Colton Courier 12/29/22

C O L T O

O

R I E R WWe e eekkllyy

By Manny Sandoval

Council Member John Echevarria coordinated a tight-knit campaign, which mainly included his immediate family and his 18-year-old daughter, Vanessa Echevarria

Vanessa, who was one-week

short of being able to vote for her dad, turned 18 right before t h e s w e a r i n g - i n i n s t a l l a t i o n ceremony and was able to give John Echevarria his Oath of Office at the City Council Chambers on December 12th

“My daughter worked hard on my campaign but couldn’t vote for me because she was

still 17 So, it was special that she was the one who swore me in,” said Echavarria One of the most significant c h a n g e s f o r E c h a v a r r i a (District 4) is the expansion of his district

“This time around, my district has grown after the findings of the 2018 census I’m

taking on an additional 5,000 residents, and I look forward to serving all of them and representing our city professionally, respectfully, and fiscally,” continued Echevarria

T h e r e a s o n b e h i n d t h e expansion of District 4 is due

By Eric Sandoval

photo COURTESY OF JOHN ECHEVARRIA

Vanessa Echevarria, 18, swearing in her Dad, John Echevarria, with an oath of office

Swearing-in

to a resolution that decided to transition the city council from six council members and a mayor to four council members and a mayor Echevarria says he is enthusiastic about expanding resources and services for Colton’s police and fire departments

“Some of my biggest plans include increasing the police and fire department’s resources to ensure the safety of residents, business owners, visitors, and the community at large I look forward to serving the beautiful city of Colton for the next four years with tons of energy and enthusiasm,” Echevarria said

At his Victory Celebration, held at Juan Colorado Fine Mexican Grill on December 15th,

Echevarria ensured his team, the community and his loved ones to reach out to him with any questions, concerns, or ideas via email at jechevarria@coltonca gov

The Celebration attendees included Mayor Frank Navarro, Council Member Kelly Chastain, Council Member David Torro, several volunteer commissioners, and the community

“I want to thank my opponents, Gem Montes and Robert Wilson, for running a clean and professional campaign Thank you to my supporters, my family, and all the constituents in my district who believed in me,” concluded Echevarria

For more information, visit ci colton ca us

S a n B e r n a r d i n o m a y o r a n d c i t y c o u n c i l i n s t i l l a t i o n h e l d w i t h m u c h o p t i m i s m , f i r s t A s i a n - A m e r i c a n m a y o r s w o r n - i n

Community News

On December 21st, Helen Tran was officially sworn in as mayor of the City of San Bernardino

At the ceremony, Theodore Sanchez (Ward 1), Sandra Ibarra (Ward 2), and Fred Shorett (Ward 4) were also sworn in and are all re-elects to the City

The high-energy ceremony posed much optimism from local dignitaries such as Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes and the community, who happily reiterated Tran’s coined campaign phrase, “TRANSformation ”

“San Bernardino is about to be TRANSformed It was my honor to attend the Swearingin ceremony for the 30th Mayor of San Bernardino, Helen Tran, and the re-elected members of the city council, Theodore Sanchez (Ward 1), Sandra Ibarra (Ward 2), and Fred Shorette(Ward 4) Mayor Helen Tran made history by becoming the first Asian American elected official and only the 3rd woman to be elected Mayor of San Bernardino,” said Reyes

Inn at the Garcia Center

Barrios

“As the years have gone by, resources are increasing, which is great because, in the end, people just want to help”, said Barrios

The celebration featured attendees dressing as Mary, Joesph, and the three wise men walking around the surrounding neighborhood to mimic the story of Mary and Joseph searching for an inn the day Jesus was born

As they were walking, attendees sang songs for the residents before ending their search for an

Once back at the center, the final song was sung as they were finally sheltered

Following the conclusion of this, attendees were provided snacks such as champurrado, coffee and pan dulce

In addition to serving snacks, the center donated toys to the children in attendance

“One of the biggest things we get to do here is, give the children the opportunity to pick a toy and pick another toy to give to someone else,” said Barrios

With this celebration, Barrios hopes to help unite the community of San Bernardino while also teaching community members about this story

“This isn’t something I plan on doing forever, but if I can spread and keep alive the message that Jesus is the reason for the season, I’d be gratified,” said Barrios

He also hopes to expand the Las Posadas celebration across San Bernardino County to make it a nine-day celebration at different locations in San Bernardino leading up to Christmas Eve on December 24

F o l l o w u s o n

F a c e b o o k , T w i t t e r , a n d I n s t a g r a m @ I E C N W e e k l y f o r n e w s & u p d a t e s

As Tran steps into her Mayoral role, her top priorities still include restoring trust in local government, COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery, and reducing homelessness

“I plan to build housing and emergency accommodations fast by identifying new funding and cutting red tape to ensure that there are places for people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness to go In addition, I’ll expand mental health services within the City, county, and state levels to create new comprehen-

sive mental health care so that those with severe mental illness are in treatment, not on the sidewalk It’s also important for us to work with drug and alcohol treatment service providers to help unhoused people transition to stable life and employment and break destructive patterns of behavior,” said Tran

Tran also said she looks forward to building a transparent and visible functioning local government to help rebuild years of lost trust after the City’s bankruptcy and other scandals

“This will require bringing together important community leaders and practicing good governance in the City Additionally, I want to develop partnerships with the County of San Bernardino and the State of California to facilitate shared services throughout the City, allowing for improved services and savings Finally, I want to focus on simple good governance by expanding parks and open space, rebuilding streets and sidewalks, and removing trash and other blight from our streets,” concluded Tran

Also at the Instillation was the City’s former Mayor, John Valdivia, who served as a council member from 2012 to 2018 before his controversial 4-year term as mayor, which began in 2018

“I wish the mayor and council members the best as they work collaboratively to move the City of San Bernardino to greater heights I look forward to working with them towards a better future for the Inland Empire,” concluded Reyes

To learn more about the City of San Bernardino, visit sbcity org

PHOTO ELoiSE GoMEZ rEYES

The new San Bernardino City Council includes Helen Tran as mayor of the City

PHOTO JohN EChEvarria

Councilmember John Echevarria is taking on additional 5,000 residents in District 4 as a result of a resolution that cut down the number of council members from six to four

Las Posadas

a t a t i m e

Community News, IEHP

For millions of new moms, like Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Member Gerti, motherhood – and all the challenges it brings – can be overwhelming

After the birth of her daughter, Gerti struggled with her mental health and recognized she needed help – so she turned to IEHP

Through her connection to Katia, a behavioral health specialist on IEHP’s maternal mental health team, Gerti learned she was experiencing postpartum depression and was connected to various resources, including supportive therapy

Although common (the CDC cites 1 in 8 women who recently gave birth suffer from it), postpartum depression is more severe and longlasting than the “baby blues,” which can include short-lived bouts of mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping

“I was just really looking for help, because it gets overwhelming – especially becoming a new mom,” explained Gerti “Sometimes the depression just catches you I just want to get through this, so I can push through for my baby, for my sanity, for my happiness ”

As Katia explains, no mother with these challenges should ever feel ashamed Feeling anxious, overwhelmed and depressed are all considered typical emotions during pregnancy and after birth

“It’s normal [for new moms] to feel the way they do; there is nothing wrong with feeling that way,” said

Katia, who also personally experienced postpartum depression “They should be proud of themselves for reaching out for help – and that is where we come in ”

IEHP’s maternal mental health team is a small, but mighty unit within the behavioral health department that connects Members with mental health services such as therapy and psychiatry

The maternal mental health team regularly checks in with Members to ask how they are feeling, what they need and to help them make those sometimes hard, but life-altering first steps of scheduling and attending therapy appointments

The team supports Members like Gerti through every step of their recovery and journey through motherhood – even if it’s to simply ask how they are doing

“If I am able to take care of myself better, I will be able to take care of my baby much more,” explained Gerti “I know that every time I am having trouble, help is just one phone call away ”

To learn more about Gerti’s story, v i s i t : https://youtu be/8IRKPmIk2CM

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression or mental health, IEHP is here for you

IEHP Members can call Member Services to connect with our behavioral health team For a mental health emergency, please call the Mental Health and Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988

Come to the San Ber nardino County Librar y Myster y Events

Community News

The San Bernardino County Library invites residents to investigate the Library Mystery Events Enjoy an amazing experience of fun-filled crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and games

These events are another opportunity to celebrate and support the Countywide Vision’s literacy campaign, Vision2Read

Visitors should bring their library cards, as every 15 items checked out during the events earns visitors a spy pen and an opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win awesome prizes All activities are free and open to all ages

The San Bernardino County Library Mystery Events will take place in the following locations:

10 from 4 to 6 p m The Newton T Bass Apple Valley Library at 14901 Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley

11 from 4 to 6 p m The Sam J Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center at 7863 Central Avenue in Highland

12 from 4 to 7 p m The James S

Thalman Library at 14020 City Center Drive in Chino Hills

21 from 1 to 3 p m The Crestline Library at 24105 Lake Gregory Drive in Crestline

24 from 4 to 7 p m The Lewis Library & Technology Center at 8437 Sierra Avenue in Fontana

The San Bernardino County Library Mystery Themed Paint Night will take place in the following locations:

28 from 2 to 3 p m The Yucca Valley Library at 57271 29 Palms Highway in Yucca Valley

For more programs, events, and additional information, please visit sbclib org or contact your local branch library

The San Bernardino County Library System is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serves a diverse population over a vast geographic area

The County library system strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs, and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home

Community News

Rep Pete Aguilar voted for $30,152,130 in Community Project Funding for the Inland Empire in the final 2023 government funding package, which now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature Rep Aguilar requested these projects in May 2022, advocated for them as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and pushed for their inclusion in the final government funding package

“I am proud to have secured $30,152,130 in Community Project Funding that I know meets long overdue community needs for the Inland Empire,” Rep Aguilar said “These investments create jobs with better pay, promote cleaner air and water, and address homelessness in our community I have prioritized securing federal dollars to address local issues and I’ll continue to work every day to deliver for our region ”

Rep Aguilar championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit Inland Empire residents These include:

Project Name: 3rd Street Corridor Project

Project Requestor: Inland Valley Development Agency Joint Powers Authority

Amount Secured: $3,000,000

Summary: The funding will support a muchneeded infrastructure project that will enhance safety, mobility and access to the growing San Bernardino International Airport

Project Name: Arrowhead Grove Community Resource Center

Project Requestor: Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino

Amount Secured: $3,000,000

Summary: The funding will create a resource center at the Arrowhead Grove housing community This would provide easy access to services by establishing a multi-faceted health campus open to any San Bernardino resident

Project Name: Funding for a New Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program

Project Requestor: California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)

Amount Secured: $2,000,000

Summary: The funding will provide medical equipment to CSUSB’s new Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program and assist in the renovation of a facility for teaching and training students

Project Name: Lake Rialto Habitat Management and Community Open Space Project

Project Requestor: City of Rialto

Amount Secured: $2,000,000

Summary: The funding will promote clean air and a healthier, more sustainable community in the city of Rialto while increasing access to nature for residents

Project Name: Cucamonga Canyon Trailhead at Morgan Ranch, Rancho Cucamonga

Project Requestor: City of Ranch Cucamonga Amount Secured: $1,000,000

Summary: The funding will create a trailhead to protect the natural resources of Cucamonga Canyon, enhance public access to the area and protect the safety of visitors and residents

Project Name: Fontana Homelessness Prevention Resource and Care Center (Phase 1)

Project Requestor: City of Fontana

Amount Secured: $4,000,000

Summary: The funding will provide housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino County

Project Name: Little 3rd Street Project

Project Requestor: San Bernardino County

Amount Secured: $2,560,000

Summary: This funding will support an infrastructure project developing the Little 3rd Street area in San Bernardino The project will expand access to transit, shopping centers and office space while improving safety for pedestrians and motorists

Project Name: Mental Health Outreach Program for the Sickle Cell Community

Project Requestor: Loma Linda University Medical Center

Amount Secured: $542,597

Summary: The funding will create a regional mental health outreach program, coinciding with a coordinated system of care, for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) and for their caregivers This program will connect individuals to wrap around behavioral health resources and services

Project Name: Sustainable Communities Catalyst Project

Project Requestor: Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Inc

Amount Secured: $1,000,000

Summary: This funding will allow a local non-profit to purchase and preserve affordable housing, while investing in neighborhoods and sustaining local businesses

Project Name: Reche Canyon Rd Realignment to Hunts Lane

Project Requestor: City of Colton

Amount Secured: $4,166,000

Summary: The funding will support a muchneeded infrastructure project to relieve congestion at the intersection of Hunts Lane and Washington Street and Reche Canyon Road and Washington Street in the City of Colton

Project Name: Restoration of San Bernardino’s Historic Roosevelt Bowl

Project Requestor: City of San Bernardino

Amount Secured: $1,400,000

Summary: The funding will renovate and reopen the New Deal-era outdoor performance venue The Roosevelt Bowl is an important economic catalyst for the city of San Bernardino

Project Name: Clean Energy Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician Program

Project Requestor: San Bernardino Valley College Foundation

Amount Secured: $1,500,000

Summary: This funding will purchase heavyduty, zero-emission trucks and charging stations that will be used by San Bernardino Valley College students training for careers in the jobs of the future

t e a m h e l p s b r e a k m e n t a l

Rep. Aguilar secur es mor e than $30 million f or local pr ojects in 2023 gover nment funding Packa ge

C a d e n C e n t e r

W hat we lear ned about each team that played on NBA Christmas Day

By Caden Henderson

For NBA fans, there’s more gifts than what is just under the tree every Christmas Each year the NBA runs a quintuple header on ABC of games featuring the brightest stars and best teams The holiday is often also a benchmark for how well teams are doing, so I’m here to review what we learned from the five matchups and 10 teams that played this Christmas Day

Warriors vs Grizzlies

Warriors: The Dubs picked up a much needed Christmas Day win without their superstar PG Stephen Curry In this game, we were more reaffirmed than educated when it came to the Warriors, specifically their young stud Jordan Poole We were reminded once again that he is an extremely streaky shooter that, when on his game, can hit any shot he takes no matter the difficulty However, not every aspect was a win, as we saw Klay Thompson continue to show his age and also reaffirm our thoughts by shooting an abysmal 8-25 from the field and 3-12 from three If the Warriors want to go back to back, they need to be healthy and need Poole and Thompson to be on the good side of streaky

Grizzlies: The Grizzlies main weakness showed on Christmas Day; their shooting Outside of Desmond Bane, the Grizz have no real consistent outside shooting threat getting key minutes Star PG Ja Morant prefers to get his 30 PPG a night at the rim, and the rest of the Grizzlies core featuring Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillion Brooks are more defensive specialists and play with the classic Memphis “Grit and Grind” mentality The Grizzlies future is bright but if they want to make the present better, they have to become better from beyond the arc

Bucks vs Celtics

Celtics: The Celtics reminded everyone that they are the defending Eastern Conference Champions with a dominant 21 point victory at home Star Forward Jayson Tatum gave Boston fans the Christmas present of a 40 point performance It’s clear Tatum wants that MVP, and he taught us this holiday season that he should be the front runner

Bucks: It’s hard to read to deep into this loss for the Bucks as they were without their second best player Khris Middleton However, even without Middleton, I’m sure Bucks fans wanted to see a better performance than 9-22 from 2 time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis being prone to being “walled up” on and struggling to score may still be a concern, but there’s no reason to even remotely panic if you’re the Bucks unless they start losing consistently when they’re healthy

Lakers vs Mavs

Mavs: The Mavs unveiled their statue of legend Dirk Nowitzki and secured a win on Christmas A 51 point 3rd quarter propelled them to the win, but the story in the first half is one to take note of The Lakers forced the ball out of Luka Doncic’s hand at every chance they got and, until the second half, no one stepped up The Mavericks will not see any significant success until Luka gets help, and that showed for awhile this game and will continue to show throughout the year barring

major changes

Lakers: The Lakers season is crumbling once again before the All Star break Anthony Davis is expected to miss a good amount of time with a foot injury, Russell Westbrook continues to be a negative, and outside of Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker, no one can be relied on to help win them games night in and night out The message to the Lakers front office was proved needed once again, and that message is to make trades and get LeBron James help while he is still playing at a high level

76ers vs Knicks

76ers: You won’t ever see me buying into the 76ers, even despite this win against the Knicks in their rivalry matchup Yes, Joel Embiid is good and an MVP candidate, but we already knew that However, James Harden is still very inconsistent The basketball world also was reminded why Philadelphia flops every year in the playoffs, as Tobias Harris shot 0-5 from 3 The 6ers were able to get enough from Georges Niang’s outside shooting to win this game, but we know he is also not reliable come playoff time, and the 76ers should not be trusted to win big games come playoff time

Knicks: The Knicks are still and seemingly always will be one piece away from being one piece away, and we learned that this Christmas On a night where Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle put them in a position to win, RJ Barrett didn’t show up The Knicks seem like a team bound for a 500 record and an early playoff exit unless someone becomes the “one piece”

Nuggets vs Suns:

Suns: Devin Booker exited this game early and at the time I’m writing this we don’t know the full extent of the injury but given he just got back, I can’t imagine this’ll end well However, I’m going to put that aside to highlight a player that I’ve seen shine at times but showed up again tonight when called on, Landry Shamet Shamet has made his money hitting 3’s and when he gets hot he is a game changer He poured in over 30 points vs the Nuggets coming off a career night just a few nights before If Shamet can continue to light it up even when Booker returns, and Chris Paul can not lose the Suns games with his poor shooting, they have a shot to make another playoff run

Nuggets: I know I just said Jayson Tatum taught us he should be the MVP frontrunner but boy Nikola Jokic is simply special There simply isn’t a guy giving you a 41 point, 15 rebound, 15 assist triple double like Jokic did for Nuggets fans this Christmas He’s 7’0 with guard skills, tier 1 passing vision, and he can stretch the floor The Joker may be on his way to reminding us that 3 MVP’s in a row is very possible

NBA Christmas Day didn’t disappoint and gave us some great performances and matchups Now, the teams will look ahead to the remaining 50 or so games left on their regular season schedule in chase of the greatest present of all, the Larry O’Brien trophy

Crafton Hills College Alumna Appointed SBCCD Board Chair

Bernardino Mountains

The San Bernardino Community College District has announced the appointments of Dr Stephanie Houston as chair of the board of trustees, Dr Anne Viricel as vice chair, and Joseph R Williams as clerk The board provides leadership and counsel to Chancellor Diana Z Rodriguez to advance the public mission of SBCCD, which includes Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, KVCR TV/FM, and a workforce training facility

“I started at Crafton Hills College as a 27-year-old mother of four young children, attending college for the first time,” said Houston, who is now Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Engagement for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools “To work for our local students and to give back to the college district that gave me my start is a profound honor ”

Houston has been a professional K-12 educator for over 28 years and was elected to the SBCCD Board of Trustees in 2018 She represents Area 6, including Yucaipa, Big Bear Lake, Calimesa, and the San

Houston attended Crafton Hills College and transferred to California State University San Bernardino to earn a liberal studies/bilingual-cross cultural bachelor ’s degree In addition to a professional teaching and administrative services credential, Houston has a master ’s degree in educational administration from the University of Redlands and earned a doctor of education degree in transformational leadership from Brandman University

Dr Anne Viricel, Vice Chair, has served on the SBCCD board since 2015, representing Area 7, including Highland, San Bernardino, and the San Bernardino Mountains

She is a member of the SBCCD Board Legislative Committee

Viricel is the executive director of the San Bernardino Symphony and a professor at the University of Redlands School of Business

She earned a doctor of public administration degree from the University of La Verne

Joseph R Williams, Board

Clerk, has served on the SBCCD board since 2013, representing Area 2, including Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated community of Muscoy

He is a governor ’s appointee to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and an SBCCD Board Finance Committee member

Williams is an alumnus of Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College and has a master ’s degree in social impact from Claremont Lincoln University

He works at the Rialto Unified School District as Community Agent of Strategic Partnerships

During the board’s December meeting, Trustee Frank Reyes was re-appointed chair of the Board Legislative Committee, and Trustee Nathan Gonzales was appointed chair of the Board Finance Committee The board is rounded out by immediate-past Board Chair Gloria Macias Harrison, Trustee John Longville, Student Trustees Robert Alexander of Crafton Hills College, and Paul Del Rosario of San Bernardino Valley College

Community News