San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra Performs Inaugural Concert
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Ontario and New York Firefighters Play Final ‘Fire on Ice’ Hockey Match at Toyota Arena Jan. 18
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Gonzales Elected San Bernardino County Assessor-RecorderCounty Clerk, First Hispanic Woman in Role
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By Manny Sandoval
In a ceremony marked by personal milestones and a renewed commitment to local governance, incumbent
Councilmembers Kelly Chastain and David Toro were officially sworn into office at the Colton City Council’s final meeting of the year on Dec. 18. City Clerk
By Manny Sandoval
An infusion of ’90s nostalgia is set to transform San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) this spring as the Wolverine Con International Student Film Festival returns March 4–7, 2025. Featuring everything from a debate competition to a rap battle and a 66-hour film challenge, the annual festival is spotlighting an era known for iconic movies and groundbreaking independent cinema.
“This is my favorite time period because it was my coming-of-age decade, transitioning from high school to college,” said Lucas Cuny, SBVC’s Film, TV, and Media Department Chair. “The ’90s was a rediscovery. The ’80s had huge blockbusters with Stallone and Schwarzenegger, and before that, the late ’60s and ’70s were all about film auteurs like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. But in the ’90s, emerging filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Wes Anderson finally started making the movies they really wanted.”
Isaac T. Suchil and new City Treasurer Mike Razo also took their oaths, rounding out a day that signaled both continuity and forward momentum for the city.
Chastain’s Return to Council Councilmember Kelly Chastain, re-elected in November 2024, has previously served as both councilmember and mayor.
Cuny notes the importance of the 1990s in launching the modern film festival circuit— epitomized by Sundance—and cites quintessential ’90s titles like “Pulp Fiction,” “Seven,” and “Swingers.” He also points to 1999 as a watershed year for cinema, boasting landmark films such as “American Beauty,” “Fight Club,” “Office Space,” and “The Matrix.”
Rap Battle, Debate, and More
In addition to screenings, Wolverine Con will host a debate competition and the festival’s first rap battle, both student-driven ideas. “They wanted something cool and engaging,” Cuny said, referencing SBVC’s student interns. “It’ll be an audience-voted event in the Music Lab Space in North Hall, and we invite participants to bring their best rhymes.”
66-Hour Film Competition Open to the entire community—not just students—the 66Hour Film Competition expands on the popular 48hour film challenge format. Teams will register on FilmFreeway by February 20.
Receiving her oath of office, she wasted no time expressing her eagerness to continue serving Colton residents. “I want to get to work,” Chastain said. “We have a lot to do and I hope we can bridge some of the gaps and see the best for the residents of the city. Thank you to the city staff for the work they filter off and online.”
Josie
PHOTO DAVID TORO
Councilmember David Toro celebrates with his wife and two sons on Dec. 18, moments after being sworn into his sixth consecutive term at Colton City Hall.
PHOTO ERICK ZAMBRANO An SBVC student perfects their camera movement on a dolly track
City News (cont.)
- Chastain’s history of public service in Colton spans multiple terms:
Council (District 3): 1996–2006
Mayor: 2006–2010
Council (District 2): 2022–2024
With this new term, Chastain is poised to become the longest-serving woman in the city’s history, marking 20 years of service by its completion. Over the years, she has focused on delivering reliable city services, enhancing public safety, and building stronger communication channels with residents.
Toro’s Sixth Term and Personal Reflections
David Toro, another incumbent who also won re-election in November, had his oath administered by his sons, Michael and Jayden Toro. This marks his sixth consecutive term on the council, continuing an 18-year stretch.
Toro recounted his early activism in Colton, highlighting how he and seven neighbors successfully petitioned for a multi-purpose park instead of a proposed soccer field. “A group of eight residents, including myself, got together to oppose a soccer field. Councilmember Connie Cisneros and Mayor Frank Gonzalez voted to allow the residents to vote on what the homeowners in the Mello-Roos district wanted to go on that property,” he said. “I took the responsibility to get a petition going and got over 300 signatures in the Mello-Roos district, with only one person vot-
Film Festival (cont.)
ing no. The eight members of the group actually designed that park.”
Toro noted that park remains “one of Colton’s most used multi-purpose parks” and credited support from San Bernardino County and Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. for forthcoming improvements.
He also revisited the pivotal moment of securing approval for Colton’s habitat conservation plan on Feb. 3, 2015. “My birthday is Feb. 12th, and it serves a purpose,” he said. “With each update, I’d say, ‘Maybe by next year’s birthday we can have it.’ … On Feb. 3, 2015, our habitat conservation plan was approved. This allowed for the medical university, the development on the corners of Valley and Pepper, and we are still in the process of making history on the west end with further developments that are coming.”
Now entering his sixth term, Toro acknowledged the significance of his long tenure. “It’s six terms and 18 years today and this has created a lot of history for me politically and personally,” he said. “It is humbling when people thank me for the decisions I make on their behalf.” He also shared a personal note about sharing a Feb. 12 birthday with his wife, mentioning they were married on that day as well.
Suchil and Razo Take Office City Clerk Isaac T. Suchil was sworn in by his son, Eric Suchill. Having previously served on the council, Suchil promised to maintain strong staffing levels and to offer more services through the City Clerk’s office. “Although this
- At 7 p.m. on February 21, registered filmmakers will receive an assigned genre and a required Route 66 element to include in their short. They’ll have exactly 66 hours to complete their film.
“The top prize is $660,” Cuny said. “It’s a big deal because we’ll screen the winning entries on KVCRTV, which reaches into L.A. County. And it’s just $66 to submit.”
Meet the Pros
A major festival highlight, Meet the Pros will bring together industry professionals—many of them SBVC alumni—who have found success in Hollywood and beyond:
• Gage Hensley – Motion capture technician for Disney, and part of an Emmy-winning team
• Noah Donnaley – Production expert for commercials in L.A.
• Dani Saldania – Cinematographer and SBVC Film program instructor
• Veronica Sheverilla – Set design specialist
• Marissa Gallardo – Production design mentor with credits on “Shameless” and “Euphoria”
Attendees can enjoy food and network with these professionals, an integral component of Wolverine Con’s collaborative spirit.
Opening Night and Film Submissions
The festival opens on March 4 with a red carpet reception at 5 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. screening of a new documentary on the Orange Show Speedway
seat is different from my previous seat, I will treat this seat with honor and respect and with dedication to all of our residents,” he said. “I want to maintain our staff levels in our office. I also plan to bring back passport services and introduce a notary service, which our city has never had … I think these are a few things that would help our residents.”
Aurelio De La Torre, who served as city treasurer for 18 years, lost his re-election bid to newly swornin Treasurer Mike Razo.
Razo thanked both his supporters and his predecessor. “I want to thank my family and all those in my constituency,” he said. “Thank you for putting your trust in me and providing me the opportunity to serve you—I will do so to the best of my ability. … To the outgoing treasurer, Mr. De La Torre, I commend you on your service and respect your legacy.” Razo added that it would be “silly” to claim he could fill De La Torre’s shoes outright, but he promised “a smooth transition and to maintain the continuity of your work as city treasurer.”
Looking Ahead
Colton’s leadership team remains united in its goals: strengthening the city’s finances, maintaining quality services, enhancing public safety, and encouraging civic pride. From Chastain’s call to “bridge some of the gaps” to Toro’s emphasis on “making history on the west end,” the swearing-in ceremony underscored a collective determination to build a brighter future for Colton.
by filmmakers Nick Van Luven and Dani Saldana. Chef Stacy and the SBVC Culinary Department will provide free food.
Submissions for Wolverine Con remain open until January 31 for any high school or college student who has been enrolled within the last academic year. High school students pay $5 to submit (increasing to $10 during the late period), while college students pay $25. However, Cuny offers a fee waiver to high school students located in the 909 or 951 area codes who email him directly at lcuny@valleycollege.edu.
“We want to support local talent,” Cuny said. “This festival raises scholarship funds for the Institute of Media Arts (IMA), and we have around 20 students who benefit from it every year.”
Tickets and Awards
Eighteen awards will be presented on the festival’s final day, March 7, celebrating the best of student filmmaking. Ticketed events include the Meet the Pros Mixer, the Red Carpet Opening, and the Awards Dinner, all of which are open to the public. Tickets, submission details, and additional information can be found at filmfreeway.com/SBVC_FilmFest.
“Whether you love the ’90s for its unforgettable movies, you’re excited to see a rap battle, watch new films, or you want to compete for $660 in the 66hour challenge, this year’s Wolverine Con truly has something for everyone,” Cuny said. “We’re bringing together artists from across the globe to celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking and creative collaboration.”
By Manny Sandoval
The Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) has approved an expansion of Never Stop Grinding (NSG) Impact’s innovative socialemotional learning and boxing program to four additional schools. With three campuses already participating, the program will now reach students at Jehue, Kolb, Kucera, Frisbee, and Rialto Middle Schools, offering weekly sessions starting Jan. 8, 2025, through at-least May 19, 2025.
The district’s Dec. 18 approval builds on the program’s success in fostering self-awareness, social skills, and resilience among students while addressing the persistent issue of bullying. The expansion comes amid heightened awareness of bullying’s consequences following a stabbing incident in October 2024 at Frisbie Middle School, where a student defending a peer was hospitalized.
NSG Impact CEO Darious Harris, a Rialto native and former professional boxer, underscored the program’s mission to provide students with tools to navigate challenges both at school and in life.
“It’s a pleasure to come back and make a difference in the district I grew up in. Kucera is a school I attended, and it’s important to bring awareness to bullying—especially now,” Harris said.
Addressing Emotional Needs and Building Resilience
The NSG Impact program incorporates all five socialemotional learning (SEL) competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL): Self-Awareness: Helping students recognize their emotions, values, and strengths while identifying their personal challenges. Self-Management: Teaching students to manage their emotions and behaviors to achieve their goals.
Social Awareness: Encouraging students to show understanding and empathy for others, including peers and teachers.
Relationship Skills: Equipping students with tools to form positive relationships, work in teams, and resolve conflicts effectively.
Responsible Decision-
Making: Guiding students to make ethical, constructive choices regarding their personal and social behavior. These competencies are woven into the program alongside tailored lesson plans addressing bullying, literacy, numeracy, and public speaking, creating a holistic approach to student development.
However, a key focus of the program is addressing the emotional isolation many students experience. NSG Impact surveys students before and after the program, with one question in particular that stands out to Harris–asking whether they have an adult they feel comfortable talking to.
“Our pre- and post-assessment surveys show that many kids don’t have an adult they feel they can confide in,” Harris said. “These kids are carrying so much inside, and this program creates a space where they can feel loved and free to express themselves.”
Harris emphasized the importance of reaching students who bully others, explaining that their behavior often stems from personal struggles.
“I’ve learned that most kids who bully are dealing with tough life situations at home. They just need love and someone to talk to,” Harris said. “This program is about more than boxing— it’s about helping kids believe in themselves and showing them how to handle their emotions.”
Integrating Academic Skills with Emotional Growth
The program also incorporates numeracy and literacy into its sessions. Students practice math through boxing combinations, linking physical activity to mental exercises. Literacy activities include research and presentations, such as writing biographies on professional boxers and sharing them with peers.
“We had kids present their work, and it was beautiful. They were confident and comfortable—it prepares them for the real world and job interviews,” Harris said. Harris, who was bullied in elementary school, shared his personal story with students to inspire resilience.
Full story at IECN.com.
Op-Eds
How Patent Infringers Are Seeking to Hobble Their Victims in Court
By Judge Paul R. Michel, community member
More than 120 corporate giants just issued a joint letter putting themselves squarely on the side of patent infringers and against America's smaller innovative companies.
They present their case in the appealing sounding language of "disclosure" and "transparency." But when smaller inventors are in court trying to enforce their patent rights against infringement, the main effect of a sweeping new disclosure requirement would be lengthier proceedings, more expenses, and a big advantage for deep-pocketed infringers.
The letter's proposal, now under consideration in Congress in legislation known as the Litigation Transparency Act, is aimed directly at the ability of inventors to pay expenses they incur when they enforce their patents. The legislation would impose a disclosure requirement on sources of funding for their lawsuits.
Yet such funding has nothing to do with whether infringement has taken place and, if so, what damages are due. For the sake of smaller inventors who depend heavily on intellectual property rights, this legislation needs to go back to the drawing board.
The letter-writers and Rep. Darrell Issa, the legislation's au-
thor, claim that withholding information about financing "fundamentally alters the dynamics" of legal cases.
I disagree. Rather, imposing invasive disclosure requirements would reduce or eliminate funding, and therefore, access to justice.
America's small businesses are facing unprecedented attacks on their intellectual property. Rather than taking steps to legally license patent rights, some wealthy corporations are simply appropriating the patented technologies they want. When caught, they call on their vast financial resources to prolong lawsuits and make them as expensive as possible. Such tactics have forced startups to surrender or, at best, settle out of court for a fraction of their losses.
Though unfair, the practice is frequently effective. It's known as "efficient" infringement. Infringers simply treat any damages they end up paying as a cost of doing business.
Outside financing in cases of patent infringement has given inventors a lifeline to fight back. Through these partnerships, third-party funders provide legal expertise and financing in exchange for a share of any favorable settlement. That makes it harder to succeed with a strategy of efficient infringement. It's no wonder big businesses are upset.
In their letter, the companies
argue that they have "no ability to expose to the court and jury when witnesses have conflicts of interest" in the case.
Existing court practice and procedural rules, especially the rules of evidence, strike a careful balance between the relevance of information presented and the potential for undue prejudice. An invasive mandatory disclosure rule would place small businesses and startups at a disadvantage by revealing their legal strategies and financial resources. Infringers could exploit this information to prolong trials, inundate opponents with motions and challenges, and launch damaging harassment campaigns against third-party investors.
As one judge explained at a conference this year, "there are all kinds of things that go on in the world that have some influences on lawyers and clients and judge’s cases," concluding, "to think that disclosure is going to solve that problem is nonsense."
Let's not fool ourselves into thinking that calls for onerous disclosure merely promote fairness and transparency. They further tilt an already uneven playing field, disadvantaging smaller companies, startups, and individual inventors.
Judge Paul R. Michel (ret.) served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 1988 to 2010. He is a board member of the Inventors Defense Alliance.
My Identity Shouldn't Prevent Me From Living My American Dream
By Carter Brown, community member
Many of us have spent our lives pursuing our American dream. For me, this meant getting a college education, building a career, and starting a family.
But for many LGBTQ+ people, achieving this dream remains out of reach. Across the country, LGBTQ+ people like me still face the harsh reality of being at higher risk of discrimination and bias, including at work.
I know this firsthand.
I was living my dream, successful at my job, and making a name for myself in the real estate and mortgage industries. My wife and I bought our first home and welcomed our daughter.
Then, one day at work, everything changed when colleagues began focusing only on my personal identity instead of my work performance. They asked me if I was a woman, an identity I had shed long ago. That moment -- being outed as a transgender man in my workplace, on somebody else's terms, and against my will -- completely changed my life. I had intentionally decided not to come out at work, partly because it had no
impact on my job function and partly because of the fear it would turn into a nightmare. These fears became my reality.
In the following months, I experienced discrimination from colleagues, managers, and members of human resources. People whispered about whether I was gay or had "the surgeries" because I "looked so real." Others simply walked the other way when they saw me coming. Then, simply for being who I was, I was fired.
I'm not alone. Concerningly, 50% of LGBTQ+ Americans have also been harassed, fired, or denied a promotion at work because of who they are. This discrimination can manifest in a multitude of ways: being rejected as a job applicant, denied a promotion, fired, or experiencing verbal, physical, or sexual harassment.
It's no wonder that only half of LGBTQ+ employees are open about their identity with their supervisors. When we're forced to hide who we are, we're not able to bring ourselves to work, which impacts not only our wellbeing but also the overall success of our team.
What's more, the effects of workplace discrimination aren't confined to the office. In fact,
Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public to Comment on CSUSB’s Police Department
By CSUSB
The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) assessment team will visit the California State University, San Bernardino between Jan. 12 and 14 to examine all aspects of the University Police Department’s (UPD) policy and procedures, management, operation and support services.
The UPD’s participation in the assessment of IACLEA’s stateof-the-art standards is part of the voluntary process to gain accreditation – a highly prized recognition of campus public safety professional excellence.
“As law enforcement professionals, it is important that we maintain the highest level of standards of conduct, transparency, training, and accountability,” said UPD Chief John Guttierez. “Adhering to the accreditation process, we assure our campus community that we are held to the highest standards of upholding justice for everyone – with a lens that welcomes diversity and embraces equity and inclusion. Our students, faculty and staff deserve no less.”
Members of the campus community, police department employees and members of the public are invited to offer comments about the department by calling (909) 537-4300 between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. The assessment team will collect, document and report to IACLEA on comments received.
LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to experience homelessness as compared to the general population, and since more than half of Americans get their health insurance through their employer, being fired -- or not hired in the first place -- hurts access to health care.
Simply put, workplace discrimination can have a profound impact on a person's life. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Coworkers can educate themselves on LGBTQ+ experiences and the various manifestations of bias and discrimination. A wealth of literature on the subject exists, including online resources like the Love Has No Labels website. Knowledge benefits us all and can help correct misconceptions and ensure that your LGBTQ+ colleagues feel supported. Employers can start with explicit anti-discrimination policies that cover gender and sexual identity, and ensure they're backed by concrete actions like using gender-neutral language and offering inclusive benefits such as parental leave and spousal insurance for all.
Beyond policies, education is key. Regular training on LGBTQ+ issues, unconscious bias, and allyship helps build understanding.
The UPD’s accreditation manager is Scott VanScoy, who has overseen the 20-month-long process to prepare for the onsite assessment.
He said the assessment team is composed of experienced campus law enforcement professionals with one from out-of-state and the other in-state. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and inspect facilities where compliance can be witnessed.
The assessors are retired police chief of the University of Arizona Police Department, Brian Seastone (team leader); and retired police chief of the California State University, Chico Police Department, Matt Dillon. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report back to IACLEA, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.
The police department must comply with 227 primary and 496 bulleted standards to achieve accredited status. This accreditation ensures that the department meets 21st-century policing practices and is prepared to be a valuable catalyst in the pursuit of delivering new and innovative services to the community the department serves through partnerships that build trust and enhance the quality of life.
Accreditation is for four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
Telephone comments must address the agency’s ability to comply with IACLEA’s standards. The IACLEA Accreditation Standards Manual is available on the IACLEA website.
Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the UPD’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may email them to jumurphy@iaclea.org
California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually.
Loma Linda University Health Welcomes First Babies of 2025
Community News
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital celebrated its first newborn of the year at the San Manuel Maternity Pavilion. Baby Carter King was born at 12:32 am on New Year’s Day to proud parents Alise Bailey and Eric King of Fontana. Carter's due
By Manny Sandoval
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is championing Senate Bill 48, a legislative effort to shield California schools from U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-33) on Monday, Dec. 16, the bill proposes a one-mile safe zone around schools and stricter safeguards against using school data for deportation efforts.
The bill underscores the reality
date was at the end of the month, making his early arrival a delightful surprise. The baby weighed 5 pounds, 3.8 ounces, and was 18.5 inches.
“It’s special to have a New Year's baby,” said Eric King, Carter King’s father. “He's already starting off good, so I'm happy and excited…I can't wait to see how
that 93% of children with at least one undocumented parent in California are U.S. citizens. Advocates emphasize the state’s legal obligation to provide all children with free and appropriate public education, regardless of immigration status. SB 48 builds on California’s commitment to fostering equity and inclusion, aiming to prevent a resurgence of chronic absenteeism observed during the pandemic.
“SB 48 seeks to push back against threats of deportation that create fear in immigrant families. These practices suppress school attendance and rob
schools of needed revenue,” Thurmond said. “I am honored to partner with bill author Senator Lena Gonzalez, other legislators, and immigrant rights groups to support our families and keep ICE off our school campuses—period.”
Under the bill, school districts, charter schools, county education offices, and staff would be prohibited from granting ICE or other federal immigration authorities access to campuses without a judicial warrant. Additionally, the bill bars law enforcement from cooperating with immigration enforcement within a one-mile radius of
he's going to turn out when he gets older and what he’s going to accomplish in life.”
At Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta, the New Year’s celebration continued with the birth of baby Kehlani at 2:24 a.m. Proud mother Samantha Perez and her family are from Winchester, CA.
schools, creating a secure corridor for families traveling to and from campuses.
“All California children deserve safe school environments that prioritize student learning, regardless of immigration status,” Gonzalez said. “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.”
SB 48 also prohibits the sharing of personal information
about students, their families, or school employees with ICE or other federal authorities. These enhanced data privacy protections aim to prevent sensitive school records from being used in deportation efforts.
By designating schools as safe spaces, the bill aligns with California’s broader efforts to protect immigrant communities and uphold the state’s reputation as a leader in educational equity. If enacted, SB 48 would reaffirm the principle that schools are places of learning, free from fear of deportation-related disruptions.
PHOTO LLUCH
Parents Eric King and Alise Bailey hold their newborn, Carter King, who was born on New Year's Day at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.
PHOTO LLUCH
Samantha Perez of Winchester, CA, welcomes baby Kehlani, born at 2:24 a.m. on New Year's Day at Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta.
San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra Performs Inaugural Concert
cal excellence in the region.
Community News
Video cameras in the hands of more than 400 proud relatives and community members ran nonstop at the inaugural performance of the San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra Sunday, December 15th at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium... and it was glorious.
Cameras which had, years past, been verboten in orchestral settings, have become an ubiquitous part of American life; so on an occasion such as the highly anticipated opening of the region's first full youth orchestra under the auspices of a professional orchestra - the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra - exceptions weren't just made, they were encouraged.
This was, after all, an historic afternoon.
Shared SBYSO Conductor Dr. Lucy Lewis, "The launch of the San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra this fall and the presentation of their inaugural performance represent a resounding success that is a testament to the hard work of all of the students involved, and their families that have supported them. We believe in the talent and brilliance of our Inland Empire youth, and it is our honor to be able to support their growth both as artist-musicians, and human beings."
And support they did.
Following brief welcoming remarks by SBYSO Conductor Dr. Lucy Lewis, and words of encouragement from San Bernardino Symphony Board Member Dr. Kenneth Lane and Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel, the program began with the rhythmic Conga del Fuego Nuevo (Conga of the New Fire) by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, moving on to the brass-forward Busca La Alegría written by Los Angeles-based composer María Eugenia León. Assistant Conductor Veronica Manzanera then took the stage to conduct the first movement of Georges Bizet’s L’Arlesienne, Suite No. 1, followed by Lewis’ return to conduct the remaining three movements.
A brief intermission gave the more than 60 pre-career players a brief chance to rest before they returned to a holiday focused second half with highlights like Of the Father’s Love Begotten featuring Concertmaster Xueyou Melody Ke, and a version of Sleigh Ride, conducted by Manzanera so well done as to rival their professional counterparts the evening before.
Interestingly, Sleigh Ride was the piece conducted by Manzanera when she made her debut with the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra as a California State University San Bernardino student several years past.
"I am truly thrilled to have worked with the students of the San Bernardino Symphony youth orchestra and conduct in the ensembles inaugural concert,” shared Manzanera. “The students performed Spectacularly! They braved their first concert in a truly professional manner as they performed with such radiant energy, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.
Following words of thanks to all who contributed to the success of the performance, the second half ended with Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival and a rousing three-minute standing ovation.
SBYSO Advisory Committee Member Dr. Jessica Getman summed up her feelings about the day: "The absolute success of this group's first concert makes me excited for what's coming. There was so much talent on that stage. Our San Bernardino County and Inland Empire students are getting the educational and artistic opportunity they deserve!"
The Spring semester of the San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra will begin January 12 with a winter workshop led by, among others, members of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsals will be held every Sunday until their Spring concert scheduled for Sunday May 18. General admission seating tickets will be on sale soon.
Child Sant
PHOTO RICARDO TOMBOC
The San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for its inaugural performance at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium, marking a new era of musi-
PHOTO RICARDO TOMBOC
Concertmaster Xueyou Melody Ke captivates the audience with a solo during the San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra's debut concert, a historic celebration of young talent and dedication.
After 18 Years, Ontario and New York Firefighters Play
Final ‘Fire on Ice’ Hockey Match at Toyota Arena Jan. 18
An FDNY goaltender resolutely guards the net as Ontario Fire Department players press the attack during a past Fire on Ice
By Manny Sandoval
The final chapter of an 18-year tradition will unfold on January 18 when the Ontario Fire Department takes on the New York Fire Department in the last-ever “Fire on Ice” hockey game at Toyota Arena. The puck drops at 1 p.m. for the charity match, with proceeds benefiting the Ray Pfeifer Foundation, which assists 9/11 first responders, and the daughters of Ontario Fire Department Firefighter Paramedic Javan Settles, who passed away on December 19, 2024.
Tickets cost $10 and include admission to both the firefighters’ game and the Ontario Reign minor league hockey matchup that follows. An energetic chili cook-off will greet attendees at the door, where donations of any amount grant guests a tasting bracelet and the chance to sample chili from eight competing firehouse teams. Half of those proceeds will go into the department’s 501(c)(3), while the other half—this year—will directly support Settles’ daughters.
“The funds raised always go to a good cause and now two good causes this year,” said Ontario Fire Department Firefighter Paramedic Joel Rodas. “A piece of the brotherhood that makes the fire service amazing is coming together for something bigger than ourselves.”
Special “Fire on Ice” merchandise—created by the Ontario firefighters’ union, Local 1430—will be on sale, with
proceeds directed to the Settles family. Attendees can also use QR codes on-site to purchase whiskey from Southern Collective Spirit Company, with Apple Pay options available for convenience.
Though the event traditionally alternates between Ontario and New York, this year marks its final skate—a tradition that began in 2008 thanks to New York native Rich Grim. Rodas noted that Ontario and FDNY crews have forged deep bonds over the years, strengthened when West Coast firefighters traveled east to assist after the 9/11 terror attack in New York City.
“Here’s a department on the opposite side of the country,” Rodas said. “It’s something more compounded with the passing of Javan—he’s the only guy I know who ever worked for the FDNY and a fire department in California. Having both departments come together again will bring a sense of brotherhood.”
Settles served five years in the FDNY, then spent over a decade in Long Beach before joining Ontario to pursue a better work-life balance for his daughters. His sudden loss has cast a pall over the station, where close-knit crews share living quarters during shifts and become a second family.
“Javan was the life of the firehouse—always enthusiastic, always had a smile on his face, always encouraging, loving, and supportive,” Rodas said. “He really was the most loving, energetic, determined go-getter.
Josie Gonzales Elected San Bernardino County AssessorRecorder-County Clerk, First Hispanic Woman in Role
Everything he did was for his daughters.”
Rodas explained that when firefighters lose a colleague, the absence is felt beyond the job itself, lingering in the station’s hallways and empty bunks.
“When something like this happens, it takes a long time, if not a whole career, to adjust,” Rodas said. “There are still times you’re in the fire station hoping they’ll walk through the door. You look at their bed, their locker, and they’re not there anymore. It’s rough.”
Despite the heartache, Rodas hopes the last “Fire on Ice” will embody the spirit Settles brought to the job—unifying firefighters, families, and the community around shared purpose and friendship.
“We’ll never be able to suffice for the life of Javan, but we want his kids to know they have an entire fire department behind them,” Rodas said.
With live music, a DJ, and local breweries on tap, the January 18 festivities promise a family-friendly celebration of life and service. As the puck drops for the final time, Ontario and New York firefighters will skate side by side—demonstrating yet again that the bonds of firefighting transcend any distance, united in memory and mission.
Tickets can be purchased online, here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/FireOnIce
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San Bernardino County is pleased to announce the election of Josie Gonzales as the new AssessorRecorder-County Clerk, effective January 6th, 2025.
With her extensive background in public service and community leadership, Gonzales is poised to bring innovation, integrity, and dedication to her new role.
Gonzales brings a wealth of experience in local government, having worked in various capacities to support San Bernardino County residents. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring transparency, improving access to services, and supporting the needs of residents.
Her leadership will be pivotal as the Assessor-RecorderCounty Clerk’s office continues its important work in maintaining accurate property records and ensuring fair and equitable assessments for all residents.
“I am truly honored to serve as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk for our community,” said Josie Gonzales. “I look forward to working with my dedicated team to continue enhancing the services we provide, improving transparency, and ensuring that all residents are treated with fairness and respect.”
As Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, Gonzales will oversee the valuation of property, the maintenance of property records, and the facilitation of vital services such as document recording, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and more.
Her vision for the office is focused on modernizing processes, making services more accessible to the public, and maintaining the highest
standards of professionalism.
Josie Gonzales takes office following a successful election in November 2024. She is committed to building on the office’s legacy of excellence and ensuring that all residents benefit from fair and equitable services.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chris Wilhite for his professional leadership and service as Assessor-RecorderCounty Clerk,” said incoming Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales. “His dedication to the office and the community during this time of transition has been invaluable.”
Chris Wilhite was appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on December 6, 2022, to a special two-year term following the unexpected passing of AssessorRecorder-County Clerk Bob Dutton.
For more information about the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office, please visit arc.sbcounty.gov.
Josie Gonzales has been a lifetime resident of San Bernardino County and continues to be an advocate for her community. As a former County Supervisor, she has been dedicated to public service and to improving the lives of all residents.
In her new role as AssessorRecorder-County Clerk, she is focused on bringing fresh perspectives, streamlining processes, and providing transparent and accessible services to the community.
PHOTO ONTARIO REIGN
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PHOTO SB COUNTY
San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe administers the oath of office to newly elected Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales on January 6, 2025.
