COLTON COURIER Weekly
December 19, 2024
Vol 153, NO. 01
Operation Giving Delivers Hope: Colton PD and Community Bring Holiday Magic to Over 300 Children at ARMC
IECN.com
San Gorgonio High Celebrates Opening of Culinary Arts and Aquatics Centers
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Dressed as Santa Claus, CJUSD Board Member Israel Fuentes holds a newborn baby during the toy distribution on Dec. 17.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Colton PD sworn officers and staff, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center nurses and staff, volunteers, and Santa Claus.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL A Colton PD officer fist bumping a patient at ARMC after receiving a plush Stitch from the Disney film Lilo & Stitch.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega visits a newborn and their parents in the maternity ward, spreading holiday cheer during the 13th annual Operation Giving.
Pg. 4
Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Bank of America Bring Holiday Cheer to Bloomington Students Pg. 4
By Manny Sandoval
S
miles lit up the halls of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) on Tuesday morning as Santa Claus, escorted by Colton Police officers, delivered more than 300 gifts to children undergoing treatment and their loved ones. For the 13th consecutive year, “Operation Giving” brought warmth, joy, and a bit of
Redlands’ Orange Drop to Bring Thousands to the Streets for Music, Food, and Segue Into Any NYE Plans Pg. 8
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holiday magic to young patients and their families during an otherwise challenging time. Santa, played by Colton Joint Unified School District Board Member Israel Fuentes, posed for photos in the hospital’s main lobby before leading a heartfelt procession through the hospital, stopping in rooms on every floor — including the new-
born and NICU units — to personally deliver gifts. SWAT trucks and other police vehicles parked at the entrance served as a powerful symbol of community unity and support. “This is about bringing hope and smiles to children who need it most,” said Colton PD Public Information Officer Sgt. Mike Operation Giving, cont. next pg.
San Bernardino Police Push Back Against Teamsters’ Allegations, Citing Unlawful Protests and Safety Concerns By Manny Sandoval
T
he San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) has refuted allegations from Teamsters Local 1932 that officers harassed participants at events and labor demonstrations, citing public safety concerns and reaffirming their support for lawful protests while denouncing unlawful tactics. SBPD Lieutenant Nick Oldendorf addressed the union’s claims, which were initially presented at the December 4 San Bernardino City Council meeting. Oldendorf emphasized that the department’s actions are guided by safety protocols and the need to ensure protests do not
disrupt traffic, endanger participants, or violate laws.
that, especially when it could lead to car crashes and other incidents.”
Safety Concerns During Protests While expressing support for First Amendment rights, Oldendorf clarified that certain tactics employed during Teamsters-led demonstrations have created serious safety risks.
Oldendorf described recent demonstrations outside San Bernardino Amazon distribution centers where Teamsters organized efforts to unionize workers. “During a recent demonstration, Teamsters lined both sides of the street with tents and a sizable group of participants. While we received calls about pedestrians in the roadway, I personally spoke with Shaun Martinez and Carlos Jimenez to ensure everyone’s safety. I asked them to stay along the curb for their protection,” Oldendorf said. “Unfortunately, they returned to the roadway, creating risks for
“We absolutely support and defend anyone’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest,” Oldendorf said. “However, the First Amendment does not grant the right to unlawfully protest. When protests create extreme safety concerns—like blocking vehicles, trucks, and roadways—it becomes unlawful. We cannot overlook
SBPD/Teamsters, cont. next pg.