C O L T O N C O U R I E R WWe e eekkllyy

By Manny Sandoval

Th e S a n B e r n a r d i n o C o u n t y M u s e u m A s s o c i a t i o n ' s a n n u a l

Bucky Ball Gala was held on May 13th, drawing attention to the vital work of the nonprofit organization in supporting the San Bernardino County Museum and its branch, the Victor Valley Museum

Among the esteemed honorees was Inland Empire Community News (IECN), recog- nized with the prestigious Good Egg award for its outstanding contributions to the community

P u b l i s h e r E m e r i t u s G l o r i a M a c i a s

Harrison spoke passionately about the origins of IECN, stating, "We started El Chicano in the 1960s as a way to combat negative ethnic stereotypes and to uplift Latino voices " Macias Harrison, a pioneer in community journalism, has played a significant role in providing a platform for u n d e r r e p r e s e n t e d c o m m u n i t i e s i n t h e

Inland Empire

Joined on stage by new co-owners and p u b l i s h e r s D e n i s e B e r v e r a n d M a n n y Sandoval, Macias Harrison handed over the spotlight to share their thoughts Sandoval emphasized the importance of community news, remarking, "Our community is in that in-between space - we're not necessarily Los Angeles, and we're not necessarily

Annnaleigha Hernandez-Garcia – grade 12, a student leader in Yearbook Program She plans on joining the Army National Guard after her 18th Birthday

Julio Jauregui – grade 12, a student leader in Wellness Program Plans on attending RCC with a major in photography

Ash Morales-Zuniga – grade 12, a student leader in Band Plans on attending Chaffey College with a major in Art Design

Leslie Padilla-Galvan – grade 12, a student leader in Link Crew Plans on attending SBVC with a major in nursing

By Dr G (Dr Luis S González) community writer

At t h e r e c e n t C o u n c i l m e e t i n g , m e m b e r s o f t h e C o l t o n C i t y C o u n c i l r e c o g n i z e d ( 1 0 ) h i g h school students and proclaimed May 16 as Colton Student Leadership Day

As Dr G read off their names, he also presented them with a certificate from the Council and talked about their post-graduate plans Each student has excelled in their respective programs at Colton High School and was identified by their teacher as a student leader Leaders from Band, Graphic Communications, Link Crew, Yearbook, and Wellness Program were represented

The Youth Leadership program, sponsored by the City of Colton, was established in 2016 to recognize student leaders who, based on the recommendation of their teachers, have demonstrated excellence in leadership for their respective school programs In attendance were all ten students, their parents, members of their families, and three of their teachers; Mr Dollins, Mr Taber, and Ms Villa The recipients of this recognition were as follows;

Adrianna Bissonnette – grade 12, a student leader in Graphic Communications Plans on attending Cal-Baptist with a major in Nursing

Allison Favela – grade 12 student leader i n G r a p h i c C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , P l a n s o n attending RCC with a major in Education He wants to teach Art in a High School

Vivian Guevarra – grade 12, a student leader in Wellness Program They plan on attending UC Riverside with a major in music and film

Samay Ramachhita – grade 12, a student leader in Link Crew Plans on attending UC San Diego with a major in Sociology and Economics

Angel Romero – grade 12, a student leader in Yearbook Program Plans on attending college/university with a major in Zoology

Victor Vasquez – grade 12, a student leader in Band Plans on attending RCC with a major in Automotive Engineering

The program’s founder, Dr G (Dr Luis S González), explains that “the basic philosophy of the student leadership recognition program is that young people will be adults shortly Therefore, the more academic and social experiences they have, and the more skillful they become in leadership roles, the better they are prepared to be knowledgeable, competent, and productive adult citizens in our community ” the low desert Therefore, major news companies only cover our region during critical incidents or fires That is why community news organizations, like IECN, are so important "

The Bucky Ball Gala is a prominent San Bernardino County Museum Association fundraising event As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, its mission is to foster appreciation and curiosity in regional cultural arts, history, and natural and earth sciences through exhibits and edu-

Cational Programming

This year's gala took place in the picturesque outdoor courtyard of the San Bernardino County Museum, providing a lively setting for guests to reconnect and engage in conversations celebrating the museum's service to county families; the event aimed to support the museum's efforts to increase the number of youth pursuing art and science education and careers

Among the gala's highlights was a social and silent auction, allowing attendees

CRY-ROP Honor s Students at Evening of Excellence

Community News

Outstanding students in the Colton Redlands Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program (CRYROP) for the 2022-2023 school year were recently honored for their achievements at their annual Evening of Excellence

In her welcoming speech

CRY-ROP superintendent Tracie Zerpoli remarked, “Students, we want you to know that career technical education aligns secondary and postsecondary education to labor market demand, and provides technical, academic, and employability knowledge and skills Most importantly, CTE prepares you for the career of your choice "

79 CRY-ROP students were awarded over $21,000 in awards and scholarships for their achievements These awards were made possible by the CRY-ROP Educational Foundation, Beaver Medical Clinic Foundation, Corvettes West & Tom Bell Chevrolet Scholarship, the HernandezMejia Family Scholarships, and the Julette Barta Memorial Scholarship

The Colton Redlands Yucaipa ROP is dedicated to preparing students for high demand careers by providing exceptional Career Technical Education programs influenced by business and industry CRY-ROP has been serving the Colton, Redlands, and Yucaipa communities for more than 50 years and offers more than 55 different career preparation courses in 11 California Career Technical Education industry sectors

For further information visit, www cryrop org or call (909) 793-3115 extension 103 to bid on unique items, including jewelry, exciting excursions, and more The proceeds from the auction and other fundraising activities will directly contribute to the museum's ongoing initiatives and the community's cultural and educational enrichment

Brandon Mulder, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Museum Association, expressed his connection to the museum "As a kid, I used to visit the museum in the summer to bear the heat and get some free AC," Mulder reminisced "Now, I'm taking my kids here They jok- ingly told me, 'Dad, you're going to work at our museum?' So it's a full circle for me "

The Bucky Ball Gala serves as a testament to the San Bernardino County Museum Association's dedication to preserving and promoting regional heritage and as a celebration of organizations like IECN, who tirelessly champion community voices and bring attention to the diverse narratives shaping the Inland Empire

Ribbon Cutting Mar ks Grand Opening of Rialto Pilot Travel Center, Boosting Tax Revenue f or the Community

By Manny Sandoval

In a grand celebration on May 19th, the highly anticipated Rialto Pilot Travel Center held its ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the state-of-the-art facility

The event took place at 2325 Sierra Lakes Pkwy and was attended by local officials (including City Clerk Barbara McGee), community members, and representatives from Pilot Company

The new travel center is expected to become a bustling hub for travelers and a significant source of tax revenue for the city

With the ribbon-cutting ceremony complete, Rialto City Councilmember Joe Baca expressed his enthusiasm for the travel center's impact on the community

"If Pilot does good, the community does well," Baca said, emphasizing the positive economic implications of the establishment

"The prices are lower right here than they are at Costco So pilots' gas prices are normally lower, and that's okay because the more revenue that comes in here, the more revenue comes to our city "

The Travel Center includes impressive features designed to cater to the needs of both residents and long-haul truck drivers

The facility has 14 gas and eight diesel pumps, ensuring an ample fuel supply for many vehicles

Additionally, the center provides 92 parking spots, ensuring convenience and accessibility for travelers

David Lopez, the travel center manager, highlighted the extensive amenities available to visitors "We have a range of facilities to enhance the overall experience for our customers," said Lopez "Among them, we have a cat scale for truckers, seven showers, a comfortable drivers lounge, and various dining options such as Arby's, Cinnabon, and a deli Additionally, we have a fully stocked convenience store and clean, well-maintained restrooms "

The positive impact of the Travel Center extends beyond its economic value

Acting City Manager Arron Brown stressed the project's significance: "It's bigger than just economic value You'll take these trucks and commercial vehicles off the road, get off here to get their fuel and food, and hop back on the freeway "

In a gesture of goodwill towards the community, Pilot Company presented a generous check of $20,000 to the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD)

The funds will enhance the district's technology initiatives, benefiting students and educators

As the Rialto Pilot Travel Center welcomes travelers and locals alike, the city anticipates a boost in tax revenue, improved transportation logistics, and enhanced amenities for the region

With its array of services and convenient location at the corner of Alder Avenue and Sierra Lakes Parkway, the center aims to become a preferred destination for those needing fuel, sustenance, and a comfortable break during their travels

SBPD Expands Pr esence and Empower Community at "Cof fee With a Cop" Event at Studio D in Downtown San Ber nardino

By Manny Sandoval

The San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) successfully hosted a community engagement event, "Coffee With a Cop," on Tuesday, May 16th, at Studio D in downtown San Bernardino

The event aimed to foster positive interactions between law enforcement officers and community members while addressing quality-of-life issues and enhancing public safety

During the event, LT Nicholas Oldendorf of the SBPD Southern district highlighted the department's expansion into downtown San Bernardino, emphasizing the increased police presence there "We are growing our team, with six resource officers assigned to the downtown area," stated LT Oldendorf

He also underscored the department's commitment to addressing quality-of-life issues before they escalate into more significant problems LT Oldendorf mentioned the allocation of a railroad enforcement grant that focuses on suicide prevention and increased enforcement targeting pop-up marijuana dispensaries

To empower citizens and businesses, LT Oldendorf recommended downloading the Go SB City app for non-emergency issues, particularly those related to the quality of life "The app holds us accountable and enables us to address hotspots from different angles," LT Oldendorf explained "It empowers the citizens and businesses, allowing them to report concerns and collaborate with law enforcement "

Sgt Anna McKenna expressed her enthusiasm for the vision of downtown San Bernardino, stating, "Working closely with the graffiti department, if we all participate, we can make this a better place " Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Sgt McKenna empha- sized the need for citizens to utilize the SB City app, calling it a "great accountability tool " She encouraged residents to use the app's features to contribute to the city's improvement actively

"Our city is 62 square miles, and we work around the clock So let's help each other out," Mayor Tran added, echoing the sentiment while encouraging the community to download the Go SBCity app The app allows the user to submit a request with photos and location for quality-of-life issues such as graffiti removal and potholes

The SBPD's "Operation Restore Downtown Hope" initiative, which aims to tackle blight and quality of life issues, was also discussed during the event Sgt McKenna shared her experiences in the Meadowbrook area, where tents and debris had accumulated She described the department's efforts in connecting with the individuals and reaching out to provide resources "Sometimes you get the buy-in, sometimes the people want help, sometimes they don't It's all about communicating," Sgt McKenna explained She noted that despite her initial concerns about resistance, the response from the community has been cooperative, resulting in significant improvements in the area

Addressing concerns about attracting businesses and tenants to the city, LT Oldendorf mentioned exciting developments, stating, "Chick-fil-A and Del Taco are coming to downtown San Bernardino "

He acknowledged the challenge of attracting investment to promote economic development and revitalization of buildings LT Oldendorf emphasized the significance of occupied buildings in boosting community pride and attracting further investments

Claremont Graduate University

(CGU) has officially opened the Yuhaaviatam Center for Health Studies, the new home for its School of Community & Global Health and a nexus for researchers to address health and well-being challenges prevalent in underserved communities The naming of the center honors the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, whose funding supports the path to equality in community-based health research

Yuhaaviatam is a Serrano word meaning People of the Pines; the Yuhaaviatam Center was made possible because of a $14 million gift from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, which allowed the university to purchase a bookstore on the perimeter of the campus that served The Claremont Colleges Another gift from the Tribe helped fund renovations to the interior of the architecturally significant building

“The Yuhaaviatam Center for Health

Studies is a wonderful example of partnership,” said CGU President Len Jessup “I could not be more grateful to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and our other supporters for their belief in CGU’s commitment to make a difference in the world The center will benefit our faculty and students, but most important, it will expand their ability to improve lives, especially in communities that need it most ”

Faculty and students are researching an array of health issues such as diabetes prevention and management, smoking cessation, burnout among healthcare providers, and stress among children and adolescents

They are also focusing on “diseases of despair,” including drug abuse, alcoholism, and suicide, that disproportionately afflict socioeconomically disadvantaged communities

The gift to CGU in December 2020 exemplifies San Manuel’s philanthropic commitment to inland Southern California a commitment rooted in the call of Yawa’, a Serrano word meaning “acting on one’s beliefs,” often expressed through a culture of giving Over the past 20 years, San Manuel has provided more than $300 million to support education, healthcare and well-being, transitional housing, and a host of other initiatives

“Among our priorities is providing resources that promote healthy and resilient communities, and research is a key pillar in those efforts,” Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena says “As healthcare continues to evolve along with factors that determine quality of life, it is important that underserved communities are represented in solutions to better living We hope the Yuhaaviatam Center will serve as a place for thought leaders to collaborate and bring forth solutions for all people regardless of their ability to access the best care ”

Valbuena, Tribal Secretary Audrey Martinez, and Council Member Ed Duro attended the official opening of The Yuhaaviatam Center on May 11, along with guests from Prime Healthcare, which also provided philanthropic support Valbuena and Jessup spoke at the