[New] 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

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