COLTON COURIER Weekly
February 26, 2026
Vol 154, NO. 13
Colton City Council Approves Cutting Waiting Period for Ex-Officials in 3–2 Vote
IECN.com
1 in 10 Cal State Students Face Homelessness. This Emergency Housing Program Helps Pg. 4
PHOTO COLLAGE MANNY SANDOVAL From left: Councilmember John Echevarria (District 4), Councilmember Dr. Luis González (District 3), Mayor Frank Navarro, Councilmember Kelly Chastain (District 2) and Councilmember David Toro (District 1) of the Colton City Council.
By Daphne Marquez
C
olton City Council held its bimonthly meeting on February 17, where the Council discussed waiving an amendment to the Municipal Code pertaining to the current "two-year hiatus" that's mandatory for former elected officials to be eligible for appointment to any board, commission, or committee.
Fontana Radio Host Stranded in Jalisco Violence After Canceled Ontario Flight
The discussion was prompted by Councilmember John R. Echevarria, who argued that Colton’s circumstances differ from other cities because its commission positions are unpaid volunteer roles. Echevarria’s push back is against Municipal code 2.3O.O6O which states, “No former elected official of the city is eligible for appointment to any board commission or committee for two years follow-
ing expiration of the term of his or her elected office.” “Other cities compensate their commissioners,” Echevarria said, noting that state rules primarily address paid positions. Under California’s “paid influence” rule, former local officials must observe a mandatory one-year cooling-off period if they are being compensated over $250. City Council, cont. next pg.
Hawaiian Fast-Casual Staple L&L Hawaiian BBQ Opens in Colton, Citing Lack of Healthier Fast-Food Options
Pg. 5
Highland, San Bernardino YMCA Near Scholarship Goals Ensuring No One Is Turned Away — Give by March 4 Pg. 8 Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO DAPHNE MARQUEZ L&L and Colton Mayor Frank Navarro pull apart their vine attached to a ribbon to signify their place in Colton.
By Daphne Marquez
L
&L Hawaiian Barbecue (L&L) has now expanded their franchise to San Bernardino County, debuting their new Colton location with their Grand Opening on February 21 and 22. The Grand Opening was led with a Ribbon Cutting by the Colton Chamber of
Commerce, Colton Mayor Frank Navarro, and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s Store Manager Lam Ngyuen, in which they had first untied a vine, paying homage to Hawaiian Culture, and then proceeding to cut the Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon. After the ribbon cutting took place, customers got to watch performances by both lion and hula dancers, not only promoting the heritage of the food, but also provid-
ing entertainment for the customers who were getting their orders taken while they were in line. The event had a line that filled the entire parking lot, with customers eager to participate in the giveaways and raffles. On Instagram, L&L had promoted the Grand Opening with giveaways and raffles. Business, cont. next pg.