Colton Courier 12 28 17

W e e k l y COLTON COURIER

Vol 146 , NO. 02

THIS WEEK

Gloria’s Cor ner A3

SBPU r ecognized

by City Council A5

Decem ber 28, 20 17

After 22 years of dedicated ser vice, Colton’s Adelfa F lores steps down

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By Anthony Victoria

Colton ongtime Administrative Assistant Adelfa Flores was honored by the community for her 22-year service to the residents of the city.

“Some were good, some were grumpy,” joked Flores about her colleagues around the dais. “A lot of them were here to do the business for the city. It has been a joy to work here. But really it’s been an adventure.”

Flores was curt and honest in her closing remarks--speaking of both the great times and rough times she had with her “family members.” Despite disagreements and frustrations, Flores spoke of her colleagues in high regard. Many were very respectful and dedicated to accomplishing the same goals, she said.

“From the bottom of my heart thank you very much,” Flores told the Council and city staff. “I will go away with a good heart.”

Loma Linda Mayor Dusty Rigsby and Colton Joint Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez were among Adelfa, cont. on pg. 2

IECN PHOTO

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By Anthony Victoria

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INSIDE ONE SECTION, 8 PAGES

Gloria’s Corner

A3

Legal Notices

A6

Words To think About A5 A4

H OW TO R E AC H US

Inland Empire Com munity Newspaper s Of fice: (909) 381- 9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406

Editorial: ie cn1@ mac .com Adve r tising: sales@ iec n.c om

Anthony VictoriA

Colton Administrative Assistant Adelfa Flores is stepping down after 22 years. Pictured from left: CJUSD Communications Manager Katie orloff, CJUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, Adelfa Flores and Mayor richard DeLarosa.

Colton trash rate to increase by 4.1 percent in 2018

Aguilar issues End of Year repor t

Opinion

IECN

.com

IECN PHOTO

Anthony VictoriA

A small replica of a CR&R truck being demonstrated to the public during the Colton Christmas parade on Dec. 9, 2017. Last week the Colton City Council voted to approve a trash rate increase of 4.1 percent for at least half of 2018.

he Colton City Council voted on December 19 to approve a trash rate increase of 4.1 percent for at least half of 2018.

However, in order for trash hauler CR&R to ask for a slightly lower increase as previously proposed, the city has given up Road Impact and Host City fees of $400,000 for seven years.

“We took a position that we wanted a second opinion,” said Mayor Richard DeLaRosa. “That second opinion turned out to be worth its weight in gold.”

Residential customers in Colton will be paying $24.77 a month beginning on January 1, according to city staff reports. That’s slightly lower than the $26.84 that was initially proposed back in the fall.

CR&R of Perris, which took over Republic Services’ old contract in March, asked the City Rates, cont. on pg. 2

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Page A2 • December 28, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Colton Courier

When Students Return to Campus as Staff: a San Bernardino Valley College Story

hen Alma Lopez of Moreno Valley, California, was a student at San Bernardino Valley College, she received guidance and encouragement from English instructor Dolores Moreno and counselor Laura Gomez.

Today, she works alongside them both as an English instructor and Co-Coordinator of the Puente program with colleague Elizabeth Banuelos, who is also a former student and mentee of the program.

At 19 years old, Alma knew that she wanted to work with

IECN PHOTO COURTESY

SBVC

Alma Lopez (left) and Elizabeth Banuelos (right), SBVC’s Puente Coordinators, are both alumni of the program they now lead at San Bernardino Valley College.

Adelfa

the people who spoke of Flores’ strong commitment to helping address community concerns.

“You make that extra effort to get a feel for events that are important for us,” said Almendarez. “We know that you reach out on a personal note.”

Mayor Richard DeLaRosa considers Flores as a mentor of sorts who has uplifted him as a community leader, he confirmed. Then a representative of District 2, DeLaRosa would receive critical feedback and work support from Flores.

“I've known Adelfa since I was elected in 1998,” DeLaRosa expressed. “She would guide me and promote me all in one week. This is a very special moment for me.”

Councilman Frank Navarro thanked Flores for helping him strengthen his leadership and commitment to his neighborhood.

“The first day I walked into my office you told me, ‘Don’t forget what you’re here for,’” Navarro said. “I haven't forgotten.”

Rates

Council earlier this year for an increase of 12.9 percent for residential customers and between 16 percent and 20 percent for commercial and industrial customers.

Utility Director David Kolk explained during the meeting that both the city and CR&R’s disagreements were regarding how much city fees would be passed through customers. Administrative and Franchise fees are also collected by the trash hauler.

Kolk said the city decided to waive the payment of the Road Impact and Host City fees to avoid a rate impact of 13 percent.

Councilman Isaac Suchil believes the city will be at a loss, despite securing a lower rate for customers.

“I’m happy we got our ratepayers a little bit lower,” said Suchil. “But on the other hand, the city is losing money on Road Impact Fees, so some of the pot holes might not be fixed.”

Kolk assured the Council they would recoup the lost money through WDA funds, which will cover road maintenance costs.

Many residents who live near Reche Canyon Drive continue to oppose any development that continues to decimate the “rural” lifestyle of the community. However, they appreciate University LLC’s verbal commitment to addressing their concerns.

“We’re too many cities in too many counties and we do not have a voice that counts,” said Reche Canyon local Heather Tutton. “This is the opportunity for the City of Colton to stand with the residents, instead of against us.”

adult learners at the community “Don’t give up on your dream,” receive a master’s degree from the college level, but she was far from she said.

University of Redlands. When she certain about her future. After a Lopez appreciates that she was completed her counseling intern“disastrous” year at another local able to come full circle. ship at Chaffey College, she felt college, Alma switched schools to “That I get to teach at my alma inclined to return to the positive attend Valley. mater and my mother’s alma mater environment at SBVC. “I didn’t seek academic counsel- is one of the largest blessings of Banuelos applied for an adjunct ing while I was at Chaffey,” Lopez my life,” she said. “SBVC has counselor position at SBVC, and said. “I didn’t feel any kind of con- saved me several times. I must has held that position on campus nection to the campus. I knew I give back what I have been given for the past two years. She also had to change when I came to — I must.” serves as a co-coordinator for the SBVC. I had to do things differAlma’s colleague in the Puente Puente program. “My experience ently if I wanted to be successful.” program, Elizabeth Banuelos, has at SBVC was remarkable,” she It was the right move for Lopez, a similar story. said. “I found it to be the most poswho “loved” her time as an SBVC Banuelos, who lives in Fontana, itive higher education environstudent. attended four colleges during her ment I have experienced in my “I was always a quiet person in educational journey, but it was her life. Everyone was willing to go high school, and I slowly came out experience at San Bernardino Val- above and beyond to support me of my shell by being involved in ley College that made her return as in many ways.” student government, MEChA, a counselor to inspire others.

She now loves welcoming stuworking in the library, successA native of Tijuana, she had dents into her office so that she can fully completing my year in moved to San Bernardino from give the same encouragement she Puente, studying abroad in Spain, Perris, and went with her mother received as a student years ago. and being selected Homecoming Princess — I still can’t believe that one! Because I wasn’t involved in high school, it was important to me to be involved with my college.”

Lopez had wanted to study history, then sociology, but being a member of Puente, a program that works with under-represented students to make them leaders and mentors, and working with English Professor Dolores Moreno, made Lopez switch her focus to literature when she transferred to UC Santa Cruz. There, she earned her bachelor’s in literature, then her master’s in English from UC Riverside, and was excited to return to SBVC as an adjunct instructor in English in 2007. She IECN PHOTO COURTESY SBVC became a full-time instructor in Alma Lopez (left) stands alongside her colleagues and former men2012, and earned tenure in 2016. tors, Dolores Moreno (center) and Laura Gomez (right).

“SBVC is my home,” Lopez said. “SBVC is also my mother’s to enroll in college classes at Banuelos says the counselors are home — she studied at SBVC from SBVC. Once she arrived, she was making students “feel that this is a 1955 to 1957 before transferring to blown away by the kindness she place that is so involved in their the University of Redlands to earn encountered. success, making a positive imher BA and her lifelong teaching “Everyone was so warm, so it pression of faculty and staff, and credential. That’s my favorite part created a positive impact to stay at reassuring students that they can — these are my stomping SBVC,” Banuelos said. As a first- and will complete their goals at grounds.” generation college student, she SBVC.” Lopez has also enjoyed forging said it took a “strong village” of She also finds enjoyment from new relationships with her former faculty, staff, and tutors to help working alongside the same facprofessors and counselors, who with her “success not only in aca- ulty members that helped her as a are now her colleagues, and jokes demics, but in life as well.” student, including her former that she “can even call them by While an SBVC student, Banue- counselor Laura Gomez, who “has their first names now. I can’t ex- los was part of MEChA and been so supportive of my profespress how much it means to still Puente, which work to promote sional journey,” Banuelos said. have Laura Gomez and Dolores and increase the number of under- “Laura has been a very important Moreno as my support system. represented students at colleges person in counseling and she has They helped me realize my poten- and universities. She credits Laura been so helpful since day one. tial and claim my education when Gomez and Mary Beth Barrios — Even if she has appointments I was a student. They continue to another Puente counselor — for booked, she will make the time to offer their support, encourage- being the mentors who prepared give a smile and answer any quesment, and consejos as I navigate her to succeed in higher education, tions or share advice.” through my career.” including the possibility of transBanuelos wants students to alShe also credits Dr. Horace ferring to a UC. ways keep their eyes on the prize, Alexander and Prof. Colleen After continuing to work with to know that it is possible to finish Calderon with her success, as their Puente’s outreach program, she their degrees and find their dream “passion for their subjects helped witnessed firsthand the incredible jobs. plant the teaching seed in me, impact community college coun“I enrolled for my first semester too.” selors make in the lives of so many in college somewhere else and For students who, like her, knew students. “I was able to connect to SBVC made a difference between what they wanted to do after col- my own experience, and decided giving up or staying motivated to lege, Lopez has some suggestions: to enroll in a counseling program,” achieve my goals,” she said.

Get to know your professors, get she said.

“Everyone makes a difference. involved with student associations Banuelos earned her bachelor’s Please, let’s make a positive imin your chosen field, and attend ac- degree from the University of Cal- pact!” ademic conferences. Most of all, ifornia, Riverside, and went on to

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Gloria’s Cor ner

Gloria Macias Harrison

Exhibits, Theatre & Seminars, Workshops:

Now - January 7, 2018 - the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts presents New Native: Toward New Mythologies at the Jacobs Education Gallery Center featuring more than 50 works by eleven indigenous artists.

According to curator and artist Tony Abeyta (Navajo), "We are exploring ways that traditional forms and practices, iconography and ancestral mythologies influence the expression of contemporary Native artists' modernity, technology and social priorities."

Featured artists (and tribal affiliations) include: Christi Belcourt (Metis), Gerald Clarke, Jr. (Cahuilla), Craig George (Navajo Dine), Steven Paul Judd (Kiowa/Choctaw), Monty Little (Dine), Cannupa Hanska Luger (Arikara/Hidatsa/Mandan/Lakota), Kent Monkman (Cree), Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), Diego Romero (Cochiti Pueblo), and Preston Singletary (Tlingit). Admission is free. For information and gallery hours call: 909.980.0412 or visit: malooffoundation.org.

Now - December 31 - Magic of Lights Fontana presents A Spectacular Mile-Long Drive-Through Holiday Lights Experience at the Auto Club Speedway, 9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana. This event is a 1.5mile drive-thru featuring LED displays and digital animation. The 20to 30- minute experience is family friendly and affordable. Times include: Sunday - Thursday from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. For ticket information Monday, January 8 - the Redvisit: www.magicoflights.com. lands Senior Center, 111 W. Lugonia Avenue, will start Zumba Gold Saturday, January 6 - the On- classes on Mondays from 10:00 to tario Museum of History & Art, 225 11:00 a.m. This program is designed S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario, presents for the older active adult. It is lowBook Chat, The Underground impact, easy to follow, Latin-inRailroad: A Novel (Pulitzer Prize spired dance fitness.

For Winner and Oprah Book Club Pick) information call: 909.798.7579. from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. The book chat is moderated by Shelia March- Thursday, January 11 - the Onbanks; participants will have the tario Museum of History & Arts, opportunity to share ideas and opin- 225 S. Euclid, Ontario presents a ions about the book. Books are lecture, The Citrus Industry in the available at the museum book store, Inland Empire, with Dr. Vince Ontario City Library, online or at a Moses, former Director of the local book store. Light refreshments Riverside Metropolitan Museum, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. and Theresa Hanley, Executive DiReservations are required for this rector of the Reeder Citrus Ranch, a free event. For information or to City of Montclair Historical Landmake a reservation call mark. A tasting of local citrus is in909.395.2510. cluded. Reservations are required for this free event. For information

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 28, 2017 • Page A3

or to make a reservation call: p.m. in the library’s Assembly Room, 125 W. Vine Street. The per909.395.2510. formance will feature traditional Now - February 10, 2019 - the songs on the Kora, a 21-string harp Los Angeles County Museum’s from Gambia West Africa. Many Autry Museum of the American songs tell ancient stories of war and West presents La Raza. This exhibit hardship, while others praise people features more than 200 archive pho- who helped expand the Mande Emtos from La Raza, the Los Angeles pire. Some songs can be traced back Newspaper Central to the Chicano 800 years to the founding of the Rights Movement in the 1960s and Mande Empire.

1970s. Between 1967 and 1977, La Raza was witness to and participant Tuesday, January 9 - The A. K. in the movement for social justice. Smiley Public Library presents The Museum is located at 4700 cooking instructor and food coach Western Heritage Way in Los Ange- Chef Colette Woods in a hands-on culinary program, Healthy Snacks les. on the Go Cooking Class, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the A. K. SmiSave the Date: ley Library Contemporary Club, Sunday, December 31 - The Un- 173 S. Eureka Street, Redlands. forgettables Foundation presents This free event focuses on healthy Lights for Little Lives Memorial foods and easy recipes that can be Walk & Candle Lighting Cere- easily incorporated into any diet. To mony beginning at the Ronald Mc- RSVP call: 909.798.7565.

Donald House, 11365 Anderson Street, Loma Linda at 3:30 p.m. The Friday, January 12 - Hispanas walk is followed by a service of cel- Organized for Political Equality ebration at Campus Hill Church, (HOPE) and National Latina Busi11057 Hill Drive. This event cele- ness Women Association present brates the births of Inland Empire the Annual Latina Empowerment babies and also share in the sorrow Day: Wealth/Wisdom at Doubleof families who have experienced Tree By Hilton San Bernardino, 285 the painful loss of a child over the E. Hospitality Lane. This event is slated from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. past year.

There is a $25 fee for this daylong Monday, January 1 Happy New event of intensive workshops. The topics this year include: energy & Year - 2018 environmental policy, financial sucNational Citrus Month cess, and secrets of negotiation. To Tuesday, January 2 - the San register online contact: https://ledBernardino Public Library presents sanbernardinoeventbrite.com For a performance/educational demon- information contact: events@Latistration featuring musician Sean nas.org.

Gaskell on the West African Kora.

Gaskell will feature traditional Saturday, January 13 - the Glen songs that are the heart and soul of Helen Regional Trout Derby is the Koras musical repertoire as well slated from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as some of his personal composi- Gates open at 6:00 a.m. and a Calitions. This free performance will be fornia State Fishing License is rein the Bing Wong Auditorium at the quired. There is a per person entry Feldheym Central Library, 555 fee and per vehicle fee. Prizes include $1,000 in cash and prizes West 6th Street at 4:00 p.m. awarded to the top 25 weighing Monday, January 8 - the Red- trout. Glen Helen Regional Park is lands A. K. Smiley Public Library located at 2555 Glen Helen Parkpresents “Sean Gaskell: Music of way, San For information call: the West African Kora” at 6:00 909.387.2757.

Saturday, January 13 - the Joe Baca Foundation and the Inland Empire 66ers present Baseball & Softball Fitness Clinic 2018 Health Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the San Manuel Stadium, 280 South E Street, San Bernardino. The clinic is free for all boys and girls ages 7 to 13. Children will learn basic fundamentals of baseball and fitness tips. Free lunch is provided to participants and registration begins at 8:00 a.m. This event features special appearances by professional baseball players plus Ronald McDonald and 66ers mascot Bernie. For information or to RSVP call Natalie at 909.202.9035.

Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Wednesday, January 17 - the Inland Empire Economic Partnership presents its Annual Dinner & Awards Reception at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport, 222 North Vineyard Avenue, Ontario from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event celebrates the accomplishments of the year and honors persons, companies and institutions who have made a difference for the people of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. For ticket and sponsorship information contact Melisa Castro at mcastro@ieep.com or call: 909.944.2201.

Favorite Quote: “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”

- Robert Frost

To submit an event or information for Gloria's Corner please email: gloscalendar@gmail.com.

Deadline is Friday at noon each week.

Also visit: www.iecn.com for online news and follow us on Facebook @IECNWeekly.

Aguilar issues End of Year Repor t to constituents

ep. Aguilar issued a yearend report to constituents of California’s 31st Congressional District to review his work on behalf of Inland Empire families in 2017.

“Throughout this year, and throughout my time in Congress, my top priority has been to deliver results for the Inland Empire.

From making it easier for returning service members to get jobs in our community, to securing critical resources for local law enforcement to keep our residents safe, my focus throughout this year has been on ensuring that our community has a chance to thrive,” Aguilar said. He continued, “Whether it’s helping small businesses grow and create jobs, working to ensure everyone has access to affordable health care or fighting to protect Dreamers and prevent families from being torn apart, I am committed to doing all I can to support Inland Empire families.”

In 2017, Rep. Aguilar: • Helped 938 residents resolve issues with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare and the VA. • Helped return nearly $725,000 that was owed to residents by the federal government.

Announced nearly $14 million in federal funding for the Inland Empire, including over $1 million in terrorism preparedness funding.

• Hosted the 3rd Inland Empire Jobs Fair, which resulted in over 60 Inland Empire residents getting hired.

• Hosted a community grants workshop to connect Inland Empire organizations with federal agencies to learn about federal grant opportunities.

• Hosted the 3rd Seniors Fair to help Inland Empire seniors find information on Medicare, Social Security or veterans benefits, as well as information on food programs and free health screenings.

• Hosted a Veterans Resource Fair to connect Inland Empire veterans with resources on health care, housing, employment and assistance with VA claims.

• Participated in 210 constituent meetings, tours and events.

• Hosted a total of 5 town hall meetings, including a Seniors Town Hall, an Immigration Town Hall and a Telephone Town Hall for nearly 10,000 constituents.

• Worked five different jobs as part of his “Job for a Day” tour of the Inland Empire.

• Founded the bipartisan E-Commerce Caucus, which provides a forum for Congress to discuss one of the Inland Empire’s largest industries.

• Introduced seven bills to: -Ease the burden of student loan debt on recent graduates.

-Reduce the skills gap and connect Inland Empire employers and job seekers.

-Require the federal government to find the causes leading to domestic terror attacks to help prevent future attacks from happening.

-Provide local law enforcement with additional resources to prepare for and prevent mass shootings.

-Connect military service members with employment opportunities upon returning to civilian life.

-Hold Trump Administration officials accountable for the misuse of taxpayer funds.

-Honor the life and legacy of Stater Bros. Chairman Jack Brown.

• Passed five amendments to major legislation, including measures to increase cyber workforce development, provide additional funding to local law enforcement, and allow DACA recipients to pursue careers in the federal government.

• Passed the REPORT Act through the House, to require Homeland Security to submit a re-

port on how to prevent future terrorist attacks using the lessons learned from domestic acts of terror that happen.

• Passed the ADVANCE Act through the House, to allow military service members to easily transition to civilian employment.

The bill was passed by the Senate and is waiting for the president to sign it into law.

OPINION&LETTERS

Page A4 • December 28, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Cannabis, vehicle fees make up 2018 laws

Year. Residents will be required to pay $25 to $125 depending on the value of the vehicle.

SB 65 and SB 94: Marijuana and driving

Senate Bill 65 will make it an infraction to smoke marijuana or drink alcohol while driving or riding in a vehicle. Violators of this law will face a fine of $70, according to penal code.

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Anthony Victoria

hrough the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, we've made it through another year.

There's an old cliche that's always said by optimists (and I don't blame them) that the upcoming year will be like no other.

I'm not sure if 2018 will match this year’s tumult, but there are new law changes that might make people pull their hair out.

Here is a summary of the laws going into effect on January 1, 2018.

SB 1: Vehicle Fees

Senate Bill 1, passed by California legislators in April, intends to improve roads and infrastructure across the state. The legislation already went into effect in November as gas taxes rose. A new vehicle tax will be added to vehicle registration fees in the New

Similarly, SB 94 will penalize motorists for open marijuana containers and products. In addition, this bill will authorize the California Highway Patrol to oversee the safety of cannabis transport AB 1625 and AB 503: Parking

Assembly Bill 1625 will reenact a previous law that prohibits local authorities from preventing residents from parking cars near meters that aren't working.

Assembly Bill 503 will allow for low income residents could have their parking citation debt reduced and can negotiate payment plans.

SB 20: Seatbelts on busses

Senate Bill 20, which does not take effect until July 1, 2018, will require bus drivers and passengers on tour busses to put on seat belts on transit. According to the new law, bus drivers will be responsible for informing residents of the law and ensuring their safety.

Prop 63: Gun laws

This proposition will require for criminals to relinquish their firearms. In addition, ammunition sales will be conducted and processed by licensed vendors.

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The Constitution deals with sexual abuse in Congress

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By Harold Pease, Ph. D

ccording to the media members of Congress of both major political parties are dropping like flies to a fly-swatter in a barn: Senator Al Franken, Congressmen John Conyers, Ruben Kihuen, Blake Farenthold, Joe Barton, Trent Franks, Alcee Hastings, in the last 30 days. All are accused of sexually abusing women, some recent, some years ago. The Constitution deals with misbehaving members of Congress when followed fully?

Unfortunately with the disclosure of these seven also came the exposure of the existence of a secret funding source for members of Congress accused of sexual harassment and other work-place discretions created under the Congressional Review Act of 1995. Since 1997, the fund has paid at least $15 million to settle complaints. Congressman Blake Farenthold is the first member of Congress confirmed to have benefited from it receiving $84,000 in taxpayer dollars in 2014 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit with a former aide. We will have many other disclosures to rise to the expenditure of $15 million. A fund to potentially hide immoral activities is completely unconstitutional. It also removes a deterrent to transgression.

So how does the Constitution deal with misbehaving members of Congress? It begins with the morality of the electorate. John Adams, a Founding Father and 2nd president of the United States, identified the first principle of a republic where a king does not dictate good or evil, but the participants in that government bridle their “human passions” through “morality and

IECNInland Empire Community Newspapers

religion.” left unbridled, he said, they “would break the strongest cords of our Constitution.” He ended a lengthy paragraph on the topic with, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

At least nine other Founders expressed similar opinions.

George Washington in his “Farewell Address” wrote: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports . . . And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”

In their time none denied the relationship between morality, religion, God and justice. When morality is situational, as it seems to be for so many today, this link is broken and one depends upon his own wisdom alone. There is no “appealing to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding,” as expressed

by Benjamin Franklin in the Constitutional Convention. As Washington once said, “Government is like fire, a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”

Unprincipled government can do much damage as it has to the Constitution for years.

We expect those we elect to govern to have strong moral fiber and to have their human passions fully bridled. If they are still struggling with the base, hedonistic, animalistic and adulterous elements of themselves, such as is reported of these members of Congress, how can we expect them to make laws for the people based upon righteousness and justice? How can they discern such?

So the first constitutional principle is the election of persons to govern who demonstrate moral fiber. Moral bankruptcy usually starts long before one is a memMailing Address: P.O. Box 110, Colton, CA 92324 • Office Location: 1809 Commercenter ber of Congress. Al Franken West, San Ber nardino, CA 92408 demonstrated this by his choice Letter s ar e printed in the order t hey ar e r eceived a nd a re subject t o editi ng for cl arit y. of material as a professional coDeadline is Tuesda ys a t noon. Reader s m ay also submit their per spect ives onl ine median. Women complained of at iecn1@m ac. com • For adver tisi ng inquiries ema il sal es@iecn.com the sexually abusive behavior of John Conyers decades ago.

Co lton Courier I nl and Em pire Once this is known and conG loria M acías H arri- Established 187 6.

Publisher El Chicano Com munity Newspaper s Published weekly on Thursday. firmed, he should not be reson Established 1969.

Adjudicated as a newspaper of general Colton Courier • RIALTO RECORD B ill H arri- circulation by the Superior Court of San Co-Publisher elected.

When the people El Chicano Published weekly on Thursday.

Bernardino County, State of California, son themselves are morally bankrupt We are award-winning newspapers, Adjudicated as a newspaper of Maryjoy Duncan case #73036 and therefore qualified to general circulation by the Superior having been so recognized by the Managing Editor and do not care about the philanpublish legal notices.

Court of San Bernardino County, Inland Professional Chapter of the Community News Editor A nthony V ictoria dering of their favorite, as in the Society of Professional Journalists State of California, case #154019 Advertising/Classified Sales B ruce M artinez RIALTO REC ORD second election of President Bill and therefore qualified to publish I n a dditio n to ma il subscr ip tion s a Estab lish ed 1 91 0. legal notices.

Legal Advertising Clinton, then such, as Adams com bined t ot al of 20 ,000 cop ie s ar e D enise B erver Published weekly on Thursday. & Receptionist dist ribut ed t o a ppr oxim at ely 400 said, breaks “the strongest cords Adjudicated as a newspaper of general lo ca tion s in Red lan ds, Men to ne, Fictitious Business Name circulation by the Superior Court of of our Constitution.” Returning Highl and , Sa n Ber nar dino, Col to n, C I R C U L A T I O N D anielle V asquez San Bernardino County, State of Cali& Accounting Rialt o, Blo omingt on , Gr and Ter r ace to the principle of electing only M ichael S egura fornia, case #26583 and therefore qualGraphic Artist/Web Mgr.

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those with strong moral fiber, and zero tolerance for those who do not, will eliminate most, if not all, predatory behavior in Congress.

Once manifested two parts of the Constitution come into play to isolate the damage. Each House is to be the judge “of the Elections, Returns and Qualification of its own Members” making certain that it is the will of voters and that will was fairly derived (Article I, Section 5, Clause 1). But neither House can constitutionally rejudge behavior that is known to voters addressed during the campaign after the expression of the people, should any of the seven run and win in 2018.

Also, each House may “punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member” (Article I, Section 5, Clause 2). In this they deal with behavior occurring after being seated such as sexual harassment. So let the Ethics Committee of both houses deal with the accused.

But the Constitution has one more check. At least six of the seven accused of sexual abuse face their constituents in eleven months to be judged by them and reseated or not. Their best behavior is likely pending that outcome.

Let these two constitutional filters do their work not media trials that only serve the vengeful and are too politicized to be fair.

If the above does not end predatory sexual behavior in Congress the Constitution can be said to be broken, as Adams said, at least on curbing immorality of its leaders. The disclosures are serious; still, we need to be reminded that there are 535 members of Congress and most bridle their “human passions” but the seven, who presumably do not, are seven too many.

Dr. Dr. Harold W. PeaseHarold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He taught history and political science from this perspective for over 30 years at Taft College. Newspapers have permission to publish this column. To read more of his weekly columns, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 28, 2017 • Page A5

Wor ds to Live B y: El em ents f or a m ean ingful 201 8

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Dr. Bill Abersold

’m always interested in New Year’s Day. Of course football is close to the top of my interests. The majority of the months of the year are named after Roman gods. Like March is named after the god of warMARS. Thus, we have January. It is named for JANUS. He had one face looking forward and one looking backwards. To the new and to the old. To the future and to the past. To the possibilities and to the failures.

Many, many centuries ago the Greeks conducted a poll among the philosophers. The subject concerned about the “most basic element” in existence. Some of the answers were: wind, air, water and personality.

Ultimately the winner was CHANGE. Nothing remains the same. Even such elements mentioned: wind, air, water and personalities were always in a state of flux; change.

So it is with every New Year. It will bring change-for certain.

Consider a few of the approaches that we can have to change in the New Year. First, we can have either a POSITIVE ATTITUDE or a negative one. The choice is ours.

Joshua, a Biblical hero, gave his followers a challenge; “choose this day.” January has 31 days and every day is filled with choices.

Our attitude in every choice will be a positive one or a negative.

Years ago I heard this humorous and meaningful account. It’s about twin boys, about ten years old.

They are identical except one has a positive disposition and the other one is negative. The parents

decided to play a trick on them at Christmas. The negative boy is given several toys that every tenyear-old would want.

The other twin was given a sack of horse manure. On Christmas morning they were amazed at their gifts.

But, their reactions were typical.

The negative twin moaned: “Is this all I get?” and “They’ll soon break and I’ll be without anything.” On and on.

The positive twin responded with a happy look and a reply.

“With all this manure, there has to be a pony outside.”

If we expect the worst, we are bound to get it. It is important to remember that happiness is always a by-product. The determining factor is one’s attitude.

The second ingredient is PERSISTENCE. Giving up or quitting is never an option for successful living.

Dr. Scott Peck, in his classic book, The Road Less Traveled, said it succinctly in the first paragraph “Life is difficult.” Successful living in 2018 will be a reality only if perseverance is practiced.

Two of the best phrases I ever

read came from two literary mentors. Someone that I never heard or met in person. The first was Paul Tillich. He said, “There is a saving element in every situation.

“Quitting will smother that saving element into obscurity.”

The second literary mentor is Thomas Edison, the great inventor. He was the inventor of the light bulb. In his own words he is recorded as saying that he tried over 1,000 ways to develop the light bulb.

When asked what he had learned, he responded with these words, “I learned 1,000 ways that would not work.” That is perseverance.

The third element in making a meaningful 2018 is having an OPEN MIND. Expressing it is curiosity. About situations, about people; about life itself.

The biggest obstacle to an open mind is PREJUDICE. I heard a recent question on a TV talk show.

He referred to a national political figure’s attitude toward Muslims as, “his arrogance is only exceeded by his ignorance.”

That is religious prejudice.

Racial prejudice also contributes

to a closed mind. Prejudice based on race is only possible when a person’s mind is closed.

A fourth element in making a success of 2018 or any other year, is to develop or maintain significant GOALS. In the Bible Book of Proverbs 29:18, it says, “Where there is no vision (goals) the person (people) perish (fail).”

There are several benefits in having goals. They are excellent antidotes to the pressures caused by the news-both local and global.

They also stimulate activity.

Being a couch potato is impossible when confronted by a goal.

Two of the most interesting people I’ve ever known lived to be over 100.Their minds were agile; they walked with vigor; they dressed to the hilt every day when I saw them and they were always happy. By the way, they also loved to tell a humorous event or joke.

They also ALWAYS were planning some activity (goal). Their names? Nora and Betty.

MY GOAL IS TO FOLLOW MY OWN ADVICE. Amen. Selah. So be it.

San Bernardino Pastors United honored for contributions to community in 2017

IECN PHOTO COURTESY Bill Sandefur Members of San Bernardino Pastors United and community members together during the City Council meeting on Dec. 20, 2017 when the organization was recognized for its efforts.

Pictured from left: Pastor Jerrold Thompson, Maria Cabrera, Pastor Jose luna, Barbara Babcock, Elder dion Taylor, dr. reginald l. Woods of Life Changing Ministries, Mayor Carey davis, Pastor reginal Young of Treasures of the Heart Ministry, and dr. Joshua Beckley of Ecclesia Christian.

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By anthony Victoria

aith based leaders were honored by San Bernardino city officials on Dec. 20 for their community

contributions in 2017.

Known as San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU), dozens of churches worked together with law enforcement, city officials, and organizations to address the ongoing poverty and violence af-

fecting residents.

Mayor Carey Davis read a proclamation during their council meeting last week acknowledging their commitment and service in healing and changing San Bernardino.

Caden’s Cor ner T

B est wa y to st ar t a n ew ye ar

his is an activity my family and I have been doing for a while and it is a lot of fun! Give it a try this year!

On New Year ’s Day, grab a mason jar or any other kind of container. Every day for the entire year, write down anything good or special that happens to you, your family, friends and extended family. Fold the slips up and put them in the jar after you write them.

Then leave them there- no peaking!!!

It is very easy to get in this habit

if you place the jar somewhere you see it every day. We keep ours in the kitchen! Another good place to keep it would be on the dining room table.

Then, each New Year’s Day, sit down with your family, dump them all out, unfold and read each one! You will be surprised how many things happen that you have forgotten about. It is great to start the new year counting your blessings from the year before.

Happy Holidays!

According to Ecclesia Christian Fellowship Pastor Reginal Young, SBPU’s efforts to curb violence and address poverty began after the Dec. 2 tragedy at the Inland Regional Center. The high homicide rate in 2016, which saw 64 people succumb to gun violence in the city, motivated clergy leaders to “restore faith.”

“I must ask that you join with us in our efforts to Restore God’s People,” said Young. “We need your help in maximizing our efforts to bring about this healing, change, progress that we so eagerly seek.”

Approximately 6,300 were provided food, clothing, and other essentials at several community block parties held this year. In addition to handing out necessary goods, SBPU held vigils and rallies to raise awareness of community issues.

The upcoming year will be a busy and festive one for SBPU. The faith based coalition is aiming to create various committees--

Mayor’s, Law Enforcement, School/youth, and Social Service task forces--and will once again be holding at least three block parties in the spring, summer, and fall.

Young said he encourages residents to approach them for support and to give a lending hand whenever possible.

“If our education system is weak, we need to make it strong,” said Young. “If our housing is weak, we need to make it strong.

If our job market is weak, let’s make it strong.”

Community Engagement Block Party Events

3-17-18 Community Block Party Arden Park 2pm - 5pm 6-23-18 Community Block Party La Placita Park 2pm - 5pm 9-22-18 Community Block Party Anne Shirrells Park 2pm - 5pm

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 28, 2017 • Page A8