COLTON COURIER Weekly
June 27, 2024
Vol 152, NO. 27
Anthony Vega Sworn In as Colton’s 32nd Chief of Police, Committed to Elevating Standards and Safety
IECN.com
Two-Alarm Fire Ravages Through Inland Center Drive Building, No Injuries Reported Pg. 3
By Manny Sandoval
O
n a momentous Tuesday morning, Anthony Vega was sworn in as the City of Colton’s 32nd Chief of Police at the city's chambers in its government center. The ceremony was attended by over 300 people, including Vega’s family, colleagues from his previous department, and representatives from neighboring agencies.
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Colton Police Department Chief of Police Anthony Vega getting pinned by his grandmother on June 25, 2024.
Chief Vega standing alongside City of Colton and Rialto councilmembers, including Colton Mayor Frank Navarro and Councilmember John Echevarria and Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, Sr.
Vega, who was pinned by his grandmother during the ceremony, was greeted with enthusiasm and support from the crowd, indicating his strong community ties. Notable attendees included Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca, members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, and the Colton City Council, including Mayor Frank Navarro, Councilman John Echevarria, and Dr. G. City Manager Bill Smith highlighted
Vega's fit for the role, stating, "My philosophy over the years is that we hire for fit here at Colton Police Department, not necessarily just for the skill set. And certainly, Anthony Vega has both." In his speech, Chief Vega expressed his gratitude and commitment to the community. "With all of you here today, you are showing not only myself but the Colton Colton PD, cont. next pg.
Historic Win for Indian Country and the Inland Empire: San Bernardino's FNX Wins Emmy for Best DEI Program
Pg. 4
Inland
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PHOTO FNX
(Left to right) Mariana Lapizco, Frank Blanquet, and Sahar Khadjenoury on the Emmys red carpet on June 15, 2024.
Pg. 8 By Manny Sandoval Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
L
ast week’s Emmy Awards celebrated a significant triumph for Indian Country and the Inland Empire as "Indian Rodeo: Voices of the INFR," produced by San Bernardino's FNX – First Nations Experience, won the Emmy for Best Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Program. This landmark victory marks a
PHOTO FNX
Shayla Sahar interviewing a contestant at the Indian National Finals Rodeo at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada in October 2022.
major milestone in the representation of Indigenous stories and the remarkable efforts of Indigenous female athletes in the competitive world of rodeo. The documentary, directed and produced by Frank Blanquet and Sahar Khadjenoury, who are both TV and Film Producers for FNX, was also nominated alongside their film "Native Hope Champions: Riding for the Missing." Blanquet shared the inspira-
tion behind the Emmy-winning project, highlighting the rapid turnaround from receiving a grant from the International Women’s Media Foundation Fund for Indigenous Journalists to covering the rodeo circuit. "We had about a week between finding out about the grant and the rodeo happening," Blanquet explained. "The half-hour “Indian Rodeo: Voices on FNX Emmys, cont. next pg.