COLTON COURIER We ekly
December 21, 2023
Vol 151, N O. 5 0
S e e d s o f H o p e B r i n g s Jo y t o C o l t o n Yo u t h
iecn.com
City of San Bernardino Celebrates Hometown Hero Jayden Daniels’ Heisman Trophy Win Pg. 4
LLUH Expert Demystifies Vaccine Misconceptions and Offers Key Strategies Against Flu, RSV, and COVID Pg. 5
San Bernardino's Inland EmpireBlair Park to Become a Community Ne wspapers Dodger “Dreamfield” Of fice: (909) 381-9898 E dito rial: iecn 1@mac.com Adver tising: sales@iecn.com Pg. 5 Legals : iecnlegals@h otmail.com
Inland Empire Community Newspape rs Of fice: (909) 381-9898 Edit or ial : iecn1 @ma c.com Adver ti si ng: iecn1 @ma c.com Legals : iecnl egal s@gm ail .com
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Participants of the Seeds of Hope Toy Give-a-Way event at Leno’s Rico Taco on Saturday Dec 16.
By Dr.G (Dr Luis S González), community writer
ast Saturday, Colton's Seeds of Hope organization held their 16th annual Toy Give-a-Way, which presented a toy gift of choice to over 300 children. This event also offered Christmas stockings for each child and a craft table for kids who wanted to create a custom gift for their families. Entertainment was provided by Nina Torres and her Elementary School "Ambassadors" of about 15 students who sang dozens of Christmas tunes for the enjoyment of everyone who attended. Santa Claus and the Colton Elf were also on hand for the event.
This local organization was founded in 2007 by Gloria Gaona, who passed away earlier this year but left a legacy in Colton that brought Christmas Cheer to hundreds of Colton youth. President Bertha Hernandez and her board decided to continue this holiday tradition, not only to serve the children but also to support the community and honor the charitable efforts of Gloria Gaona. Members of her Board include Tammy Rojas, Rick Rojas, and Rudy Dominguez, Gloria's brother. The Toy Give-A-Way was held at Leno's Rico Taco on Valley Blvd, whose owner, Leno Moreno, has supported and sponsored this program since its inception. In addition, several sponsors and representatives
from the Children's Fund, Santa Claus, Inc., and San Manual were on hand. "The Toy Drive was smaller than previous years," reflected Hernandez, but continued," As we gain experience and create new interest, the program will grow." Board Member Tammy Rojas added, "This was a real blessing…everything went well." When asked about the mission of the Seeds of Hope organization, Hernandez commented, "The Seeds of Hope spreads seeds for a better future." In addition to their Toy Drive, the Seeds of Hope organization provides clothes for people experiencing homelessness and food and support for our Colton Seniors and elderly individSeeds of Hope, cont. next pg.
B r i g h t l i n e We s t ' s H i g h - S p e e d R a i l t o B r i d g e L a s Ve g a s , S a n Ber nardino, and Redlands to Rancho Cucamonga's HART District
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City of Rancho Cucamonga Assistant City Manager Elisa Cox at the Cucamonga Station press conference on December 11, 2023.
By Manny Sandoval
t the heart of Southern California's transportation revolution, the Cucamonga Station, soon to be the centerpiece of the innovative HART District, is preparing for a major transformation. This significant development, highlighted at a press conference on December 11, will see the integration of Brightline West's high-speed rail, connect-
PHOTO WESTBOUND COMMUNICATIONS
A rendering of the future Cucamonga Station with Brightline West connecting passengers from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, with stops in Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia, and Apple Valley.
ing Las Vegas, San Bernardino, and Redlands to Rancho Cucamonga.
Elisa Cox on Economic Growth and Environmental Benefits Assistant City Manager Elisa Cox passionately spoke about the project's transformative impact, stating, "Bringing in 11,000 jobs in the region is just the beginning. We're looking at immediate and long-term economic growth, a boom in tourism, and a
major reduction in traffic emissions." Cox emphasized the environmental advantages, noting, "With the train being all-electric, we're not just easing traffic but also significantly reducing greenhouse gasses."
Cox highlighted innovation, "Brightline is already operating in Florida, connecting Tampa and Orlando. It's a proven model, although not high-speed. This innovation is Holiday Market cont. next pg.