COLTON COURIER Weekly
December 26, 2024
Vol 153, NO. 02
Thousands of Reche Canyon Burros to Be Relocated to Texas, 68+ Already Captured
IECN.com
San Bernardino County Doctor Brings Healthcare to the Streets Pg. 3
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL A wild burro in Reche Canyon, where San Bernardino County’s decision to relocate the animals to Texas sanctuaries has sparked heated debate among residents who cherish these iconic symbols of the region.
By Manny Sandoval
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housands of wild burros that have roamed the Reche and San Timoteo canyons since the 1800s are being relocated to Texas sanctuaries under a controversial San Bernardino County initiative. While officials argue the move is necessary to reduce injuries and vehicle collisions, many residents are voic-
ing frustration, claiming the issue has been exaggerated and calling for alternative solutions.
including burros entangled in fencing or cemetery flower vases, as reasons for the relocation.
The county has partnered with Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue to humanely capture, treat, and transport the animals to a sanctuary in San Angelo, Texas. So far, 68 burros have been rounded up. Officials cite increasing traffic incidents and injuries,
“Our preference would be to contract with a local nonprofit rescue and sanctuary organization that has the capacity to rescue and shelter an adequate number of the undomesticated burros that roam freely in Burros, cont. next pg.
CJUSD Board Selects New Leadership, Swears in Reelected Members Thurmond Sponsors Bill to Ban ICE Activity Near California Schools Pg. 4
Redlands Council Blocks Davis From Mayoral Role as Councilman Tejeda Calls Resident ‘A Low Person’ Pg. 8
Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO CJUSD Standing, left to right: Board members Patt Haro, Frank A. Ibarra, Clerk Israel Fuentes, Superintendent Frank Miranda, Vice President Bertha Flores and President Dan Flores. Sitting in front: Board Member Joanne E. Thoring-Ojeda (Missing: Board Member Berenice Sandoval)
Community News
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he Colton Joint Unified School District Board of Education held its annual reorganizational meeting on Thursday, selecting its officers for the coming year and swearing in three newly re-elected members. The board selects new officers every year at its December meeting. For 2025, Trustee Dan Flores will serve as Board
PHOTO CJUSD Newly reelected CJUSD Board of Education members take their oath of office at the reorganizational meeting on Dec. 19. Left to right: Bertha Floress, Patt Haro and Frank A. Ibarra.
President, Bertha Flores will serve as Vice President, and Israel Fuentes will serve as Board Clerk. Dan Flores represents Trustee Area 2, which includes most of Colton and parts of San Bernardino and Loma Linda. Bertha Flores represents Trustee Area 3, which includes Grand Terrace and the La Loma Hills portion of Colton. Fuentes represents Area 1, which includes Bloomington, part of Rialto, and a portion of southeastern Fontana.
Trustees Patt Haro (Trustee Area 1), Frank Ibarra (Trustee Area 2), and Bertha Flores (Trustee Area 3) took their oaths of office at the beginning of the meeting. All three were re-elected last month to serve another four-year term. The remaining board members are Berenice Sandoval (Area 2) and Joanne E. Thoring-Ojeda (Area 3), who, along with Flores and Fuentes, will be up for re-election in 2026. CJUSD, cont. next pg.