COLTON COURIER We ekly
Vol 151 , NO. 16
CJUSD Superintendent Miranda Looking to Finish School Ye a r S t r o n g w i t h S t u d e n t A c h i e v e m e n t
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IECN News
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IE’s Claremont Graduate University spotlighted through the eyes of a Latino Ph.D. Student Pg. 4
San Bernardino City Council in the hot seat over four Carousel Mall redevelopment violations Pg. 8
HO HOW W TO TO RREEAC ACH H UUSS
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April 27, 2023
ith the end of the school year fast approaching, Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) Superintendent Frank Miranda is focused on a strong end of the school year for students and families.
“Spring break marks the beginning of the final phase of the school year, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on our work, and look to create momentum that will prepare us for the FY 23-24 school year,” said Dr. Frank Miranda, Superintendent, Colton Joint Unified School District.
“This year has been a great year of accomplishment for our students. Building on that, we are going to work to make the
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end of our current school year a memorable one for students and families.”
This has been a year of great accomplishment at the District, with success in the classroom through accomplishments such as our students’ outstanding performance on CJUSD’s first district-wide reading challenge and success in sports with league championships by our Colton High School varsity boys soccer, Grand Terrace High School softball and Bloomington High School’s boys volleyball and varsity and junior varsity baseball teams.
As the District enters the final months of the 22-23 school year, district administration and the Board of Education are focused on making the end of the year one that builds CJUSD, cont. next pg.
photo COURTESY OF MIRANDA
Miranda points to “teamwork and collaboration” as keys to success in the 2022-2023 school year at CJUSD.
Carousel Mall Demolition Ceremony Ushers in a New Era for Downtown S a n B e r n a r d i n o ' s R e v i t a l i z a t i o n , A f t e r 6 Ye a r s o f A b a n d o n m e n t
By Manny Sandoval
ver 300 nostalgic community members gathered at the main entrance of the shuttered Carousel Mall on Monday, April 24th, to commemorate the demolition of the severely dilapidated building, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a promising rebirth for downtown San Bernardino.
At the Demolition Ceremony, San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran stated, "Many of us have wonderful memories of the Carousel Mall. Unfortunately, over the years, activity slowed due to the changing economic environment, competition from a nearby mall (The Inland Center), and the closure of the anchor stores. On August 18th, 2017, the Carousel Mall closed."
Councilmember Theodore Sanchez, Ward 1, reminisced his memories of the mall, saying, "I grew up coming to this mall. It was once a beautiful place and a beacon of commerce. Finally, the city is taking assertive action to do something to give back to the people of San Bernardino. Some people said this is in bad taste. But, no, it takes a lot of power and a lot of will to be strong enough to tear this down and promise
people that something better is on its way."
Echoing similar sentiments, Councilmember Fred Shorett, 4th Ward, shared his connection to the mall. "This is a milestone. There are a lot of memories here. I remember Christmas Eve nights scrambling around here shopping for gifts, so my wife would have a gift to open on Christmas morning," he said. Shorett also mentioned that his great-grandfather, a councilman in the town, opened his lumber company in 1926, and some of the lumber used in the mall's construction in 1927 came from his company.
Tran acknowledged the mall's subsequent decline, becoming a safety issue rife with trespassers and homelessness and plagued by a series of fires. "We need to take immediate action," Tran declared. "While this demolition symbolizes the end of an era that holds many fond memories, rest assured that the redevelopment of this property promises a rebirth of downtown San Bernardino."
The demolition process is set to commence in May and conclude in November 2023. Crews are currently working Mall cont. next pg.
photo MANNY SANDOVAL
Ryan Stanly, local historian and creative director of the Enterprise Building, excitedly holding a piece of the demolished Carousel Mall planter.