*Colton Courier 05/02/24

COLTON COURIER WWe

Rep. Aguilar Presents $963K for San Bernardino’s Safety Camera Project

3

Making Hope Happen Foundation to Celebrate San Bernardino at its May 9th Gala

8

By Manny Sandoval

The Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) hosted its Community Cabinet on April 24th, marking the last event of the 2023/2024 academic year. The nearly quarterly meeting focused on the district's thriving Adult Education program and the achievements of Grand Terrace High School (GTHS). The cabinet shed light on the district's unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and the

diverse array of free programs available to the community.

Marcos Ruiz, GTHS ASB Director, reminisced on the 2020 pandemic, sharing how staff and administration coordinated drivethrough events and delivered over 400 yard signs to that year's graduates. "That really spoke to me," said Ruiz, adding that the love felt on campus drove the school's success in hosting 16 events in the first 90 days of the current academic year.

CJUSD Superintendent Frank Miranda emphasized the importance of the Adult Education program, revealing its crucial role in serving a broad age range from three years old to 60+. "Our goal is to build a world-class adult school," Miranda explained, acknowledging the setback during COVID-19 and the district's renewed commitment to a stronger, more vibrant program. The recent addition of Angela

CJUSD, cont. next pg.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Office: (909) 381-9898

Editorial: iecn1@mac.com

Advertising: sales@iecn.com

CAPSBC is Hosting Kids In Need of Diapers Day on May 4th Pg. 8

and harvesting crops and plants.

Legals : iecnlegals@hotmail.com

Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Office: (909) 381-9898

Editorial: iecn1@mac.com

Advertising: iecn1@mac.com

Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com

By Manny Sandoval

Music Changing Lives (MCL), a nonprofit organization that has empowered youth through arts and education for over two decades, celebrated its 26th anniversary at its community garden in San Bernardino, addressing the region's food deserts through planting

"We want to thank the community for joining us on this historic moment. We're Colton's Education Revolution: A Community Cabinet Celebrates Lifelong Learning, Free Adult Classes, and Diversity Music Changing Lives Celebrates 26th Anniversary by Combating Inland Food Deserts with Community Garden Harvesting

The event, held at the Uptown San Bernardino Urban Garden at 261 W 40th Street, brought together nearly five dozen community members to plant beans and kale, harvest lettuce and cilantro, and celebrate the fruitful collaboration. Food deserts, characterized by limited access to

affordable and nutritious food, plague many areas of the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino. MCL's efforts aimed to alleviate these disparities, cultivating a vibrant community of food and creativity.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Grand Terrace High School ASB displaying photos of events they have coordinated throughout the 2023/2024 academic school year at the Community Cabinet on April 24, 2024.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Music Changing Lives celebrating its 26th anniversary at its community garden, located at 261 W 40th Street, San Bernardino.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

A CJUSD parent (left) who has benefitted from adult school ESL classes and ESL Teacher Belin Rubio (right) sharing heartfelt testimony at the community event.

MCL, cont. next pg.

Hassan as principal of the Adult School has accelerated progress, with transformative changes taking root.

The Adult School offers an extensive range of free classes, including English Language Acquisition, Citizenship, English Language Civics, Adult Basic Education, GED Prep, and High School Diploma courses. The English Language Acquisition and Citizenship classes, in particular, were celebrated at the meeting, with numerous past and present participants sharing their experiences.

ESL and Citizenship student Francisca Ramirez expressed her gratitude to ESL teacher Belin Rubio, who has been with the district for two decades. "I learned English with Mrs. Rubio, and now it's helped at places like the grocery store," said Ramirez, elated by her recent attainment of U.S. citizenship. Rubio's combined ESL and Citizenship class saw three students pass the citizenship test, highlighting the program's effectiveness.

Sandy Mortenson, Director of Student Services at Colton Redlands Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program (CRYROP), provided updates on initiatives supporting community advancement. The Testing Center, formed in partnership with CJUSD a decade ago, allows GED-prepped students to take their exam locally. The Vehicle Maintenance Technician program, established in 2018, partners with industry leaders, including Tom Bell Chevrolet and the County Fleet Department, providing hands-on auto mechanic experience. Additionally, the Nurse Assistant program for high school students equips

celebrating 26 years of serving the Inland Empire for arts and creativity,” said MCL Founder Josiah Bruny. "What better way to combat being a food desert than with the artistic expression of planting herbs and native plants? Our garden has over 30 different species of fruit trees surrounding us. And we have over 70 different species of vegetables that we're actually getting to harvest and taste today for the first time ever.”

Bruny emphasized the importance of community support in their continued success. The garden not only addresses food insecurity in the Inland Empire but also nurtures local bonds. Attendees enjoyed performances by live artists, showcasing MCL's mission to blend arts, education, and community development.

Tia Youngblood, co-founder of Soulful Soil Farms in Corona, emphasized the importance of community gardens in areas suffering from food deserts. "We’re harvesting lettuce and cilantro today and planting more flowers along the arrow; and just planted beans and kale. Community urban gardens are so important because so many

participants with state licensure, similar to community college programs.

Grand Terrace High School Principal Charles Neighbours shared GTHS's vision for the future, emphasizing its commitment to equity, achievement, and wellness. "We want to make sure our students are thriving," Neighbours asserted, detailing the school's focus on a diverse curriculum, wellness initiatives, and community engagement.

ASB student Macy reflected on GTHS's success in fostering cultural diversity through events like Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, and the school's winter sports teams making it to CIF. The Arts Pathway and Engineering Pathway programs further prepare students for college and careers, with a focus on creative problem-solving and hands-on learning, respectively.

The event concluded with parent leader Suget Lopez's encouragement to strengthen leadership in support of children's needs. "We're shaping the future and leaving a legacy," Lopez affirmed, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in driving progress forward.

The Community Cabinet celebrated the district's educational milestones and reaffirmed its dedication to providing free and accessible education to all. Through initiatives like the Adult Education program, career training, and community engagement, CJUSD continues to build a brighter future for the Colton community.

areas of our region are food deserts, with a fast food majority and less fresh produce, and if fresh produce is available to our communities - our communities are often priced out. Gardens like this keep people involved locally and regionally and help build friendships.”

MCL began in 1998 when Bruny established a recording studio in his home in Moreno Valley, teaching young musicians how to record and copyright their music. Drawing on his experience working with prominent figures like Master P and Ice Cube, Bruny has transformed MCL into an organization that empowers at-risk youth through arts, music, and entrepreneurship programs.

The celebration marked 26 years of serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties, reaching thousands of youth every year. MCL's efforts continue to make a profound impact on individuals and communities, paving the way for a healthier, more artistically vibrant Inland Empire.

Commemorates the Battle of Puebla which was fought on May 5, 1862. A small contingent of Mexican soldiers, outnumbered 3 to 1, defeated an elite French army. French forces had not been defeated for almost 50 years. While the French would go on to win the war, it kept the full force of the French army from going to the aid of the Confederate States of America in the American Civil War. Ultimately, the French occupation of Mexico would end in 1867.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Two Grand Terrace High School students discussing the CARE Pathway program - which allows students to take courses that are medically focused and after completion, students become Clinical Medical Assistants or are on their way to becoming an Emergency Medical Responder.

MCL

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

A child digging a hole to plant within the garden’s arrow.

Public Safety & Government

Rep. Aguilar Presents $963K for San Bernardino’s Safety Camera Project

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Host Students for Government Day

Community News

On Tuesday, April 23rd, San Bernardino County celebrated Government Day hosted by Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. by welcoming students from Colton Joint Unified and Rialto Unified School Districts to observe a live board meeting. The event featured engaging presentations and direct interactions with representatives from County Administration, Legislative Affairs, and Human Resources, highlighting the importance of local government in enhancing our community.

"These students are our future—who will one day run and work in our county. By inviting them into our government center, we hope to showcase the amazing opportunities our county has to offer," said Supervisor Joe Baca Jr.

"Today is so impactful because it connects the dots between civic engagement and how it applies to the real world. We want to inspire them to recognize they are our community’s future." Diana Alexander, Assistant Executive Officer in the San Bernardino County Administrative Office, highlighted "These students are our future. They're in school now to learn how they can be part of our society. We hope today's experience ignites a passion for public service and encourages them to bring their innovative ideas and

skills to help fulfill the county-wide vision," Alexander noted.

“It’s essential to let our young people know they have a voice in legislation that can profoundly impact our community’s prosperity,” said Megan Kidwell, from the County Legislative Office.

Reflecting on the importance of youth engagement in local government, Jose Mancilla, from the County Human Resource Department, shared, “We are doing the invaluable work of reaching out to the next generations—the future leaders who will run or work for the county. It’s crucial they understand what local government can do for them and the opportunities it holds,”

After the day's activities, students took a moment to reflect on what they learned, sharing insights and ideas. Andrew Boyd, a student from Rialto, found the day to be eye-opening. Sharing that day has inspired him to think about a career where he can help improve our community, like our parks and neighborhoods.

San Bernardino County and Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. are committed to inspiring the next generation, ensuring that today's students become tomorrow's leaders and innovators in our community.

Community News

Rep. Aguilar announced nearly $2 million in federal funding to bolster law enforcement and public safety in the Inland Empire.

Rep. Aguilar secured $1 million for the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Advanced Traffic Management System. This funding will be used to install of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, communication networking equipment and over 60 traffic signals that will flow into the local Traffic Management Center, reducing traffic congestion and improving roadside safety.

Rep. Aguilar also delivered $963,000 for the City of San Bernardino’s Safety Camera Project. The City will install safety cameras that monitor activity, support local law enforcement and ensure the safety and success of Inland Empire residents and small businesses.

“I am excited to announce nearly $2,000,000 in investments for our community’s safety,” said Rep. Aguilar. “This funding will further support law enforcement as they work to tackle crime in the region, bolster roadside safety for

Brightline

our pedestrians and drivers and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

“Thanks to Congressman Aguilar’s generous support in helping to secure $1 million in federal funding for the City’s Advanced Traffic Management System, the expansion of this system will allow the City to modify signal timing and operations in real time, reducing travel time, improving emergency response times, and improving our community’s air quality,” said Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy.

“We thank Congressman Aguilar for fighting to include in the budget $963,000 to help fund an integrated security camera system in San Bernardino,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “Thanks to this system, our residents, businesses, and visitors will not only feel safer, they’ll be safer.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar helped pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 into law, which included over $17 million in federal investments for 15 local projects across the region Rep. Aguilar represents in Congress.

Breaks Ground on High-Speed Rail Linking Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas

Community News

April 22 marked a historic milestone with Brightline's groundbreaking ceremony for its highly anticipated high-speed rail project connecting Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the site of the future Las Vegas station, signifies the commencement of construction on this transformative transportation infrastructure.

Representatives from Brightline, local government officials, and community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the start of this monumental project, which promises to revolutionize travel between Southern California and Las Vegas.

The Brightline high-speed rail service will offer passengers a comfortable and convenient travel experience, with state-ofthe-art trains capable of reaching speeds up to 200 miles per hour.

Trains will take passengers form Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in just 2 hours and 10 minutes, twice as fast as the normal drive time. The 218-mile route will feature premium amenities to exceptional onboard experiences with all the extras.

“I am excited for our residents

to experience convenience of this sustainable travel option," said Supervisor Curt Hagman.

“The Brightline high-speed rail service is expected to stimulate economic growth and create thousands of jobs throughout the region. Construction of the rail will generate opportunities for local businesses and suppliers, while ongoing operations will support jobs in hospitality, tourism, and transportation sectors. Additionally, the zero-emission electric train will remove over 400,000 tons of CO2 emissions every year," continued Hagman.

Brightline anticipates that the high-speed rail service will begin operations within the next few years, providing travelers with a fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas.

For more information about Brightline and the high-speed rail project, please visit www.brightlinewest.com.

Supervisor Hagman has served as the Fourth District Supervisor since 2014, representing Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, and Upland (generally below 14th St.). He is also proud to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the California State Guard.

PHOTO AGUILAR’S OFFICE

(Left to right) SBPD Commissioner Junior Carillo, SBPD Chief Darren Goodman, Rep. Pete Aguilar, Mayor Helen Tran, Councilman Theodore Sanchez, and Councilman Damon Alexander on April 25, 2024.

PHOTO BACA’S OFFICE

Students from Colton and Rialto engaging in Government Day with Supervisor Baca.

Making Hope Happen Foundation to

By Erin Brinker, MHHF VP of Development

On May 9, 2024, the Making Hope Happen Foundation will be holding its annual gala at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in San Bernardino.

This year’s theme will be Springtime in Paris and guests will be treated with delicious, French-inspired cuisine and wine, music from the award-winning Teen Music Workshop, student art auctions (100% of the proceeds from which will be paid to the artists), great silent auction trips, and Raiders gear signed by San Bernardino’s own Alexander Mattison. Trips include Perfect Paris, Ferrari Fantasy in Modena, Italy (complete with a test drive), golf and spa vacations, fly fishing in Montana, and coastal Charleston, South Carolina.

“This event is a party!” says Niki Dettman, CEO of the Making Hope Happen Foundation. “Everything we do at the Foundation is in support of San Bernardino and the gala is our time to celebrate while raising the funds needed to make our work possible. Funds raised will support the four pillars of the Making Hope Happen Foundation: Mentor-Supported Scholarships, Dr. Albert Karnig Infant-Toddler Success (KITS), Innovation in Education, and Uplift San Bernardino.”

Each year, the Making Hope Happen Foundation provides dozens of scholarships that include a $3,000 cash award plus a paid mentor for two years, to graduating seniors from the San Bernardino City Unified School District comprehensive and continuation high schools, and the Inland Career Education Center adult school. For the 2024 graduating class, thanks to the contributions of missioncritical partners and donors, 125 scholarships have been

Celebrate San Bernardino at its May 9th Gala

awarded that, when combined with mentor support, totals $562,500.

Making Hope Happen Foundation scholarships are need-based. Any graduating senior with a 2.0 GPA or higher are encouraged to apply each January. Students are awarded extra points if they are low-income, were raised by single parents, are themselves parenting, have been homeless or in foster care or who would have qualified for the DACA program. Unless otherwise stipulated by the donors, students can use their scholarships at any accredited post-secondary institution from trade schools to universities.

Since most of the awardees are the first in their families to go to college, providing paid mentors is a best practice. Mentors are former Making Hope Happen Foundation scholarship recipients who are now upperclassmen or graduate students. They are all trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid and act as knowledgeable friends to help their mentored students navigate the transition to and the first two years of college.

“We don’t have throw away students. Every student is valuable. Every student is important.” Dr. Margaret Hill

This year’s gala will include a very special element. In 2021, AM, LLC, the company that provided COVID-19 mitigation services to the San Bernardino City Unified School District, provided a $50,000 gift to start an endowed scholarship in the name of the late and incomparable Dr. Margaret Hill in support of students graduating from San Andreas Continuation High School, where she served as principal for sixteen years. In order to be fully funded, endowed scholarships must total at least $75,000. At that level, the interest from the fund can be used for

CAPSBC is Hosting Kids In Need of Diapers Day on May 4th

Community News

On Saturday, May 4, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is set to host a Kids In Need of Diapers (K.I.N.D.) Day event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event sheds light on the challenges of some families with diaper-wearing children while providing resources for 1500 diaper-age children and their families.

Resources provided as part of the event include diapers, food boxes, clothes, books and other educational resources. Families interested in taking part in the event can register at Eventbrite.com.

CAPSBC anticipates roughly 500 families at its location at 696 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408. With the anticipated crowd, there will be games, story time and

an arts and crafts section for the whole family to enjoy.

The event also coincides with the agency's Community Action Month, which CAPSBC uses an opportunity to reach the community and provide vital resources to families and individuals in need.

More information on the event can be found on Eventbrite, where registration is also taking place. To learn more about CAPSBC, visit capsbc.org.

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino is the designated Community Action Agency for San Bernardino County and is charged with providing programs and services for over 800,000 low-income individuals and families to help lift them out of poverty.

one more scholarship each year in perpetuity. Thanks to the generosity of local attorney and philanthropist, Bill Lemann, every dollars raised up to $25,000 will be matched, which means a $50 donation becomes $100. If the full $50,000 are raised, two scholarships will be awarded this year instead of having to wait for future interest to accrue.

The Making Hope Happen Foundation scholarships helps students like Xavina, a 2019 graduate of San Gorgonio High School and 2023 graduate of the University of Redlands. Upon graduation from the University of Redlands, Xavina interned for Congressman Pete Aguilar and is now working for the Making Hope Happen Foundation as a Neighborhood Development Program Coordinator where she is working to improve the lives of San Bernardino residents.

“My first generation college experience was made so much more enjoyable, successful, and easier to navigate because of the help of this foundation. The funds from my scholarship were put to good use and helped pay for: all of my books, traveling expenses (gas, Uber [when my regular ride or a student ride was not available], bus tickets), school supplies, and on a few occasions small snacks (with permission from the foundation) on days where I forgot or did not have time to pack food for myself. Honestly, though, if it were not for the foundation's help I would have been even more stressed out my first few weeks of college wondering how I was going to pay for my books, school supplies, and so on. Please know that this foundation is truly a big help for all of us students who received it,” said Xavina.

For more information about the Making Hope Happen Foundation and to purchase tickets to the gala, please visit www.makinghope.org.

PHOTO MMHF

Heri Garcia, Damon Alexander, Niki Dettman, Helen Tran, and Kim Calvin at last year’s event.

PHOTO MMHF

An aerialist at sunset during the 2023 MHHF Gala.