COLTON COURIER Weekly
December 05, 2024
Vol 152, NO. 49
Colton Tightens Cannabis Ordinances to Curb Illegal Cultivation
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BBOP Center Economic Hub Spreads Holiday Cheer While Empowering Women Pg. 4
Former LLUCH Patient Launches Annual Teddy Bear Drive for Children’s Hospital
PHOTO CITY OF COLTON Colton Chief of Police Anthony Vega presents proposed amendments to the city’s cannabis ordinances during the City Council meeting on November 19, 2024. The updates aim to strengthen enforcement against illegal cannabis cultivation and align local regulations with state law.
By Manny Sandoval
T
he Colton City Council unanimously approved amendments to Chapter 5.54 of the municipal code, intensifying its efforts to combat illegal cannabis cultivation on November 19th. The changes align with California’s amended Government Code Section 53069.4, which grants local jurisdictions the authority to impose immediate administrative fines for unlicensed cannabis activity. Chief of Police Anthony Vega, who spear-
headed the proposed changes, highlighted the importance of these amendments. "A full review of Chapter 5.54 revealed critical areas requiring updates to strengthen enforcement against illegal cannabis operations in our city," Vega said. "These updates ensure Colton stays in line with state law while protecting our community from the adverse impacts of unlawful cannabis cultivation." The amendments address multiple sections of the municipal code:
Definitions: The definition of a “responsible person” now encompasses property owners, tenants, lessees, and even volunteers who permit or engage in violations. Similarly, the term “violator” has been expanded to include anyone with possession or custody of the property. Section 5.54.150 (Appeals): Cannabis activity is now prohibited while an appeal is pending until a decision is made by the City Council or a hearing officer. Colton Cannabis, cont. next pg.
San Bernardino Council Explodes Into Shouting Match as City Attorney Faces Corruption Accusations responsibility to uphold the rules and procedures that govern our city—ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to the law in our council proceedings,” Tran said. “It was inappropriate of the city attorney to place her own evaluation on the agenda without following the proper process.”
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Tran explained her decision was rooted in the city charter and council procedures, which grant only the city manager, the mayor, or a council majority the authority to place items on the agenda.
Election Stress and the Holidays: How Parents Can Help Kids Cope with Political Tensions Pg. 8
PHOTO CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho defends her compliance with the Brown Act during a heated San Bernardino City Council meeting on Nov. 20, following her late arrival amid intense accusations and procedural chaos.
By Manny Sandoval Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
A
San Bernardino City Council meeting on Nov. 20 spiraled into chaos when Mayor Helen Tran removed a performance evaluation of City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho from the closed session agenda. The meeting, marked by yelling, interruptions, and heated accusations, showcased deepening frac-
tures between city leadership and staff. The meeting began at 4:05 p.m., but tensions erupted immediately as Tran announced her decision, citing procedural violations. Carvalho was stuck in traffic, leaving her unable to address the controversy at its outset. “As mayor of San Bernardino, I have a
As of December 2024, Sonia R. Carvalho serves as the City Attorney for San Bernardino. Carvalho is a partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP (BB&K), a law firm retained by the city in August 2018 to provide municipal legal services. The BB&K team, led by Carvalho and including Thomas Rice and John Brown, was initially selected to work cooperatively with elected City Attorney Gary Saenz at that time. Heated Responses and Accusations Mayor Pro Tem Fred Shorett immediately objected, accusing Tran of acting out of personal bias. “I find it wholly inappropriate that many SB City Council, cont. next pg.