COLTON COURIER WWe
Graduation Milestone Reached by SBCSS Alternative Education Students
Colton Police Help 23 Homeless Find Housing or Treatment in Six Months Through SWAG Partnership
By IECN Staff
2024, has been described as an effective solution to addressing homelessness in Colton. Earlier this year, council members voted unanimously to expand services under the program.
The department’s approach includes collaboration with the San Bernardino County Probation and Behavioral Health Department. Along with officers assigned to the Multi-Enforcement Team, a probation officer and behavioral health social worker contribute expertise and resources to tackle complex needs.
“The Colton Police Department is committed to improving the quality of life for our community. The department has introduced an alternative for those dealing with the dynamics of life on the streets and serves as a resource for our community,” Chief Anthony Vega said.
In addition to transitioning 23 individuals into housing or treatment, SWAG has provided behavioral health support to 57 individuals, connected 28 people to substance abuse service centers, assisted 43 clients in obtaining medical care, and transported 32 individuals to crisis stability units. The program’s individualized care model balances accountability, compassion, and personalized support, officials said.
SBCUSD Leaders
Shine Bright with Top Honors from ACSA Region 12
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Devore Animal Shelter
Joins County’s Free Pet Adoption June 7 as Part of Statewide 5K-Pet Push
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In just six months, the Colton Police Department has helped 23 unsheltered individuals transition into stable housing or longterm treatment programs through a partnership with the Social Work Action Group (SWAG), officials announced.
The partnership, launched with City Council approval in October
SWAG, a nonprofit organization, works to restore individuals’ selfesteem while connecting them to vital services such as substance use treatment, veteran assistance, mental health care, and long-term housing. Outreach teams tailor care plans for each client, providing hands-on, compassionate assistance focused on safety and sustainable change for the Colton community.
Though SWAG does not respond to emergencies, referrals can be made by calling (833) 792-4674 Ext. 4.
Fire Destroys Commercial Building Near Colton High School
The office building at 582 W. Valley Blvd. went up in flames early in the morning on May 29. First responders immediately were at the scene.
By Caleb Cabrera, Pepper Bough Staff Writer
At approximately 8:15 a.m., the office building at 582 W Valley Blvd. ignited into flames as Colton High students made their way to school for the start of the day.
Fire department arrived on the scene at 8:30 a.m. and immediately worked to extinguish the fire. Firefighters from Colton, Loma Linda, Rialto and San Bernardino were all on the ground to stop the blaze.
The outer fire was extinguished at 8:47 a.m. Firefighters entered the building to finish the job. The fire was mostly extinguished by 8:53 a.m. At 9 a.m. firefighters sawed into the building to look for people that might have been trapped.
For students arriving at Colton High for the start of school, Valley Blvd. was closed down around the area for safety reasons. Student pedestrians were given access to the campus. High school admin made an announcement to teachers informing them about late students.
Online, Google Maps has the building belonging to Edna’s Properties. The online number for Edna’s Properties was disconnected. Additionally, the sign on the building providing a telephone number for leasing was not in service.
*This article was originally published by our media partners at Colton High School’s Pepper Bough.
PHOTO CALEB CABRERA
PHOTO COLTON PD
Colton Police, SWAG outreach workers, and San Bernardino County Probation staff engage with an unhoused individual during a coordinated outreach effort.
Loma Linda Children’s Hospital Tops Off 5-Story Pediatric Specialty Tower, Centralizing Care for 75,000 Annual Visits
By Manny Sandoval
With more than 100 people gathered beneath a clear sky, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital marked a major milestone on May 28, hoisting the final steel beam into place on its new Specialty Clinics building — a five-story, 105,000square-foot facility that leaders say will transform pediatric care for the region.
“This day represents more than just steel and concrete; it shows our commitment to providing top-quality care to every child and family we serve,” said Peter Baker, senior vice president and administrator of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. “By bringing these pediatric specialties together in one place, we’re making care easier, faster, and more accessible for our community.”
on the southeast corner of Barton Road and Anderson Street, celebrated not just construction progress, but a broader vision for improving pediatric care. Once operational in November 2026, the new facility will consolidate a wide range of outpatient specialty services — now scattered across multiple sites — into one centralized location. The new building is expected to accommodate more than 75,000 patient visits each year.
The Specialty Clinics will house more than 20 pediatric services, including Cardiology, Craniofacial, Spina Bifida, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Speech Therapy, Immunology, Nephrology, and Pediatric Surgery, among others.
During the event, Baker thanked hospital employees and leadership for helping bring the long-anticipated project to fruition. “Today is a celebration,” Baker said. “God is lighting our path to a special time for the children of our community.”
In a moment of humor and heartfelt emotion, Dr. Richard Chinnock, Chief Medical Officer of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, led a prayer and addressed the crowd. “We are dedicated to this place. And frankly, I've been waiting for this building to go up so I can retire, so thank you, thank you all for making this happen,” Chinnock said, drawing laughter from attendees. He appeared to get emotional as he shared his passion for his work and dedication to the hospital’s mission.
The building’s design, led by Mascari Dinh Architects, draws heavily from natural imagery intended to create a welcoming and calming environment for patients and their families. Architect Joe Mascari shared how his own grandson Reese, who has cerebral palsy, once received care at another hospital where a cold, institutional atmosphere left the child in tears — an experience that profoundly shaped Mascari’s design philosophy for this project. Full story at IECN.com.
The topping off ceremony, held at 11353 Anderson St.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A steel beam is hoisted into place during the May 28 topping off ceremony for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s new 5-story Pediatric Specialty Clinics building.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Dr. Richard Chinnock, Chief Medical Officer, grows emotional as he thanks supporters and marks the long-awaited milestone for LLUCH’s new Pediatric Specialty Clinics.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Attendees bow their heads in prayer as Dr. Richard Chinnock leads a blessing during the May 28 topping off ceremony for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s new Pediatric Specialty Clinics building.
The First Pride Was A Riot
By Erica Lura, Arroyo Valley High School Student
As May comes to a close and June begins, so does Pride Month. While this month for many might only be one of rainbow logos, its importance is rooted in more than parades and rainbow merchandise. Not only is Pride used to spread LGBTQ awareness, culture, and inclusivity, but it is also a month of commemorating those who had a place in the Stonewall Riots of 1969. For many people who take part in Pride Month celebrations, there is little knowledge about the importance of these protests. These uprisings are considered the first forms of Pride, and celebrating them and those who were a part of them is just as important as celebrating Pride today as it was during the first Pride Parade of 1970.
The Stonewall Riots are known to many to be a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. In the 1960s before them, queerness was seen as a mental illness, and there were laws that prohibited same-sex marriage and fundamental rights to anyone who was “suspected of being gay” (National Geographic 4). Gay bars and clubs were popular amongst the community, but they, too, were oppressed by the NYC Liquor Authority, who shut down locations that served alcohol to LGBTQ individuals (known or suspected), because the “gathering of homosexuals was ‘disorderly’” (History 3). These laws were overturned in 1966 due to the efforts of activists, though homosexuality itself was still illegal.
On June 28, 1969, police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in New York City, removing patrons and employees out of the bar. This was followed by six days of riots and violence against NYC law enforcement, though many do not consider this retaliation “riots” at all, but describe it as a rebellion. This rebellion, though not the first of its kind, became the catalyst for many modern-day LGBTQ+ rights movements and activist groups; not just throughout the nation, but the entirety of the world.
Some activist groups that arose after the events of Stonewall are known as the Gay Liberation Front, Human Rights Cam-
paign, GLAAD, and PFLAG, among others. Many of these groups still exist and support LGBTQ+ individuals. The Stonewall Riots also brought the rise of queer figures still known today, such as Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender drag queen, who is said to be in many stories from those who took part in the riots. From these stories, we know that she was one of the first to fight throughout those nights; and she is said to have been the leader of many protests after that. She is also a prominent figure in the earliest advocacy for transgender rights and founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an activist group that sheltered homeless LGBTQ youth and sex workers.
The first pride parade, known then as Christopher Street Liberation Day, was held on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots to celebrate the rebellion. This march attracted thousands of participants and took place in many cities throughout the country, all chanting “Say it loud, gay is proud.” These marches, while they originally began as one-day events, are what have evolved into the month-long celebration of Pride that is known today. Without these original pride parades, without the Stonewall Uprising to celebrate, there would be no Pride Month.
One of the most important things when celebrating Pride is knowing that getting to the point that we are at today has not been easy, nor peaceful, especially in the case of the Stonewall Riots. This rebellion still remains today as a pivotal moment in the fight for equality and a step forward in the path to LGBTQ+ rights, and continues to be seen by the community and even beyond as a symbol of resistance and a landmark because of its role in developing the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
While celebrating Pride Month today is important, through parades or even just showing support, it is equally as important to recognize and celebrate those who took part in the Stonewall Riots and had such a large impact on the very reason that the LGBTQ+ community has a month to celebrate. The Pride parades that people enjoy today are known for their inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere, but it must be remembered that the first Pride was a riot.
SB 84 Heads to Key Senate Vote—A Crucial Test for California Small Businesses
By Victor Gomez, Executive Director, California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Next week, California lawmakers will have another opportunity to advance a bill that could drastically improve the landscape for small business owners across the state. Senate Bill 84, which recently cleared the Senate Judiciary and Senate Appropriations Committees, will have the chance to move from the Senate to the State Assembly for its passage. This development marks another critical hurdle for a bill that if enacted, will ease the burden that lawsuit abuse has on our local small businesses.
At its core, SB 84 is a common-sense proposal aimed to curb predatory lawsuits that exploit the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If passed, the bill would give small businesses—those with 50 or fewer employees—a 120-day window to correct alleged accessibility violations before a lawsuit could be filed.
This simple reform could dramatically reduce the number of frivolous, costly legal actions that continue to threaten
mom-and-pop shops across our state.
The bill is not about rolling back ADA protections. It’s inherently about fairness. Thousands of small business owners support the goals of the ADA and are eager to comply—but too often, they’re blindsided by lawsuits dealing with technical infractions they never knew existed in the first place.
Instead of being given time to address the issue, they’re dragged into court and forced to pay settlements many can’t afford.
These lawsuits don’t just hurt our business owners. They close community institutions, cost jobs, and discourage new investment in our neighborhoods. They also discredit the real purpose of accessibility laws by turning them into tools for personal profit rather than public good.
Last year, a similar bill—SB 585—died in the Assembly without even receiving a hearing. That can’t happen again. For the sake of all our small business communities across the state, SB 84 must become law in 2025.
Freedom or Fire
By Aleyna Nevarez, Arroyo Valley High School Student
On the 4th of July, my sister and I always joked about gunshots or fireworks. We never realized how truly melancholy it was until just a few years back. As kids growing up in San Bernardino, it had become a norm for us. Normalizing the fact that such fatal weapons were used so carelessly. On December 2, 2015, at the age of 7, I went home from school and saw what happened on the news. A shooter had brought a gun to a holiday party in the Inland Regional Center. I never expected to see something so horrifying at such a young age, and yet… I did. December was meant to be the happiest time of the year, but instead, people lost their lives because of unrestricted gun laws. Of course, this isn’t the only time this happened. The current state of gun laws in America has created a society in which the promise of freedom is now overshadowed by the threats of gun violence, forcing our society to live in fear rather than security.
Over my lifetime, I’ve watched countless people of all ages lose their lives to gun violence. From school shootings to victims on the streets, thousands of people have died. Some days, when I go to school, I wonder if my school will be next and if I will make it out alive. It makes me truly wonder how many futures have been stolen due to a piece of metal that could have been used for something more than to kill. To those who take the lives of many, there are a few questions I’d like to ask: Do they regret their decision? And for what rea-
sons do they do it? Then we tend to have follow-up questions, too, such as: How can we fix it? When will it be fixed? Will it be fixed? There have been countless protests to speak on this specific issue, but it still lives on in our world, haunting us in our wake.
Countless of those victims were teachers, teachers who, when signing up for this job, didn’t want to have to face issues like this. Teachers who have their lives taken away from them because they wanted to save students who were supposed to make the future. Not only this, but teachers are disrespected when speaking their opinion on the topic. Plenty of teachers exclaim how they don’t want to die in a school shooting and that they will help the students to the best of their ability. Those who write countless hate comments about these teachers might not understand what it’s like to be in that situation. I don’t understand why we argue about this. We shouldn’t have to live in fear in our daily lives just because people bring fatal weapons into the only “safe space” there is for children to learn. Parents shouldn’t have to go on Amazon© and buy “bulletproof backpacks” for their children. We should be safe from such dangers of the world and should spend our time learning to be better than looking for the best spot to run and hide in the classroom.
Every 4th of July, when I hear a loud firework explode, I see children’s eyes light up with excitement. The happiness that comes from the red, white, and blue of America. While I continue to wonder if this land allows freedom or fire.
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FARSB Advocates for CalFood Support
Amid Potential Funding Cuts
Community News
Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is looking to its community members to advocate for the upcoming CalFood budget, which asks for a budget of $60 million to maintain and expand our current food system at a time when the cost of living has strained family budgets, raising food insecurity in the Inland Empire (IE) region. They have now until June 15 (when the Legislature has to pass their budget), and so the next couple of weeks are incredibly important.
“CalFood has allowed FARSB to offer more fresh, nutritious food to the families we serve, something that’s often out of reach for those living paycheck to paycheck. Without this support, the cost would have made it nearly impossible for us to do this work at the same magnitude,” said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO of Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino. “Just as importantly, the program uplifts California’s agricultural workers by helping ensure they earn a livable wage, which is a critical part of breaking the cycle of need,” she added.
CalFood is a vital anti-hunger program that millions of California families rely on to put food on the table. It allows food banks to purchase California-grown foods, supporting local farmers
Community News
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) proudly celebrated the remarkable achievements of its alternative education graduates at this year’s commencement ceremony, held May 29 at the Gardiner Springs Auditorium in Ontario. These students overcame immense challenges to earn the credits needed for their diplomas. Surrounded by proud families, friends, teachers, and staff, they walked across the stage, turning hardship into triumph. For many, this accomplishment marked not only a personal victory but also the distinction of being the first in their family to graduate high school.
“These graduates have demonstrated incredible perseverance, conquering adversity and surpassing expectations to reach this milestone,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Their hard-earned success is an inspiration, and we are honored to celebrate the Class of 2025 and their incredible achievements.”
With the guidance of dedicated teachers and his family’s unwavering support, he reclaimed his education, turning past struggles into a powerful message of hope for his peers.
"This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a testimony. A testimony that no matter how you start, it doesn’t define where you finish,” said Perkins. “Many of us standing here today have been labeled: troublemaker, lost cause, criminal, dropout. I’ve worn those labels too... But we are not what they said we were—we are what we choose to become."
Fellow speaker Damian Garcia, a first-generation high school graduate, became a beacon of determination, crediting her success to the relentless encouragement of her family and teachers who stood by her through every obstacle. Her journey, marked by a commitment to uplifting others, resonated deeply with classmates.
and food producers, and ensuring communities have access to nutritious, culturally relevant options. But this critical program is at risk, with over $50 million in annual funding set to expire at the end of June 2025.
Without sustained funding, food banks and pantries across the state will be forced to cut back on fresh, nutritious produce at a time when demand is already high. We are joining food banks across California in urging the Governor to include $60 million in ongoing funding for CalFood in the 2025–2026 state budget.
What You Can Do:
·Take 1 minute to use the link below to send an email to the Governor and let him know you support continued investment in CalFood. You can also personalize your message by sharing why this issue matters to you, your family, or your community. https://act.cafoodbanks.org/calfood
·Share the above link with your friends and family and encourage them to also send an email.
·Help us bridge the gap to offset funding cuts and shortages by becoming a monthly donor: https://www.feedingamericaie.or g/meals-for-many
For more information about FARSB’s hunger-relief programs, visit: FeedingIE.org/Programs
Inspirational keynote addresses were delivered by this year’s selected student speakers, Carter Perkins and Damian Garcia, SBCSS Teacher of the Year, Kimberly Nancarrow, and County Superintendent Ted Alejandre.
Perkins transformed his life through the support of the SBCSS alternative education system. After overcoming personal challenges, including incarceration during a pivotal school year, he emerged as a standout graduate, earning the honor of student speaker at the commencement ceremony. His determination didn’t stop there.
"Today marks not the end, but a beginning, ready to explore a new adventure, armed with the knowledge and skills we’ve gained within these walls," said Garcia. "As we step into the world, let us embrace the uncertainties with courage and optimism. The path ahead may be challenging, but it will also be filled with opportunities for growth, discovery and impact."
In 2016, under the direction of County Superintendent Alejandre, SBCSS presented its first Alternative Education graduating class. Since then, nearly 1,310 students have graduated from the Student Services program.
PHOTO SBCSS
Graduates in cap and gown celebrate their achievements during San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Alternative Education commencement ceremony.
PHOTO FARSB
SBCUSD Leaders Shine Bright with Top Honors from ACSA Region 12
Community News
Three distinguished leaders from the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) have been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 12 for their exceptional leadership, commitment to excellence and dedication to advancing equity in education.
Honored on May 19 at the ACSA Region 12 Spring Awards Dinner at the DoubleTree in Ontario were:
Dr. Amy Coker, Director of Elementary Instruction, has been named the ACSA Region 12 Curriculum & Instruction Administrator of the Year. Dr. Coker’s dedication to elevating academic achievement and supporting innovative instructional practices across SBCUSD elementary schools has made a profound impact on student success.
Dr. Keishia Handy, Assistant
Director of Elementary Instruction, has been honored with the ACSA Region 12 Dr. Margaret B. Hill Social Justice Award. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Handy’s unwavering advocacy for educational equity, access and justice, continuing the powerful legacy of Dr. Hill, a former SBCUSD principal and Board of Education member.
Superintendent Mauricio Arellano has been selected as the ACSA Region 12 Superintendent of the Year. A San Bernardino native and lifelong champion of student brilliance, Superintendent Arellano was recently named ACSA State Superintendent of the Year, and he was the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Margaret B. Hill Social Justice Award, making his latest recognition a testament to his continued visionary leadership.
“These honors are a reflection of the extraordinary talent, passion and commitment of our leadership team,” said Board of Education President Mayra Ceballos.
Phi Beta Sigma Adopts Fairfax Elementary, First Divine Nine Fraternity to Partner With San Bernardino Schools
Summer Apprenticeship Bridge Program
Offering Up To $3,000 To Class Of 2025 Graduates
Community News
The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), with partners LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network, and Network Kinection, are launching a Summer Apprenticeship Bridge Program for this year’s graduating seniors to participate in career training workshops, earn hands-on technical experience, and earn up to $3,000. Students who complete the program will also fulfill requirements that will help them transition into higher education and full-time employment.
Eligibility requirements include RCOE-graduating pre-apprentices who meet one of the following criteria:
•Current or former foster youth
•Pell Grant eligible
•Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) eligible
•Graduating from a Title 1 School
•Considered low-income
•Formerly incarcerated
•Parenting youth
•Considered to have a disability
•Graduating senior must have the ability and interest in working full-time and attending community college part-time
•Graduating senior must have the ability to legally work in the United States
•Graduating senior must fill out application timeline and materials
“This innovative partnership provides a competitive advantage for Riverside County students to pursue their dreams after graduation,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Students will gain valuable experience to add to their résumé, receive post-secondary guidance, and develop collaboration skills that set them apart from other job applicants.”
Community News
Fairfax Elementary School is now the proud beneficiary of a powerful new partnership thanks to the adoption of the school by the distinguished, predominantly African-American fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. In a ceremony held on May 7, the fraternity pledged its time, mentorship and resources to support the success of Fairfax students, marking the first school adoption in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) in several years.
About a dozen sharply dressed men in striking royal blue suits and ties—the proud trademark color of Phi Beta Sigma—lined the playground at Fairfax Elementary, turning heads and drawing admiration from students and staff alike. Their dignified presence brought a sense of pride and celebration to the campus, symbolizing the fraternity’s commitment to excellence and the powerful message that children are worth showing up for—boldly, visibly and with purpose.
The celebration included a spirited student performance by the Fairfax cheerleaders and heartfelt remarks from school and District leaders. Fairfax Elementary School Principal Dr. Gregory Alexander expressed gratitude for the fraternity’s support and vision.
“When our students see positive role models walking alongside them, it changes what they believe is possible,” said Dr. Alexander, himself a member of the fraternity. “We’re honored to welcome Phi Beta Sigma into the Fairfax family.”
Dr. Robert Strong, a respected leader in Phi Beta Sigma and president of the Alpha Alpha Epsilon Sigma Alumni chapter of the Inland Empire, addressed students and staff at the ceremony, sharing the fraternity’s commitment to education, commu-
Mandatory online information sessions for interested Class of 2025 graduates are scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Interested applicants must register for one of the following sessions:
nity uplift and academic excellence.
“Phi Beta Sigma believes in investing in our youth because they are the architects of tomorrow. Our presence here today is just the beginning,” Dr. Strong said. “Phi Beta Sigma’s motto is Culture for Service and Service for Humanity. That’s why we are ready to support our next generation of leaders.”
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is the first Divine Nine (D9) fraternity to adopt a school in SBCUSD, paving the way for more historically Black Greek organizations to uplift and invest in SBCUSD students.
“Our Adopt-a-School program is about building meaningful relationships that uplift our students and strengthen our community,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “We’re proud to relaunch this initiative with the adoption of Fairfax Elementary by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, whose presence and commitment send a powerful message to our young people—that they are seen, valued and worthy of investment. At SBCUSD, we believe all kids are brilliant, and partnerships like this help unlock that brilliance by surrounding students with role models who believe in their potential.”
This event marks a revival of the District’s Adopta-School program, which invites community groups, faith-based organizations, nonprofits and businesses to support schools through mentorship, volunteerism and meaningful collaboration.
SBCUSD is actively seeking more adopters who want to make a difference in the lives of children and strengthen the bonds between schools and the community. For more information about SBCUSD’s Adopt-a-School program, please visit sbcusd.com/adoptaschool or contact communications@sbcusd.com.
•May 30, 2025https://events.bizzabo.com/7363 50 •June 3, 2025https://events.bizzabo.com/7363 51
tend and learn more about the program. For more information on the events, contact Kermit Boyd, Teacher on Special Assignment, at 951.826.6741 or kboyd@rcoe.us.
Registration is free. Parents and educators are encouraged to at-
PHOTO CORINA BORSUK
SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano accepts the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 12 Superintendent of the Year Award at the May 19 Spring Awards Dinner. Arellano was one of three SBCUSD administrators to be honored.
PHOTO CORINA BORSUK
Fairfax Elementary School Principal Dr. Gregory Alexander and President of the Alpha Alpha Epsilon Sigma Alumni chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Dr. Robert Strong showed off their newly signed adoption certificates surrounded by Fairfax Elementary cheerleaders, members of Alpha Alpha Epsilon Sigma and SBCUSD representatives.
Community News
San Bernardino County’s Devore and Big Bear animal shelters will join more than 150 shelters across California on Saturday, June 7, offering free pet adoptions as part of the second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day.
The statewide event is organized by the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). This year’s goal is to place 5,000 pets into new homes statewide.
Devore Animal Shelter will host a special celebration featuring free pet adoptions throughout the day, along with a photo booth, vendor and resource tables from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kona Ice will also be available for purchase, with free treats for the first 30 adopters from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
All adoptions include spay or neuter services, microchipping, and most vaccinations. Both Devore and Big Bear shelters will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 7.
For more information about the adoption process, visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov.
Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley Inland Empire 66ers Waggin’ Wednesday Fundraiser
Community News
The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV) is selling tickets for the Inland Empire 66ers' "Waggin’ Wednesday" baseball game on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
The event allows fans to bring their dogs to the ballpark while supporting the Humane Society’s programs and services. Tickets must be purchased through the HSSBV ticket link at www.hssbv.org/Upcoming-Events for a portion of the sale to benefit the organization.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to watch Apollo, the dog of HSSBV Veterinary Clinic Manager Dr. Joyce, “deliver” the ceremonial first pitch. The national anthem will be performed by Katy FM morning show host and HSSBV Board of Directors Vice President Jeff Pope.
Proceeds from the event will support the Humane Society’s Humane Education and Cruelty Investigation Programs, which aim to prevent pet overpopulation and promote animal welfare.
For more information, call 909-386-1400, ext. 218 or 224.
Riverside Pet Adoption Center Joins 150 California Shelters Offering Free Adoptions June 7 to Tackle Overcrowding
Community News
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center will offer free pet adoptions on Saturday, June 7, as part of the second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day. The event brings together more than 150 shelters across the state with the goal of finding homes for 5,000 animals.
California Adopt-a-Pet Day is hosted by the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which covers most adoption fees.
“We are thrilled to once again be a part of California Adopt-a-Pet Day,” said Carrie Ridgway, executive director of Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. “There are so many homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that are waiting for a second chance. Events like this help get pets into loving homes and raise awareness about overcrowding in
animal welfare organizations.”
Among the pets currently awaiting adoption are Panda, a 3-year-old dog described as a mix of playful and affectionate who has been waiting since February, and Kaci, a 10-year-old cat ready to find her next cozy home after waiting since April.
The event will be held from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, located at 6165 Industrial Ave. in Riverside. All adopted pets will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated prior to adoption.
California Adopt-a-Pet Day debuted in 2024, successfully placing 3,609 animals into homes statewide, surpassing its initial goal of 2,024 adoptions. Organizers have raised this year’s goal to 5,000 adoptions.
For more information, visit petsadoption.org or follow @msrpac on social media.
PHOTO
MARY S. ROBERTS Panda, one of the adoptable dogs at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, awaits a new home.
PHOTO HSSBV
Katy FM morning show host and Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley Board Vice President Jeff Pope will perform the national anthem at the Inland Empire 66ers’ Waggin’ Wednesday game on Aug. 20.
PHOTO SB COUNTY
A woman spends time with adoptable dogs like Fido at San Bernardino County’s Devore Animal Shelter.