W e e k l y COLTON COURIER Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!
Vol 145, NO. 33
THIS WEEK
Elsie Robles is Colton’s Volunteer of the Year
Gloria’s Corner A3
By Anthony Victoria
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Loca ls donat e t housands of diapers t o Molina A6
lsie Robles faced an inconvenient truth when she was let go by the Colton Community Services department in 2009 due to city budget cuts. Despite not being a city employee anymore, Robles continued to volunteer to prepare hot meals at annual holiday events. Her steadfast commitment to serving others made her a requested regular in the following years. “It got to the point where they were asking me to come in,” Robles said. “It essentially fell on my lap.” Robles was selected by the and Recreation Parks Commission as the city’s Volunteer of the Year, and honored during the 130th Birthday Celebration back on July 8. The award is presented annually to an individual that has gone “above and beyond” for the city. Individuals that are selected are usually those that devote their time and talent assisting local organizations, nonprofit groups, Volunteer cont. on next page
Re si den ts u rge sch oo l di stri ct to oppos e w are ho us e deve lo pme nt
PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA Elsie Robles, right, with her son Thomas Robles and volunteer Tierra Roman during the Thanksgiving dinner event at the Hutton Center in November 2016. Robles was announced as Coltonʼs Volunteer of the Year in May.
DHS grant to help Colton Fire replace aging equipment By Anthony Victoria
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August 3, 2017
Aguilar to host grant workshops for nonprofits
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Gloria’s Corner Words To think About Legal Notices Opinion Classifieds
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PHOTO/COLTON FIRE DEPARTMENT A Colton Firefighter putting out a car fire. On his back is a self-contained breathing apparatus that helps clog out harmful particles.
olton’s Fire Department received approximately $276,000 from the Department of Homeland Security to replace aging equipment used by firefighters to withstand harmful air. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, assists fire departments across the country to acquire necessary equipment to fend off blazes and emergency situations. As of July 28, about 1,300 agencies across the nation have benefitted from the federal award, according to the DHS website. Battalion Chief Dana DeAntonio said the grant will be used to replace 44 self-contained Fire cont. on next page
ep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) announced that he will hold a Community Grants Workshop on Thursday, August 31st from 9:00am to 12:00pm to connect Inland Empire organizations with federal agencies to learn about federal grant opportunities. The workshop will include breakout sessions with agency representatives, a grant writing seminar, and a panel with federal agency officials that will be moderated by Rep. Aguilar. In the 114th Congress, Rep. Aguilar announced over $75 million in grant funding for California’s 31st Congressional District. Please see full event details below. Press interested in attending should rsvp to Sarah Weinstein. What: Community Grants Workshop hosted by Rep. Pete Aguilar When: Thursday, August 31st from 9:00AM to 12:00PM Where: San Bernardino Community College District Office 114 S. Del Rosa Drive San Bernardino
City talk in Español
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l concejal Dr. Luis González invita a la comunidad para el café y para hablar sobre los eventos en la Ciudad de Colton. El primer evento para hispanohablantes está programado para agosto. Para más información, llame al Dr. G (909) 213-3730.
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Page A2 • August 3, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Colton Courier
Suchil brothers get banners installed
PHOTO/COLTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Colton Firefighters putting out a rooftop fire. The department received a federal grant of approximately 276,000 to replace 44 selfcontained breathing apparatuses.
Fire from front breathing apparatuses that are used by firefighters entering dangerous situations, such as indoor fires and toxic environments. Breathing apparatus device components include a high-pressure tank, a pressure regulator, and inhalation connection, DeAntonio explained. “For us to be awarded this grant is huge,” Dantonio said. “It will provide huge savings for the residents and for the city. Battalion Chief Con Cendejas, who sought the grant for the department, said each specific apparatus costs about $6,000. Firefighters within the department have been using aging devices that are about 15-years-old and due to expire in October, Cendejas re-
ported. “This equipment will keep our men and women safe in the line of duty,” said Cendejas. “We're grateful for the federal assistance for our community and hope to continue working with Rep. Aguilar to secure the support we need to serve Inland Empire families.” Congressman Pete Aguilar, who helped secure the grant for Colton Fire, said he’s glad to see federal dollars are being invested on the region’s first responders. “Our region knows all too well the importance of emergency preparedness,” said Aguilar. “Bringing home federal funds to support our region is a significant part of my job and I’ll keep fighting to ensure we have access to the resources we need.”
Sports Hall of Fame nominations now open
PHOTO/CITY OF COLTON
The Suchil brothers-- Van, Mark, and Dale Suchil--were honored during a military banner installation ceremony on July 26. The ceremony took place at the Laurel Underpass between La Cadena and the bridge. Volunteer from front or public agencies. Robles was nominated for the award by her son, Thomas, who serves as the Pool Manager for the Community Services division. She said she was humbled to receive the honor. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s really fulfilling,” she said. Robles confirmed that she
shares her Volunteer of the Year honor with the entire Community Services Department--explaining her success as a contributor is due to the support she’s received from individuals such as Roma and Luis Santiago. “There are so many people that give up so much of their time to help Colton,” Robles said. “It’s really awesome to get a pat on the back.”
In addition to serving residents during Thanksgiving, Robles helps her daughter Jordan teach dance classes at the Hutton Center. Deb Farrar hailed Robles for her leadership in the kitchen and devotion to the residents of Colton. “There’s no question about her commitment to our city,” Farrar said.
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he Colton Recreation & Parks Commission, and the Colton Community Services Department, are proud to announce that nominations are now open for 2017 inductees into the Colton Sports Hall of Fame. This “Hall” was dedicated in 2006, and is located at the Frank A. Gonzales Community Center. It is a shrine honoring Colton sports heroes, past and present. Nominations for 2017 inductees will be accepted until October 2, 2017. Nomination criteria and
forms are available from the Colton Community Services Department, located at the Gonzales Center, 670 Colton Avenue. The Recreation & Parks Commission will consider nominations and will make selections for formal induction in early 2018. Forms and information available online. Questions regarding this program should be directed to the Colton Community Services Department, (909) 370-6153 or dfarrar@coltonca.gov.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • August 3, 2017 • Page A3 that combine authentic Indian and modern techniques bringing the streets of Mumbai and New York into perfect harmony. There is no admission charge, and seating is first-come, first-served. For inforthe theatre. For tickets and general mation on this performance and the information visit: www.RTFsea- season call: 909.793.7316 or visit: redlandsbowl.org. son.com or call 909.792.0562
Gloria’s Corner
Gloria Macias Harrison
Exhibits, Theatre & Seminars, Workshops: Tuesdays, 8, 15 & Saturdays, August 5, 12, and 19 - the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival presents Children’s Music Festival Workshops on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the Bowl season for children ages 4 - 12. All workshops are free and an adult must accompany children. The workshops are from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturdays at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave., and from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays at the Mission Gables Bowl House, 168 S. Eureka. Children will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from professional artists, many of who perform at the Bowl. No reservations or registration needed, it's on a firstcome, first-served basis. Now to August 19 - the Redlands Theatre Festival presents live theatre under the stars at Prospect Park. The 45th season features five plays: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Three Cuckolds, Quilters, and Bullshot Crummond. Performances start at 8:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic to enjoy on the theatre lawn before performances as well as blankets and lawn chairs. On selected nights there will be catered food, as well as free beer and wine tasting from 7:00 p.m. Street parking available at 1170 Cajon Street with free tram rides from Cajon to
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. Beginning August 19 - professional artist Alfonso Martinez Mendez will hold ongoing Saturday Morning Drawing Classes at the Garcia Center for the Arts, 536 West 11th Street, San Bernardino from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. No experience necessary. This class prepares students for a painting. There is no set fee, but donations will be accepted. Students are to provide materials on the instructor’s list. For information call: 909.888.6400 Save the Date: Friday, August 4 - the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival presents Mystic India: A Bollywood Spectacular at the Bowl, 25 Grant Street at 8:00 p.m. This internationally acclaimed Bollywood dance spectacular features renowned musicians, brilliant dancers, and opulent costumes. The presentation showcases a team of diversely trained dancers
Saturday, August 5 - Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson in partnership with Green Bay Packers’ Kenny Clark presents the 11th Annual Backpack Giveaway 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Johnson Community Center, 214 N. Palm Ave. This event is for children ages 5 - 18 and is on a first-come, firstserved basis. 1,000 backpacks will be distributed. Child must be present. For information contact Amanda at amanda@YVYLAI.E.org or call: 909.723.1693 or 909.723.1695. Saturday, August 5 - Micah House Redlands will hold a Back 2 School Jam at Sylvan Park, 601 N. University from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. The groups and its community partners hope to give away 1,200 backpacks to kids. For information call: 909.747.0319 or visit: www.micahhouseredlands.org Sunday, August 6 - the City of Yucaipa presents Sunday at the Park Concerts at Yucaipa Community Park, 34900 Oak Glen Road at 6:30 p.m. This concert features The Smoking Cobras /Retro Hits. Food vendors and children activities are available. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and to dress in accordance to the theme of the concert. For information call: 909.790.7460. Sunday, August 8 - the City of Colton Community Services presents Concert in the Park featuring Suave: Healthy Colton Night at Fleming Park, 525 N. La Cadena Drive at 6:30 p.m. Activities start at 5:30 with DJ Services by Carlos Alba Jr. Craft vendors, food and Kid Zone available. Concert goers are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. For information call: 909.370.6153. Tuesday, August 8 - the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival presents Riders In The Sky at the Bowl, 25 Grant Street at 8:00 p.m. This classic cowboy Grammy award-winning quartet has kept the
County Schools to work with 4 districts in Professional Learning Networks, Rialto is one of them
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he San Bernardino County Superintendent Of Schools will work with four county districts during the next two years as part of the statewide Professional Learning Networks to provide high-quality professional development in support of each districts Local Control Accountability Plan. The Professional Learning Networks are offered through the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence for the academic years of 2017-18 and 2018-19. The four county districts working with County Schools and participating in the Professional Learning Networks are Adelanto, Cucamonga, Lucerne Valley and Rialto. The goal of the program is to increase student accounts aligned to the eight state priorities of the Local Control Accountability
Plans to help close achievement gaps among student groups. “We are proud that our office has been selected by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence to take part in this important work,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said. “This work will assist our districts in increasing student achievement and engagement, while improving school climate at their schools.” Robin McIver-Brown, Serena Straka and David Culberhouse of County Schools’ Local Control Accountability Plan office will serve as the facilitators of the Professional Learning Networks, which results in a $200,000 contract over the next two years. McIver-Brown and Straka served as facilitators of the Early Adopter Professional Learning Network with the Cucamonga and Lucerne
Valley school districts that the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence supported during the 2016-17 academic year. Adelanto and Rialto will be new cohorts beginning in the program for 2017-18. The Professional Learning Network districts will meet twice a month with County Schools staff during a nine-month period during the school year. Identifying problems of practice and developing outcomes and monitoring of progress will be the focus of the work. Each of the districts will develop plans of action to improve their educational programs. For more information about County Schools’ Professional Learning Networks, contact the SBCSS Communications office at 909.386.2413.
flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the Cowboy Music genre. While remaining true to Western music they have added their own legendary wacky humor and Western wit encouraging folks to live life “The Cowboy Way.” There is no admission charge, and seating is first-come, first-served. For information on this performance and the season call: 909.793.7316 or visit: redlandsbowl.org Tuesday, August 8 - the Colton Women’s Club presents its Annual Membership Drive Picnic at 495 N. 7th Street at 12:30 p.m. Women from surrounding cities are invited to this “Beach Theme” event. For information call: Jill Grace 909.754.1727 Wednesday, August 9 - the Western Region Little League will hold its 22nd Annual Western Region Golf Tournament at the San Bernardino Golf Club located at 1494 S. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino. Entry fee includes: green fees, cart, hat, logo balls, BBQ Buffet, prizes and 4 mulligans. Shotgun Start is at 7:00 a.m. For player and sponsorship information call: Denny Curran 714.744.658; Bob Toigo 425.868.4933; Guillermo Guerrero - 909.875.8469; Barbara Sky 951.202.6149; or West Region Headquarters - 909.887.6444 Friday, August 11 - the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival presents Opera Under the Stars at the Bowl, 25 Grant Street at 8:00 p.m. The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra with acclaimed soloists will perform selections from Aida, MacBeth, La Traviata, Toscanini, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, La Boheme and others. Featured soloists are Jennifer Lindsay, Erin Wood, Patrick Blackwell, Candace Bogan, and Christian Quillici. There is no admission charge and seating is firstcome, first-served. For information about this performance and the season call: 909.793.7316 or visit: redlandsbowl.org
Saturday, August 12 - the San Bernardino Public Library is hosting Local Author Day at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. 6th Street from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Thirty authors representing many genres will be available to discuss their work, sell and sign books. Two workshops are scheduled: Larry Burns will present a workshop called “Bringing Your Book to Life” at 2:00 pm. And Theresa Elders will present a workshop called “31 Great Places to Publish Personal Essays” at 3:00 p.m. Among the featured authors are Ernie Garcia and Judith Valles. For information call: 909.381.8238 or visit: www.sbpl.org Sunday, August 13 - the City of Yucaipa presents the final concert in the Sunday at the Park Concerts at Yucaipa Community Park, 34900 Oak Glen Road at 6:30 p.m. This concert features Escape the Journey Tribute /Journey Tribute. Food vendors and children activities are available. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and to dress with the theme of the concert. For information call: 909.790.7460. Favorite Quote: “If by a ‘liberal’ they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people - their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties - someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a ‘liberal,’ then I'm proud to say I'm a ‘liberal.’” - John Fitzgerald Kennedy To submit an event or information for Gloria's Corner please email gloharrison@me.com. Deadline is Friday at noon each week. Also visit: www.iecn.com for online news.
Page A4 • August 3, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
OPINION&LETTERS What’s happening in August in the I.E.
Yazmin Alvarez
Welcome August! New school year, new events, new opportunities to get out in the I.E. With things to do like blackberry picking and summer music festivals, here are a few happenings to start the month off and keep you moving through. Raspberry picking Farmer Mert opened the raspberry patch at Snowline Orchard and Winery a week early for raspberry picking! The picking continues Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orchard for the season. Guests can enjoy handpicking the freshest raspberries available, all while enjoying a unique family experience. The raspberries only come around once a year and the picking season varies based on weather, so continue to follow Snowline Orchard on Facebook for updates and availability. Snowline Orchard and Winery is at 39400 Oak Glen Road in Oak Glen. Information: 909-797-3415
Neverland Event at the Highland Library The Highland Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center will take guests on a fairytale journey through Neverland Aug. 9. From 6 to 9 p.m. library guests can meet and greet Neverland friends Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Pirate Jake, and enjoy a variety of fun-filled crafts, a balloon artist, and plenty more. Guests who bring their library card and check out 15 items during the event will receive a ticket for a drawing with a chance to win awesome incentives. All activities are free and open to all ages. The Highland Sam J. Racadio
Library & Environmental Learning Center is at 7863 Central Ave. in Highland.
Discount Day at Fiesta Village The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley will host a fundraising day at Fiesta Village on Saturday, August 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit www.hssbv.org to download and print a flyer or stop by the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (374 W OrShow Lane, San ange Bernardino). When you bring the flyer with you to Fiesta Village, you will receive an all-access pass for only $18.95. In addition to the discount, the HSSBV will also get 20% of each admission ticket. Your allaccess pass includes unlimited race cars, amusement rides, mini-golf, roller skating and waterslides. Fiesta Village is at 1405 E. Washington in Colton. Information: visit www.hssbv.org or call 909-3861400 ext. 224. Redlands Bowl Theatre Festival Productions under starry-filled skies are back in town as the Redlands Theatre Festival continues its 45th season at Prospect Park. Theater lovers can catch five plays in repertory — a different production each night — through Aug. 19. The theatre’s 2017 summer showcase features “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “Quilters,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Bullshot Crummond” and “The Three Cuckolds.” Performances begin nightly at 8:30 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a picnic on the lawn before the show. Admission is free.
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Drug Bill Would Flood American Markets with Dangerous Fentanyl By George M. Karavetsos More than 60,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine, caused one-fifth of those fatalities. Local law enforcement and health professionals are working at a feverish pace to prevent fatal overdoses. Even librarians in drug-plagued neighborhoods are receiving training to resuscitate victims. At the same time, some federal lawmakers have proposed legislation that would make it legal to import drugs that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration into the United States from questionable sources. Such legislation would provide a gateway for international criminal organizations to import counterfeit prescription drugs and deadly illegal opioids, including fentanyl.
In the midst of a worsening opioid epidemic, now is not the time 2017 Redlands Bowl Sum- to relax drug importation laws. mer Music Festival From a Bollywood Spectacu- Fentanyl slows, and often stops, lar to Opera Under the Stars, people!s breathing. A dose the this year’s Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival has quite size of a grain of sand can kill a user. the lineup. Aug 4 Mystic India: A Bollywood Spectacular The drug is so dangerous beAug. 11 Opera Under the cause drug traffickers disguise it. StarsFeaturing the San Dealers frequently press fentanyl Bernardino Symphony Orches- into counterfeit oxycodone pills tra Aug. 19 State Street Ballet of or mix it into batches of cocaine and heroin. Santa Barbara: Cinderella Aug. 25 The Redlands Symphony From Score to Screen Much of the fentanyl on Amerwith Fireworks. ican streets originates in China.
Last year, Carole Rendon, the acting U.S. attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, reported that there had been a spike in direct fentanyl imports from China. A few months ago, an Ohio man was indicted for importing 1,000 doses of fentanyl from China with the intent to distribute. America!s fentanyl problem would be even worse if not for our strict drug-importation laws and our dedicated cadre of law enforcement officials. As director of the FDA!s Office of Criminal Investigations, I saw firsthand how our agents prevented dangerous counterfeit and illegal drugs from reaching consumers in the United States. Canadian law enforcement authorities also are struggling to cope with widespread fentanyl trafficking. Police in British Columbia recently discovered that a "custom car business# was shipping 100,000 fentanyl pills a month to Calgary. Police believe the pills originated in China. If Congress were to pass the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act, it would become relatively easy for dealers to order fentanyl through the mail from Chinese and other foreign drug labs posing as online pharmacies. There are thousands of rogue Internet pharmacies operating abroad. It would be nearly impossible to determine which ones are shipping actual prescriptions and which ones are shipping illicit opioids. To make the shipments seem legitimate, criminals from across
the globe will route their illegal drug shipments through Canada. After all, the Canadian government has stated that it does not have the resources to inspect packages that pass through Canada en route to the United States. Former FBI Director Louis Freeh recently warned of this threat. After studying the potential impact of importation, Freeh concluded that importing prescription drugs from countries like Canada would "lead to an increased flow of counterfeit and other potentially dangerous products across U.S. borders, worsen the opioid crisis, and cause unnecessary strain on law enforcement and already-overburdened government regulators.# For years, the FDA has similarly warned against prescription drug importation -- even from developed nations. If drug importation is permitted, fentanyl will pour across our borders. Americans in all communities -- from opioid-ravaged rural areas to unsuspecting middle-class suburbs -- will suffer.
George M. Karavetsos formerly served as the director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations and as the assistant U.S. attorney and executive assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Florida.
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Published weekly on Thursday. Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #73036 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • August 3, 2017 • Page A5
Bloomington residents urge CJUSD officials to oppose warehouse development
PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA
Bloomington resident Pat Rubio speaking to the Colton Joint Unified School District Board of Education during their meeting on July 27, 2017. A small group of residents attended the meeting-urging CJUSD officials to oppose future warehouse development. By Anthony Victoria
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loomington residents spoke at the Colton Joint Unified School District Board of Education meeting on July 27 to urge school leaders to speak out against future warehouse development. “We come here to ask you to do what's right for our children,” said resident Thomas Rocha. “Remember, we are all in this together.” With the help of the Center for
Community Action and Environmental Justice, residents drafted a resolution specifically asking CJUSD board members and employees to aggressively advocate for the health and safety of students by monitoring and formally opposing warehouse projects. In addition, the resolution demands that anyone connected with the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission recuse themselves from making decisions on industrial de-
velopments. The demands stem from concerns with a warehouse development to be built on the corner of Cedar and Jurupa Avenues. Approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 2, the proposed 680,000-square-foot logistics center will stand approximately 50 feet away from Zimmerman Elementary School and 528 feet from Crestmore Elementary School. Other warehouse proposals near Bloomington High School and Slover High School are
also unsettling environmentalists and residents. One parent, Jennifer Arrington, believes the close proximity of warehouses to schools will only further exacerbate already existing respiratory concerns with area children. “I’ve seen first hand the dangers of asthma and cancer,” Arrington told CJUSD board members. “If we don’t stop this now, we’re letting [students] down.” Environmentalists in the room made clear their disapproval of CJUSD President Dan Flores’ involvement with the County-claiming that his current role as Chief of Staff for Supervisor Josie Gonzales is a “conflict of interest.” “His job is to protect and support his boss, and him sitting on the Board of Education is a complete oxymoron,” said CCAEJ organizer Ericka Flores. Despite holding off on commenting thoroughly due to legal concerns, Flores and Superintendent Jerry Almendarez assured residents they would take a look at the resolution and discuss it at an upcoming board meeting. Gary Grossich, who sits on Bloomington’s Municipal Advisory Council, spoke in favor of warehouse development in the unincorporated area. He believes housing could co-exist with distribution centers and would bring the area much needed economic de-
velopment. “There are three elements to a city--commercial, residential, and industrial,” Grossich said. “A healthy city is going to have all three. If warehouses are such a bad thing, why are commercial developers building near them?” Grossich expressed disappointment with the environmental justice groups for not tackling illegal trucking operations, which in his opinion, are more detrimental to residents. The small business owner and longtime Bloomington resident has identified two unauthorized trucking operations across the street from Bloomington High School. “I would have more respect for their position if they said they would do something about illegal trucking,” explained Grossich. “These places don’t have concrete, no mitigation, no CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) process. It’s illegal stuff and it’s getting out of hand.” Meanwhile, CJUSD Board Member Frank Ibarra expressed his gratitude to residents for their commitment in protecting student wellness. “We as a board believe in the safety of all our students, staff, and the people in Bloomington as well,” said Ibarra. “I want to throw my support for us to start a potential new resolution.”
Words to Think About: Mr. Trump ill-equipped to be president
Dr. Bill Abersold
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his article is based primarily on the writings and opinions of Senator Al Franken. His wit and satire are legendary from his years on Saturday Night Live. His first observation is about President Trump’s ban on President Obama’s relationship with Cuba. You will recall that Obama drastically began new and more open relations with Cuba after the death of Castro. More trade, Embassy’s to and for each country, encouraging tourism, building of businesses, etc. But he (Trump) pandered with the Cubans living in South Florida. He catered to them by way of Senator Marco Rubio. He was not born in Cuba, has never visited there, and doesn’t “understand Cuban efforts, work and sacrifices to safeguard their independence and sovereignty.” When Rubio addressed a small crowd of Cubans, he spoke in English. But a local magazine (The Week) states unequivocally, Trump lied to the Miami Cubans. “They are just the latest dupes of this arrogant, incoherent excuse for a President.” Donald has vowed that his companies will not take advantage of his position as President. A lie. He has recently engaged in 159 new
ventures in several Russian affiliated countries like Georgia. They also include Turkey, the Philippines, China, Armenia, Cuba, etc. In his rash bid for the presidency he promised to maintain Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, but now he advocates a depleting of all three. All in the interest of granting a tax cut for the Wall Street billionaires. I refuse to crown him with a sophisticated title or the “king of prevaricators.” He is not interested in anyone but himself and the members of his family. Trump has been described as a narcissist and a misogynist. I describe him as an overweight 71year-old man, a cowardly bully who is a poor excuse for a man. He picks on women like Mika of the Morning Joe; Katie Tur, a reporter; Megyn, the questioner from Fox; the beauty queen that he called fat; the Mother of a dead Muslim Soldier, Ghazala Khan, Carly Fiorina, and Trump’s confession of his seduction of married women. As a business man, he got his millions from his grandfather who got his start in Alaska and who owned several houses of prostitution. His grandparents were both immigrants from Germany. Trump’s mother was an immigrant from Scotland. Two of Donald’s wives were also immigrants. Here is an accurate account of this would-be he-man. During the Vietnam War, he got five deferments-through the efforts of his father. Supposedly he had “heel spurs. “Yet, he has bragged that he played football and soccer while in college. He is a liar and a draft dodger. There are questions about Trump’s intelligence. He brags about it. For example, he has declared that he is smarter than and knows more than the Generals. He constantly refuses to avail himself of the intelligence of his cabinet
members. He has never been in politics or was an office holder. His skill as a “deal” maker is suspect. In fact, he is scornful of learning. His lack of knowledge about history is appalling. For example, he stated that President Andrew Jackson would never do what Abraham Lincoln did, instigate the Civil War. Jackson died 16 years before that war. Trump is a master in the use of misdirection. The skill of a magician. Whenever he faces a serious problem or policy, he voices a misdirection. For example, his mocking Mika and Joe Scarborough; dumb and a psycho. I describe him as a school-yard bully. Enlarging on the observation of Trump’s use of misdirection, consider his reaction to the failure of Republicans to have an acceptable Health Plan. Trump immediately suggests that the Senate “Repeal NOW and Replace later.” Franken says, “The thing that bothers me most about Trump is his lying.” And seldom does anyone challenge him or them. Trump has a severe habit of gross exaggeration’ about statistics, policies or what he perceives about other people. I don’t care much about Ted Cruz, but I feel sorry for him regarding Trump’s description of him.” Trump is ill equipped to be President. His behavior in business, his views about women and his ignorance about history. But most important is why in the world do his supporters ignore his lying and ignorance. The New York Times has printed the demographics of Trump’s followers. Sixty one percent are white with no high school diploma. Fifty-four percent live in trailers-rather than homes with foundations. Forty-Seven percent are firm segregationists. Forty-two percent are Evangelical Christians. “The
percentage of working-age adults who neither have a job or are look-
ing for one is extremely high.” Amen Selah. So be it.
Page A6 • August 3, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
IE Resource Conservation District promotes conservation, habitat restoration, education By Harvey M. Kahn
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ric Chan explained that Redlands-based Inland Empire Resource Conservation District serves a 1,300square-mile region that spans Big Bear City to Ontario onto Cabazon. Its goal is to teach how a healthy environment directly relates to a healthy quality of life. With help from staff educators, the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District's message is spread from middle schools in Banning, to Rialto High School, onto the Highland Senior Center. Chan is project director at the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District. Between him and staff educators they can provide a 30-minute crash course on topics such as endangered species, water conservation and governmental procedures. Before working at IERCD, Chan worked for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he learned how the survival of even a small fish that once thrived in the Santa Ana River Basin can provide evidence about the overall health on earth. "The Santa Ana Sucker fish and the Western Pond Turtle were once common in the region and now are critically endangered. You can still find them in stagnant pools of water around the Prado Dam area near Chino," said Chan. He did point out that waters behind the two relatively new Prado and Seven Oaks dams along the Santa Ana River Basin serve as an important site for native animals as well as for migrating bird populations. Chan said nearly all the flow of the Santa Ana River is now ac-
tually recycled water that is spilled into the riverbed by a number of municipal water sanitation districts. According to a company profile, the 73-year-old IERCD is governed locally by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. It then comes under the jurisdiction of numerous other entities including the county Local Agency Formation Commision (LAFCO) and the State Department of Conservation. A recent press release stated it received a federal grant to help promote community farming in Ontario. A 2015 fiscal indicator report showed that IERCD holdings are $9.3 million in liquid assets. Other colleagues working with IERCD include state and federal fish and wildlife services, the Santa Ana Watershed Association, and the National Forest Service. It is part of a network of 99 statewide resource conservation districts, all performing a specific set of services corresponding to local community needs. Its many sources of funding also come from the Center for Land-Based Learning in Sacramento and from the United States Department of Agriculture. While the IERCD is involved in a number of environmental topics, it spends a lot of time educating youth about water related subjects. "We go into as many classrooms as possible and reach thousands of students per year, from kindergarten to high school," said IERCD education project manager Susie Kirschner. "It’s not the first time most students have heard about water conservation but we want them to hear about it year after
PHOTO / IERCD
Rialto High School students took a field trip this year to Huerta Del Valle Community Garden in Ontario. Students learned the importance of capturing rainwater in barrels. Pictured lower right RHS teacher Joy Cantrell who helped organize the trip through Inland Empire Resource Conservation District. year. They are receiving the message well." Kirschner explained that IERCD aims to reach students from lower income areas, not just about water conservation but about the need to start community gardens. She added that it helps when teachers are pro-active. Kirschner pointed to Rialto High School teacher Joy Cantrell who helped arrange a field trip to Huerta Del Valle Community Garden in Ontario. She mentioned Citrus Valley HS teacher Shannon Rooney who arranged for a trip to Highland Springs Resort. Students studied the resort's on-site farm that operates under a no kill policy whereby no pesticides are
used. Instead it establishes an environment that attracts predatory birds that prey on rodents and harmful insects. Kirschner's colleague Jasmine Orozco explained that high schools within the San Bernardino City Unified School District will be targeted to receive conservation lessons this coming school year. Orozco told of ten different water conservation programs for youth, including farm to table, climate change, and how to capture rain runoff in water barrels. "Youth that come from lower income areas have more to worry about when compared to those from more affluent areas," said
Orozco, who is an education coordinator at IERCD. "Many students in our district come from families that have to worry about the basics like food, clothes, and shelter. We want to introduce them to other career options. There are a lot of jobs available in water departments and in wastewater treatment plants. We want to keep students engaged." In summary, Chan says that saving the three-inch Santa Ana River Sucker fish is just as important as saving the ten-foot tall polar bear. "All wildlife plays a role in the ecosystem. Once they are gone, they are gone forever."
Locals donate thousands of diapers to Molina HOPE Diaper Drive
COURTESY PHOTO/MOLINA HOPE DIAPER DRIVE
Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey poses with the Molina Healthcare team during the Molina HOPE Diaper Drive on July 14 at Food 4 Less in Colton. By Yazmin Alvarez
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housands of diapers have been donated to four Inland Empire-based organizations thanks to the help of local residents and a healthcare agency. Molina Healthcare of California held its first-ever Hope Diaper Drive June 21 - July 14, with community members jumping on board donating a total of 934 packs of infant diapers and adult briefs — a grand total of 26,140 diapers. The items were recently distributed to Rose of Sharon in Victorville, Time for Change Foundation in Victorville, the Moreno Valley Community Assistance Program and the MosesSchaffer Community Center in Perris. “It’s part of Molina’s mission to
serve and advocate for those who need help the most,” said Ruthy Argumedo, associate vice president of Community Engagement for Molina Healthcare of California. She went on to list the following “startling” facts: • Some of the poorest families in the U.S. have to spend 14 percent of their income — an average of $936 per child — on diapers each year. • Low-income families in America are forced to use less than they need, leading to health problems for baby and many more issues for the whole family, like choosing between buying diapers and paying for food, rent, or utilities like heat. • Meanwhile, up to an estimated one-third of those over 65 have urinary continence trouble. For people living on a fixed income, the ex-
pense of adult briefs can add up. “We were honored to have been able to bring these resources to the Inland Empire,” Argumedo said. To culminate the drive, a family fun fest was held at the Food 4 Less in Colton, where participants received complimentary tacos and got to meet and take photos with Dodgers legend Steve Garvey and popular local radio personalities DJ Evelyn Erives from KGGI-FM 99.1 and Manny from KIIS-FM 102.7. The event was held in partnership with Child Care Resource Center, Community Action Partnership, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, iHeartRadio, Hines Management, Norton Younglove and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
COURTESY PHOTOS/MOLINA HOPE DIAPER DRIVE
Above: Rose of Sharon in Victorville was among four groups who received diapers donated through Molina HOPE Diaper Drive.
Below: Representatives from Molina HOPE Diaper Drive deliver diaper packs to Time for Change in Victorville.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • August 3, 2017 • Page A7
BUSINESS & SERVICES FINANCES
FINANCES
HEALTH SERVICES
Page A12 • August 3, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers