COLTON COURIER Weekly
November 14, 2024
Vol 152, NO. 46
Chief Anthony Vega Transforms Colton PD with Bold Initiatives in Staffing, Homelessness Outreach, and Tech-Driven Policing By Manny Sandoval
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IECN.com
HSSBV to Host 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Auction at Winter Event Pg. 4
Veterans from Korean War & Vietnam War Receive High School Diplomas at Riverside County Recognition Pg. 5
Ontario International Airport Celebrates Continued Passenger Growth, Robust Partnerships During State of the Airport Pg. 8 Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
he city of Colton welcomed Chief of Police Anthony Vega in June 2024, ushering in a new era of hope and transformation for its law enforcement department. With a vision of enhancing staffing, expanding resources for the unhoused, and leveraging advanced technology, Vega is dedicated to modernizing the department to meet the unique needs of the Colton community. Vega’s journey to this leadership role is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family. Born in Orange County and raised across various cities in San Bernardino County, he grew up with a single mother who made countless sacrifices to support him and his brother. Moving frequently, he attended several schools, including North Park Elementary and Alta Loma High School, before he was faced with a life-altering challenge — becoming a father at just 17. This responsibility led him to leave high school, but instead of giving up, Vega chose to fight for a better future. He worked three jobs, eventually obtaining his GED and starting a path that would ultimately lead him to earn two master’s degrees. “I’m not embarrassed to say that I had to quit school and get a GED,” Vega shared. “I fought
hard to become educated and build a career in law enforcement. When I started in this field, education wasn’t emphasized. But, I wanted to set an example for my kids — to show them that education matters.” As he took on the demands of fatherhood and multiple jobs, Vega balanced the pressures of daily life with an unyielding drive to succeed. His commitment to education began in the early 2000s, when he enrolled in Coastline Community College, studying online while working full-time. His children were his inspiration; he didn’t want to impose high academic expectations on them without setting an example. By 2008, he had earned his associate degree, followed by a bachelor’s in criminal justice and police management from Union Institute & University. He continued his education journey, motivated by his family and his own desire to serve his community with greater knowledge and skill. In 2013, however, Vega faced another moment of doubt. Balancing work in the Navy Reserves, a demanding fulltime job, and his children’s active involvement in sports, he questioned whether pursuing his master’s degree was taking too much time away from his family. Yet, his wife and children dispelled his fears. Chief Vega, cont. next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Colton Chief of Police Anthony Vega being sworn in on June 25th, 2024.
Just SB Presses City Council for Equitable Carousel Mall Redevelopment with Jobs, Affordable Housing, & Environmental Protections
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
On November 6, Just SB coalition members standing energized in front of Feldheym Library in downtown San Bernardino, moments before addressing the council in public comment following their press conference.
By Manny Sandoval
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n a powerful call for transparency and community involvement, the Just San Bernardino Collaborative and local leaders gathered on November 6 to demand a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and an open Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the redevelopment of the Carousel Mall in down-
town San Bernardino. The coalition, composed of residents, local organizations, and labor representatives, underscored the need to build a redevelopment model that serves the entire community and addresses long-standing economic and environmental inequities. "We’re pushing for affordable housing, local hiring initiatives, and green spaces.
Our residents shouldn’t have to choose between paying rent, putting food on the table, or commuting five hours a day for work,” said Celine Perez, Chief of Staff at the Inland Empire Labor Council and a key member of the Just San Bernardino Coalition. “We’re tired of our community being sold out to developers. Past deals have left us with displacement and enviSan Bernardino CBA, cont. next pg.