COLTON COURIER Weekly
January 2, 2024
Vol 153, NO. 03
IEHP Foundation Awards $4.6 Million to 40 San Bernardino and Riverside Nonprofits to Address Social Determinants of Health
IECN.com
SBCCD Trustees Honor Gloria Macias Harrison and Dr. Anne Viricel with Emeritus Status Pg. 4
SBCCD Board Elects Dr. Nathan Gonzales as Chair for 2025
PHOTO CHILDREN’S FUND IEHP Foundation Grant Recipient Children’s Fund hosting its Family Fair at its office located at 348 W. Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino.
By Manny Sandoval
T
he IEHP Foundation just awarded $2.3 million in grants to 40 San Bernardino and Riverside area nonprofits, part of a broader $4.6 million two-year investment through its inaugural Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network. The program, running from 2025 to 2026, aims to strengthen organizational
infrastructure and develop leadership within community-based organizations (CBOs) addressing social determinants of health.
them to allocate resources based on their unique needs, such as staffing, technology, and capital improvements.
Selected nonprofits include Catholic Charities Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Mary’s Mercy Center, Never Stop Grinding Impact, and Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance. These organizations will receive unrestricted funding, allowing
Investing in Community Needs Unrestricted funding offers nonprofits the flexibility to address operational gaps and invest in their long-term sustainability. IEHP Foundation CEO Greg Bradbard
City Council Recognizes Larson’s Pharmacy as Successful Colton Business By Dr.G (Dr. Luis S González), Community Writer
Pg. 5
A
t the recent council meeting on Dec. 17, Council Member Dr. Luis S. González (Dr. G) presented Mr. Peter Wissa, of Larson’s Pharmacy, with a “Business Focus” Recognition Award for their successful business operation in the City of Colton. This long-established company, originally founded in 1957, has been a mainstay of the Colton downtown business community for 67 years. Mr. Wissa, Lead Pharmacy Technician and Store Manager, has been working side by side with the current owner, Mr. Ed Botros, for 19 years. Mr. Botros purchased Larson’s Pharmacy in 2005.
Empire Strykers, FYI Podcast Create Dream Day for YouTube Influencer Pg. 8
Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
IEHP Grants, cont. next pg.
PHOTO DR. G Council Member Dr.G, and Peter Wissa, Lead Pharmacy Technician and Store Manager
Born in Egypt, both Mr. Botros and Mr. Wissa came to the United States at a young age — Mr. Wissa in 1983 and Mr. Botros in 1993. Mr. Botros, the owner, lived in Anaheim and worked at various pharmacies in Anaheim, parts of Orange County, and Palm Desert before deciding to
purchase a business of his own. In 2005, that dream became a reality when Mr. Botros learned about an available drugstore originally owned by Phillip S. Larson at the corner of La Cadena and West H Street in Colton. That business was called Larson’s Pharmacy, and Mr. Botros decided to continue with the same name. Mr. Wissa, his business partner, has a Colton connection in that he has lived in Reche Canyon and still attends the St. Mina Coptic Church. The business employs 11 people, all of whom live in Colton, with the exception of the owner, who still resides in Anaheim. As part of the presentation, a couple of little-known facts about Larson’s Pharmacy were mentioned. Originally, the business was called Larson’s Drugs and was located in the 200 block across the street in the historic Arcade Building. The name was changed in 1960. Additionally, this business won an award from The New York Times as a “New Look California Drug Store.” This business certainly has a Colton Biz, cont. next pg.