COLTON COURIER Weekly
January 9, 2024
Vol 153, NO. 04
Chastain, Toro, and Others Begin Historic Terms at Colton City Council Swearing-In Ceremony
IECN.com
San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra Performs Inaugural Concert Pg. 5
PHOTO DAVID TORO Councilmember David Toro celebrates with his wife and two sons on Dec. 18, moments after being sworn into his sixth consecutive term at Colton City Hall.
By Manny Sandoval
I
n a ceremony marked by personal milestones and a renewed commitment to local governance, incumbent Councilmembers Kelly Chastain and David Toro were officially sworn into office at the Colton City Council’s final meeting of the year on Dec. 18. City Clerk
Ontario and New York Firefighters Play Final ‘Fire on Ice’ Hockey Match at Toyota Arena Jan. 18 Pg. 8
Josie Gonzales Elected San Bernardino County Assessor-RecorderCounty Clerk, First Hispanic Woman in Role Pg. 8
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Isaac T. Suchil and new City Treasurer Mike Razo also took their oaths, rounding out a day that signaled both continuity and forward momentum for the city. Chastain’s Return to Council Councilmember Kelly Chastain, re-elected in November 2024, has previously served as both councilmember and mayor.
Receiving her oath of office, she wasted no time expressing her eagerness to continue serving Colton residents. “I want to get to work,” Chastain said. “We have a lot to do and I hope we can bridge some of the gaps and see the best for the residents of the city. Thank you to the city staff for the work they filter off and online.” City Council, cont. next pg.
Wolverine Con International Celebrates ’90s Pop Culture at SBVC with Films, Rap Battles, and a 66-Hour Challenge By Manny Sandoval
A
n infusion of ’90s nostalgia is set to transform San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) this spring as the Wolverine Con International Student Film Festival returns March 4–7, 2025. Featuring everything from a debate competition to a rap battle and a 66-hour film challenge, the annual festival is spotlighting an era known for iconic movies and groundbreaking independent cinema. “This is my favorite time period because it was my coming-of-age decade, transitioning from high school to college,” said Lucas Cuny, SBVC’s Film, TV, and Media Department Chair. “The ’90s was a rediscovery. The ’80s had huge blockbusters with Stallone and Schwarzenegger, and before that, the late ’60s and ’70s were all about film auteurs like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. But in the ’90s, emerging filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Wes Anderson finally started making the movies they really wanted.”
Cuny notes the importance of the 1990s in launching the modern film festival circuit— epitomized by Sundance—and cites quintessential ’90s titles like “Pulp Fiction,” “Seven,” and “Swingers.” He also points to 1999 as a watershed year for cinema, boasting landmark films such as “American Beauty,” “Fight Club,” “Office Space,” and “The Matrix.” Rap Battle, Debate, and More In addition to screenings, Wolverine Con will host a debate competition and the festival’s first rap battle, both student-driven ideas. “They wanted something cool and engaging,” Cuny said, referencing SBVC’s student interns. “It’ll be an audience-voted event in the Music Lab Space in North Hall, and we invite participants to bring their best rhymes.” 66-Hour Film Competition Open to the entire community—not just students—the 66Hour Film Competition expands on the popular 48hour film challenge format. Teams will register on FilmFreeway by February 20. Film Festival, cont. next pg.
PHOTO ERICK ZAMBRANO An SBVC student perfects their camera movement on a dolly track while filming a short on campus. Don’t miss your chance to shine at Wolverine Con—submissions are due by January 31.