Colton Courier - 08/14/25

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COLTON COURIER WWe

Roving Immigration Raids Continue in Places like San Bernardino Despite Court Order

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Fontana Unified Kicks Off 2025-26 School Year with New Beginnings, Historic Milestones

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Assemblymember Ramos Donates $10K to Support San Bernardino Student Backpack Giveaway

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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In the Inland Empire, most renter households considered rent-burdened — paying at least 35 percent of their income on rent — actually spend more than half of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. The finding underscored urgent conversations at the Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Policy & Philanthropy Summit, held Aug. 6–7 at the Riverside Convention Center.

The two-day event drew nearly 500 nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and even beyond, under the theme “Common Ground for the Common Good.”

Conversations throughout the summit were framed by the “vital conditions” — seven interconnected pillars for building thriving communities: basic needs for health and safety, humane housing, meaningful work and wealth, lifelong learning, reliable transportation, belonging and civic muscle, and a thriving natural world.

During a humane housing panel, California

Assemblymembers Dr. Corey Jackson and Robert Garcia tackled the Inland Empire’s affordability crisis head-on.

Jackson stressed the need for government, nonprofits, and the private sector to end siloed work and coordinate strategies.

“There isn’t a single report, study, or recommendation that doesn’t say we have to stop operating in silos,” Jackson said. “If we're all serving the same population, we should be coordinating, sharing information, and creating spaces where nonprofits, government, and business can hear the same message and work together.

That’s when we can truly call ourselves a community and deliver for the people we profess to care about.”

Pressed on why developers continue building larger, costlier homes, Jackson pointed to the economics of land value and profit margins. He highlighted his bill, AB 317, which incentivizes smaller, more affordable homes so younger generations can buy in the communities where they grew up.

Garcia said decades of underbuilding are a key driver of

Hundreds of residents braved a sweltering 110-degree afternoon Thursday for the Colton Police Department’s annual National Night Out, which began at 6 p.m. and slowly cooled as the evening breeze rolled in.

The nationwide observance took place Aug. 5, but Colton’s celebration was held Aug. 7 to avoid conflicting with the City Council meeting and other nearby events.

“We didn’t want to compete with Rialto PD or SBPD,” Police Chief Anthony Vega said.

“Many families like to attend multiple National Night Out events, and this gave residents the chance to enjoy more than one this year.”

By 7:30 p.m., several hundred attendees had gathered, with children shooting hoops

on a basketball arcade game, families visiting craft and information booths, and officers mingling with community members.

A live band kept the crowd entertained, playing through the lingering heat.

Vega joined in the festivities, chatting with residents and even taking a few basketball shots alongside local kids.

Vega also noted that the department recently filled more officer positions, reaching its highest staffing levels since the 2008 recession.

“We’re growing, and more details on that will be coming soon,” he said.

National Night Out, held annually across the country, fosters police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.

Summit cont. next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega shakes hands with a young attendee during the Aug. 7 National Night Out.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Dr. Corey Jackson speaks with Inland Empire Community News and KVCR backstage after his panel with Assemblymember Robert Garcia on affordable housing.

Summit (cont.)

- ingly more and more unaffordable for many families,” Garcia said. “One of the solutions is the supply side — the reason housing is so expensive is because we do not have the units that should have been built decades prior. But, with the recent legislation that was passed is to streamline the development for rental housing and single family homes. The Inland Empire is definitely a place where we can build more housing and make it affordable.”

Jackson pushed back on the stigma surrounding affordable housing. “The biggest misconception is that affordable housing is going to lead to crime and all kinds of other things that you should be afraid of.

And it's absolutely not true. If you want a safe community, you want to make sure everyone has housing they can afford,” he said. He also placed responsibility on bad actors in the housing market, singling out slumlords for failing to make repairs, ignoring sewage issues, and allowing infestations and mold to persist.

“Anyone doing business in the housing market… has a responsibility, and those are not negotiable,” he said.

He also addressed “not in my backyard” opposition. “We need to stop saying we want housing, but I don't want ‘that type of housing near me’ because that type of housing is going to ‘bring those kinds of people,’” Jackson said. “To be honest, those kinds of people don't want to live near you anyway.”

The discussion expanded beyond housing to food insecurity, with Jackson noting recent federal cuts to SNAP benefits.

He said he hosted a statewide listening session to prepare for the impact and secured funding to keep California’s food bank support at $60 million instead of dropping to $6 million. He also addressed environmental concerns about streamlined housing legislation potentially paving the way for unchecked warehouse or industrial development, saying, “We’re in a crisis. The status quo is no longer acceptable. If we see people taking advantage of it, there’ll be bills to close those holes — but we cannot be afraid to act.”

Following the panel, Inland Empire Community News sat down with Jackson one-on-one. He reiterated his call for coordinated, cross-sector action, stressing that housing, homelessness, and food insecurity are deeply interconnected. “We have to stop working in isolation,” he said. “Government, nonprofits, and business all need to be hearing the same message and working from the same plan.”

Throughout the summit, speakers linked humane housing to the broader vital conditions, arguing that neglect in one area — whether transportation, education, jobs, or environmental health — can cascade into others. The event challenged leaders to align policy, funding, and grassroots efforts to reinforce one another, rather than work in silos.

Friends and Family Gather for Ray Gomez’ 100th Birthday

For just a brief moment in a lifetime, about 200 people including family, friends, well-wishers, as well as fellow veterans gathered together on August 3 to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Colton Hometown Hero Ray Gomez. The event was held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6476 and organized by Ray’s daughter Cynthia Martinez, and grand-daughters Leslie Cruz and Michelle Thrash.

Born in San Bernardino on August 3, 1925 Ray Gomez has spent a lifetime of service to his family, to our nation and to the community of Colton.

Ray’s parents were Angel and Mercedes Gomez, and he has two sisters, Annie and Esther, and one brother, Angel Jr. As a young man Ray worked in the fields and then found part-time work at Kaiser Steel.

Because of the need for troops during WWII, Ray joined the United States Army at the age of 18, and was immediately assigned to Fort McArthur in San Pedro for formal induction, and to receive his uniform and equipment. The next step was his basic

training where he spent 17 weeks at Camp Fannin in Texas and one month at Camp Van Doren in Louisiana. After being sent to Fort Dix in New Jersey for combat assignment young Ray was transported to England on the well-known ship “Queen Elizabeth.” From that point he served in England, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. His rank was Private First Class (PFC) and served in the U.S. Army from November 1943-May 1946.

After being discharged from military service Ray found employment with the Santa Fe Railroad for which he worked 20 years. Ray had two children, Patsy and Danny, with his first wife, and later married Cora on May 12, 1952 at the age of 22, and decided to make Colton their home.

Ray and Cora had two children, Cynthia and Debra. Cora passed away in 2018 after 66 years of marriage. Over the years, Ray has been blessed with twelve grandchildren and currently finds himself at the head of a happy, successful and close-knit family all interwoven into the community fabric of the Colton “vib,” including work, school, church, veterans affairs and community events.

At the birthday celebration, many had the opportunity to talk with Ray, take photos and join in for the signing of Happy Birthday. Carmen Moyeda, wife of good friend Bernie Moyeda reflected, “I can’t believe he made it to 100. I can only hope I can be that blessed.”

Bernie himself weighed in by saying, “I’ve lived a long time too, you old fart.” Additionally, one of Ray’s long-time friends who served in the Korean War, Rudy Contreras, wanted to comment as a fellow wounded soldier that, “Although Ray was seriously wounded, he just kept going.”

The well-attended event closed with several wellwishes and individual photo ops with Ray, bringing to the end a heart-felt celebration that will be remembered a long time.

Ray Gomez is to be congratulated for having a successful career, raising a healthy family, serving his country, and firmly etching his place in the history of our City of Colton. Best wishes to Ray Gomez for a continued path of life, love, success and prosperity. You are truly blessed. Happy Birthday Ray Gomez.

Green and Gold is bold and Eisenhower High School recently commemorated a positive, historic moment that will support students in academic success for the years to come.

With cheers, applause, and the snip of the official ribbon cutting scissors, Rialto Unified School District’s Dwight D. Eisenhower High School officially opened its New Learning Complex on the morning of August 8, with a pair of majestic, gleaming classroom buildings that signal a bold new chapter for the 65-year-old historic campus.

Rialto USD Board Members joined District officials, business, city and community leaders, Eisenhower High School administration, students, some teachers and classified staff gathered to celebrate the $36-million project that was paid for through the Measure “Y” school bond, which was approved by Rialto USD vot-

ers in 2010. The new buildings replace the old portable classrooms with modern, technology-rich classrooms for today’s students.

“When big projects such as these happen, it takes time,” said Rialto USD Board President Dr. Stephanie E. Lewis during the morning grand opening ceremony. “It takes commitment. It takes patience. At Rialto Unified School District, we are not just going with the low bid. We are going with the best bid. We thank the architects and construction teams for doing the best so that our students can be their best. If we are going to set the bar high we have to think of those standards. This new facility raises the bar at Eisenhower High School, and we thank voters for saying ‘Yes.’ ”

The ceremony also featured remarks from the RUSD Board of Education, district leadership, and representatives from Ruhnau Clarke Architects and Erickson-Hall Construction Co., the firms responsible for designing and building the facilities. Rialto Mayor Joe Baca Sr., whose children attended the flagship high school, at-

tended and presented certificates. Rialto City Council Members Edward Montoya Jr. and Andy Carrazales, along with City Clerk Barbara McGee and several supporters joined the Mayor to celebrate the moment. San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., who graduated from Eisenhower attended to support his Alma Mater, along with former RUSD School Board Members Joe Ayala and Joanne T. Gilbert, who were both on the school board when the bond measure was initiated for the passage.

Ike Principal Kristal Henriquez-Pulido welcomed guests before student leaders led tours of the new classrooms following the ribbon cutting.

“What a proud and exciting day it is to be an Eagle,” Henriquez-Pulido told the crowd.

Full story at IECN.com.

PHOTO DR. G
Family, friends and well-wishers who attended Ray Gomez’ 100th Birthday

Op-Eds Public Safety

Living Strong: Managing Your Medications Stay Healthy; Stay Safe

As we age, it is not uncommon that taking prescription medications becomes a greater part of our health care regimen. While the average number of medications taken by people aged 65 and older varies, data from the Kaiser Family Foundation suggests that nearly 90% of older adults regularly may take at least one prescription drug, almost 80% may regularly take at least two; and 36% may regularly take at least five different prescription drugs.

While older adults may fill those prescriptions and follow instructions, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that as many as 55% of seniors do not take their medications as prescribed by their care providers. Medication management can be an important part of one’s overall health routine, particularly as we continue to age. Not taking medications as prescribed may have some short- and longterm consequences:

Not Getting Better – Skipping doses, taking less than prescribed amounts, not filling prescriptions and not taking medications on time may slow progress and healing.

Greater Severity – Skipping medications may lead to more serious health complications such as stroke, heart attack, and blindness.

Increase Medication Resistance – In the case of antibiotics, it is important to take them as prescribed to prevent get reinfected (known as a “rebound infection”).

Taking your medications as prescribed need not be difficult. Here are some ideas:

Make a List – Include the medication name, what it is for, the dose, when to take it, how to take it, the prescribing care provider and when it was first prescribed and most recently refilled. Share this list with your primary care provider and caregiver. And remember to include over-thecounter medications, vitamins and other supplements, as well. Give the list to your care provider and caregiver.

Make Part of Daily Routine – Store your medications in a place where you routinely start and/or end your day such as beside the coffee pot or on your nightstand.

Write It Down – Purchase a standard wall calendar with space to write down the prescription medications you need to take and

when for each day. After you have taken your medication, cross it off. Be sure to include all medications – ones in your pill organizer, any in their original bottles and even the ones in the refrigerator.

Use an App – Apps can help you keep track of what medications you need to take, sending an alarm to your phone or other smart device when it is time to take your medications. According to a 2019 study from the National Institute of Health, people who use apps are nearly twice as likely to take their medications as prescribed. The wall calendar/app combination may help ensure greater adherence.

Shop Around for a Pill Organizer – Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all pill holders. Depending on how many medications you take each day, the timetable for taking those pills (morning, noon, evening, bedtime) and the size of the pills you are taking may determine what size and how many you may need. If medicines must be stored in their original containers and/or refrigerated, you may want to list them on your wall calendar or app.

Some older adults may face other challenges beyond just remembering to take medications. Your doctor, pharmacist and caregiver can play a vital role in addressing these concerns:

Reach out to your care provider – Be honest about issues and concerns you may have about your medication regimen (drug interactions, side effects, drug costs, physical limitations, timetable) so you can address them together. Always let your care provider know what vitamins and supplements you are taking as these may interact with your prescriptions. Taking medications multiple times a day? Talk to your care provider about ways to help simplify your medication regimen.

Talk to your pharmacist – Ask about refill reminders, automatic refill programs and extended fill options. Having trouble opening pill bottles, reading labels or giving yourself injections? Having trouble affording your medications? Or transportation to the pharmacy? Your pharmacist may have solutions to any physical limitations and may be able to speak to your care provider about other concerns.

Let caregivers help – Let them know what medications you are on to help ensure you are taking the right drugs at the right time. Caregivers may also help if there are questions or concerns about your medications, including the cost of these drugs, and can help reach out to your care provider or pharmacist, as needed.

Detectives Search Second Home in Missing Person Investigation

Redlands Police detectives on Tuesday served a search warrant on a second residence in connection with the disappearance of Emilio Salem Ghanem, a Nashville man last seen at a Redlands coffee shop more than two years ago.

Redlands Police, assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, served the search warrant on the home in the 57000 block of Forestry Road in Anza at approximately 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Eight people at the home were briefly detained and later released at the scene. There were no arrests.

Ghanem was reported missing shortly after he visited a Starbucks restaurant at 625 E. Redlands Blvd. on May 25, 2023. A rented Nissan Frontier pickup he was driving was spotted on surveillance video later that day in Grand Terrace. Detectives later recovered the rental truck along with other evidence.

Ghanem had been a member of “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies,” a reli-

gious organization based in the City of Hemet. He left that organization shortly before his disappearance. Ghanem also worked for Fullshield, Inc., a pest control business owned and operated by the group. The business now operates under the name “Maxguard.”

The Anza residence, along with another residence in Hemet where police served a search warrant last week, are both connected with the group. Police recovered evidence at both locations in connection with the investigation.

Redlands detectives are also working with Claremont Police who are investigating the disappearance of another man connected with the group that was reported in 2019.

Ghanem is described as a white male adult with hazel eyes and black hair, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 130 pounds. He was 40 years old at the time of his disappearance.

Anyone with information about Ghanem, his disappearance or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Redlands Police Detective Bureau at (909) 551-4424 or by email at missingperson_emilio@redlandspolice.org.

Fontana Man Pleads Guilty in Fentanyl Death of 20-Year-Old Angel DeLeon from Riverside

On November 18, 2023, Riverside Police Officers responded to the 4200 block of 1st Street in downtown Riverside regarding an adult man found deceased inside a home. The victim, 20-yearold Angel DeLeon, was believed to have overdosed after taking what was thought to be Percocet. Based on the circumstances, detectives from the Robbery–Homicide Unit and Narcotics Unit assumed the death investigation.

Detectives discovered that Angel and his acquaintances used social media to purchase Percocet pills, commonly known as M-30.

They picked up the pills from a residence in Rialto. After taking them, Angel was found unresponsive and later pronounced deceased.

The Riverside County Sheriff–Coroner’s Office determined that Angel’s death was caused due to the effects of fentanyl. The pills he had taken were counterfeit Percocet laced with fentanyl.

The investigation into who sold the counterfeit pills to Angel and his acquaintances led detectives to identify 27-year-old Markel Charles Jones of Fontana.

Jones was on parole for illegal firearm possession and had been arrested multiple times while on parole for possessing illegal narcotics for sale.

Over the following months, detectives gathered evidence showing that Jones had sold the counterfeit Percocet pills knowingly containing fentanyl to Angel, ultimately causing his fatal overdose.

In October 2024, detectives obtained a murder warrant for Jones’ arrest and took him into custody at his home in Fontana on October 24, 2024.

On July 23, 2025, Markel Jones pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance for sale. He is set to receive an 11-year sentence in state prison.

Fentanyl is a deadly poison that continues to take lives in our community.

The Riverside Police Department, in partnership with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, is committed to thoroughly investigating fentanyl-related deaths and aggressively prosecuting those who sell or provide this dangerous drug.

“If you supply fentanyl and someone dies, we will hold you accountable,” said Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez. “Our detectives worked tirelessly in this case to uncover the truth and ensure the person responsible for Angel DeLeon’s death is brought to justice. Their dedication reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community from this deadly poison.”

To learn more about the dangers of fentanyl, access the latest statistics on fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths in Riverside County, and read powerful real-life stories to help raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to this deadly drug, visit www.FacesofFentanyl.net.

Roving Immigration Raids Continue in Places like San Bernardino Despite Court Order

Immigrant rights advocates say federal immigration agents violated a court order last week when they detained day laborers outside a San Bernardino Home Depot.

According to the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center, about a dozen workers were taken into custody by Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near Highland Avenue, a popular meeting spot for day laborers seeking work.

Alexis Teodoro, an organizer with the center, said agents in tactical gear indiscriminately targeted Latino day laborers, violating a temporary restraining order (TRO) that bars “roving” immigration stops without judicial warrants.

“This was an indiscriminate raid because it was racial profiling,” Teodoro said. “The temporary restraining order is very specific and they violated several parts of the temporary restraining order.”

Teodoro added that his organization has submitted hundreds of emails to the San Bernardino City Council and other local lawmakers to urge them to protect day laborers from harassment. He says they’re specifically calling for the city to establish a day labor center and pass an ordinance against wage theft.

“You can’t judge someone by their skin color or how they look. You can’t racial profile. You cannot use location of work as a reason to target someone,” Teodoro said. “Looking for work is like freedom of speech, and unfortunately, that’s being stepped on. Day laborers are some of the most vulnerable workers. People need to pay more attention because next it could be Amazon workers, hotel workers and so on.”

The Department of Homeland Security defended the action, calling it a targeted enforcement effort.

“Border Patrol conducted [a] targeted immigration raid in San Bernardino at a Home Depot that resulted in the arrest of eight illegal aliens including Hermilo Roman Martinez. He was previously convicted of child abuse,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

said in a statement. “What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S.—not their skin color, race, or ethnicity.”

The arrests come as the Trump administration asks the U.S. Supreme Court to lift the TRO issued by U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong in the Central District of California. The order, covering Los Angeles and eight other counties, prohibits immigration agents from using race, ethnicity, language or location of work as the basis for stops.

The case is the latest flashpoint in a summer of highprofile raids at Home Depots, car washes and Latino markets. News outlets CalMatters and Bellingcat have documented more than 100 raid sites in Los Angeles alone.

Kevin R. Johnson, director of the Aoki Center at UC Davis, told CalMatters that the tactics are “terrifying communities.”

“It’s going to have an impact on whether people take their kids to school or to the doctor,” Johnson said.

PHOTO IC4IJ
Alexis Teodoro of the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center speaks at a press conference outside a San Bernardino Home Depot on Thursday, August 7, 2025, calling out what he says was a racially motivated immigration raid in violation of a federal court order.
PHOTO IC4IJ
Supporters and members of the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center rally outside a San Bernardino Home Depot on Thursday, August 7, 2025, demanding an end to immigration raids targeting day laborers.

Fontana Unified Kicks Off 2025-26 School Year with New Beginnings, Historic Milestones

Community News

Colorful signs, lively music, and cheerful staff welcomed back more than 30,000 Fontana Unified School District students, who greeted each other with smiles, hugs, or fist bumps, for the first day of the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 6.

The first day of the new academic year marks a new chapter for all 44 Fontana Unified schools –many of which have earned recognition, including California Schools to Watch, California Distinguished Schools, and California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition Awards, among other honors.

It was an especially historic day for two Fontana Unified schools, O’Day Short Elementary and Eric Birch High, as O’Day Short Elementary opened the year under a new name and Eric Birch High at a new location.

Fontana Unified held a historic renaming ceremony on O’Day Short Elementary’s campus on Aug. 5. Previously known as Randall Pepper Elementary, the school was renamed to honor the legacy of the O’Day Short family, which is remembered for breaking Fontana’s color barrier nearly 80 years ago.

Eric Birch High School began the school year at a new location – the former Citrus High School campus – following the summer merger of Fontana Unified’s two Model Continuation Schools. The

move aims to create a unified learning environment that offers expanded access to career technical education pathways, mental health resources, and athletics.

Students and families lined up outside O’Day Short Elementary on Aug. 6, waiting for the gates to open and officially begin the first day under the school’s new name. With cameras flashing and emotions running high, students paused for photos and shared heartfelt hugs with their families before stepping into their classrooms to meet their teachers.

The day could not come soon enough for siblings Desiray and Frank’O Gils, who are heading into third and fourth grade at O’Day Short Elementary, respectively.

The siblings both colored their hair red – one of O’Day Short Elementary’s primary colors – to celebrate the first day of school and show their school spirit and pride.

“They are excited, and I am looking forward to seeing how they expand their horizons this year,” said Vanessa Ochoa, mother to Desiray and Frank’O. “I love this school. They have been really helpful, and my son has improved tremendously here.”

At Fontana High (FOHI), maroon and white balloons adorned the school’s walkway while cheerleaders stood in formation, shaking their pom-poms and cheering on their fellow students as they entered campus to

start the school year under the leadership of new principal Joseph Malatesta.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude to return home to FOHI, surrounded by an incredible team of educators who truly embody what it means to ‘Live Maroon,’” said Malatesta, who returned to Fontana High after serving as an assistant principal at Summit High in 2024-25. “It’s inspiring to see our Steelers back where they belong, and the campus full of energy once again.”

Fontana High and O’Day Short Elementary are two of 10 Fontana Unified schools opening the year with new principals, including Live Oak, Mango, Palmetto, and Sierra Lakes elementary schools; Sequoia and Wayne Ruble middle schools; Henry J. Kaiser High School; and the District’s new secondary academy that will open to seventh through 12th grade students in 2026-27.

“The first day of school is always a time of excitement and possibility, and this year feels especially significant as we celebrate meaningful milestones and new beginnings across our District,” Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “Fontana Unified continues to grow with purpose, grounded in our commitment to excellence and to ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.”

City of Riverside Will Proactively Clear Encampments From Freeway Ramps Following One of the First Cooperative Agreements with Caltrans in the State

Community News

The City of Riverside will proactively clear encampments from state freeway ramps throughout the city following the City Council’s unanimous approval on Tuesday (8/5) of one of the first delegated encampment maintenance agreements between Caltrans and a city.

The two-year pilot agreement allows City workers to remove encampments and bill Caltrans as much as $50,000 per quarter for the work -- $400,00 during the next two years. Without the agreement, the City is unable to remove encampments on State Route 91, State Route 60 and Interstate 60 within the city limits.

“This innovative agreement will allow the City to go onto state property and provide clean-ups without going through a longer permitting process,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “This proactive effort will speed up the clean-ups, improve our public

Rspaces, and provide for reimbursement from the state.”

As part of the agreement created by the Public Works Department and the Department of Housing and Human Services, members of the City’s Public Safety Engagement Team (PSET) and its contractors will provide outreach services to people experiencing homelessness while removing debris.

Caltrans will continue its existing efforts to clear encampments within District 8, which includes Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. District 8 is the largest in California and includes 49 cities, 28,650 square miles of land, four interstates, and 32 state routes totaling 7,200 lane miles.

“This agreement does not replace the work that Caltrans already is doing,” Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Conder said. “It augments that work with City staff, which should aid our ability to remove encampments and improve our freeway system.”

Rep. Aguilar Re-Introduces the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act

ep. Pete Aguilar reintroduced the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act, which would provide funding to owners of affordable housing properties to offer supportive services for their residents.

“As we work to confront California’s affordable housing and homelessness crises head-on, we need to ensure families have the tools to build stable, successful lives,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I am proud to reintroduce this critical legislation to ensure residents of affordable housing properties have access to the supportive services they need. I’ll keep working to help make affordable

housing a reality for everyone so that hardworking families in the Inland Empire can thrive.”

“National CORE commends Congress for recognizing that affordable housing must be more than just a roof over someone’s head – it must also create opportunities for families to thrive,” National CORE President Michael Ruane said. “Resident services are essential to helping families become self-sufficient, supporting seniors as they age in place, and breaking the cycle of poverty. We urge Congress to build on this historic step by formally authorizing a program for supportive services and increasing funding for this critical work.”

The Affordable Housing Resident Services Act establishes the Affordable Housing Resident Services Grant Program within the Department of Health and Human

Services. This program provides funding for supportive services to residents over a five-year period. Specifically, owners of federally-supported affordable housing properties can allocate up to 25 percent of the grant funding to hire a service coordinator, who will be responsible for delivering supportive services to residents. The grant funding would mainly be used to provide the supportive services at affordable housing properties, including: after-school programs for children and teenagers; educational opportunities for youth and adult residents; mental health, alcohol and addiction treatment; self-sufficiency resources; resources on future home ownership; financial literacy training; elder care; assistance to residents with disabilities; and other community services.

PHOTO FUSD
Two Juniper Elementary School students head in for the first day of the 2025-26 school year in Fontana Unified on Aug. 6.
PHOTO FUSD
Fontana High School cheerleaders welcome their fellow students back to campus for the first day of school on Aug. 6.
Community News

Assemblymember Ramos Donates $10,000 to Support San Bernardino Student Backpack Giveaway

Community News

More than 1,500 students in San Bernardino received backpacks filled with essential school supplies during a giveaway event on Friday, August 1, thanks in part to a $10,000 donation from Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino). The event, coordinated by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), supports Pre-K through 12th-grade students across the 45th Assembly District and eases financial stress for local families as the school year begins.

Ramos’ donation is part of his ongoing support for community-based initiatives, including annual SBCSS-led efforts like the annual backpack giveaways and turkey drives. These programs offer immediate financial relief while uplifting youth and families throughout the region.

“Supporting students and families as they prepare for the school year is one

of the best investments we can make in our community’s future. It was inspiring to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they received their backpacks and supplies. These moments matter,” Ramos said.

During the 2023–2024 school year, nearly 32,000 students in San Bernardino County were identified as homeless under the federal McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act. The federal law assists students attend and succeed in school regardless of their housing status.

“These back-to-school events are incredibly powerful opportunities to uplift our students and families,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Assemblymember Ramos has been a steadfast partner in these efforts year after year. His continued commitment to initiatives like our annual backpack giveaways demonstrates how consistent, long-term support can truly impact the lives of our students. I commend Assemblymember Ramos for his generous $10,000 contri-

bution as we work together to transform lives through education.”

Celebration of Ramos’ donation to the backpack drive was held at the Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, in San Bernardino. A state recognized non-profit of the year by Ramos in 2022.

Assisting homeless youth find stable housing and succeed in school, has been a legislative and personal priority for Ramos. Over the past two years, he introduced legislation to establish a Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System for homeless youth that would ensure equitable access to critical services by mirroring support systems already in place for adults.

This year, Ramos also secured a onetime $31.5 million allocation in the 2025–26 state budget to stabilize 220 Foster Family Agencies across California.

This investment helps maintain placements for more than 7,400 foster youth

while the state develops a sustainable long-term funding model. Ramos also established the Ramos Family Endowed Scholarship, a lasting commitment to supporting first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved students in their pursuit of higher education.

This latest backpacking event was made possible through the partnership of several Inland Empire organizations, including annual supporters Assemblymember James C. Ramos, SBCSS, Young Visionaries, Sheik Shoes, Rescue Mission and HD Second Chance.

New supporters this year include: Children’s Fund, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Molina Healthcare, Office of Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, Armac/ISU Insurance, Apple Valley Communications, Community Health Action Network and Assemblymember Juan Carrillo.

PHOTOS SBCSS
Assemblymember James C. Ramos presents a $10,000 check to San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools to support a backpack giveaway for more than 1,500 students.

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