*Colton Courier 05/23/24

COLTON COURIER WWe

By Manny Sandoval

Aroma De Cafe, a beloved sandwich and coffee shop in downtown Colton, has quickly become a cherished spot since opening in January 2024. The cafe’s unique blend of delicious food, exceptional coffee, and communityfocused atmosphere has earned it a stellar 4.8-star rating on both Google and Yelp.

Owner Jesus Villarruel, affectionately known as Chuy, has infused Aroma De Cafe with a sense of community and personal dedication. The idea for the shop was born during a work trip to San Jose. “I was inspecting a fight in San Jose, and my hotel was downtown. I walked out of my room, saw a small coffee shop, and thought, 'I’ve always wanted to start a business like this,'” Villarruel recalled.

Villarruel’s journey to opening Aroma De

Cafe was not straightforward. As a Distribution Operator for Riverside Highland Water Company and an Athletic Inspector for the State of California’s professional combative sports, including UFC and boxing events for Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Jaime Munguia, and Logan Paul, Villarruel juggles multiple roles. His dream of owning a coffee shop took a backseat when his father fell ill with

By Dr. G (Dr Luis S González), community writer

Genesis Rodela Uriarte, an 11thgrade student at Colton High School, has been appointed as the new Youth Commissioner for the Recreation and Parks Commission, effective through June 30, 2025. The appointment was officially presented by Council Member Dr. Luis S. González at the recent Recreation and Parks Commission meeting.

The role of Youth Commissioner is a prestigious position requiring attendance at all Recreation and Parks Commission meetings. Although the Youth Commissioner can present information, ask questions, and deliberate, they do not have voting rights. This position provides invaluable experience and training for young individuals like Genesis who are eager to expand their educational horizons.

The nomination for Genesis was put forward by Council Member Dr. González on May

7 and was unanimously approved by the City Council. This appointment follows several months of logistical and legal evaluations to ensure a smooth process.

Genesis is a dedicated student at Colton High School, where she takes a full schedule of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and plays in the school band. She is also actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including serving as Teen Ms. Colton, participating in the Rotary speech contest, receiving the HOBY award from the Colton Woman’s Club in 2023, and attending CITY TALK neighborhood meetings hosted by Dr. González.

Looking ahead, Genesis plans to pursue a major in microbiology after graduation. She is currently applying to several colleges and is expected to be accepted into her chosen institution without difficulty. Known for her positivity, reliability, and strong communication skills, Genesis has the full support of her parents and Dr.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

(Left to right) Aroma De Cafe Owner Jesus Villarruel (Chuy) and his sister Roxana Pachuca in the dining area of the shop, which is clean, bright, and features a minimalistic/modern aesthetic.

PHOTO DR G

(Left to right) Dr. G, Council Member, and Genesis Rodela Uriarte, Youth Commissioner. Youth Commissioner , cont. next pg.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

A handmade turkey sandwich on wheat bread featuring pepper jack cheese, sprouts, avocado, lettuce, spinach, and onion - with light mayo, mustard, and italian dressing, it’s only $7.99.

Aroma De Cafe

cancer. After his father's passing in 2022, Villarruel was inspired to pursue his dream as a tribute to his father's perseverance and legacy.

“My dad was from Mexico and managed to establish himself here. Seeing what he accomplished with so little made me realize that with all the resources at my fingertips, I had to give it a try,” Villarruel said. He searched for the perfect location in downtown Colton and finally found it near the police station and civic center. “We already have Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts; it was time for a mom-and-pop coffee shop.”

Aroma De Cafe offers a variety of delicious options, from caramel macchiatos to this week’s special, a horchata latte. The menu also features a “build your own” turkey sandwich with locally sourced breads from Old Town Bakery Company in San Bernardino, and a range of other fresh ingredients from local stores like Restaurant Depot, Smart & Final, and Stater Bros in Colton.

One of the unique aspects of Aroma De Cafe is its community focus. Every Saturday, a men's Bible group meets at the shop, making it a hub for community engagement. “We’re homegrown,” Villarruel said proudly. “I graduated from Colton Highland School in 1997 and wanted to create a place where the community could gather, whether they’re walking or biking over.”

Villarruel’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. “One of the biggest struggles was getting all the permits through the city. I had to go through an architect even for non-structural walls, which impacted my budget significantly,” he explained. Competing with big corporations that advertise heavily on TV and social media is another hurdle. “We rely solely on social media for advertising. Consistency in customer flow is tough when up against the big players.”

Despite these obstacles, Villarruel remains committed to balancing his business with family time. “Even with my full-time job, I can still have family time. My schedule varies, but I make it work because this business is also about showing my daughters what’s possible and providing for them.”

Villarruel’s dedication extends beyond his coffee shop. He serves as the head chairman for the Code Enforcement and Housing Appeals Board, a position he’s held since 2018. His involvement in the community and his business’s commitment to local sourcing reflect his deep roots in Colton.

The community’s support is evident in the shop’s high ratings, with 4.8 stars on both Google and Yelp. Regulars like a man named Kenny, a mentally disabled Colton resident, who visits daily for his chocolate milkshake, highlight the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of Aroma De Cafe. “Kenny comes in every day, and it’s interactions like these that make all the hard work worthwhile,” Villarruel shared.

Aroma De Cafe is located at 741 N La Cadena Dr., Unit 8, and offers phone orders, catering, coffee travelers, and DoorDash services. They even have a loyalty card program – buy nine drinks, and the tenth is free. With a manual espresso machine, the cafe caters to customer preferences, making each drink just right.

On the morning of May 19th, Aroma De Cafe experienced an unfortunate act of vandalism. Someone put super glue into the key insert of the front door, delaying the usual 7 AM opening until 11 AM. Despite this setback, Villarruel remains undeterred. “I was disappointed when I saw what happened, but the support from our regulars and the community has been overwhelming,” he said. “We opened a bit late, but the day turned out great, thanks to everyone’s patience and encouragement.”

Villarruel’s journey to opening Aroma De Cafe included a hands-on learning experience. “To learn how to make coffee and espresso, I worked for a lady with a coffee cart at the fairgrounds. I asked her if I could work for her for free in exchange for learning, and I worked a few events to learn how to use espresso machines,” he shared.

For more information or to place an order, contact Aroma De Cafe at (909) 222-4467. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM, and on Saturdays from 7 AM to 12 PM. With its blend of great coffee, delicious sandwiches, and community spirit, Aroma De Cafe is here to stay, despite the challenges.

Youth Commissioner González.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Genesis said, "I’m interested in serving as a Youth Commissioner to learn more about our community and do my part." Her extensive involvement in school and community activities demonstrates her commitment and readiness to excel in this new responsibility.

For more information about

CITY TALK, various community groups, Colton history, the trash clean-up, the G-Team, prayer lists, history briefs, Veteran Spotlight, community projects and events, neighborhood meetings, or the online liveChurch spotlight, Business spotlight, U.S. Flag watch, neighborhood meetings, community projects and events, or the online live-stream programs, contact Dr. Luis S. González at 909-213-3730. Questions and comments are always welcome.

San Bernardino Celebrates Community Revival with Three Dodgers Dreamfields, Emphasizing Critical Importance of Parks for Youth

By Manny Sandoval

In a significant stride towards community development and youth empowerment, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), in collaboration with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the City of San Bernardino, proudly unveiled Dodgers Dreamfields 61, 62, and 63 at Blair Park on Saturday, May 18. This event marks a milestone in LADF’s goal to establish 75 fields by 2033, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles in 1958.

The ceremony featured remarks from LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman, San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, and other key partners and sponsors. Notable attendees included Los Angeles Dodgers third-base coach Dino Ebel, who hails from the Inland Empire, and a host of local youth baseball and softball players who participated in a skills clinic on the newly refurbished fields.

“The unveiling of three new Dodgers Dreamfields is a celebration of the power of community, the joy of play, and the boundless potential of our youth,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “These fields represent dreams taking flight and where transformative play ensures every child has a place to dream, grow, and shine.”

This $1.7 million investment, primarily funded by a nearly $1.3 million grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, includes new playing surfaces and grass, enclosed fields, upgraded dugouts, irrigation systems, new pitching mounds, bullpens, and LED scoreboards that echo Dodger Stadium’s iconic look.

“Our partnership with the youth of the Inland Empire region continues to grow just like the boundless energy, creativity, and pursuits of our bright young people,” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “Heisman Trophy winner

Jayden Daniels is only the most recent example of the potential of San Bernardino youth. We are confident that future Major League Baseball stars will crowd the Dreamfields at Blair Park very soon!”

The significance of this project extends beyond the fields themselves. According to Parks for California, 65% of San Bernardino residents live in areas with less than three acres of park space per 1,000 people, and 39% live further than half a mile from a park, compared to the national average of 55%. The completion of these fields is expected to provide over 9,800 local youth with access to safe and modern recreational spaces, potentially reducing these disparities and fostering a sense of community.

“I had chills driving up to the park this morning like my first day in the big leagues,” said Dino Ebel. “For the youngsters here today, dream. Dream big. Because they do come true. And this is where it starts.”

City Council Member Ben Reynoso, reflecting on his childhood memories, said, “I love this park so much. To see these brand-new baseball fields here is an incredible gift to the residents of San Bernardino.”

The collaboration between LADF, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and other sponsors such as Security Benefit, LA84 Foundation, and the Helen and Will Webster Foundation, showcases a unified effort to bring positive change to the community.

Mayor Helen Tran expressed her gratitude, stating, “We cannot thank the Dodgers Foundation, San Manuel, and all the sponsors enough. The youth in San Bernardino deserve great fields to play on and that is happening because of this partnership.”

Read more at IECN.com.

Public Safety

San Bernardino Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on May 23

Comunity News

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the San Bernardino Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers

off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt. Jeff Harvey said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

San Bernardino Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving.

While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a firsttime DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Last Week’s City of San Bernardino DUI Checkpoint Results in 53 Arrested and 34 Cited

Comunity News

Four drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence and 34 citations were issued at a DUI Checkpoint on May 17, 2024.

The DUI checkpoint was held on the 1700 block of E. 5th Street. from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

There were 49 drivers arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Also, 804 vehicles were contacted during the checkpoint and 30 vehicles were impounded.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired

driving-related collisions.

The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-

Shocking Murder-Suicide Attempt Rocks Rialto Mobile Home Park: Woman Dead, Boyfriend Critical

By Manny Sandoval

Atranquil morning was shattered on Sunday, May 12th, 2024, as a domestic dispute erupted into violence at the Parque La Quinta Mobile Home Park. At approximately 9:12 a.m., the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received a frantic 9-1-1 call reporting shots fired at 350 S. Willow Avenue.

Officers responded swiftly and arrived on the scene just before 9:15 a.m., discovering a horrific scene. A 55-year-old woman was found unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite

immediate medical attention from Rialto Fire Department Paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Inside the same mobile home, police discovered her boyfriend, Leonardo Rios-Gonzalez, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Preliminary investigations indicate that Rios-Gonzalez shot the victim before attempting to take his own life. He was rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Authorities confirmed the relationship between the victim and

Rios-Gonzalez but are still probing the motive behind this tragic incident. Rialto Police Department Homicide Detectives have taken over the investigation and will be filing homicide charges against Rios-Gonzalez with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

The Rialto Police Department is appealing to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation. Detective Sergeant Ralph Ballew can be contacted at (909) 533-7463. Additionally, anonymous tips can be reported through WeTip at (800) 7827463.

“Click It or Ticket” Campaign Reminds Californians to Buckle Up

Comunity News

For Memorial Day Weekend, the Redlands Police Department reminds travelers to always buckle up and secure children in the right car seats when visiting friends and family.

This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign runs from May 20 to June 2. During this time, RPD will have additional officers on patrol actively looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing a seat belt. This includes vehicles where children are not secured in child safety seats or the right safety seats for their age.

“Wearing a seat belt should be automatic for all drivers and passengers every trip,” RPD Cpl. Martin Gonzalez said. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember always to buckle up.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 12,000 people killed in crashes throughout the country in 2021 were not wearing seat belts. In California, 878 people killed in crashes in 2021 were not wearing seat belts, an increase of 12.3 percent from 2020.

California law requires a child to be secured in a safety or booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

San Bernardino City Unified School District Approves Ground Lease for New Fire Station in North San Bernardino

Comunity News

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) announced the approval of a ground lease agreement with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) to facilitate the construction of a new fire station intended to serve the Wildwood Park neighborhood and surrounding areas of the City of San Bernardino.

This strategic collaboration will see County Fire leasing approximately one acre on the southern portion of the Arrowhead Elementary School property to facilitate the building of a new fire station 227. The lease includes provisions for a long-term commitment that could extend up to 99 years, reflecting a significant investment in community safety and infrastructure.

The new fire station will enhance emergency response capabilities in the City of San Bernardino, offering immediate fire protection services directly adjacent to the school site.

Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. added, "With the City of San Bernardino having one of the highest call volumes in the country, this fire station is a necessary expansion of our capacity to ensure swift, efficient emergency responses. It will significantly bolster our preparedness and ability to protect our community and the surrounding areas, particularly those most vulnerable."

The modernized, energy-efficient facility is set to replace the

community's existing station, located at 282 W 40th street, which has proudly operated since 1953. The new station will include additional apparatus space and accommodate additional personnel to meet the fire, rescue, and EMS needs for decades to come.

"Supervisor Baca has always been a big supporter of our schools here in San Bernardino City Unified and this new agreement with San Bernardino County Fire would not have been possible without his efforts. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on the community of San Bernardino and the staff and students at Arrowhead Elementary School,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “This partnership is in direct alignment with the District's recently Board-adopted Vision 2030 SBCUSD SHINES initiative where student success is bolstered through collaborations. Great things are happening ‘right here’ in San Bernardino.”

This proximity to the school and residential areas ensures that the fire station is a visible, integral part of the community it aims to protect, further enhancing the safety net for the residents of the City of San Bernardino.

The construction and operational details of the fire station will adhere to the highest standards of safety and efficiency, ensuring a state-of-the-art facility that meets the growing needs of the City of San Bernardino.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Parque La Quinta Mobile Home Park is located at 350 S. Willow Avenue.

From Hitting the Books to Walking Down the Aisle: Redlands Couple Shares Journey

to Becoming Graduates of Crafton Hills

The rest is history.

Community News

In relationships, vacation plans or binge-watching Netflix are common to-do items. However, one married couple from Redlands, Calif., will soon complete a sought-after milestone when they graduate from Crafton Hills College (Crafton) as part of the Class of 2024 later this month.

“We never planned on graduating together,” laughed Stephanie Renteria, 24. “I really don’t know how it happened this way.”

Let’s rewind a bit to a time when a single George Renteria, now 34, was browsing Instagram and landed on Stephanie’s profile. He noticed they had something in common as Roadrunners attending Yucaipa’s little college on the hill, so he took a chance and sent Stephanie a direct message.

The couple completed their associate degree programs in December 2023. George earned his degree in business administration, and Stephanie earned hers in social science. However, while speaking with their site counselors, they discovered they were both only a few credits away from completing another associate degree.

Stephanie and George hit the books and spent the last couple of months attending classes online to complete the next chapter in their Crafton journey. Each praised the other with tremendous support and encouragement.

They also credit Crafton for sparking a “true love” connection, one they are excited to share when asked, “Can you tell me the story of how you first met?”

“Even before I met my wife, I

was going to Riverside Community College and San Bernardino Valley College. Then, one day, I was driving around the Yucaipa/Redlands area and found Crafton. I thought it was so beautiful, and I knew this was the place where I could figure it all out,” said George.

“We eventually started figuring it out together,” said Stephanie.

“I just wanted to finish something I started a long time ago,” continued George. “I could lie to myself and give excuses as to why I didn’t finish earlier, but I believe it was destined to be this way.”

George and Stephanie will receive their degrees during Crafton’s commencement ceremony for the newest class of graduates.

To learn more, visit craftonhills.edu.

SBVC Students Rally to Extend Lifesaving Books + Program, Summer Extension Announced

By Tony Barber, SBVC Film/IECN Intern

The Books + program, a significant initiative at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Crafton Hills College, has been a vital resource for students, providing free textbooks and essential educational tools since its inception in fall 2021.

Returning SBVC student Tony Barber, who re-enrolled in spring 2023, highlighted the program's substantial benefits.

"Books + has been a great boon for us students," Barber said. "The program has saved us money by suspending lab fees for studio arts classes and allowing instructors to choose free books and additional equipment to promote our educational success."

Jessica Esquivel, manager of the SBVC bookstore operated by Follett, explained that the Books + program was established with funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) provided through COVID-19 relief efforts. "SBCCD chose to utilize these funds to promote equitable accessibility and benefit every student at SBVC and Crafton Hills," Esquivel noted. The program was initiated by then-interim Chancellor Jose Torres, who now serves as Executive Vice Chancellor.

Despite its success, the Books + program was initially set to conclude on June 30, 2024. However, thanks to successful negotiations with Follett, the program will continue through the Summer 2024 term. This means students can still enjoy free rental access to textbooks and course materials for their summer courses. Nevertheless, this extension marks the final term of Books + as it currently exists.

Looking ahead, a new affordable textbook and course materials rental program will launch in Fall 2024. This initiative aims to

continue assisting students with affordable access to educational resources. Students will pay only $20 per class unit to rent required textbooks and course materials, projected to save them between $100 and $300 per semester. Most textbooks will be available as e-books, with hard-copy materials provided upon request.

For faculty, the process remains straightforward. They are encouraged to contact their campus bookstore with textbook and course material adoptions for Fall 2024. Students will have the option to opt-out of the new rental program, though opting out will apply to all classes for the entire semester.

The Books + program has been a lifeline for many students, and the upcoming changes reflect a commitment to maintaining support for student success.

In response to the initial announcement of the program's end, many students demonstrated at the SBCCD board meeting on March 14. Approximately 40 students gathered in protest, with about a dozen speaking to board members in support of continuing the program. Protesters held signs reading "#Remove The Board in 2024" and chanted "Free the Books!" intermittently.

While Jose Torres played a key role in implementing the program, current SBCCD Chancellor Diana Rodriguez is seen as influential in any potential extension or revival of Books +. "Our hope lies with the SBCCD Board," Barber stated. "We can only hope that our wishes, actions, and words don't fall on deaf ears."

Barber and fellow students continue to urge those who have benefited from the Books + program to voice their support for its continuation and to plan for the new rental program in the fall.

Micro-Internship Program Introduces Cajon High School Students to IEHP Career Pathways

Community News

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) welcomed students from Cajon High School to its first micro-internship, a one-day program focused on entry-level career pathways held on April 24 in collaboration with San Bernardino County of Schools’ (SBCSS) Workforce SBCSS Program.

Highlights included a panel discussion with IEHP leaders, campus tours and lunch for participants, all of whom were or are currently enrolled in Cajon High’s Behavioral Health & Human Services Pathway Program.

“This is such an exciting moment for me because you are the very first students to

set foot on our IEHP campus,” said Carmen Vega, IEHP’s manager of Community Behavioral Health and Community Supports.

The Workforce SBCSS Program features in-person/virtual interactions between industry partners and small groups of students. Its mission is to transform lives through workplace readiness, and microinternships are one way to make that possible.

“We really want [our students] to be able to learn technical and essential skills that will be able to support their transition into a workplace like IEHP,” said Jalisa Randle, project manager for Workforce SBCSS.

IEHP first collaborated with SBCSS in June 2023 to host micro-internships on its

campus, allowing students to connect directly with industry leaders to ask in-depth questions; learn and practice foundational workplace-related skills; receive hands-on training and feedback; and broaden their professional network.

Cajon High School is located in the north end of San Bernardino off West Hill Drive. Out of close to 2,800 students enrolled, 78% are identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged and 6.4% are English language learners.

Curriculum and programs like the site’s career pathway are designed to meet the diverse needs of the school’s population of students and set them for success preand-post-graduation.

“I have the privilege of having a great

community at school where [our pathway lead] Mr. [Christian] Peters and my counselor helped me get into this program,” said Melody Glass, a Cajon High senior. “I don’t think I would have been here otherwise without them.”

To learn more about Workforce SBCSS, go to www.wsbcss.org. For more on IEHP and careers available, visit careers.iehp.org.

With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans, the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country, and for the third year in a row, certified as A Great Place To Work®.

PHOTO CHC

(Left to right) George Renteria and Stephanie Renteria are part of the Crafton Hills College graduating class of 2024.

Community News

CSUSB alumna Abi Carter ’23, the singing sensation from Indio, concluded her extraordinary run on season 22 of “American Idol” by being crowned the winner. This remarkable journey, which began with a standout audition on Feb. 25 that catapulted her into the hearts of American viewers, showcased not only her vocal talent but also her profound artistry and resilience.

The May 19 show finale was filled with show-stopping performances and surprises. Carter performed Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses” to applause that went on so long, she broke down in tears. An even greater surprise for the singer was a pre-recorded video from Billie Eilish, whose song Carter sang for her audition. Eilish said, “I wish you nothing but the best. I’m here to support you, and I love ya,” to a stunned Carter.

Carter’s performances continued with a moving rendition of “Somewhere” from West Side Story, which was her tribute to her hometown of Indio. Carter also had the opportunity to perform her original single, “This Isn’t Over.”

When she was proclaimed the winner, Carter’s surprise

was apparent. “HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE!?!?!?!?

I couldn’t have imagined winning #americanidol when I started this whole journey,” said Carter of her win on her May 19 Instagram post. “I’m just a girl from Indio, who used to sing on street corners, and now I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to work with some of the most talented people in the industry and be heard by millions of people. This is my dream and I know it’s just the beginning.”

Carter, a 2023 summa cum laude psychology graduate of CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus, has been an inspiration throughout her time on “American Idol.” Her initial audition on Feb. 25 left the judges – Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan – spellbound, as she delivered an emotionally charged rendition of Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" This performance earned her a rare Platinum ticket, allowing her to skip the first round of Hollywood Week, and turned out to be a foreshadowing of the accolades to come.

Throughout the competition, Carter's performances continued to earn rave reviews from the judges, cementing her as a standout contestant. On April 1, the judges officially invited her to be one of the top 24 contestants on the show, and on April 7, her participation in the competition reached a new high when she performed “Oceans” by Hillsong United and Katy Perry proclaimed her to be “her favorite” singer in the competition.

Her performances the last few weeks have not only received glowing reviews from the judges but have also won over "American Idol" fans. On April 29, she stunned audiences with her take on Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life." On May 5, Carter performed Fall Out Boy's "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" and Adele's "Hello," earning her a spot in the Top 5. On the May 12 episode, she showcased her versatility and charisma as she sang "Part of My World" from The Little Mermaid and then performed "The Chain" from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, securing her spot in the Top 3.

On the night of the finale, the female contestants paid tribute to Perry as this is the judge’s last season on “American Idol.” Carter shone in the group performance, a medley of Perry’s hit songs.

Alongside her achievements on “American Idol”, Carter also released her debut single "It's All Love" on March 29, which highlights her versatility as a recording artist.

Carter’s story is one of determination, passion, and resilience. From being homeschooled during high school so she could get a job and support her family to her academic achievements at CSUSB and show-stopping performances on “American Idol,” she has demonstrated the capacity to inspire and achieve.

BE EARTHQUAKE READY