COLTON COURIER Weekly
June 05, 2025
Vol 153, NO. 25
Colton Police Help 23 Homeless Find Housing or Treatment in Six Months Through SWAG Partnership 2024, has been described as an effective solution to addressing homelessness in Colton. Earlier this year, council members voted unanimously to expand services under the program. The department’s approach includes collaboration with the San Bernardino County Probation and Behavioral Health Department. Along with officers assigned to the Multi-Enforcement Team, a probation officer and behavioral health social worker contribute expertise and resources to tackle complex needs.
IECN.com
“The Colton Police Department is committed to improving the quality of life for our community. The department has introduced an alternative for those dealing with the dynamics of life on the streets and serves as a resource for our community,” Chief Anthony Vega said.
Graduation Milestone Reached by SBCSS Alternative Education Students Pg. 4
PHOTO COLTON PD Colton Police, SWAG outreach workers, and San Bernardino County Probation staff engage with an unhoused individual during a coordinated outreach effort.
By IECN Staff
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n just six months, the Colton Police Department has helped 23 unsheltered individuals transition into stable housing or longterm treatment programs through a partnership with the Social Work Action Group (SWAG), officials announced. The partnership, launched with City Council approval in October
In addition to transitioning 23 individuals into housing or treatment, SWAG has provided behavioral health support to 57 individuals, connected 28 people to substance abuse service centers, assisted 43 clients in obtaining medical care, and transported 32 individuals to crisis stability units. The program’s individualized care model balances accountability, compassion, and personalized support, officials said. SWAG, a nonprofit organization, works to restore individuals’ selfesteem while connecting them to vital services such as substance use treatment, veteran assistance, mental health care, and long-term housing. Outreach teams tailor care plans for each client, providing hands-on, compassionate assistance focused on safety and sustainable change for the Colton community. Though SWAG does not respond to emergencies, referrals can be made by calling (833) 792-4674 Ext. 4.
Fire Destroys Commercial Building Near Colton High School
SBCUSD Leaders Shine Bright with Top Honors from ACSA Region 12 Pg. 5
Devore Animal Shelter Joins County’s Free Pet Adoption June 7 as Part of Statewide 5K-Pet Push Pg. 8
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PHOTO CALEB CABRERA The office building at 582 W. Valley Blvd. went up in flames early in the morning on May 29. First responders immediately were at the scene.
t approximately 8:15 a.m., the office building at 582 W Valley Blvd. ignited into flames as Colton High students made their way to school for the start of the day.
For students arriving at Colton High for the start of school, Valley Blvd. was closed down around the area for safety reasons. Student pedestrians were given access to the campus. High school admin made an announcement to teachers informing them about late students.
Fire department arrived on the scene at 8:30 a.m. and immediately worked to extinguish the fire. Firefighters from Colton, Loma Linda, Rialto and San Bernardino were all on the ground to stop the blaze.
Online, Google Maps has the building belonging to Edna’s Properties. The online number for Edna’s Properties was disconnected. Additionally, the sign on the building providing a telephone number for leasing was not in service.
The outer fire was extinguished at 8:47 a.m. Firefighters entered the building to finish the job. The fire was mostly extinguished by 8:53 a.m. At 9 a.m. firefighters sawed into the building to look for people that might have been trapped.
*This article was originally published by our media partners at Colton High School’s Pepper Bough.
By Caleb Cabrera, Pepper Bough Staff Writer
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