COLTON COURIER We ekly
Januar y 25, 202 4
Vol 152 , NO. 05
Revolutionizing Education: CJUSD Unveils Professional Lear ning Ce n ter, a Mil es to ne in Dis trict's Histo r y a n d Fu tu re Vis io n
iecn.com
C.A.S.E. and Sheriff ’s Department Host Symposium to Raise Awareness on Human Trafficking Pg. 4
Colton Fire and Police Departments Receive Essential Equipment Upgrades From Supervisor Baca, Jr.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
CJUSD Board of Directors and Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda cutting the ribbon in front of the entrance to the district’s boardroom.
By Manny Sandoval
I
n a significant move for the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD), the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024, debuted its new permanent location at the newly inaugurated Professional Learning Center at 900 E. Washington St. in Colton. Marking this new era, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the front courtyard of the historic building, once the home of the legendary Inland Empire country radio station, KFROG 95.1. The event, symbolizing a step towards nurturing the next generation of leadership
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
(Left to right) County of San Bernardino 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., City of Colton Councilmember John Echevarria, and CJUSD Board Member Israel Fuentes.
and talent, featured a vibrant Bloomington High School Folklorico team performance. Notable attendees included San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., and City of Colton Councilmember John Echevarria.
CJUSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda, in his address, highlighted the multifaceted role of the new center. "900 Washington is not only a professional development center, a boardroom, admin office space, but it's also our future," Dr. Miranda stated. He extended a heartfelt thanks to the district's facilities employees, acknowledging them as the unsung heroes who contributed significantly to the pro-
ject. The Superintendent's words garnered applause from the over 100 community members, educators, and business owners present, including Nickelodeon Pizza Owner Gary Grossich. Following Dr. Miranda, County of San Bernardino 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the board and Superintendent for their foresight. "As a 15-year educator who started in this district, I appreciate the board's and superintendent's vision. This Professional Learning Center is not just a building; it's an investment in our community, our children, and our teachers. It's a commitment CJUSD, cont. next pg.
K e n H u b b s Yo u t h C l i n i c U n i t e s C o l t o n : Ja y d e n D a n i e l s , Dino Ebel Inspire Aspiring Athletes
Pg. 8
I nland
Rep. Aguilar and Sen. Empir e Community Padilla Announce Newspaper s $63 Million for Electric Of fice: (909) 381-9898 Vehicle Infrastructure E dito rial: iecn 1@mac.co m Adver tising: sales@ iecn.com
Pg. 8
Inland Empir e Co mmunity Newspaper s Office: (909) 381-9898 Editoria l: iecn1@m ac. com Adver tising: iecn1@m ac. com Legal s : iecnlega ls@gma il.com
PHOTO CADEN HENDERSON
Heisman Trophy Winner and San Bernardino Native Jayden Daniels addressing campers.
By Caden Henderson
V
eterans Park in Colton was abuzz as the second annual Ken Hubbs baseball/softball clinic welcomed young enthusiasts this Sunday. The clinic, named in honor of the late Ken Hubbs, a Chicago Cubs standout and Colton native, offered free training to children aged 4-14.
PHOTO CADEN HENDERSON
Five year old camper, Angel Fuentes, of Colton.
Hubbs, remembered for his Rookie of the Year accolade, tragically lost his life in a plane accident. The clinic was far from ordinary. The morning began with a special appearance by Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels (Cajon High School alum), also a recipient of the prestigious Ken Hubbs award during
his senior year at Cajon High School. Daniels shared invaluable advice with the young athletes and indulged in photo sessions. The coaching panel featured luminaries like Dino Ebel, current Third Base Coach for the Dodgers and former professional Ken Hubbs cont. next pg.