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

H O W T O R E A C H U S H O W T O R E A C H U S

I n l a n d E m p i r e C o m m u n i t y N e w s p a p e r s

By Christina Romero, Community Writer

Witnessing the City of Colton's u n w a v e r i n g c o m m i t m e n t t o fostering a bright and secure f u t u r e f o r t h e i r n e w l y c r o w n e d R o y a l

Family is heartening This steadfast dedication empowers their Queen, Miss Teen, and Princesses, equipping them with essential community support Such encouragement fortifies the city's unique cultural tapestry while ensuring the preservation of its legacy

The Royal Court's commendable engage- ment in promoting social responsibility, philanthropy, and volunteerism proves that their influence extends beyond ceremonial Their ongoing efforts will contribute significantly to societal welfare, further reinforcing my faith in the future endeavors of the Royal Family

Prepare to be enthralled by the remarkable diversity within the Royal Family This ensemble of honor roll students, musicians, sports enthusiasts, volunteers, and award winners boasts talents that span the spectrum from beauty and fashion to health and wellness The Royal Court eagerly anticipates the wisdom that will undoubtedly unfold and the unique paths this prestigious honor will pave for them

The Royal Family's hierarchy is thoughtfully organized, delineating the roles and responsibilities of each Royal Highness as a representative of the City of Colton I am pleased to present this year's Royal Family: "Teen" 2nd Princess Jennifer Puga, 1st Princess Susan Galvan, and "Miss Teen" Genisis Rodela The coveted title of "Miss" has been granted to 2nd Princess Jareni Rodriguez, 1st Princess Reyna Chaves, and our new Reigning Queen, "Miss Colton,"

Royal Family cont next pg v a t i o n G r a n t

PHOTO NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Mitla Cafe was founded in 1937 by Lucia Rodriguez and her then husband Vicente Montaño Today the cafe is co-owned by Michael Montaño, the grandson of Lucia and Vicente

By Manny Sandoval

1937, has been awarded a $40,000 grant as

Restaurants" program by American Express in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Mitla Cafe, with its long and storied history, is among the 25 recipients of the third annual grant program It aims to support the growth of small and independent restau- rants by providing funding to improve the business' physical space and support critical operating costs This grant is particularly significant for Mitla Cafe, which has served as a vital hub for the MexicanAmerican community in San Bernardino and played a pivotal role in the region's social history

The restaurant, opened initially by Lucia Rodriguez in 1937, served as a gathering spot for Mexican families and was frequently visited by civil rights leader Cesar Chavez It also played an indirect role in t h e d schools in 1946 and is known for its infamous connection to the fast-food chain Taco Bell Glen Bell, the founder of Taco Bell, was a regular at Mitla Cafe and adapted the restaurant's hard-shell taco recipe, which played a crucial role in the national success of his fast-food empire

"Mitla Cafe " is a powerful illustration of a business that can be so rooted in its community and connected to a broader story It's a small business that has been the heart of San Bernardino for almost a century

Royal Family

Brooke Carlson The night was further illuminated with Reyna Chaves winning Miss Photogenic, Susan Galvan securing Miss Congeniality, and Teen Photogenic

Mitla Cafe

establishment that has been a part of the region's history but is also in the process of writing the next chapter" said National Trust for Historic Preservation Chief Preservation Officer Katherine Malone-France

The grant will improve Mitla Cafe's exterior building facing Mt Vernon and 6th Street with a pressure wash and fresh paint by year's end The cafe announced the news on its Facebook page: "We will use the funding to improve our exterior building facing Mt Vernon and 6th Street Stop by soon to learn more about how we'll use this funding going to Yaiza Meza

The residents of Colton will undoubtedly rejoice at the news of the coronation of the Royal Title of "Miss Ambassador," granted to Her Majesty, the former "Miss Colton" 2022, Chantelle Angel Martinez and how it will impact our community "

As a testament to Mitla Cafe's enduring community spirit, the restaurant serves traditional Mexican-American food, focusing on its signature hard-shell tacos The cafe's role as a communal gathering point is evidenced by the photographs of Mexican-American historical icons, friends, and regulars adorning its warm, flower-tiled walls

As part of the grant program, the American Express-owned restaurant technology platform, Resy also offers each grant recipient complimentary use of ResyOS for one year This soft-

The Colton Rotary Club, committed to empowering young women, continues to provide abundant opportunities for personal growth and self-esteem enhancement They champion a positive social identity and advocate for heightened so- ware helps restaurants operate more efficiently and improves hospitality

The "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" program seeks to support establishments that operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods, contributing to their neighborhood's identity and the nation's culinary heritage Mitla Cafe, a quintessential example of these values, continues to serve as a testament to the enduring power of small businesses in shaping their communities

To learn more about Mitla Cafe and its award-winning menu, visit mitlacafesb com

Local Her oes: Colton City Council Salutes Nine Teacher s in Special Cer emony

By Dr. Luis S. González, community writer

On June 6th, Colton City Council paid homage to nine remarkable educators either residing in or working for the City of Colton Riding on the tailwind of National Teachers Month, Council Member Dr González took the stage to introduce the distinguished educators, each one a unique representation of various schools, subjects, grade levels, and years of service

The illustrious roster for 2023 included Mrs Mirian Borja, a sixth-grade educator; Mrs Jennie Blinkinsop, a fourth-grade teacher; Mr Jeremy Dollins, Colton High School's yearbook advisor; Mrs Eva Heras, a recently retired first-grade teacher; Mr Robert Montano, Colton High School's math maestro; Mr Ken Taber, the school's band director; Ms Evelin Villa, the spearhead of Colton High School's Wellness Program; Mr David Wheatley, a history teacher at Colton High School; and Mr Tom Wurz, instructor for Graphic Communications at the same institution

The council smartly planned this tribute to coincide with their June meeting, marking the close of the academic year; this served as an opportune moment to honor the teachers before they embarked on their summer pursuits - be it part-time jobs, spending quality time with family, or strategizing for the forthcoming academic year

The ceremony saw a heartening turnout of teach- ers, families, students, and esteemed guests, all eager to partake in the occasion As each teacher's name echoed in the council chambers, they were invited to step forward and receive their certificate of appreciation This event, an annual tradition since 2016, is a testament to Colton's commitment to acknowledging teachers' indispensable role in shaping the city's future

The proclamation also served as a reminder that Colton's Teacher Appreciation Day is a momentous occasion for everyone After all, we owe a part of who we are today to a teacher or many from our school years Under their tutelage, we learned not just academic subjects but also foundational lessons such as the Pledge of Allegiance, the U S Constitution, and the responsibilities of being an American citizen, including the right to vote

This formal gesture by the City Council underscores our educators' invaluable contribution to molding Colton's young minds Teachers inspire, motivate, and guide our students to achieve success through their unwavering dedication and hard work, leaving an indelible imprint on their lives

It is fitting to commend these educators for their instrumental role in preparing our youth to become responsible and contributing members of the Colton community The City of Colton is proud to stand behind our public schools and is privileged to acknowledge these nine remarkable teachers as part of Colton's Teacher Appreciation Day 2023 cial engagement

Join me in congratulating them all on this monumental achievement This Royal Family embodies the hopeful spirit and vibrant energy that makes Colton a city to watch

SBCSS Honor s Nine Classified School Employees of the Year

Community News

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools was proud to honor and recognize nine recipients who were named the 2023 San Bernardino County Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) This year ’s honorees were recognized during a June 1 event at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino

“It is such an honor to recognize our hard working classified employees,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre “Each and every honoree is a true leader, mentor and champion within their school communities Their work truly helps to transform lives through education ”

This year's honorees each received a $250 check from the event's corporate sponsor SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond selected John Cantrell, Lead Campus Safety Officer with the Ontario-Montclair School District, as one of nine 2023 California Classified School Employees of the Year This year ’s recipients were chosen from more than 150 nominations statewide

The San Bernardino County honorees selected for 2023 by category are:

Health/Student Services

Lisa George, a health services assistant at Chaffey High School with the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, has served in her position for over 20 years Throughout her career Lisa has supported students and staff with their medical needs and has been crucial during crisis situations

Food/Nutrition Services –Manuela Casas has worked in the food services industry for over 35 years and has worked for 27 years at the OntarioMontclair School District She produces 14,000 meals from scratch per day Manuela is always looking for ways to not only offer students healthy and balanced meals but also those that are appealing

Custodial/Maintenance Services – Erick Squares has been part of the Colton Joint Unified School District Custodial and Maintenance Services team for seven years He regularly provides constructive feedback, and shares trade secrets to assist with daily work functions He also takes on a mentor approach for new custodians ensuring that they have the necessary support to succeed

Clerical/Administrative Services – Estela Lira has been part of the Child and Welfare

Records Department with the Ontario-Montclair School District for six years

Her exceptional work performance, unwavering dedication, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills are all characteristics that have been instrumental in ensuring smooth operations within the district

Technical Services – Adam Cole is a shining example of commitment, as he consistently takes the time to ensure that the technical issues that are presented by employees have been resolved to their satisfaction

Adam has provided exceptional support to parents as their students navigate the Online Academy School, which is 100% virtual

Paraprofessional Services – Illena Maes currently serves in a special education classroom where she works with students who have acute needs and challenging behaviors She also serves as an after school intervention tutor, event volunteer, crossing guard and noon supervisor

Skilled Trades Services –Matthew Laing has been part of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District since 2016 He works alongside three different fire agencies within his district to build trusting relationships which are critical during moments of crisis Matthew oversees annual fire inspections, emergency calls and training

Transportation Services –Stacy Thomas has served transportation services for nearly 40 years, 33 of them being with Ontario-Montclair School District Stacy has developed a caring and compassionate routine as she transports special needs students, who use special equipment, to and from school Security Services – John Cantrell has been part of the Security Services team for Ontario–Montclair School District for the past five years He is always proactive, looking for ways to improve the safety and security of the school community, and his contributions have resulted in significant enhancements to the district’s security protocols

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube #transforminglives

Community News

June is National Mig rane and Headache Awar eness Month

Headaches and specifically migraines cost employers tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars a year with employees missing more than 4 days of work a year and another 11 days with reduced productivity

There are many types of headaches including tension, migraines, and cluster headaches Tension headaches are the most common type of headache with approximately 40% of the population suffering from them

They are caused by muscle tension around the head and neck often due to stress, anxiety or depression These

Community News headaches can be treated by over the counter medications and are typically easy to manage by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and managing stress

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head The headache can vary in intensity and is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound “The combination of prioritizing quality sleep, limiting caffeine intake, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a well-balanced diet is key to effective migraine management”, states Dr Rajan Chopra, Neurologist at St Bernardine Medical Center About 12% of the population in the US will have a migraine at some point in their life Migraines may be triggered by caffeine, medications, hormonal changes, dehydration,

changes in weather, and even certain foods

Cluster headaches occur in patterns or clusters and may last weeks to months “Cluster headaches cause severe pain that tends to recur in the same way and same location each time”, says Dr Chopra Triggers include smoking, alcohol use, change in altitude foods with nitrates and bright light

It is important to monitor headaches and seek medical attention if they occur more often than usual and keep you from working, sleeping or participating in normal activities

CIELO Fund Scholar ship Application Open T hr ough June 30, 2023

The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity, or CIELO Fund, was launched in 2022 at the Inland Empire Community Foundation with a mission of uplifting and investing in the region’s Latino community

Earlier this year, the CIELO Fund awarded grants to Latino led and Latino serving organizations throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties The CIELO Fund Leadership and Grantmaking Committee is proud to invest in the next generation of local leaders with the launch of the inaugural CIELO Fund Scholars Program to invest in Latino students attending Inland Empire colleges and universities, especially those intending to remain and work in the region upon completing their studies

Who is eligible to receive the scholarship?

The CIELO Fund Scholars Program aims to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to graduating high school students and current college students who are Latino This scholarship looks to support civicminded students who want to give back to the region and who demonstrate motivation, perseverance and a sincere desire to put their education to work for the benefit of the Inland Empire and underserved communities

Recipients may receive a one-time scholarship award of $1,000 to $2,000 to an accredited four-year public, two year community college or private institution of higher learning within the Inland Empire Priority will be given to those students who intend to work in the region upon graduation The scholarship awards are outright grant awards

No services will be required as a consequence of receiving the award Scholarship awards are for tuition, books, education fees, and/or living expenses All students are welcome to apply, regardless of immigration status

Scholarship Criteria and Procedures

Applicants will be selected based on the following:

Financial need

GPA of 3 0 or above

High school senior

Full time college/graduate student in Fall 2023 AB540 and Dreamers are welcome to apply

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Scholarship recipients are selected by a scholarship committee composed of educators and community members Applications are reviewed competitively

How to apply for the scholarship and submission instructions:

Eligible students must complete: 1) the attached application form; 2) A letter of recommendation (from counselor and/or others not related to the applicant) that is knowledgeable about your academic capabilities, skills, community service and volunteerism activities; 3) an essay; 4) transcript (unofficial is acceptable); and 5) student aid report (SAR) Final award recipients must provide evidence of enrollment in the academic institution to which funds will be paid on behalf of the recipient

Application Deadline: June 30, 2023

Submit Completed Application To: Denisha Shackelford

Inland Empire Community Foundation 3700 Sixth Street, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92501

Or dshackelford@iegives org

For more information, contact Denisha Shackelford, Scholarship Manager at dshackelford@iegives org