children’s lives. The curriculum is based on various topics, including effective communication, co-parenting skills and economic stability. It also fosters self-examination, allowing participants to evaluate, enhance and build upon their positions as fathers and partners.
From Sept. 5 to Dec. 5, 2024, the seven graduates – John Kostandy, Isaiah Rosales, Kevin Corbin, Martin Ramos, Daniel Felix, Francis Hanson, and Terrance Tinsley – dedicated themselves to weekly virtual lectures every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. The lectures included spirited discussions, interactive lessons, and practical exercises to enhance their parental and partner roles.
Apart from the weekly lectures, the graduates also had weekly follow-ups to discuss their needs, remind them of their roles and
keep them engaged throughout the program. This routine support system reinforced the program’s commitment to each graduate’s success.
During graduation, one of the graduates offered a poignant reflection on his experience.
“I enjoyed my time during those weeks we were on Zoom. The program opened my eyes up big time to my responsibilities and gave me a new perspective on family and the importance of being in the home. It was just so motivating — I just don’t ever want to quit on my family, period. I want to bring my children up to their full potential and make sure they get whatever out of life.”
His words convey the transformative power of the Fatherhood FIRE program. The program does not simply instruct but also ignites real change, instilling a sense of responsibility and purpose in fathers dedicated to improving their families’ futures.
The success of this cohort reflects the Fatherhood FIRE program’s impact on fathers. Each class is uniquely tailored to the needs of participants and provides them with the tools and information they need to become engaged and resilient fathers.
The Preschool Services Department looks forward to welcoming the next cohort to continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of San Bernardino County’s families.
To learn more about future sessions or to get involved, visit the San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department website at psd.sbcounty.gov.
Margaret Annan,
PHOTO SB COUNTY
Front: Fatherhood FIRE program staff Gary Sookram, Stephanie Zavala and David Orepo; Back: John Kostandy, Madouna Toson, Chloe and Lucas Kostandy, Isaiah and Naomi Rosales, Jessy Karmokar, Genesis Toscano, Penelope Rosales, Kevin Corbin, Shainne and Emery Russell, Chelsea Corbin, Martin and Michelle Ramos, Peter Gonzales, Daniel
Hanson,
Terrance, Tavisha, Terrance Jr., Talisha,
Ten Year Old from San Bernardino to Earn Two Associates Degrees, Becoming the Youngest in Crafton Hills History
Community News
A10-year-old girl from San Bernardino, Calif., is set to make Crafton Hills College history this May when she becomes the youngest Roadrunner ever to graduate from the Yucaipa-based community college.
Alisa Perales, who will have just turned 11 at the time of the ceremony, will cross the stage with not one but two associate degrees—one in multiple sciences and another in mathematics—joining hundreds of Roadrunners who will become Crafton alumni. Her final GPA will be “close” to a 4.0.
Remarkably, Alisa could have earned two additional degrees in computer science and physics had she stayed one more semester.
“When I first started at Crafton (at the age of 8), I was a little bit nervous…because this was my first time going to a public school,” said Alisa, “but then I met some really nice people, and that was super helpful.”
Alisa’s love for learning began early. By her first birthday, she had already moved beyond basic ABCs and 123s. Guided by her father, Rafael Perales, she has been focused on expanding her knowledge ever since.
With her father leading the way, Alisa never stopped
absorbing information, constantly working to improve her skills.
“I credit my dad for pushing me to do well in school and try my best to work hard,” she said.
“She has been a little different her whole life, but I have always taught her that there’s nothing out there that you’re not capable of understanding,” Rafael added.
Alisa began attending Crafton in spring of 2023. Before becoming a Roadrunner, she considered applying to California State University, San Bernardino, but a counselor encouraged her to explore community college first due to her homeschooling background.
Crafton offered the support she needed to thrive, and she quickly found her place.
Alisa’s father became an honorary Roadrunner, accompanying her early semesters and patiently waiting outside her classes. Eventually, she began attending classes independently and flourishing on her own.
“Before she started at Crafton, I explained that she was going to be around many older kids, and she didn’t seem intimidated by that. She seemed to fit right in,” said Rafael. “So, I just followed my daughter’s lead. I did not make her adhere to a rigorous schedule I had set out
for her. I responded to what she was interested in and helped feed that interest and fueled that fire, and her interest in school remained strong.”
At age 8, Alisa took a political science course and used what she learned to file a lawsuit in federal court against both the state and federal governments. Her case challenged the constitutionality of the 26th Amendment and Article II, Section 2 of the California Constitution, arguing that if she had achieved the same education as 18year-olds, she should also be allowed to vote.
Although the case was unsuccessful, and she was unable to afford an appeal to the 9th Circuit, Alisa hopes another young prodigy will one day pick up the cause.
Alisa has big plans after college. She hopes to work in the artificial intelligence tech industry, either by joining an established company or building a startup with her dad.
No matter what Alisa's future holds, it promises to be bright.
“Crafton wants everyone to succeed, but you have to work hard to get what you want,” Alisa said. “Do not ever have any doubts over what you want to do in life. Just go out there and give it a shot.”
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Presents Immigration Bill Challenging Enforcement on School Grounds, Promotes Expansion of Dual Language Immersion Programs
Community News
Amid growing fear and tension among immigrant families and advocates nationwide, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond presented a bill, Senate Bill 48 (Gonzalez), that will limit the presence of ICE agents on school campuses. Also today, Superintendent Thurmond hosted a webinar to promote the expansion of Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs across California, affirming the importance of preparing students to succeed, compete, and lead in a multilingual, global economy.
SB 48, authored by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-33), is sponsored by Thurmond to address safety concerns of immigrant families and protect school funding that is projected to decline in some parts of the state as attendance is suppressed as undocumented individuals fear deportation consequences at school. The bill is in direct protest to President Trump’s threats to lead mass deportation efforts at schools and houses of worship.
“We know that the fearmongering happening across our nation has disruptive impacts on children in our immigrant families, and it could cost California schools millions of dollars,” Thurmond said. California is one of a handful of states that still uses an average daily attendance system for attributing funding or the loss of funding to schools.
Approximately half of all students in California are members of immigrant families, in which at least one parent is an immigrant. One in five students in California live in mixed-status families, in which one or more parents are undocumented.
“All California children deserve safe school environments that prioritize student learning, regardless of immigration status,” said Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez. “As Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, I’m proud to be partnering with Superintendent Tony Thurmond to author this important legislation, which will prevent disruptions to student learning, keep
children in school, and prevent families from being torn apart.”
Thurmond has called on federal policymakers to create a path to citizenship where undocumented immigrants, who are estimated to generate billions in state revenue through earnings, can take on hard-to-fill jobs and pay into the tax system. Thurmond and the California Department of Education are leading numerous efforts to push back on Trump policies and executive orders, including leading a plan to block the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.
SB 48 was heard on Wednesday, April 2, in the California Senate Education Committee. A recording of the Superintendent’s testimony on April 2 is available on the California State Senate website. More information about Superintendent Thurmond’s initiatives can be found on the California Department of Education Transforming Schools: Superintendent’s Initiatives web page.
PHOTO CHC
At just 10 years old, Alisa Perales is set to become the youngest graduate in Crafton Hills College history, earning two associate degrees in science and math this May. The San Bernardino prodigy began attending college at age 8 and will graduate with a near-perfect GPA.
