Colton Courier 12/15/22

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

By Dr G (Dr Luis S González), community writer

When talking about c o m m u n i t y i n v o l v e m e n t , t h e

Colton Lions Club is one of the more active organizations that need to be in the conver-

sation For the third year in a row, this spirited group of Colton residents has trumpeted the idea of a toy drive for our community youth, especially those who may need a little boost to their Christmas wishes

Over the weekend, the Lions C l u b d i d n o t d i s a p p o i n t

Approximately 20 members gathered at the Stater Bros parking lot to set up a makeshift booth for their toy drive, c o m p l e t e w i t h b a n n e r s , refreshments, and the Lions Christmas Dog From 8:00am t o 2 : 0 0 p m , t h e d e d i c a t e d m e m b e r s c o l l e c t e d s e v e r a l hundred toys that were donated from the community, busi-

ness partners, and people who drove by

By the end of the day, the Lions Club collected over 200 toys, and several cash donations from passerbys who just wanted to help Of special note were the Entertainers Car

By Manny Sandoval

Since the news broke a b o u t L a s C u a t r o M i l p a s c l o s i n g i t s doors, there has been a lot of c h a t t e r a r o u n d S a n Bernardino and the Inland community regarding why the current owners are closing the business instead of handing it off to the next generation

Well, handing the business off is precisely what happened to the current owner Norma Munios, who was gratefully given the business by her father, Enrique Mata, in 1988 Mata acquired the business (located on Sixth Street at the time) in February 1968

photo DR G

Dr G, Council Member; Evelyn Lopez, Fred Calderilla, Lions Christmas Dog; Cynthia Calderilla, Geny Jaquez, Soledad Morden, tommy Gaitan Carlos Araiza Erik Morden president

Cuatro Milpas

photo MANNY SANDOVAL

Las Cuatro Milpas owner and Accountant Jose Munios, giving IECN a tour

Club who brought about 100 toys, and the Flag Towing Company of Colton which made a generous $500 donation in support of the effort “Everything helps and is appreciated,” says Erik Morden, President of the Colton Lions

Dr G, Council Member and well-known community advocate stopped by Stater Bros parking lot to see the operation in progress When Dr G arrived, the operation was in full force, with members, visitors, and several individuals driving up to offer more donations “This was the place to be on Saturday,” says Dr G, who added, “I’m so proud of the fact that residents step up to help those in need what a blessing ”

All of the toys that were collected will be distributed to families in the south side of the city Lions Club member Carlos Ariza, explained, “This coming Saturday, December 17, will be our toy give-a-way ” Cynthia Calderilla, another member added, “The youth in the community will be invited to Pepper ’s Park with their parents, and will have an opportunity to choose a toy for Christmas ”

from its original owner Dona Conchita, who owned the business between 1964 and 1967 Mata was said to have had a keen sense and understanding of how to operate a business At the same time, his mother, Concepsion, was the queen of cooking, with tons of original recipes, many of which are still being utilized by the beloved restaurant today

Fast forward to 2022, owners of Las Cuatro Milpas Norma (who began working at 15 making flour tortillas) and Jose Munios are ready to retire and are fortunate enough that each of their four children has a career of their own

“We don’t have anyone to hand down the business to Each of our four sons went off to college and are well into their own profession One of our sons is a professor at Cal State, San Bernardino, the other works in film, while the other two work for the government My wife and I are ready to retire and

Under the leadership of President Erik Morden, the local Lions Club is fast becoming wellknown for its community service This Annual Toy Drive has become a major project for the Lions Club and over time, more community members are participating Members of the Colton Lions Club who helped at the Colton Lions Toy Drive were Carlos Araiza, Geny Jaquez, Carmen Lozolla, Evelyn Lopez, Fred Calderilla, Ed Morden, Erik Morden, Soledad Morden, Cynthia Calderilla, Tommy Gaitan, Christina Gaitan, Linda Fernandez, Pablo Ramirez, Adriana Trujillo, Irene Robles, Linda Petite, F Javier Servin, Mark Garcia, and Sandra Tucker For more information about the Colton Lions Club, contact President Erik Morden @ 909-731-9124

For more information about CITY TALK, various community events and groups, Colton history, the trash clean-up project, the G-Team, prayer list, history briefs, Veteran Spotlight, Church Spotlight, Business Spotlight, U S Flag Watch, neighborhood meetings, community projects, or the online live-stream programs, contact Dr G @ 909-213-3730 Questions and comments are always welcome

travel to each of the 50 states across the country,” said Jose Munios

Since Norma, 69 and Jose, 77, were given the restaurant 34 years ago, they’ve woken up at 3 AM, seven days a week, to prepare the corn, masa and other ingredients for their handmade tamales, tortillas, Menudo and more “I think this business has thrived for over five decades because we have continued to use the same recipes that my wife’s grandmother Concepsion used, which were made with love and dedication In addition, Las Cuatro Milpas has always used real corn, and not maseca, which some businesses use because it’s cheaper,” continued Jose Munios

While Jose Munios was standing in the parking lot talking to Inland Empire Community News on December 13th, one customer was driving off and stopped to say, “I’m so sad to see you guys are closing My wife stopped making tamales years ago; these are the best

ones we’ve had across town But, congrats on the retirement; I know it is well deserved ”

Munios said that come 5 PM on December 31st, the doors will close for good

“It’s going to be a happy day but tough as I approach the front door, close it and put a lock on it for good It will bring me memories of my father-in-law, Grandma Conchita, and I’m pretty sure I’ll shed some tears,” Jose Munios said

Norma and Jose Munios would like to thank the Mt Vernon community, San Bernardino, and all across the Inland Empire for supporting Las Cuatro Milpas over the past 54 years

“I wish the best for our community and would like to wish everyone across the Inland Empire a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” concluded Munios

Las Cuatro Milpas is located at 856 N Mt Vernon Ave, San Bernardino

It opens at 6 AM every day of the week

By Manny Sandoval

Never Stop Grinding Impact is doing just that, grinding, networking and collaborating with the community on its forthcoming Third Annual Toy Drive on December 21st and will also be participating in the IE Tour of Toys on December 22nd

Although both of the toy drives mentioned above are located in Rialto, they are open to all across the Inland Empire

“Registration is required and children must be present for Never Stop Grinding Impact’s Third Annual Toy Drive on December 21st I also want to invite families who are in need to register and if you miss the NSG toy drive registration or if you’re still in need of more toys, I invite you to IE Tour of Toys, which will be held the very next day on December 22nd, also in Rialto,” said NSG Impact Founder and CEO Darious Harris

At NSG Impact’s Third Annual Toy Drive 4,000 toys will be distributed, and San Bernardino Public Health will be distributing Covid-19 vaccinations to children five and up, booster shots, and monkeypox vaccinations to children ages six and up; and IEHP members who receive a vaccination will receive a $50 gift card

Harris, who says that as a child he remembers Christmas being his favorite time of the

year, has always understood that was not the case for everyone

“As a kid, I always looked forward to Christmas, it was my favorite time of the year But, I came from a two parent household and always had gifts under the tree For many of my cousins, friends, and classmates, I knew that wasn't the case,” continued Harris

Harris said that he remembers his parents buying gifts for his less fortunate family and friends, and that sense of giving stuck with him, even into adulthood

“As an adult, all that matters to me during Christmas is that I’m able to do my part and make sure that we can give as many kids as we can a good christmas; especially during challenging economic times, like right now,” concluded Harris

Sponsors of Never Stop Grinding Impact’s Third Annual Toy Drive include IEHP, San Bernardino County Public Health, Never Stop Grinding Transportation, and Blue Shield California

To register for NSG’s Third Annual Toy Drive, located at the Rialto Farmers Market, visit nsgimpact eventbrite com

To register for Fentwood Hoops’ Tour of Toys - Rialto, visit https://forms gle/bbhZCfRmehwQQ86H8

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Handmade

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Sista s Making a Difference is actively recruiting volunteers for its toy drive on Saturday, December 17th Various shifts are available by emailing smdtoydrive@gmail com

Lions

Las Cuatro Milpas

Get out your gear and reel in that “BIG CATCH ” The much-anticipated Kids’ Fishing Derby will return to Ford Park with the support of the City of Redlands, Redlands Optimist Club and California Department of Fish and Wildlife

This free event, designed for youth 15 years old and younger, will be held from 6 to 11 a m Saturday Jan 14, 2023 Visit www cityofredlands org/post/fishing-derby-2023 to register Space is limited, and pre-registration is recommended

Both ponds at Ford Park, 955 Parkford Drive, will be stocked with more than 500 pounds of trout for the derby Attendees will have access to learning stations provided by California State Department of Fish and Game These stations will offer useful information on topics that in-

clude the biology of fish, fish species as well as safety measures when using fishing poles

Free bait and fishing poles will be available for use, and youth participants can look forward to an exciting day of raffle prizes Children must be accompanied by an adult The event will take place, rain or shine

Ford Park ponds will be closed to the public during the event and prior to the event Only registered youth will be able to fish and each child must bring a portable chair Children must also bring their own cooler if they want to take fish home

For more information about the Free Annual Fishing Derby, or any programs offered through the Redlands Recreation Division, please contact Recreation Division staff at (909) 798-7572 or email recreationstaff@cityofredlands org

C a r t e r H i g h S c h o o l T h a n k s g i v i n g d i n n e r g i v e a w a y

“It

Community News

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will return to the California Theatre on December 17, 2022, for “Cirque de la Noel,” a holiday concert featuring the internationally-acclaimed Cirque de la Symphonie performing group

Shared Music Director and Conductor Anthony Parnther, "We decided to bring Cirque de la Symphonie back this season due to extraordinary popular demand," adding “We cannot be more grateful to our exceedingly generous presenting sponsors, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians ”

The Symphony's artistic leader has recently been the recipient of significant notoriety for his role as conductor of the scores of several 2022 box office smashes, including the top-grossing movie in the world, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the new Disney+ fantasy-adventure series Willow, and the Holiday Actioncomedy Violent Night, and epic war drama Devotion, all of which opened this past weekend

Cirque de la Symphonie will add an additional level of festive artistry through awe inspiring performances by their renowned aerialists, jugglers, hula hoop and cyr wheel experts and quick change artists all choreographed to a variety of music mindfully spanning the holiday orchestral repertoire Established by ballet and circus veteran Alexander Streltsov in 1998 for a special PBS production with the Cincinnati Pops, Cirque, troupe members originate from across the globe

“We are so pleased to once again collaborate with Cirque as they brought such joy to everyone in attendance when they last performed with us in February of 2020,” said Symphony Executive Director Dr Anne Viricel, adding, “I am certain this festive concert will inspire many happy family memories ”

The evening’s offerings will include traditional American holiday fare like Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival” (1950) and “Sleigh Ride” (1948), and Leon Jessell’s “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” (1933), to new arrangements of old favorites like Carmen Dragon’s 2012 reimagining of “Deck the Halls,” to con-

temporary compositions like Jeff Tyzik’s 1994 Chanukah Suite

Beloved cinematic scores will also find their way into this celebratory evening, including

John Williams’ “Flight to Neverland” from Hook, Alan Silvestri's “The Suite from Polar Express ” and Howard Blake’s “Walking in the Air” from the 1982 animated film, The Snowman based on Raymond Briggs' 1978 children's book of the same name

Classical masterpieces including “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Trepak” (Russian Dance) from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker will be performed, along with “Dance of the Buffoons” from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snow Maiden and Georges Bizet’s L”Arlesienne Suite No 2 from Alphonse Daudet’s drama of the same name

"Along with our Summer Patriotic and our Movies with the Maestro Series SBSO fans can expect an Annual Christmas Festival each year replete with all your holiday favorites and a few classical staples alongside them,” added Parnther In keeping with the festive theme, audience members are encouraged to attend dressed in their favorite holiday attire

"Everyone loves this magical season," said Symphony Board President and former City of San Bernardino Mayor Judith Valles "On December 17th, no matter what this past year has brought us, we can forget our troubles for a while and gather together as a community in the spirit of the holidays ”

Ticket Availability

Single tickets for all SBSO concerts are available online at www sanbernardinosymphony o rg or by calling the box office at (909) 381-5388 Box

Office hours are 10 a m to 2 p m , Monday through Friday Tickets are $30 - $100 with students and active military always just $15 The availability of tickets cannot be guaranteed on concert night

The California Theatre is located at 562 W Fourth Street in downtown San Bernardino Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue

Community News

The Carter High School Softball team participated in its annual Thanksgiving Dinner giveaway at Fitzgerald Elementary School

The players donated complete thanksgiving meals to 20 families from Fitzgerald Elementary

was a successful event where our local high school students were able to give back to those in our community during these challenging times,” said Head Softball Coach Omar Fernandez

Senator Ochoa Bogh encoura ges college g raduates to appl y to Senate Fellows Pr og ram

By Community News

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) today announced the availability of applications for the 2023-2024 California Senate Fellows program

The program allows college graduates to become fulltime Senate staff members at the California State Capitol in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October 2023 Fellows are assigned to a Senator's personal office or committee staff and participate in academic seminars with legislators, staff, journalists, and state government officials The California Senate and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, jointly operate the fellowship program

Fellows are paid a monthly salary plus health, vision, and dental benefits They earn six units of graduate credit from California State University, Sacramento, for the program's academic portion

"Being a Senate Fellow provides an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the legislative process," said Senator Ochoa Bogh "The experience and training are valuable assets whether your career goals are in the public or private sector I highly recommend this program to young adults looking to make a difference and interested in learning first-hand about the State Capitol "

Former Senate Fellows include current members of Congress, judges, former members of the Legislature, and numerous other elected officials and community leaders

Senate Fellows experience the broad range of activities conducted in Senate offices Responsibilities include researching public policy issues, helping develop legislative proposals, analyzing and staffing legislation, assisting with constituent inquiries and casework, participating in meetings as the Senator's representative, writing press releases and speeches, and performing

other delegated tasks A seven-week orientation at the beginning of the program provides background on state government, the legislative process, and significant policy issues

Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2023, is eligible to apply Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are also encouraged to apply There is no preferred major

For more information, brochures can be requested online, or to apply, visit the Capitol Fellows website at h t t p s : / / w w w c s u s e d u / c e n t e r / c e n t e r - c a l i f o r n i astudies/capital-fellows/

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, February 6, 2023, by 5:00 p m PST Eighteen (18) Senate Fellows will be selected in May after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of the finalists

@ I E C N We e k l y

Community News

The ROGO Foundation, in partnership with Sandals Church, raised over $790,000 on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from over 830 donors to help fund The Hill Teen Center

This new community center that will provide relief and services to Inland Empire teenagers who are at risk for homelessness, hunger, gang violence, drugs, alcohol, and poverty

One in ten youth in the City of San Bernardino are “homeless ” In the 2019/20 school year, 30,270 San Bernardino County K-12 students were identified as homeless or lacking secure housing, increasing 6 6 percent from the previous year, according to data provided by the San Bernardino County School Board

“We are very excited about what this money will mean for our community,” said Scot Camden, Advancement Director for the ROGO Foundation, “our community banded together around The Hill Teen Center project to show our teenagers that they matter to us ”

The Hill Teen Center will be a 10,000 square/foot facility that will deliver clinical counseling, tutoring, skill- and life-coaching, mentorship, laundry facilities, as

well as a safe and fun environment for teenagers to spend time with friends, all free of charge

The ROGO Foundation estimated that this project will cost $1 3 million dollars to complete, and the $790,000 already raised will allow for much of the work to begin, as the organization continues to fundraise the remaining need

“The Hill Teen Center is very much aligned with my own vision for the broader community,” said Ken Ramirez, former Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who has been an active member of the Inland Empire for many years and mobilized his network to get the word out about The Hill Teen Center and the Giving Tuesday crowdfunding campaign “It provides a road map to make a difference in the lives of our young adults ”

Ramirez shared that his own childhood motivated him to want to bring hope to teenagers that are struggling with adverse conditions “This new teen center will serve beacon of hope for our young people,” said Ramirez “It will show these teenagers that life has a lot to offer, once they are shown what’s possible ”

The ROGO Foundation will be breaking ground on The Hill Teen Center, to be located at 3701 N Sierra Way, in San Bernardino, in January of 2023

Local organization raises near l y $800,000 in suppor t of Inland Empir e teena ger s

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

Dunkin’ Unveils Newest Next Generation Restaurant of the Futur e in Colton

Community News

On Wednesday, November 30, Dunkin’ opened its doors to its newest Next Generation restaurant in Colton, CA Now, people who live and work in Colton can run on Dunkin’ faster and more conveniently than ever before at this new Next Gen restaurant located at 1320 E Washington St , Colton, CA

The new Next Gen restaurant offers Colton a first-hand look at Dunkin’s store of the future experience, with a modern design that provides a fresh, friendly, vibrant, and engaging environment Complete with a new, warm interior color palette, the restaurant also offers atmospheric lighting, a convenient drive-thru, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an innovative tap system

Exciting elements of the new restaurant experience at the Colton location include:

A Modern Design: The openness, colors, and materials used in the design help create an approachable, positive, and energetic environment Just one example of the eyecatching design elements that guests can expect is a front-facing bakery case for an even closer look at our delicious baked goods

Premium Pours: Dunkin’s signature cold beverages are poured through an innovative tap system, serving a variety of consistently cold sips, such as iced coffee, iced tea, Cold Brew, and Nitro-Infused

Cold Brew (a Next Gen exclusive!) Crew members also use topquality, flavor-maximizing espresso machines to make handcrafted drinks to order

Dunkin’ on Demand: Dunkin’ has introduced an area dedicated to mobile pickups so that members of the Dunkin’® Rewards program who order ahead via Dunkin’s Mobile App can get in and out of the restaurant faster than ever before For all orders placed for pick up inside the restaurant, guests will be able to track the status of their order via a new digital order status board

Increased Energy Efficiency: Next Gen restaurants are designed to meet DD Green Achievement™ specifications Stores that achieve DD Green Achievement status are built with sustainable and efficient elements like LED lighting, highefficiency mechanical equipment, low-flow faucets, and more DD Green Achievement restaurants are performing better than designed On average, they are 33% more energy efficient compared to conventional Dunkin' restaurants

Faster than Ever Drive-thru Experience: An exclusive On-the-Go drive-thru lane lets Dunkin’® Rewards members who order ahead via Dunkin’s Mobile App bypass the ordering lane and head straight into the line for the pickup window

Dunkin’ is the first national restaurant brand to offer this type of drive-thru innovation and convenience to make guests’ Dunkin’ runs hassle-free

Community News

The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley currently has funding available for Senior Citizens to assist with the cost of veterinary services for the care and treatment of their animals

These funds, made possible by a grant from The Albert and Anna Herdina Memorial Fund at The Inland Empire Commu-

nity Foundation, are open to residents of San Bernardino County, the High Dessert and Riverside County, who are 66 years of age and older, and who have a maximum income of $1,700 a month for one person

For more information on this program or to apply please visit hssbv org/Financial-Assistance

T he Humane Society of San Ber nardino Valley has available funding

S u p e r v i s o r J o e B a c a , J r . h o s t s h i s S e c o n d A n n u a l O p e n

H o u s e H o l i d a y To y D r i v e

Community News

Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr successfully hosts his second annual Open House Holiday Toy Drive

This year ’s open house had an incredible turnout and an overflow of toys that will be gifted to underserved children in the Fifth District, including Crestmore Elementary School in Bloomington, California

Not only were children’s toys donated, but toys for animals will donated to San Bernardino County’s Animal Care Centers as well

The event was to celebrate Supervisor Baca Jr ’s second year in office and invite the public to see the current accomplishments and future growth in the years to come

“Over the past two years in office, I have provided residents of my district with the re-

vitalization of several parks, infrastructure improvements, a brand-new animal care center in Bloomington currently in the works and keeping our community safe by introducing three new deputies specifically assigned to be in Rosena Ranch These are just a few of the many accomplishments we were able to achieve together this year and yesterday at our Open House we were able to come together and celebrate these positive changes in our Fifth District

Last night was truly so special and I appreciate all the groups and members of our County who came out to support the aspirations we have for our community We couldn’t do it without all your love and support Thank you all ” -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr