W e e k l y COLTON COURIER Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!
Vol 143, NO. 15
THIS WEEK Smith appointed city manager, Gloria’s despite split-decision Corner
IECN
.com March 5, 2015
Tri City Mega Mixer March 9
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Community Joins Read Across America Day A9
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COURTESY PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Colton’s newly appointed city manager William “Bill” Smith with his wife, Wendy. By Anthony Victoria
illiam “Bill” Smith was appointed city manager during the council meeting which took place
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on Tuesday February 17. The permanent appointment came seven months after the city fired former manager Stephen Compton (previously placed on administrative leave) for overspending and failing to comply
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with administrative standards. In a critical contested debate the council approved the designation of Smith, the 30-year municipal government veteran who has provided Smith cont. on next page
Colton Police Chief retires By Anthony Victoria
fter serving the city of Colton for 29 years, police chief Steve Ward has made the decision to retire. He plans to officially leave his post on Sunday March 8. Ward, 50, was hired back in August of 1986 as a patrol officer. He steadily climbed the ranks, eventually being promoted to a detective’s post, corporal, lieutenant, sergeant, and captain subsequently before being appointed the head post in 2011. In addition, Ward worked as a narcotics officer, on the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, on the Multiple Enforcement Team, and in the traffic division. “Colton is a special place to work, and I’m very proud to have hired and worked with the absolute best. I will miss the city employees, residents, businesses, the Colton School district, and most of all the proud members of the Colton Police Department,” Ward said in a prepared statement. According to corporal Ray Mendez, Ward is recommending that administrative lieutenant Joe Gutierrez be appointed police chief. “I believe Chief Ward wanted to ensure the quality of the department and the high standards we have are COURTESY PHOTO continued,” Mendez said. “He feels that Lt. Gutierrez will be able to continue those traditions.” Outgoing Colton police chief Steve Ward. He When asked why Ward made the decision to retire, served the city of Colton for 29 years. Ward cont. on next page
he Colton Chamber of Commerce, along with the Grand Terrace and Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce’s will be holding the first annual Tri-City Mixer on Thursday March 19 at the Ashley Furniture Home Store, located at 855 Ashley Way in Colton. Vendor booths will be made available. The price for the booths are: $75 for members and $100 for non-members. In addition to the mixer, attendees will be able to participate in a raffle and engage in other fun activities. Attendance is free. For more information, contact Chetay Catalano at (909) 8252222. Date: Thursday Mar. 19 Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Announcement
Save The Date: April 19, 2015 Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of: Fr. Michael Keane Council 4017 Colton, California Serving Church and Community for 60 years For more information, contact: Alex Pérez:LXPerez@roadrunner.com
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nthony Victoria is the Community Editor for the Colton Courier and El Chicano newspapers and can be reached at (909) 269-9585 ; victoriaanthony91@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook and Twitter: IECN Weekly @IECN_onthebeat