Redlands Boys & Girls Club Cuts Ribbon on $150,000 Playground for Local Youth
Honors WWII Veteran Ray Gomez on his 100th Birthday
By Dr.G (Dr. Luis S González), Community Writer
At the Oct. 7 City Council meeting, Council Member Dr. Luis S. González (Dr. G) presented longtime Colton resident and World War II veteran Ray Gomez with an official recognition of his 100th birthday.
Born in San Bernardino on Aug. 3, 1925, Gomez has spent a lifetime in service to his family, the nation and the Colton community. He is the son of Angel and Mercedes Gomez and has two sisters, Annie and Esther, and one brother, Angel Jr.
Free Ontario Arts Festival Oct. 18: 60+ Artists, Museum Entry, Día de los Muertos Activities
Pg. 5
Pg. 5 Garner Holt Foundation Empowers Youth Through STEAM, Animatronics, and Career Pathways
As a young man, Gomez worked in the fields and later part time at Kaiser Steel. With the need for troops during World War II, he joined the U.S. Army at 18 and was assigned to Fort MacArthur in San Pedro for induction and to receive his uniform and equipment. He completed 17 weeks of basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas, followed by a month at Camp Van Dorn, Louisiana. Afterward, he was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey,
for combat assignment and transported to England aboard the “Queen Elizabeth.” He served in England, France, Luxembourg and Germany as a private first class from November 1943 to May 1946.
Serving as an infantry rifleman, Gomez was wounded by mortar shrapnel in his right hand, left forearm, chest, side and thigh. He shared this account of his wartime experience a decade ago: “I was wounded at the border of France and Germany, which was called the Siegfried Line. The line was made up of concrete pillars called ‘dragon teeth’ which were in place to keep out our tanks. On the German side were bunkers and machine guns, and behind those were mortars (like cannons). Our division was then ordered to attack, and we were completely under fire. After crossing the Siegfried Line, I was hit by mortar shrapnel.”
For his service, Gomez received the Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, European Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat
By Manny Sandoval
Inside the San Bernardino Family YMCA, Executive Director Jennifer Gorostieta Lopez walks through a newly renovated women’s locker room — a symbol, she says, of the organization’s renewed commitment to investing in the families of San Bernardino.
“We’re not just giving the space a facelift — we’re reshaping it to bring in what our community needs.”
program, it’s deeply personal.
Frequently shuffled between schools due to overcrowding, it wasn’t until fifth grade at Emmerton Elementary that she Colton
“This is just the beginning,” said Lopez.
That includes remodeled locker rooms, a resurfaced outdoor court, expanded youth programs, senior fitness, mental wellness, and a sharp focus on family affordability — all informed by the community itself. And for Lopez, who first encountered the Y as a fifth grader in an after-school
A Childhood Rooted in the Y Lopez’s journey with the Y began after her family moved to San Bernardino from Orange County in the early 2000s.
Gomez, cont. next pg.
PHOTO DR. G
(L to R): Dr. G Council Member and family friend, Ray Gomez, Colton resident recognized for 100th Birthday.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
From left, San Bernardino Family YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Lopez, IECN Co-Publisher Denise Berver, and YMCA of the East Valley Marketing Director Bjorn Madrid talk inside the Y’s wellness center.
Ray Gomez (cont.)
- Infantryman Badge and Army of Occupation Medal.
After his discharge, Gomez worked 20 years for the Santa Fe Railroad. He had two children, Patsy and Danny, with his first wife. He later married Cora on May 12, 1952, and the couple made Colton their home. They had two children, Cynthia and Debra. Cora died in 2018 after 66 years of marriage. Over the years, Gomez has been blessed with 12 grandchildren and today leads a close-knit family deeply woven into Colton’s community life through work, school, church, veterans’ affairs and local events.
At a recent birthday celebration at the VFW, friends and family greeted Gomez, took photos and joined in singing “Happy Birthday.” “I can’t believe he made it to 100. I can only hope I can be that blessed,” said Carmen Moyeda, wife of Gomez’s friend Bernie Moyeda. Bernie added, “I’ve lived a long time too, you old fart” (Army talk). Rudy Contreras, a longtime friend and Korean War veteran, said of Gomez, “Although Ray was seriously wounded, he just kept going.”
The well-attended event closed with well-wishes and individual photos with Gomez, capping a heartfelt celebration many said they will remember for years.
In recognizing his life-long accomplishments, the Colton City Council offered best wishes to Gomez “for a continued path of life, love, success and prosperity,” adding: “You are truly blessed. Thank you for your service, and happy birthday, Ray Gomez.”
SB YMCA (cont.)
- found a sense of stability — and community — through the YMCA's before and after-school program then known as CAPS (Creative After School Programs for Success).
“I learned how to paint. I learned how to make friends. It was my safe haven,” she said.
Even the mishaps were formative. She recalls being temporarily removed from the program — for eating glue — but credits the experience with unlocking her creativity and resilience.
“I remember painting a bunny,” Lopez said.
“That moment gave me the spark — I realized I could be Picasso.”
Today, she says, “I see myself in all the youth who come through our doors.”
Investing in Safe, Modern Facilities
Lopez has only been Executive Director for four months, but her impact is already visible. The YMCA’s locker room remodel, now nearly complete, is the first of many facility upgrades planned through 2025.
“We gutted the locker rooms and gave them a whole new look,” she said. “This is about giving families a clean, safe space to change and start their experience with dignity.”
Improvements underway or in planning include:
Shower and restroom upgrades
Men’s locker room remodel
A resurfaced outdoor basketball court
Three new pickleball courts and foursquare areas
Turf installation and a container gym with free weights and cable machines
Expanded indoor and outdoor wellness spaces
Upgraded machinery and open-concept design
Lopez expects “the basics” of these upgrades to be in place by the end of next year.
“We’re building a space that reflects the strength and resilience of San Bernardino families,” she said. “We deserve nothing less.”
Programs Tailored to Every Generation
At its core, the Y’s mission is about programming — and Lopez is expanding offerings across all age groups, with an emphasis on affordability, access, and family bonding.
For Kids and Youth
Programs include:
Swim Lessons (indoor, heated pool at 79–80°F year-round)
Karate (parent-child classes, open to youth and adults)
Dance (hip-hop and ballet)
Gymnastics
Basketball and Soccer Leagues
Swim instruction has become a priority. Not only does the Y host lessons at its main facility, but it has also partnered with three San Bernardino high schools — San Gorgonio, Cajon, and Arroyo Valley — to offer district-wide swim education through vouchers.
“We’re already teaching second graders through the school district how to survive in water,” Lopez said. “It’s about removing the burden from high school coaches who are teaching teenagers to swim for the first time — and more importantly, saving
A new Mommy and Me swim class launches this November, developed in partnership with a local mom hiking club that meets at area parks. It’s part of the Y’s effort to listen to — and respond to — the community’s needs.
“We asked local moms what they needed,” said Lopez. “Now we’re building it for them.”
For Teens
Just blocks from Pacific High School, the YMCA attracts dozens of teens daily for:
Open gym access
Homework and hangout space in the Teen Center
Future plans for esports programming
Some teens, Lopez says, walk over after their free period to lift weights or do cardio — an early introduction to healthy habits.
For Adults and Seniors
The YMCA offers:
Water aerobics
SilverSneakers fitness classes
Open swim and lap lanes
Cardio and strength equipment in a multiuse wellness space
“We see seniors come in, take class, hang out over puzzles or coffee,” said Lopez. “It’s truly communal.”
Affordability for All Families Lopez emphasizes that cost should never be a barrier to access.
“Our mission is to never turn anyone away due to inability to pay,” she said. “All you have to do is walk through our doors.”
Pricing is structured to support families of all sizes:
Membership Type
Monthly Cost
Joining Fee
Family A (2 adults + kids)
$35
$40
Family B (1 adult + kids)
$35
$40
Adult (25+)
$28
$40
Seniors (60+)
$25
$40
Couples
$35
$40
Students enrolled in YMCA-run afterschool programs at any of the 33 EXL school sites receive a free youth membership. Parents of those children can upgrade to a full family membership for just $15/month — which includes 50% discounts on additional classes.
“Even if you’re a family of six, your price doesn’t change,” said Bjorn Madrid, Marketing Director for YMCA of the East Valley. “It’s one fee, and we’ll work with you to find what you qualify for.”
Safety and Support Are Top Priorities
The YMCA takes safety seriously. The San Bernardino branch now uses Raptor visitor-management screening, which scans IDs and flags individuals who may not be cleared to work with youth. “This is the same system used by San Bernardino Unified,” Lopez said. “It’s an added layer of protection for every member, every child,
and every family.”
That emphasis on safety extends beyond the building to its setting in Perris Hill Park. After the City completed a comprehensive cleanup and restoration of the grounds last fall, the park has remained free of encampments and more accessible for families. The YMCA campus and adjacent lots are equipped with street lighting and surveillance, and a park ranger monitors the premises multiple times per day—measures that complement the Y’s commitment to a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Beyond physical safety, the facility is designed as a judgment-free zone. Lopez often calls the Y a “safe space”—not just physically, but emotionally and socially. “You don’t have to be young, male, or Christian to be here,” she said. “All you need to do is come—and you will belong.”
Connecting to San Bernardino’s Latino Community
As a first-generation college student and bilingual Latina who grew up translating for her parents, Lopez understands the barriers many families face.
“I am you,” she said. “If you come through our doors, I will be here. My team will be here. We speak Spanish. We will tailor our support to what you need.”
That extends to programming, enrollment, tours, and communication. “We’re building trust, one family at a time,” she said.
A Career Built on Service and Local Roots
After leaving the YMCA’s youth program as a child, Lopez returned in 2014 as a parttime employee while pursuing a biology degree. What started as a college job at Riley Elementary turned into a lifelong calling.
“I saw myself in the kids,” she said. “It reminded me of where I came from — and what’s possible.”
Over the next decade, Lopez worked her way up through nearly every role: youth lead, site supervisor, quality assurance coach, associate executive director, and now, branch executive director.
Her accomplishments include:
Growing a school site’s attendance from 60 to 180 children
Overseeing quality at 22 school campuses
Helping shape post-COVID learning via the EXL program
Launching district-wide aquatics programs
Leading renovations and wellness expansion at the Y
“I didn’t want to teach 30 kids in a classroom,” she said. “I wanted to impact thousands.”
A Future Built on Community Lopez’s leadership is future-facing — and bold. In addition to facility upgrades and new programs, she’s committed to positioning the YMCA as a hub for community building, cultural connection, and economic mobility.
Upcoming events include: Trunk or Treat (October 25th at 11AM) –the first of its kind at the San Bernardino Y
Día de los Muertos (November 1 at 11AM) – a cultural celebration open to the public
FREE tours and waived joining fees during both events
20 California K-12 Teachers Face Discipline for Charlie Kirk Posts; Union Cites Free-Speech Risks
By CalMatters
At least 20 teachers in California’s K-12 schools are facing disciplinary action after they made derogatory comments about rightwing political activist Charlie Kirk in the wake of his assasination last month.
Most of the disciplinary investigations are based on comments that teachers made on social media during non-working hours, a possible violation of their right to free speech, said David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, the state’s largest teachers union.
“People are ready to pounce on educators. The goal is to sow fear,” Goldberg said. “It’s part of a larger attempt to bring the culture wars into schools and silence teachers.”
Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, in what officials described as a political assassination. Following his death, hundreds of people who criticized Kirk’s ideology have been fired, disciplined or doxxed — had their private information posted online to stoke harassment.
Other states have seen far more teachers fired or disciplined for Kirk-related comments. In California, state laws protecting free speech and strong union contracts have so far kept the numbers relatively low. Texas, for example, is investigating at least 280 teachers for criticizing Kirk.
‘Safe and Respectful Environment’
In California, one of the incidents happened in the Pacheco Union School District in Redding, where a teacher allegedly posted, “You reap what you
sow, Mr. Kirk” on their personal social media account. The district has not named the teacher. Other news organizations have published his name but CalMatters was unable to independently confirm it.
Earlier, the teacher had also allegedly posted a video of Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene with the words, “Will someone please kill her?” The teacher was placed on paid leave and then the school board fired him.
“We are committed to ensuring that our classrooms and our entire school community remain a positive and secure place for all students to learn and grow,”
Superintendent Jakob Fuller wrote on the school’s website. “The district does not condone violence in any form and is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.”
Another incident occurred at the Dry Creek Unified School District, a TK-8 district in Roseville, near Sacramento. A middle school teacher apparently called Kirk “a piece of s—,” among other things, on their personal social media account, prompting a swift backlash from parents and others.
The district would not confirm the teacher’s identity, and while it has been reported by other news organizations, CalMatters was unable to independently confirm it. The teacher, who did not respond to emails from CalMatters, is on paid leave until the district completes an investigation.
“The post is both unprofessional and concerning,” the district said in a statement. “The personal comments allegedly made by the employee do not reflect the values, standards, or mission of the district. We are taking this matter seri-
ously.”
Jonathan Zachreson, a conservative education activist in California, said he’d like to see accountability for the teacher and condemnation from the union. A board member for a different Roseville school district, Zachreson has been an outspoken advocate for K-12 policies notifying parents if students identify as LGBTQ, a policy Kirk also championed. Dry Creek board members could not comment on the case because the investigation is ongoing.
Zachreson said incidents such as these should be handled on an individual basis, depending on the nature of the comments and how private the posts were. But if the Dry Creek district’s investigation concludes that the teacher did write that comment, the teacher should be fired, he said.
“Many parents don’t want their kid in a classroom with someone like that,” Zachreson said. “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences.”
A Dangerous Precedent?
California has laws that prohibit employers from firing workers over their political views. And the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, but there are some limits: Employers have a right to restrict workers’ speech if it’s disruptive to the workplace.
Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley Law School, said that teachers posting to their private social media accounts during non-work hours is not likely to disrupt their classroom work.
“There’s always the impulse to punish speech we don’t like. But the First Amendment protects all speech,”
Chemerinsky said. “Once you open this door, it could set a very dangerous precedent. What about teachers who criticize Donald Trump?”
The California School Boards Association hasn’t provided school boards with specific guidance on handling Charlie Kirk comments because each district has its own contract with teachers, and personnel matters are considered a local issue.
But typically, a teacher who’s suspected of disrupting the workplace through inappropriate speech would be subject to a district investigation and, if found to be at fault, discipline from the school board. New employees who are still on probation have fewer protections, but any employee could face consequences ranging from a reprimand to termination. The teacher could protest the action by filing a grievance, and if that fails, they could appeal the decision. Some teachers in other states have filed lawsuits. Teachers at private schools typically have fewer protections.
Regardless of the outcome, the process can be disruptive to staff and harmful to students, Goldberg said. Students could lose their teacher midway through a school year, and teachers “could have their lives turned upside down,” he said. Most teachers lack the resources and patience to take on a protracted legal fight that in the current political climate might not be successful, he said.
That’s why the union recently advised its members to be extra cautious when posting online.
“We tell educators, know your rights and bring in your union rep,” Goldberg said. “We need to be careful in this climate and look out for each other.”
IZ Avila’s ‘Grooves & Ghouls’ Lights Up Stage Red with $500 Costume Contest, Star Guests, and VIP Experience
By Manny Sandoval
Grammy-winning producer and performer IZ Avila is taking his annual Halloween celebration to a new stage—literally.
After a decade of growth, from backyard beginnings to a ranch-hosted festival, Avila’s Grooves & Ghouls lands at Fontana’s Stage Red for the first time, featuring an immersive VIP experience, custom menu, and a $500 costume contest designed to keep the Inland Empire dancing all night.
“It’s the 10th year. This started at my crib and I grew it,” said Avila. “Covid happened and I did a reboot of the event. I’m working with Stage Red in Fontana. I thought it’d be great to have it here for people to experience the venue (and now there’s a new parking garage right behind it)— and experience the quality and convenience of the space.”
Food, Sound, and Soul Designed to feel intimate and immersive, Avila says the night is all about vibes: “You could expect a quality experience, great service and great sound. A great menu, and great drinks and it’s intimate. It’s personable and a place where you come to have a great time, dance and party.”
That includes a menu stacked with stage-worthy eats: smashburgers, chicken sandwiches, wings, steak fries, Italian bites, and Halloween treats.
“I’m hosting this for my city, for IE residents to have a place they can go to for entertainment and a quality experience,” Avila added.
His go-to? A Tito's Moscow mule paired with a Stage Red smashburger.
Star-Powered Lineup and VIP Lounge
Headlining the DJ lineup is Nick Nack from 99.1 KGGI, who also hosts the event. Joining him on the special guest roster:
Cece, KDAY radio personality
DJ Battlecat, collaborator with Snoop and Dr. Dre
Scoop DeVille, known for work with Drake and Kendrick Lamar
Tash, of Tha Alkaholiks
LaToiya Williams, vocalist featured by Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent
“We’ll have a few special guests… and other surprises,” said Avila. “Nick Nac from 99.1 is the DJ and host. We have a dope VIP experience where you can have your own DJ in a room and a separate food and drink menu; the goal is to ensure a great time.”
The private Grooves & Ghouls Lounge offers light appetizers, an exclusive DJ set, and a first-look at Stage Red’s brand-new outdoor patio. The event is 21+.
Classic Hip-Hop, Soul, and Dancefloor Energy
With a nod to the roots of hip-hop and soul, Avila emphasized the music will drive the night.
“With Nic Nac’s personality—he’s from 99.1 KGGI and always amped—he keeps the crowd moving and the party going,” he said. “We’ll play great classic hip hop, soul records and energy on the dance floor.”
Tickets and Contest Details
In addition to product giveaways, the night includes a $500 costume contest judged on creativity, style, and impact. Tickets are available at StageRedFontana.com, at the box office, or on Ticketmaster.com.
Beyond headlining the event, Avila is also consulting on the venue’s programming to ensure its cultural relevance.
“There’s a huge population of Latinos and Blacks in Fontana,” he said. “I’m bringing in strategic partnerships and alliances to align the space with the community.”
In addition to his work with The Avila Brothers, IZ Avila produced on Usher’s Grammy-winning Confessions album and served as creative musical director during Usher’s 2024 Super Bowl halftime show.
PHOTO IZ AVILA
Costumed partygoers light up the dance floor during a past Grooves & Ghouls celebration—bringing out big smiles, bold looks, and the signature IE energy.
Redlands Boys & Girls Club Cuts Ribbon on $150,000 Playground for Local Youth
Community leaders, donors and Boys & Girls Club members—including county Supervisor Dawn Rowe and Redlands Mayor
$150,000 playground.
By Community News
Community leaders and families came together at the Boys & Girls Club in Redlands on October 8 to celebrate the opening of a new $150,000 playground – a welcomed club addition designed to bring more play, movement and connection to Redlands youth. The special dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting brought together community leaders, donors, and families to celebrate the new addition — a vibrant, safe space designed to encourage active play and healthy development for local youth.
Guests gathered as children from the Club eagerly tested out the colorful new playground equipment. The celebration honored several key partners whose support made the project possible, including Dawn Rowe, Third District Supervisor of San Bernardino County; The Rochford Foundation; and the Optimist Club of Redlands. Redlands Mayor Mario Saucedo was also in attendance and shared a proclamation.
The new playground was built in partnership with the Redlands Unified School District, underscoring a shared commitment to creating environments that inspire connection, creativity, and growth.
“This playground represents what can happen when our community comes together to invest in our kids,” said Michael Wells, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside. “It’s not just a play structure — it’s a place where children can be active, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging every single day.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside – the largest Boys & Girls Club in the Inland Empire –remains dedicated to providing safe, supportive, and enriching spaces where youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
Free Ontario Arts Festival Oct. 18: 60+ Artists, Museum Entry, Día de los Muertos Activities
By Community News
The City of Ontario’s Museum, Arts & Culture Department and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art (CCMA) announce the return of the free Ontario Arts Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10 AM – 5 PM in the Downtown Ontario Arts District. Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to exemplify the City’s commitment to making Ontario the premier destination for arts and culture in the Inland Empire.
This year the festival will feature over sixty artist booths, offering a wide variety of visual, decorative and functional art, as well as other attractions for visitors–free entry into museums, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, art experiences by commissioned artist Katya Orlovie, live demonstrations, and more.
The Museum courtyard will be transformed to highlight
the Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys exhibition, featuring activities hosted by exhibiting artist group Kalli Arte Collective where participants of all ages can build their own altar and participate in printmaking and collage workshops.
“Our festival continues to grow with new and returning artists offering the work they’ve created in anticipation of the largest regional art festival here in Ontario. We’ve added new hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy from quilt-making to cyanotype photography,” said Event Coordinator, Rebecca Ustrell.
Festival goers will enjoy live Latin jazz music by Homero Chavez y Una Noche. There will also be food and beverage from local eateries Tacos Chicanx, Marigold Coffee, and a bar catered by the Ontario Convention Center featuring local brews and wines. The festival showcases a wide range of artistic media, including fine art, textiles, ceramics, digital art, photography,jewelry, metal, wood, and glasswork. One exhibiting artist
will be awarded a first-place prize of $500, selected by a jury, for setting the highest standard of artistry and booth design.
The Chaffey Community Museum of Art has a new addition to the Ontario Arts Festival: the Art Yard where visitors can watch art being made or make art themselves. Located behind CCMA, the 2025 Art Yard offers three artist demonstrations – live clay pot throwing, creating art with spray paint, and a clay pinch pot workshop. Do mark your calendar and attend the Festival,” said Nancy DeDiemar, CCMA’s Community Liaison.
Visitors will also be able to view several exhibitions that are open the public, including Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys at the Ontario Museum of History & Art; and The Hard-Edge Genius of Karl Benjamin at the Chaffey Community Museum of Art.
The Ontario Arts Festival is free and for all ages.
PHOTO
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Mario Saucedo—cut the ribbon on the Club’s new
PHOTO CITY OF ONTARIO
A visitor pauses to view a booth of brightly colored, Día de los Muertos–inspired artworks during the Ontario Arts Festival in the Downtown Ontario Arts District.
Garner Holt Foundation Empowers Youth Through STEAM, Animatronics, and Career Pathways in Redlands and Beyond
By Manny Sandoval
ARedlands-based company known globally for bringing animatronic characters to life at worldfamous theme parks is also changing lives locally through immersive STEAM education for underserved youth.
Garner Holt Productions, which has developed hundreds of figures for every Disney and Universal theme park around the globe, hosted its 3rd Annual Fall Kickoff earlier this month at its Education Through Imagination headquarters. The event welcomed educators and San Bernardino County school district staff to experience how the organization merges creativity, technology, and education to shape the next generation of innovators.
“Tonight we highlighted our first responders, and that was the reason behind this night,” said Germaine Garcia-Kaufman, Executive Vice President of Business Development. “We know San Bernardino County has experienced a lot in regards to wildfires, and we wanted to recognize those on the front lines.”
The event aimed to bridge community leaders, educators, and local government agencies while showcasing the impact of Garner Holt’s educational arm.
“We service over 10,000 students throughout the year for education programs, tours, and hands-on projects,” GarciaKaufman said. “We are happy to announce that our company is now nationwide. We’ve opened a space in Kansas City and Florida, and are working in Connecticut, Vermont, and Dallas.”
Garner Holt Productions Vice President of Creative Development Bill Butler, who has been with the company for 20 years, said every animatronic character the company builds—from concept art to final installation—is
These storytelling spaces won’t just entertain—they’ll educate. Butler said the themes will center on regional history, local heroes, and classic literature presented in a high-tech format.
“We’ll have stories about local heroes, about technology developed in the region, and also classic stories that are part of the zeitgeist,” Butler said. “It’s a totally unique, high-tech way to teach kids.”
One of the most visually striking moments at this year’s Fall Kickoff was the official unveiling of the STEAM Dragons— animatronic characters developed by the design team to represent each letter of the STEAM acronym: science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Vivian Alvarado, a junior designer at Education Through Imagination, helped lead the creation of the dragons' names, personalities, and educational purpose. She said the characters started as static figures that quickly captivated visitors— even before they had identities.
made in-house at their 120,000square-foot Redlands facility.
“Everything we create is made in-house, from original drawings to final giant structures and animatronic dogs, cats, mythological creatures, dragons, tiki birds—everything,” said Butler.
“The only thing we don’t do here is powder coating and anodizing of steel.”
Known for building more than 500 Chuck E. Cheese animatronics, the company’s work has left an imprint on childhood experiences across the country. Butler said they’ve also developed and installed figures for iconic Southern California rides, including Knott’s Berry Farm’s Calico Mine Ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride, and Calico River Rapids, as well as Disneyland’s Adventureland Treehouse.
Garner Holt also contributed to Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” attraction, where riders take on the role of stray puppies on a journey toward adoption.
Sometimes clients approach with fully developed ideas tied to major intellectual properties, Butler explained. Other times, they’re given a blank slate. “Those are the ones that are really fun for us,” he said. “We’ve had clients say, ‘Here’s a black box and a budget—make something amazing.’”
That creative freedom recently inspired a new initiative with the San Bernardino County Library system, where Education Through Imagination is designing immersive storytelling environments at branches in Rialto and Chino Hills.
“We thought, wouldn’t it be fun if it’s not just a stage with a chair, but an immersive environment?” said Butler. “These are the first of their kind—very thematic, with special effects, animatronics, and video effects—to take the passive storytelling areas of yesteryear into the future.”
cal attributes with their learning style.”
She emphasized that the goal is to create characters that students can connect with on a personal level.
“Maybe a student one day is going to say, I love technology and I correlate with Toggle, or I love mathematics and relate with Axis, art with Easel, engineering with Edge, and science with Nova,” said Alvarado. “If someone has that kind of connection with one of these dragons, we’re hoping that will help lead them to choose a future career.”
As the program develops, the dragons will be integrated into digital content and in-person instruction to engage younger learners through character-driven storytelling. Butler said this approach helps visual learners, especially those who may struggle to see themselves in traditional STEM pathways.
who would not otherwise have any opportunity to learn handson skills,” Chavez said. “These children are exposed to 65 different career paths that can instill in them hope for their future.”
Chavez said the foundation surveys participants before and after program completion to measure impact.
“Post surveys show over 90% of the children identify a career path that interests them—something they never knew about before,” she said. “And 99.9% say they have more hope for their future.”
Many students are first introduced to animatronics through Chuck E. Cheese, which Chavez said is often more accessible to low-income families than Disneyland. That connection is used to demystify the industry and show kids that jobs in animatronics are within reach.
“Whenever we had first started bringing the dragons out without revealing their personalities, they were already getting so much attraction,” said Alvarado. “Kids were taking photos, adults were taking photos. We even did a mural of them inside our hallway.”
Seeing the response, the team decided to go further. “Once we started seeing the positive reinforcement, we decided to go ahead and give them personalities, names, and correspond with our education team as these STEAM dragons,” she said.
Alvarado said the design team collaborated to develop names that matched the dragons’ perceived traits—Toggle, Nova, Easel, Axis, and Edge—each aligning with a specific subject area.
“We started realizing, like, this one just looks goofy. We want him to be the goofy one. Headphones fit him so well—Toggle would be perfect for that,” she said. “Nova felt more sciencebased, especially with the lab coat. The others followed naturally as we matched their physi-
“When STEAM is just an acronym, it can feel abstract,” said Butler. “But when it’s a dragon with a name, a personality, a face—it becomes approachable, memorable, and exciting.”
On November 8, the Garner Holt Foundation will host the “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Gala” to support its nonprofit educational programs. The event will feature celebrity panelists sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Disneyland’s 70-year history and will also mark the grand opening of “Garner’s Garage,” a creative lab designed to offer underserved and at-risk youth access to STEAM learning.
“It’s a place where children can come to be dreamers and doers,” said Leanne Chavez of the Garner Holt Foundation. “It’s the heart of our foundation.”
Proceeds from the gala will fund free STEAM education for youth through the foundation’s own programs and in partnership with organizations like Redlands Family Services, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
“The mission of the Garner Holt Foundation is to provide STEAM education opportunities to at-risk, underserved youth
“They find out that part of making an animatronic might be writing a script, molding clay, or creating a light show,” Chavez said. “And many of these careers don’t require college. It builds their confidence that they can do tough, difficult things.”
The programs, Chavez added, start with foundational skills. “Some high schoolers come in and don’t know what a Phillips screwdriver is,” she said. “Garner was inspired by his shop classes in school. Most kids don’t have that anymore. Many don’t even have a garage.”
Garner’s Garage aims to fill that gap—starting with hands-on learning using simple tools and progressing to laser cutters, CNC machines, and advanced fabrication equipment. Chavez said they’re already seeing success in students as young as six.
“When they start, many of them lack confidence or seem to carry sadness. By the end of the session, they’re talking with peers, excited and more self-assured,” she said. “It’s all about believing in themselves and someone giving them the opportunity.”
For Garner Holt Productions and the foundation behind it, animatronics aren’t just about amusement. They’re a gateway to career pathways, confidence, and hope.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARJUN KUMAR
Highland resident Arjun Kumar, an author and psychology scholar with degrees from UC Irvine and USC, explores mindfulness, ethics, and emotional well-being in his work.
