Colton Courier 01/12/23

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

On J a n u a r y 7 t h ,

Dunkin’ franchisees

Jeff Shady & Jordon

D i B i a s e a l o n g s i d e C o l t o n

Mayor Frank Navarro, held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the shop

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, Shady & DiBiase

excitedly presented a check f o r $ 5 0 0 t o C o l t o n H i g h School The check was pres e n t e d t o f u r t h e r t h e h i g h school’s mission of establishing an award-winning, exemp l a r y, C a l i f o r n i a D i s t i n g u i s h e d H i g h S c h o o l t h a t p r o v i d e s a s u p p o r t i v e , collaborative, and stimulating learning environment where staff and students can achieve the highest standards of excellence

The new Next Gen restaurant offers Colton a first-hand look at Dunkin’s store of the future e x p e r i e n c e , w i t h a m o d e r n design that provides a fresh, friendly, vibrant, and engaging environment

Complete with a new, warm i n t e r i o r c o l o r p a l e t t e , t h e restaurant also offers atmospheric lighting, a convenient d r i v e - t h r u , c o m p l i m e n t a r y Wi-Fi, and an innovative tap

By Mayor Frank Navarro

First and foremost, I want to thank you, our residents, for continuing to place your trust and confidence in the direction Colton is moving by reelecting me to continue my work as your Mayor

Looking back at the last four years we faced chal-

make Colton a better community our biggest challenge

essary steps to control the spread, including curtailing operating hours for some businesses During this time city staff worked c l o s e l y w i t h s t a t e a n d county health departments a n d m a d e c h a n g e s t o those mandates as soon as i t w a s s a f e t o d o s o B u s i n e s s e s a d j u s t e d t o these mandates by adjusti n g t h e i r o p e r a t i o n s , including innovative new i d e a s s u c h a s c u r b s i d e pickup and outdoor sales Although our City Staff was placed on modified schedules, including many who worked from home, we were still able to provide continued services to our community I commend our city manager, Bill Smith, his executive staff and our city employees for their commitment

to working with the city c o u n c i l a n d m y s e l f i n m a k i n g s u r e t h a t w e returned to normalcy in a safe and expeditious manner

Dunkin’ is located at 1320 E Washington St , Colton

take nec-

As your Mayor one of my most important tasks is to work with State, and County elected officials a n d I n t e r- G o v e r n m e n t a l Agencies to secure much needed funding for our community I’m proud to say, during the past four years, we were successful in pursuing opportunities to collaborate and work with State Senator Connie L e y v a a n d A s s e m b l y M a j o

In the

o i s e

system To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t D u n k i n ’ , v i s i t w w w D u n k i n D o n u t s c o m o r f o l l o w u s o n F a c e b o o k

D u n k i n U

photo COURTESY OF DUNKIN DONUTS

Dunkin’ franchisees Jeff Shady & Jordon DiBiase alongside Colton Mayor Frank Navarro cutting the ribbon on Saturday, January 7th, 2022

photo CITY OF COLTON

Mayor Frank Navarro is re-elected to the Colton City Council as a result of the 2022 elections

on our request and obtained for Colton $19 million dollars One million will be used to improve the Luque Community Center, to host a larger Library Branch and a Community Resource Center The Resource Center will house the grant funded Homeless Services Coordinator and services such as food distribution, clothing access, connection to mental health services, a computer lab for employment and educational opportunities, and many other services geared to homeless individuals and our residents

The remaining eighteen million will go to the development of a brand new “state of the art” 35 plus acre sports complex in South Colton, which has been a personal dream of mine since losing our chance of having a regional park in that area which would have included a sports complex

We also obtained almost 2 8 million dollars in funding from our county Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr These monies will be used to completely renovate Elizabeth Davis Park as well as make additional improvements to The Colton Avenue bike and pedestrian linear parkway, along with funding for an off-road vehicle and two off road EV motorcycles to combat crime in the Santa Ana Riverbed and elsewhere in an amount of $100,116 99

Most recently we were successful in receiving another funding request through the efforts of congressman Pete Aguilar in the amount of four million one hundred sixty-six thousand for the realignment of Reche Canyon Road and Hunts Lane

This much needed transportation project has been on the books for quite some time and I’m anxious to move forward on this so we can help alleviate some of the traffic issues our Reche Canyon residents deal with daily All in all, we were successful in bringing in additional funding to our community in the amount of $26,066,116 00

In the last several years we were able to secure grants for studies to revitalize both our Downtown and South Colton La Cadena business corridors Work has already begun on a new “paseo” project downtown We are constantly working with developers and property owners to bring quality commercial and retail projects along Valley Blvd in the downtown area as well as the La Cadena corridor and other areas of Colton

Most everyone is aware of the many commercial and retail projects in the west end of our city, namely “The Hub City Centre” located at Pepper Avenue and Valley Blvd near Arrowhead Re-

gional Medical Center One of the most exciting projects has been the new California University of Science and Medicine which recently graduated their first class of medical doctors Look for more new developments to come to this area in the near future

New transportation projects are also coming which will benefit Colton The Washington interchange over the 215 is already in the process of being rebuilt and will feature an additional left turn lane onto the southbound 215, along with being widened to include sidewalks and bike lanes

The bridge on La Cadena over the Santa Ana River will be replaced with a new bridge and the new interchange over Interstate 10 at Mt Vernon is scheduled to start construction in late 2023

We are also working diligently to secure additional funding to rebuild and widen the Mt Vernon bridges over the railroad tracks and the Santa Ana River As you drive around town you will see crews working on alley improvements and street rehabilitation projects, these projects are funded through state funding and CDBG grants and are on-going

Moving forward into 2023 my commitment to you, our residents is to continue to improve the quality of life in our Community I would like to sincerely thank our residents for supporting and voting for Measure S which will enable our City to build upon the progress we’ve made in the past several years

Increased crime and homelessness throughout California are issues that are at the forefront of our concerns here in Colton Revenues generated by Measure S will help our City deal with these issues by enhancing our Police and Fire Department staffing and retention Monies from Measure S will also be used to provide quality services that our residents deserve from our Public Works, including streets and parks, Community Services, Development Services and other internal departments

In closing, I’d like to once again thank our residents for the confidence you’ve placed in me and the direction Colton is taking I will continue to maintain the close relationships I’ve developed over the years with Federal, State and local elected officials in order to keep the city of Colton at the forefront and eligible to obtain funding needed for future projects which will benefit our community

I look forward to having a great 2023 and for us to continue our momentum into the future May God continue to bless Colton

By Manny Sandoval

In Spring 2022, San Bernardino Valley College students enrolled in the Film, Television, and Media Department's Survey of TV Studio and Film Production (FTVM 133) and TV Studio Production (FTVM 233) courses produced a 6-episode TV show called Rhythm Lounge, which premiered on KVCR (channel 24) on Sunday, January 8th

The format follows that of the iconic shows Guitar Center Sessions and MTV Unplugged, whereas Rhythm Lounge spotlights the top musical talent from across the inland empire

"This production was great for our students as it gave them a real-world TV production experience that added to their portfolio while at the same time creating original content for KVCR, marketing the Film, Television and Media department, and spotlighting local artists at the same time," said Professor Kevin Lyons

The first episode featured

Classic Rock Band Raincross Drive, which has toured breweries and regional events across the Inland Empire In the episode, the Inland natives performed two of their hits and delved deep into the hardships of being a local musician

But aside from the programming, what is astounding is that the dozen and a half students enrolled in the two courses, some with no prior TV production experience, entirely produced the 6-episode show in just 58 lab hours

"This first take of Rhythm Lounge was a good model, and we're going to do it again this semester It's resulting in elevating our student's critical thinking skills as they are project managing, coordinating with bands and musicians, shooting and editing the show - but pivoting when things go wrong, like a band canceling last minute, which happenedit's all part of the game and reflective of a high budget TV production," concluded Lyons

Rhythm Lounge airs every Sunday at 4 PM on KVCRChannel 24

Community News

Colton Police Department had (1) criminal arrest while conducting a DUI/Driver ’s License checkpoint on January 6, 2023 The checkpoint was conducted in the 1700 block of S La Cadena Drive for southbound traffic between the hours of 6:00 p m and 3:00 a m

In addition, twelve (12) drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest

to be approximately $13,500 This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time

Colton Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze ” Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can impair and result in a DUI Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs

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

By Manny Sandoval

It’s a new dawn, it's a new year and after election results were certified on December 8th, 2022 - a handful of newly electeds in San Bernardino County are resuming office this month

Late last year, the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters reported that out of the 1 138 million registered voters in the County, only 458,946 residents casted their votes, resulting in a measly 40 3 percent voter turnout

Here is a succinct list of election results for the cities of San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, and the County of San Bernardino:

Congress

23rd Congressional District Jay Obernolte (R)

25th Congressional District Raul Ruiz (D)

33rd Congressional District Pete Aguilar (D)

35th Congressional District Norma J Torres (D)

Assembly

34th Assembly District Tom Lackey (R)

45th Assembly District James C Ramos (D)

50th Assembly District Eloise Gomez Reyes (D)

53rd Assembly District Freddie Rodriguez (D)

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, District 2 Jesse Armendarez

Cities

Colton City Council, Mayor Frank J Navarro

Colton City Council, District 2 Kelly J Chastain

Colton City Council, District 3 Luis S Gonzalez

Colton City Council, District 4 John R Echevarria

Rialto City Council, vote for two Joe Baca Sr Ed Scott

San Bernardino City Council, Mayor Helen Tran

For more information, visit the San Bernardino County Registrar of voters at r e s u l t s r o v s b c o u n t y g o v / R esults/20221108/

r o d u c e T V s h o w “ R h y t h

o u n g e ” a n d i t a i r s e v e r y S u n d a y o n K V C R C h a n n e l 2

o l l o w u s o n F a c e b o o k , T w i t t e r , a n d I n s t a g r a m

E C N W e e k l y f o r n e w s & u p d a t e s

Colton DUI checkpoint nets one ar r est and twelve citations on Januar y 6th

Newl y Electeds taking of fice in 2023, fr om San Ber nardino, to Colton, Rialto, and the County

Written by Kimberly De Guzman

The winter season has officially arrived and that usually means holiday lights, pumpkins, turkeys, and more!

But what also comes around this time of the year is the annual flu shot What’s more is the latest COVID-19 booster that just became available in September

With all these flu and COVID-19 vaccines, it can get a little confusing about what they are and why we need them Luckily, we’re here to shed some light on these vaccines

What is the COVID vaccine and its booster?

In general, vaccines activate one’s immune system so the body can recognize a specific virus Once the body encounters the virus in the environment, it will know how to fight against it

However, viruses can change over time and create a different version from the original Boosters help fight these mutated viruses

For COVID, a booster is given once an individual completes their primary vaccine series Pfizer and Moderna have recently introduced a “COVID-19 mRNA bivalent booster” to work against the Omicron variant of COVID19

“Bivalent” refers to the booster ’s abil-

O p - E D

C O V I D - 1 9 a n d F l u Va c c i n e s

ity to protect someone from both the original COVID-19 as well as the Omicron variants BA 4 and BA 5

Even if someone may have already recovered from COVID-19, we still recommend getting the vaccine and its boosters to provide additional protection should reinfection occur

Who is eligible for the booster and when should you get it?

These bivalent COVID boosters became available on September 2, 2022 for patients 5 years of age and older

The CDC suggests getting a bivalent booster 2 months after your last primary series dose, original booster, or any other COVID-19 booster1

If you recently had COVID-19, we recommend you wait about 3 months after symptom onset or first positive test result to receive the primary dose or booster

Once someone completes their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and gets the most recent booster, they are considered up-to-date

As of January 2022, only 54 5% of all eligible San Bernardino residents are fully vaccinated

Approximately 64% of all eligible San Bernardino residents have received any kind of COVID-19 vaccine This falls short of California’s vaccination goal set at 75%2

What are the side effects from the COVID-19 booster?

Some common side effects include mild to moderate fever, headaches, fatigue, and pain at the injection site3 To alleviate any pain or swelling, apply a cool, clean washcloth on the injection site

You may use or rest your arm depending on what helps more For fevers, make sure to stay hydrated and dress in comfortable clothes

Consult with a physician if you are considering taking any over-thecounter pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen4

What about the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine specifically combats the influenza virus that causes the common flu Since this virus mutates very frequently, a flu shot is created and distributed annually

We recommend patients get the flu vaccine as soon as possible

Flu season commonly peaks in late fall or early winter, so getting the vaccine earlier can provide extra protection against the virus when it is strongest

The flu season in the Southern Hemisphere has reportedly been worse this year As of October 9, 2022, there have been 225,332 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Australia, which is a lot

more than in previous years5

Although the number of flu cases has been lower over the past 2 years, this is likely due to quarantine and fewer social activities

As we return to frequent socializations, flu activity is expected to be higher

Can I get both the COVID-19 booster and flu shot at the same time?

Yes, it is safe to get both simultaneously However, the side effects of each vaccine could add up together

If possible, it may be more beneficial to give yourself some time in between the two so you do not feel too sick Many pharmacies also offer the flu and Covid vaccines

Check with your local neighborhood pharmacy to see if they have them in stock as this may offer more convenience than waiting for an appointment

Hopefully this clears up any confusion regarding the COVID-19 booster and the flu vaccine As always, we encourage you to reach out to your primary care provider for any other questions or explanations needed!

*These are not the views of Inland Empire Community News

CAPSBC Receives $250,000 Grant fr om K aiser Per manente

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente as part of the non-profit health organization’s Thrive Local Initiative Capacity Development Program

The funding will support CAPSBC’s Mobile Offices that are designed to increase access to CAPSBC’s services for low-income residents in rural and remote areas of San Bernardino County The goal of the program is to close service gaps and improve health outcomes for vulnerable individuals in our communities

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CAPSBC began mobilizing its existing programs to enable individuals and families experiencing transportation barriers to access key services by designing mobile units that can bring the services to the people The agency launched a Mobile Shower/Laundry Unit and a Mobile Food Pantry in 2022, and both units have been deployed throughout San Bernardino County

“We are excited to be the recipient of the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Local Initiative Capacity Development grant that will allow us to serve more individuals and families through our Mobile Offices,” said Patricia Nickols-Butler, Chief Executive Officer for Community Action Partnership of

San Bernardino County “In 2023, we will roll out our mobile fleet to create better access to services for all communities in our county CAPSBC’s mission of serving low-income individuals and families across San Bernardino County is aligned with Kaiser Permanente’s Common Areas of Focus that include housing, food security and economic opportunity We are extremely grateful for our long standing partnership and their financial support to help us sustain critical programs and services ”

“Kaiser Permanente strives to help eliminate health disparities and build healthier communities,” said Georgina Garcia, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County Area “This grant to Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County along with these innovative mobile units will provide much-needed services to under-served populations in San Bernardino County ”

In 2022, CAPSBC was able to secure funding to purchase two RVs that were converted into mobile offices to provide better access to services such as food, transportation, rental/mortgage and motel assistance, free tax preparation services and utility (gas, electric, water) assistance The CAPSBC Mobile Offices will be deployed to vulnerable communities where residents lack the resources to travel to the agency’s main office located in San Bernardino, or those who do not have access to technology to complete online applications for assistance

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Transforming lives through education

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pr

C a d e n C e n t e r

edicting

By Caden Henderson

Adrama filled week 18 has concluded, and the bracket for the 2023 NFL playoffs is set There are some new and old faces in the playoffs this year, and there are sure to be many memorable moments Here are my predictions for the entire playoffs, and who I think will end the season raising the Lombardi trophy

AFC Wild Card Round

2 Bills vs 7 Dolphins

The Dolphins fought off multiple injuries and a huge losing streak at the end of the season to secure the final playoff spot on a last minute field goal vs the Jets At the time I’m writing this, starting QB Tua Tagovailoa’s status is unknown for the game as he has a concussion that also caused him to mis the teams week 18 game Considering this, how hot the Bills look, and the Bills playing inspired football for their injured teammate Damar Hamlin, I see them winning this game easily by a score of 38 to 21

3 Bengals vs 6 Ravens

The Ravens story is very similar to the Dolphins, as their starting QB Lamar Jackson has also missed multiple games due to injury As for the Bengals, they’re probably the hottest team in the AFC, and QB Joe Burrow looks poised to lead his team back to the Super Bowl That path I believe will start with a win against the Ravens, 35 to 17

4 Jaguars vs 5 Chargers

The Jaguars may be the higher seed and have home field advantage as the AFC South champions, but the Chargers have the better record going into this matchup Both teams are on absolute fire coming into this game, and a shootout on offense should be expected However, I ultimately believe the Chargers have more talent and will stay more composed, as QB Justin Herbert gets his first playoff win in a 38 to 31 victory

AFC Divisional:

1 Chiefs vs 5 Chargers

The 3rd matchup of the season between these teams will be in the divisional round The Chiefs took the first two meetings in the regular season, but both matchups came down to the final couple possessions While the Chargers will be riding high into this game, I just don’t think Brandon Staley and company are ready to outcoach Andy Reid, as the Chiefs win 35 to 31 in another

the entir e 2023 NFL Playof fs

2 Bills vs 3 Bengals

A rematch of the game that was cancelled due to the Damar Hamlin injury would surely be one of the most anticipated matchups of the playoffs The Bengals looked very good before the regular season game was canceled, but the playoffs are obviously a different story In another tight game these playoffs, I see QB Josh Allen and WR Stefon Diggs connecting late in the game to lead the Bills to the AFC championship once again, winning 28 to 27

AFC Championship:

1 Chiefs vs 2 Bills

It’s time for yet another rematch between the Chiefs and Bills, in a game that would be played at a neutral site as a result of the cancellation of the aforementioned Bills-Bengals game I see this game going into overtime, where we would see the new adjusted OT rules in play In the end, I see Patrick Mahomes out slinging Josh Allen, and sending the Chiefs to the Super Bowl in a 4942 instant classic

NFC Wild Card Round:

2 49ers vs 7 Seahawks

The Seahawks bent but didn’t break towards the end of the season, and earned the final NFC playoff spot thanks to their win in week 18 and the Packers loss during the last game of the regular season The 49ers meanwhile are arguably the hottest team in the NFL Led by rookie phenom QB Brock Purdy, they look poised to return to the Super Bowl While the story of the Seahawks has been special this season, I don’t see a scenario where they keep up with the 9ers as their season ends by a score of 24-13

3 Vikings vs 6 Giants

Two franchises as optimistic as ever will face off in the first round Led by OPOTY and MVP candidate WR Justin Jefferson, the Vikings won close game after close game in the regular season, and it earned them the 3 seed The Giants meanwhile shocked many this season en route to the 6 seed, mainly thanks to RB Saquon Barkley, who returned to top shape after battling injuries the last couple years This game will certainly be a close one given how both teams operate, and the team with more talent, the Vikings, are the ones I think will come out on top The final score; 31-28

Seemingly only Tom Brady would be able to go 8-9 and have a playoff home game, and he’s done exactly that The Bucs never really got a rhythm together this season, but somehow are here As for the Cowboys, they’ve looked sharp all year, outside of their week 18 performance While, on paper, the Cowboys look like the favorites, it’s Tom Brady vs the Cowboys We know how this will go Buccaneers win 21-17

NFC Divisional Round:

1 Eagles vs 4 Buccaneers

A QB unproven in the playoffs in Jalen Hurts will have the city of brotherly love on his shoulders as he faces a would-be confident Bucs team The Eagles stumbled to the 1 seed at the end, but that was due to major injuries that will be healed by the time this game comes around Again, the Eagles would look like favorites, but I can’t bet against Brady just yet Bucs win another thriller, 3127

2 49ers vs 3 Vikings

Eventually, the lights will shine too bright for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, and this is where it will The 49ers defense will shutdown the Vikings in a blowout, 27-9

NFC Championship: 2 49ers vs 4 Buccaneers

It’ll finally be time to bet against Brady, as the 49ers offensive and defensive weapons will simply be too strong for the unreliable Bucs to overcome, as Brock Purdy takes down football’s best to ever do it, 30-14

Super Bowl: Chiefs vs 49ers

It’s a rematch of the Super Bowl that saw Patrick Mahomes rise to the top, but this time the 49ers are led by a different QB and are seeking revenge While the story of Brock Purdy will be of legend by the time this game takes place, Patrick Mahomes MVP-caliber season is destined to end with his second ring The Chiefs will win 35-24, and hoist the Lombardi trophy

The NFL playoffs begin Saturday night and are sure to be must watch Who will rise to the occasion, and who will disappoint? We’ll find out very soon

Congress has recently passed a bill which has given our San Bernardino County more funding to complete local projects and improve our cities $2,560,00 00 has been secured for the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development: Highway Infrastructure Programs that will go di-

rectly to our Fifth District U S Rep Pete Aguilar has listed Fifth Districts Little Third, street gutters and sidewalk project as one of the projects to be funded

“I am proud to have secured over $2 million for the Little 3rd Street Project,” said Rep Pete Aguilar “This investment will expand access to public transit and

create safer roads for San Bernardino residents In order to reduce commute times and alleviate traffic, I will continue to prioritize local infrastructure projects and work hard to keep delivering for our region ”

“With the help of U S Rep Pete Aguilar, we are going to be able to expand our infrastructure developments in

our unincorporated and disadvantaged, Little Third community These funds will go towards making routes to school safer for our children and paving roads to assure safety for our pedestrians and motorists We look forward to the start of this project and cannot wait to update the public on the results,” said Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr

Community News

instant classic game between the two AFC West sides

4 Buccaneers vs 5 Cowboys