COLTON COURIER Weekly
June 13, 2024
Vol 152, NO. 25
Colton City Council Honors 14 Teachers with Proclamation
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Inland Empire 66’ers Visit Patients at Loma Linda University Children's Health Pg. 4
PHOTO CITY OF COLTON
Fourteen teachers recognized by Colton City Council.
By Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González), community writer
A
t the recent Council meeting, members of the Colton City Council recognized 14 local teachers and proclaimed June 4 as Colton Teacher Appreciation Day. As Dr.G read their names, he also presented them with a certificate from the Council, and announced their subject matter and school. The teachers are employed with the Colton Joint Unified School District and represent-
Middle College High School Wins the CA Department of Education's Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award
ed a variety of subjects including Welding, 4th grade, College and Career Readiness, Band, HEAL Program, Auto Shop, Math, Wellness Program, History and Graphic Communication. In addition, two of the teachers, Jennie Blenkinsop and David Wheatley were announced as being recently retired, 28 years and 32 years, respectively. The Teacher Appreciation program was established by DrG in 2019, when he himself retired after teaching 41 years. As such, there is a close connection that exists between the Council and the Colton Public Schools. All 14 teachers were in attendance,
and several were accompanied by spouses and families. The atmosphere during the presentation was positive and uplifting as every individual in the audience has been impacted by a teacher. When reading the proclamation, DrG emphasized, “The Teacher Appreciation Day is an important occasion for all of us,” and continued, “Teachers make a positive contribution to our children’s education and their success. They are true heroes in our community, who through their dedication to CJUSD Teachers, cont. next pg.
California Reverses 58% Budget Cuts to Arts: Advocacy Efforts Yield Significant Wins for IE Arts Sector
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A Colton artist painting in the San Bernardino Breezeway.
By Manny Sandoval
I
n a major turn of events, Governor Gavin Newsom has reversed a significant portion of the proposed budget cuts to the California Arts Council (CAC). The proposed $22.5 million cut, representing a drastic 58 percent reduction to the council's grants budget, has been revised to a $5 million cut following robust advocacy efforts.
This decision is a vital reprieve for the arts community, particularly in the Inland Empire, where arts organizations have been actively fighting against these cuts. Advocacy Efforts Prove Impactful Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive Director of Arts Connection, shared key updates following a meeting with Senator Steven Padilla’s office. "Thanks to our community’s collective advocacy efforts,
we’ve made significant progress with our elected officials at the state level," said Gutierrez Chavez. "Both houses have agreed to maintain the full equitable payroll fund of $12.5 million, a huge win for the performing arts sector. Additionally, they have revised the $10 million cut to the California Arts Council to a $5 million cut and have pledged to fully fund the CAC in the 2025-2026 budget. As a result, we are now looking at a $5 million cut compared IE Arts, cont. next pg.