COLTON COURIER Weekly
May 22, 2025
Vol 153, NO. 23
Kaeley Diaz is Awarded the $1,000 Dr.G Band Scholarship 2025 By Dr.G (Dr Luis S González), community writer
O
n Friday night, May 16, at the Colton High School Band Awards Night, many honors were given to band students who earned special recognition for their dedication and hard work throughout a very successful 2024–25 band season.
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Redlands Teacher Elvin Vereau Arrested for Alleged Sex Abuse of Minor, Placed on Leave by District Pg. 3
PHOTO DR. G Dr.G, Council Member and former CHS Band Director and Kaeley Diaz, Dr.G Band Scholarship recipient.
working with people,” said Kaeley, who often reflects on her great experiences with the Colton High School Band. She added, “This award is exciting and makes me feel very special to receive this honor.” This year, Kaeley participated in both the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band and plans to continue playing her flute at the college level as time and opportunity allow.
Among the final “top” awards was the presentation of the coveted Dr. G Band Scholarship Award, set at $1,000, which is given to a graduating band student who has been exemplary not only in their classwork, but also as an outstanding musician and strong student leader. Dr. G was a band director for 41 years and taught at Colton High School from 1995 to 2019.
Kaeley also spent the entire school year serving on the prestigious Youth Council through the City of Colton and City Council, a program in which only five students citywide are selected. This unique program focuses on leadership, Colton history, and learning about the basic operations of city government.
The 2025 award recipient was Kaeley Diaz, a senior flute player who has been part of the Yellowjacket Band for four years. In addition to her music studies, she has also served as Band Drill Sergeant and Band Historian. “I really have enjoyed being in the band and have learned a lot about music and
Looking ahead, Kaeley plans to attend Cal Poly Pomona in the fall with a major in Criminology. From her excellent record at Colton High School and success in the band program, there is no doubt that Kaeley will thrive in college and be successful in her pursuit of a career in criminology or a related field.
Homelessness Falls 14% in San Bernardino County, Stabilizes in Riverside — But State Cuts Threaten Momentum San Bernardino County to Host Job Fair and Expungement at Ontario International Airport Pg. 5
City of Riverside Summer Concerts in the Park Series Starts June 11 Pg. 8
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By Manny Sandoval
S
an Bernardino County recorded a 14.2% decrease in homelessness in 2025, marking the first decline in three years and highlighting the growing impact of regional data-driven strategies. According to the latest Pointin-Time Count (PITC), conducted on January 23, the number of unsheltered individuals dropped from 3,153 in 2024 to 2,718 in 2025. That decrease follows a 1% increase in 2024. “The data from this year is encouraging because it shows that our efforts are making a difference,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., who also chairs the Continuum of Care Board. “Although our work is far from over, I’m glad to see progress in reducing homelessness.” The PITC, coordinated by the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership and Office of Homeless Services, offers a critical snapshot of homelessness that informs resource allocation and policy. “Data from this year’s PointIn-Time Count will allow us to
effectively address homelessness in our communities and ensure funding is directed to where it’s needed most,” Baca Jr. said. County leaders credit the decrease to expanded outreach efforts and increased investment in housing infrastructure. “The county appreciates the funding that has been allocated to support local governments in providing support and services for people experiencing homelessness,” said Marcus Dillard, chief of homeless services. Dillard added that more than $22 million was secured last year to support permanent housing and critical services. “Through ongoing outreach events at encampment locations, we’ve been able to connect individuals to shelter, supportive services and permanent housing. We will continue to do all that we can to help resolve this issue,” he said. Within San Bernardino County, Redlands has experienced the most significant citylevel progress. The number of homeless individuals in Redlands dropped 31% from 213 in 2024 to 146 in 2025, Homelessness, cont. next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL A 35 year-old unhoused Bloomington man speaking with Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. during the annual PITC.