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

Not only did students receive a school supply filled backpack, they also started their first day with a new Mary B Lewis T-shirt with the school's motto printed, “Safe, On-task, Accountable, Respectful ”

By Manny Sandoval

In a grand gesture of community support, San

County Fifth

Elementary School students started their academic year on the right foot On August 3rd, marking the school's 75th anniversary, Baca, Jr led a monumental Backpack Giveaway, a testament to the enduring spirit of Bloomington's community

"With the dawn of a fresh academic year, it's paramount that our young minds are geared up and ready My days as a teacher have ingrained in me the significance of having the right tools from day one," shared an enthusiastic Supervisor, Baca, Jr

Elementary, was a collaborative symphony Partners like Molina Healthcare, California Highway Patrol, and several county departments rallied behind Supervisor Baca, Jr Each backpack, a beacon of hope, was packed with essentials: t-shirts, notebooks, socks, and even toothbrushes

"Bloomington is more than just a dot on the map It's a community with heart, with grit Today, we stand united, especially for those students who often find themselves on the margins Their success is our collective dream "

Israel Fuentes Jr , a voice from the Colton Joint Unified School District Board, said, "Some say Bloomington's quiet, but Today, it roars with purpose Mary B Lewis wasn't just a student here; she was a hero As we celebrate 75 years of this institution, we remember her heroic action of saving a stu-

Mary B. Lewis

dent's life while ultimately losing hers We honor it with these special backpacks, each bearing the school's name and a badge of its legacy "

Fuentes Jr is alluding to how the school garnered its name, and that was when a student by the name of Mary B Lewis saw that another student was going to be hit by a vehicle, she moved the student out of harm's way but ultimately was the one who was struck and lost her life

Dr Frank Miranda, the guiding force behind Colton Joint

Unified School District, added his voice to the chorus of gratitude, "Today's more than just another day With Supervisor Joe Baca Jr and his dedicated team by our side, we're not just starting a school year; we're igniting a future Our vision of achievement, equity, and wellness is being realized and honored for our students

As the sun set on this significant day, the 75th-anniversary celebrations of Mary B Lewis Elementary School were not just about looking back but also about forging ahead, with 650 backpacks lighting the way

Rep. Aguilar Hosts Roundtable with UnidosUS and NHSIE on Af f ordable Housing and Junk Fees f or Renter s

Community News

On Monday, August 7th, Rep Pete Aguilar hosted a roundtable with representatives from UnidosUS and Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) to discuss how California’s housing crisis is affecting the Latino community and steps Congress has taken to address this crisis

“In our community, securing affordable housing has become more and more difficult for families This issue particularly impacts the Latino community, whose homeownership rate is still below 50% as of 2022,” said Rep Aguilar “Everyone needs to work together to tackle this crisis with the urgency and seriousness that it deserves We’re doing that here in the Inland Empire and across California, but much more needs to be done ”

“The Inland Empire will play a critical role in growing the number of homeowners in the state of California over the next serval years and this is why gatherings such as this roundtable are vital, it encourages collaboration between local communities’ members while sharing directly with our elected representation, Congressman Pete Aguilar, the needs here in the Inland Empire NHSIE was delighted to open its door to the community and partner with UnidosUS We look forward to continuing our 40 year mission of creating homeownership opportunities alongside UnidosUS in partnership with all who attend and support this cause,” said Kailin Scott, CEO and Executive Director of NHSIE

“There are 8 million Latinos nationwide who are ready to buy a home In California only 46% of Latinos are homeowners, which is 18 percentage points lower than the non-Hispanic White population Yet in spite these challenges, there are 1 9 million Latinos aged 18-45 in California who are considered ‘mortgage ready’ Given that Latino homeowners have 28 times the wealth of Latino renters, it’s clear that removing barriers to the American Dream for Latinos would close the wealth gap, stabilize our neighUnidosUS

Read more at iecn com

Never Stop Grinding Impact and IEHP Distribute 1,000 Backpacks and a W hopping 30,000 Pounds of Pr oduce in Rialto

By Manny Sandoval

In a heartwarming display of community support, Never Stop Grinding Impact, in partnership with IEHP, donated a staggering 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children across Rialto and the Inland Empire The event, which took place on August 3rd at Ferguson Park in North Rialto, not only marked a significant back-to-school giveaway but also heralded the announcement of forthcoming monthly food distributions

For founder Darious Harris, Ferguson Park holds a special place in his heart "I think of growth," Harris reminisced "Growing up, the park was just dirt and fields There wasn't a football field or a skate park The basketball courts we used had double rims without nets

Today, the kids in our community get to play on courts with glass backboards " Harris fondly recalls spending his childhood days at the park, swinging, playing basketball, and occasionally tennis with neighborhood friends

This summer's backpack drive was split into two significant events While 700 backpacks were distributed at Ferguson Park, another 300 were donated to Warner Elementary School on July 28th, with IEHP playing a pivotal role in sponsoring both events

Harris's motivation is clear, "As kids, you should have as little stress as possible I don't want them to stress about not having proper materials and focus more on learning " He also expressed the importance of helping parents through this back-to-school season to alleviate as many financial stressors as possible, especially for single mothers and fathers

The event began at 10 AM and saw people lining up as early as 7 AM, a testament to the community's need "If you're waiting in line and waiting three or four hours, then you really need it," Harris noted Attendees came from various cities, including Rialto, Colton,

San Bernardino, Upland, Fontana, and even as far as Orange County

The forthcoming monthly food drives, sponsored by IEHP, promise a fresh bounty of produce, including grapes, kale, onions, spinach, peaches, and more

On August 3rd alone, 30,000 pounds of produce were distributed Harris lamented, "It's unfortunate, but nowadays, many kids need to be exposed to fruits and vegetables "

Designed to be drive-thru events, these food distributions are strategic, especially considering the extreme temperatures, allowing people to sit in their A/C vehicle while waiting The forthcoming food distributions will be held at Ferguson Park, and an announcement on dates and times can be found on the organization's website (neverstopgrindingimpact com) or their social media accounts

The August 3rd event also saw spontaneous community involvement Harris observed, "There were people from the community helping us, and we needed the help At least 3 or 4 adults were enjoying the park that morning and asked us how they could help, and they got to work I was grateful "

Never Stop Grinding Impact actively seeks volunteers for its events, inviting community members to join hands in making a difference

The initiative's success has been supported by generous supporters, including Active Helping Hands, Benjamin E Jones Community Resource Center, Never Stop Grinding Transportation and Never Stop Grinding, LLC, Bracy Hawkins Law, P C , and Bank of America

For those interested in volunteering or learning more about forthcoming initiatives, visit the organization's website or follow them on Instagram

IECN Staff

The Rialto Unified School District's highly anticipated Early College Start Program commenced with an Orientation Night recently, where eager students and their families gathered to kickstart an impactful educational journey

The program, in collaboration with San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), opens its doors for the first cohort of students this year With the new school year beginning August 7, these students will embark on earning college credits as they begin their high school freshman year, a unique opportunity that brings numerous advantages for students

The Early College Start Program aims to empower students by offering college-level courses that count for weighted credit on their high school transcripts What sets this program apart is that these college credits are earned entirely free of cost and courses are offered on their high school campus, eliminating the financial and logistical barriers for students

“The Rialto Unified School District’s Early College Start Program is intended to immerse high school students in a college-for-all culture and supports their progression into college courses,” Dr Edward D’Souza, RUSD Lead Academic Agent of Math and Early College Programs “This aligns with our Strategic Plan and our belief that high expectations inspire high achievement This program represents a transformative opportunity for students to gain valuable college credits without incurring any financial burden ”

During the Orientation Night held at the RUSD Cafe Bistro on July 27, families and students gathered with great enthusiasm, excited to embark on this groundbreaking educational endeavor Along with Dr D’Souza, Joseph Williams, who serves as both the RUSD Community Agent of Strategic Partnerships and a Board Trustee with the San Bernardino Community College District, Juanita Chan-Roden, RUSD Agent of Science and Career Programs, and Dr Patricia Quach, SBVC Dean of Academic Success and Learning Services, were present at to provide an overview of the program and answer questions

Anyla Redmond, Rialto High School student, admitted to being a little nervous about the prospect of taking on college courses before she confidently stated: “But I’m ready for it ”

“I just want to get college done early so that I can get to the career I want earlier, and I don’t have to do years and years of college,” Redmond added She’s planning to pursue a career in botany

The program also provides the necessary supports, both from each student’s high school and through SBVC, to help the students as they navigate college coursework

This strategic collaboration between RUSD and SBVC ensures that students have access to quality education, mentorship, and resources, fostering an environment conducive to academic growth and success That’s something that Redmond’s mom, Angela Conley, is happy to see

“The program is free to her, and she has access to help and mentors That is invaluable,” Conley said “I’m very grateful for the program and that she’s able to do it I’m proud of her ”

By enrolling in the Rialto Early College Program Program, students save substantially on tuition Students can expect to save more than $9,000 in tuition and books, according to Williams As students complete college credits free of cost, they can reduce the financial burden of pursuing a higher education degree, setting them on a path to a successful future Students in the program will finish high school with at least 41 college credits those credits can be transferred to a four-year university

“This program provides students with a great opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school,” Williams said “This is an invaluable opportunity because it saves families money, and will allow the students to focus on upper-division classes once they transfer It’s an honor to be able to offer this program in RUSD ”

As the first cohort takes its stride into this pioneering program, recruitment for the second cohort will begin after the new school year starts

Dr D’Souza will hold informational meetings for families throughout the school year to start enrolling eighthgrade students into the program Anyone with questions about the program can reach out to Dr D’Souza and RUSD Education Services at 909-879-6004 ext 2974

The Early College Start Program's success serves as a testament to the district's dedication to fostering academic excellence and nurturing the potential within each student, inspiring a generation of scholars to dream big and achieve even bigger

O b i t u a r y

R o b e r t D o u g l a s G l o v a k Community News

Robert "Bob" Douglas Glovak was born on July 28, 1934, in Hamtramck, Michigan, and gracefully departed on July 29, 2023, in Redlands, just a day after celebrating his 89th birthday

Bob's journey of love began in high school when he met Loretta Nelson Their bond was so profound that they exchanged vows on June 19, 1954, and remained inseparable for 69 years

Bob's life was a testament to service and commitment

Shortly after his marriage, he enlisted in the Army in 1954 and received an honorable discharge His dedication to the community led him to serve as a fireman in Baldwin Park Later, he joined the Colton Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from a patrolman to a detective, retiring in 1992 Be- yond his professional duties, Bob was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Colton for many years Together with Loretta, they laid the foundation for the Colton Girls Softball League, leaving a lasting legacy

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Jenry Glovak and Stella Faur; sons-in-law, Jorge Gomez and Mickey McGee; and his cherished grandson, Cody Blackshear

He leaves behind a loving family: his devoted wife, Loretta Glovak of Colton; children, Deborah and Andy Grand of Colorado, Carole Glovak of Colton, Lisa McGee of Washington, and Rebecca and Jeff Moses of Grand Terrace His legacy also continues with 10 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Gary Neer, and his brother, Jerry

Calif or nia Pinner s Confer ence: W her e Pinter est Comes to Life at Pomona Fair plex

By Manny Sandoval

The Pomona Fairplex is set to transform into a bustling hub of creativity and innovation on August 25th and 26th as it hosts the grand California Pinners Conference and Expo

Drawing arts and crafts lovers from the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and Orange County, this year's event promises a vibrant blend of hands-on classes, shopping, and community connection

With a staggering 110+ classes inspired by popular Pinterest pins, attendees can immerse themselves in diverse activities

From the intricate art of needlepoint and glass etching to the trendy and innovative art of liquid glass, there's a class for every creative soul

"Pinners Conference is where everything you see online comes to life It's about taking what you pin on your Pinterest boards and experiencing it firsthand," says Roxanne Bennett, co-founder and owner of the Pinners Conference

For those with a culinary inclination, the event offers a treat "My favorite classes are the live kitchen demonstrations Watching people cook in person offers so many tips and tricks that we get to apply to our everyday lives," Bennett shares, her enthusiasm palpable

Beyond the classes, the expo floor will be alive, with over 200 vendors showcasing a plethora of finished goods, turning the Fairplex into a shopper's paradise

And it's not just about indulgence; it's about giving back too This year, in partnership with Minky Couture Blankets, every blanket purchased will result in a donation to the Orange County Children's Hospital

Bennett is particularly excited about a new addition this year "We're introducing a girls' night out With a special ticket, attendees can preschedule their classes, receive a darling swag pouch, relish a stuffed churro, and participate in an exclusive workshop on Friday night from 4-8 PM "

Reflecting on the broader impact of the event, Bennett emphasizes the transformative power of creativity "We all have a God-given creative spirit This conference is an opportunity to tap into that In our busy lives, we often sideline our creative pursuits Here, you can learn a new skill, have fun, and connect with likeminded individuals "

The Pinners Conference is more than an event; it celebrates creativity and community Whether you're an avid Pinterest user or looking to explore new horizons, this is the place to be

For tickets and more information, visit Ca Pinnersconference com Dive into a world where digital inspirations come alive