The Colton Joint Unified School District Board of Education accepted a $150,000 grant at a recent meeting to help students with disabilities transition from school to work, independent living and post-secondary education or training.
The grant is part of annual funding from the California Department of Education, which initiated the program more than 40 years ago as a way to provide students with the opportunity to complete their secondary
education while also obtaining marketable job skills as well as understanding of the job-seeking process.
“This program truly changes lives,” said CJUSD Curriculum Program Specialist Lisa Lennox, whose longtime hairdresser enrolled in WorkAbility while a student of hers in high school, was placed in a job at a beauty supply store and eventually attended beauty school with the assistance of state funding. “This isn't just about helping students learn about themselves to get them a job, this is about helping them craft and prepare for their future.”
By Manny Sandoval
Alate-night hit-and-run crash killed two toddlers and critically injured their parents in Rialto on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in what police say was caused by a suspected drunk driver who fled the scene.
During the 2023-24 school year, CJUSD’s WorkAbility I Program provided preemployment skills training to 351 students in high school and helped 87 students by either providing subsidized wages for tryout employment or by working with students to be directly hired by the businesses. Students are matched with employers based on skills and interest and provided with ongoing employee support services.
To accomplish this, the district partners with the East Valley Transition Advisory Committee, in addition to other agencies
The Rialto Police Department received reports of the three-vehicle collision at 11:01 p.m. near Riverside and Walnut avenues. Officers arrived at the scene within a minute, followed by paramedics, who discovered three victims inside a white Honda Accord.
Rialto Fire Department paramedics pronounced 4-year-old Neveah and her 3year-old sister, Alinah, dead at the scene. Their mother, 24-year-old Valencia Avilez of Rialto, was driving the vehicle. Both she and the children’s father, 25-year-old Marky Yanez, sustained serious injuries
PHOTO TAWNA RENAUD/CJUSD
PHOTO AVILEZ FAMILY
Workability (cont.)
-and private businesses to provide students with career technical training and employment. The District partners with more than 50 local businesses, including Shakeys, Smart & Final, WalGreens, JoAnns, and CVS.
“The WorkAbility I program is such an important part of how we reach our district vision of helping all of our students thrive, and become responsible, productive citizens,” Superintendent Frank Miranda said. “We truly appreciate the many partners who collabo-
rate with us to provide opportunities for our students with disabilities to not only seek and obtain employment, but to integrate with our community in a meaningful, productive way.”
Students in the program also participate in special events such as transition, career, resource fairs and community college field trips. Any businesses that wish to learn more about becoming part of the program should contact Lisa Lennox, Curriculum Program Specialist, 909-580-5002 x6296 or Claudia Siegel, WorkAbility Technician, 909-580-5002 x6198.
Yellowjackets Pin Titans: Varsity Boys Open Season with Strong 60-17 Team Victory
By Jeremiah Dollins, Pepper Bough Advisor
While most wrestling squads begin their seasons at tournaments, Colton opened their 2024-25 campaign on Nov. 13 with a dual meet against Grand Terrace.
Varsity boys started strong, winning seven of their nine matches en route to a 60-17 trouncing of the Titans. As a team, the girls squad struggled, winning two of their six matches.
For the boys, the tone of the dual was set by captain Elias Velasquez, who won his first match of the season in a dramatic 4-3 decision that went into extra rounds.
“I knew he was good,” Velasquez said. “I knew he was gonna fight. I was confident in my skills. I knew what I had to do.”
Other winners for varsity boys included Angel Sanchez, Aiden Duron, Manuel Perez, Joel Benitez, Arturo Flores, and Elio Diaz.
One of the most decisive victories came for Aiden Duron, who dominated his opponent, pinning him halfway through the second round. Duron struggled in his first year, but has come back in his second year stronger and more confident.
“Last year, I was scared of every match,” he said. “I feel like I got stronger from last season. I’m more agile, and I have a lot more confidence than I had last year.”
The girls were led by Diana Ruvalcaba, who decided to join wrestling for the first time in her senior year. This first match was not just a challenge for her because she was transitioning to wrestling after her CIF qualifying season on cross-country, but because she didn’t even expect to wrestle.
“So I weighed in and I find out that I’m not going to wrestle today,” she said. “So I kind of let out a sigh of relief, but then I felt bad because I wanted to wrestle because I’ve been working for this. And then I go check in and I find out I am wrestling, and my heart almost drops. But then I realized that I got what I wanted, and I just gave it my all.”
Running cross-country had Ruvalcaba in great shape, and it showed, as she outlasted her opponent, taking her the distance and winning on a 2-1 decision.
JV boys also dominated, most winning matches by
default. Of the two who wrestled, Ulysses Benitez won his match by pin early in the second round.
Now the wrestling squad takes the next two weeks to refine their skills at the Carter tournament on Nov. 15-16, and then at the Los Osos tournament on Nov. 23. Their next dual will be against Moreno Valley on Dec. 4 in the Mac Gym.
Results*
Varsity Boys
113: Elias Velasquez, Win by Decision 4-3 (OT)
120: Joshue Jimenez, Loss by pin
126: Angel Sanchez, Win by pin
132: Uziel Murillo, Loss by technical pin 16-0
138: Aiden Duron, Win by pin
144 : Christopher Acero, Loss by pin
150 : Manuel Perez, Win by pin
165 : Joel Benitez, Win by pin
215 : Arturo Flores, Win by pin
285 : Elio Diaz, Win by decision 14-9
Girls
110: Tamara Gallardo, Loss by pin
115: Diana Ruvalcaba-Nunez, Win by decision 2-1
125: Leslie Quiroz, Win by pin
130: Norel Cuellar, Loss by decision 10-6
140: Cambria Duron, Loss by pin
155: Brianna Gratianne, Loss by decision 11-6
JV Boys
126: Ulysses Benitez, Win by pin
285: Joseph Melara, Loss by pin
Results only feature matches wrestled; default victories are not listed.
This article was originally published in Colton High School’s Pepper Bough.
DUI Crash (cont.)
and were transported to a local trauma center.
The crash unfolded when a blue Dodge Ram, driven by Alexis Garcia, 28, of San Bernardino, sped south on Riverside Avenue and ran a red light at the Walnut Avenue intersection, according to preliminary police investigations.
Garcia’s vehicle broadsided Avilez’s Honda Accord, propelling it into the eastbound lanes of Walnut Avenue, where it collided with a black Dodge Ram tow truck driven by a 24year-old Fontana resident.
Garcia, who police said was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, fled the scene but was detained a quarter mile away when his vehicle became disabled. He remains hospitalized and will be booked into San Bernardino County Jail upon his release on two counts of murder under Penal Code 187(a). He is being held without bail.
Family members of the victims are pleading for community support as they mourn the loss of Neveah and Alinah and manage
their parents’ medical expenses.
“Both daughters were pronounced deceased at the scene, and both parents were transported to the hospital,” said Ciara Yanez, a family member. “Marky is undergoing surgery and will be unable to work until fully healed. We are asking for prayers and donations to help with medical and funeral expenses for the family.”
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025 or submit tips anonymously through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, referencing case #932413118.
A verified GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with mounting expenses. Donations can be made at https://shorturl.at/Jmg3k.
The case underscores the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected to emerge.
HSSBV’s Winter Wonderland Walk & Santa Paws Pet Photos Presented by San Manuel Was a Success
Community News
Pets and people off all ages had a blast at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV) Winter Wonderland Walk & Santa Paws Pet Photos presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians on November 23rd. Over $13,000 was raised to help animals in our community.
During the event, participants took photos with Santa and were able to take their 5x7 prints home on the spot. This event also included a large vendor village to kick off holiday shopping; amazing raffles; Christmas tree auction; free letters to Santa writing station; Pooch Play Area presented by Dances with Dogs Training Center; paw print ornaments; annual HSSBV pet supply sale; free carnations from Orange Blossom Florist; line dancing with your dog class presented by Pepper from KFROG 95.1; food and drinks, and so much more!
The HSSBV hosted their annual Pet Contests, emceed by Jeff Pope from Hot
103.9. Celebrity guest judges, former The Voice contestant, Michael Landingham, Pepper from KFROG 95.1 and Ontario Reign mascot Kingston, judged categories including best-dressed pet, most holiday spirit and best trick.
Thanks to a generous donation from 24Pet, pets who attended (cats or dogs) were given free microchips (regularly $32).
There is still time to support this fundraiser! The HSSBV See’s Candy Online Store is open until November 30th. Visit https://hssbv.org/Upcoming-Events to view the store and purchase candy! If you would like to make a donation towards this event please visit https://hssbv.org/Upcoming-Events.
All proceeds from The Winter Wonderland Walk & Santa Paws Pet Photos presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians directly help fund the HSSBV cruelty investigation and humane education programs. Thank you for helping us to care for animals in need!
County News
Protect Yourself from Imposter Scams: What You Need to Know
By: Margarita Alvarez, Head of Payment Risk Programs for Consumer & Small Business Banking, Wells Fargo
Imposter scams are on the rise, and it's more important than ever to stay vigilant. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023, of that, nearly $2.7 billion was lost to imposter scams alone—a 14% increase from the previous year. These scams come in many forms, but they all have one thing in common: a scammer pretends to be someone you can trust to steal your money or personal information.
At Wells Fargo, we are committed to educating and protecting consumers’ financial well-being. Knowledge is power, and the best defense to avoid being “tackled” by a scam is a good offense. Here are some common imposter scams to watch out for and tips to protect yourself:
Common Imposter Scams:
• Card “Pick-Up” Scheme: Scammers pose as bank representatives claiming your debit card has been compromised and tell you they need to pick it up, or they direct you to mail them the card. They may even ask for your PIN as "verification."
• AI Voice/Imaging Cloning: Scammers can use AI to clone the voice of a loved one or trusted individual to create deepfake calls, images or videos, and ask for emergency money.
• Payment App Scams: Scammers send texts or emails asking you to confirm or decline a fake payment. If you respond, they may call back pretending to be a bank representative and then trick you into sending money – often via another P2P payment method, gift card, wire transaction or by sending money directly into another account. These scammers claim they can “reverse the payment” or keep further “fraud” from occurring.
• Crypto and Investment Scams: Fraudsters manipulate people into making phony investments with cryptocurrency, promising big, quick returns and then disappearing with the funds. There has been a rise in these types of scams.
• Online Marketplace Merchandise Scams: Scammers lure you in by offering great deals or deep discounts that aren’t real. They may use fake websites, social media ads, a hacked social media account of a friend, or malicious links to try to steal your personal information or money.
• Package Delivery & Shipment Scams: Scammers send a bogus email or text message stating there is a problem with a de-
livery or shipment and provides a fake tracking link/code. Clicking the link can either direct you to provide personal/financial information or can install malware into your device.
Tips to Protect Yourself:
• Wait & Validate: If you receive an unexpected text, email, or phone call, do not respond or click any links. Verify the legitimacy of the communication.
• Verify Recipient: Only send money to someone you know, trust, and can confirm their identity. Once you approve sending the funds, the money leaves your account and is often unrecoverable.
• Set Up Alerts: Use account alerts and two-factor authentication and monitor your accounts frequently.
• Be Vigilant: Anyone can experience a scam. When in doubt, stop and get help.
• Don't Share Personal Information: Don’t share your username, passwords, PIN numbers, or access codes.
• Don't Trust Caller ID: Scammers can spoof legitimate phone numbers by altering caller ID.
• Don't Be Pressured: If someone asks you to make a payment using a gift card, cryptocurrency, or a prepaid card, it's a clear sign of a scam.
What to Know:
• Providing personal information such as one-time passcodes, passwords, or PINs can give scammers access to your account and funds.
• Your bank won't ask you to send a payment or hand over your physical card to prevent fraud. If you get a call asking for that, hang up and call your bank directly.
• Sending money via wire payment, certain P2P payments, or gift cards are immediate forms of payment, making recovery unlikely even if it's a scam.
Scammers are always on the prowl and will use every type of tactic to trick people out of their money, so it’s imperative to stay informed, stay alert, and stay skeptical to avoid imposter scams.
Download the Wells Fargo Mobile® app for access to the Security Center in the palm of your hands, which has tools and resources to help protect your account. Together, we can fight fraud and keep your accounts safe.
Loma Linda University Children's Health Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Specialty Clinics Building
Community News
Loma Linda University Children’s Health (LLUCH) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 19 for its new Specialty Clinics building, a facility that will streamline access to comprehensive pediatric care and consolidate a wide range of specialized services under one roof.
The new five-story, 105,000-square-ft building will house a wide range of services, including orthopedic surgery, highrisk infant care, cardiology, speech therapy, and more. The facility, slated to open in 2026, will be at the southeast corner of the Barton Rd. and Anderson St. intersection in Loma Linda. LLUCH's specialty clinics are currently spread across various locations.
The event welcomed about 300 attendees, including hospital leaders, healthcare providers, community officials, and families, to celebrate this significant milestone in pediatric healthcare.
Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, highlighted the significance of this project during the ceremony.
"This community-centered building represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled care for the children and families in our community," said Hart. "Having this dedicated building in such a convenient location is vital to the health and well-being of our commu-
nity's most vulnerable children."
Since opening its doors in 1993, LLUCH has been the only dedicated children's hospital in the region, serving 1.2 million children annually.
The event also featured Bryson Morris, a 5-year-old patient who recently received a heart transplant after waiting in the hospital for more than six months. A heartfelt video played during the ceremony and provided attendees with a glimpse into his family's journey caring for a child with a chronic illness.
Peter Baker, senior vice president of LLU Children's Hospital, reflected on the hospital's mission and the resilience of its patients. "Each child who will come through these doors is an inspiration. Their positivity and light motivate us to provide the best care possible, offering hope and support to their families," Baker said.
The Specialty Clinics building also represents the collective generosity of the community. Hart expressed gratitude for the foundation board members, guilds, community members, elected officials, and corporate champions who have supported the hospital's mission through the Stronger Together campaign.
"This building and all it represents stand as a testament to your compassion, advocacy, and commitment," Hart said.
PHOTO LLUCH
LLUCH patient Bryson Morris, center, assisted LLUCH leadership and community dignitaries with the official groundbreaking of the LLU Children's Health Specialty Clinics on Tuesday, Nov 19.
Community News
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) celebrated more than 1,000 high school students who are on track to receive the State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB).
Marked by a gold seal on the diploma or transcript, the SSB recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English.
In total, 2,946 students throughout the County have met the rigorous criteria set by the California Department of Education this year. The number of students qualifying for the SSB has increased by more than 500 compared to 2023.
“In today’s interconnected world, we recognize multilingualism as an incredibly powerful skill and we commend these students for their continued dedication to learning and mastering a second, or even third, language,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Whether it is on a college or job application, we know that the State Seal of Biliteracy recognition will give our students the upper hand and open countless doors for them.”
Traditionally, candidates for the SSB are recognized at the end of the school year. However, County Superintendent Alejandre acknowledged the importance for high school seniors to highlight this achievement on their college applications. As a result, SBCSS now
holds the ceremony earlier in the academic year, allowing seniors to establish their eligibility for this recognition. The change also provides post-secondary institutions a way to acknowledge the accomplishment and consider it for academic credit.
Together, 16 diverse languages were represented throughout this year’s ceremonies with students achieving proficiency in languages such as Spanish, French, Hebrew and Vietnamese.
County Superintendent Alejandre has made it possible for language assessments to be accessible for school districts within the County, so every senior candidate studying a second or third language has a chance to qualify for the SSB.
SBVC Theatre Arts Brings World War II and Wonderland Together in I.E. Premiere of Alice by Heart
By Manny Sandoval
The Theatre Arts Department at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is set to enchant audiences with the Inland Empire premiere of Alice by Heart, a groundbreaking musical from the award-winning creators of Spring Awakening and Waitress.
Directed by Melinda Fogle, this moving production weaves a tale of resilience, love, and imagination amidst the chaos of World War II.
Set in a London Tube Station during the Blitz, the story follows Alice Spencer and her dear friend Alfred, who is gravely ill with tuberculosis. Seeking solace from their grim reality, Alice draws Alfred into the pages of their cherished childhood book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
As they journey down the rabbit hole, the musical alternates between the devastation of war and the fantastical world of Wonderland, where themes of courage and transformation take center stage.
From Tony® and Grammy® winners Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, along with Jessie Nelson, Alice by Heart is a mesmerizing exploration of first love, loss, and the strength to imagine a brighter future. This captivating production promises to transport audiences through its poignant narrative and richly inventive storytelling.
Presented by the SBVC Theatre Department, Alice by Heart brings a fresh and imaginative theatrical experience to the Inland Empire. Purchase tickets here: https://shorturl.at/Z0cz0
Committee Seeks Proposals for Second Annual Inland Empire History Conference
Community News
The organizing committee for the annual Inland Empire (IE) People’s History Conference is currently seeking proposals for its second annual conference, which will take place on May 3 on the campus of California State University, San Bernardino.
Scholars, students, and community members from across the IE and beyond are invited to submit proposals. All subjects and academic disciplines are eligible to participate. Proposals may be submitted online at the I.E. People's History Call for Abstracts 2025 webpage.
The IE People’s History Conference seeks to bridge university research, creative activities, and community activism to explore the art, culture, and histories of Inland
Southern California, known as the Inland Empire or IE.
Describing the initiative, José Muñoz, professor of sociology at CSUSB and co-organizer of the conference, said, “We want the conference to bring together people doing a variety of research, analysis, and creative work on the IE.”
He continued, “We welcome traditional academic research, but we also want to include college students, K-12 educators, artists, poets, scientists, community activists, practitioners, independent researchers, and other members of the community.”
Full story online at IECN.com.
PHOTO SBCSS
Recognized students standing with County Superintendent Ted Alejandre.
Urgent Call for Male CASA Volunteers: 55 Boys in Riverside Foster
Care Wait for Advocates Amid Advocacy Gap
By Manny Sandoval
As the demand for foster care advocates in Riverside County intensifies, Voices for Children is making an urgent appeal for male volunteers to address a critical advocacy shortage. Of the county's 5,900 foster children, 49% are boys, yet only 17% of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are male. This disparity leaves 55 boys waiting for an advocate, often for months or longer, while navigating the uncertainty of the foster care system.
Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS, President and CEO of Voices for Children, underscored the issue. “When boys in foster care ask for male CASAs, it can take months to fulfill their requests because of the imbalance,” said Muñoz, who has led the nonprofit’s operations in Riverside for nearly a decade. “We work tirelessly to make thoughtful matches, but with fewer men graduating from our training programs, these delays are unavoidable.”
The Critical Role of CASA Volunteers CASA volunteers are court-appointed advocates who provide consistent support for children in foster care, addressing their
needs in legal, educational, and personal settings. Often, these advocates become the most stable adult presence in a foster child’s life.
The impact is profound: children with CASA volunteers are more likely to graduate high school, avoid homelessness, and steer clear of the criminal justice system. “A CASA can be the difference between a child feeling invisible and truly being seen and heard,” Muñoz said.
In 2023, 350 CASA volunteers in Riverside County dedicated over 22,000 hours to advocate for 586 children. This year, Voices for Children aims to serve at least 600 children, but progress is hindered by the low number of male and bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Representation and Advocacy Challenges
The absence of male role models in foster care settings presents unique challenges. Boys often seek male advocates to relate to their experiences and aspirations, but the lack of male CASAs results in prolonged wait times. “When we know a boy would thrive with a male CASA, but none are available, it’s disheartening. Representation is critical for their confidence and
long-term outcomes,” said Muñoz.
Additionally, Voices for Children is actively recruiting bilingual and culturally diverse volunteers to better serve Spanishspeaking families in the community. “While we encourage diversity, we also want everyone—men, women, bilingual or not—to consider becoming a CASA. Every volunteer matters,” Muñoz emphasized.
Comprehensive Support for CASA Volunteers
CASA volunteers, regardless of their background, receive extensive training through Voices for Children’s “Advocate University,” followed by continuous support from Advocacy Supervisors. These supervisors guide volunteers in writing court reports, identifying resources for children, and addressing unique challenges on a case-by-case basis.
“This level of support allows volunteers to stay engaged and effective, even when tackling emotionally demanding cases,” said Muñoz. “It’s what sets our program apart.”
Strategies to Recruit Male Volunteers Voices for Children employs a variety of
strategies to raise awareness about the urgent need for male advocates. Social media campaigns, outreach at community events, and word-of-mouth referrals have all been pivotal. “We’re asking men in Riverside County to step up for boys who need someone they can look up to and trust,” said Muñoz.
Currently, 55 boys in Riverside County are waiting for CASA advocates, and the organization hopes to reduce that number significantly by expanding its volunteer base. For those in rural areas, the need is even more pressing, as children in these locations face extended delays in being matched with advocates.
Sustaining the Mission
Though Voices for Children works closely with the court system, the nonprofit is 80% privately funded. Donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations are essential to its operations. “It’s a common misconception that we’re funded by the court,” Muñoz explained. “In reality, we depend on grants and community generosity.”
Providing advocacy for a single child in Riverside County for a year costs approximately $2,000. Full story at IECN.com.
