W e e k l y COLTON COURIER
Vol 147 , NO. 26
IECN
.com
June 13, 2019
Newspaper salesman Kenny, a local fixture in Colton, living life on his own terms By Maryjoy Duncan
THIS WEEK Gloria’s Corner Pg. 3
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f you’re a resident of Colton you are likely to be familiar with the man who stands at the corner of Rancho Ave. and Valley Boulevard six mornings a week for the last 16 years selling The Sun newspaper. Kenny Robbins, born in the small town of Ypsilanti, Michigan east of Ann Arbor, made his way to California in 1977 after he joined the Air Force and was stationed at the now defunct George Air Force Base in Victorville, where he spent two-and-a-half years before being honorably discharged. A specialist in wastewater treatment, Kenny invested ten years in the industry before he decided he was not one to play office politics and sought reprieve with the Salvation Army in San Bernardino, working odd jobs here and there.
Special Olympics Torch Run
Pg. 7
“I’m an independent, a nonconformist,” Kenny, who enjoys listening to old Rhythm and
Blues, revealed. He began selling The Sun newspaper in San Bernardino in the late 90’s before he was relocated to Colton in 2003. He has worked at the same location across Colton High School ever since. He endured a couple stints of homelessness while in San Bernardino, and has become homeless once again when his landlord/roommate sold the residence in December. Kenny currently stays at Elizabeth Davis Park. “I’m an optimist - looking at the dark side is an easy way out,” Kenny, who has witnessed the dark side of human nature on the streets, said. “Being on the street is different from being a part of the street.” He admitted that the streets of Colton are benign compared to those in San Bernardino. “It’s best to just walk away,” he said when being confronted with aggression. What he likes most about sellKenny, cont. on next pg.
PHOTO
MARYJOY DUNCAN
Kenny Robbins pictured at the location where he has been selling The Sun newspaper for the past 16 years, rain or shine. Currently homeless, Kenny doesn’t let that dampen his positive spirit.
Colton City Council recognizes Colton Teacher Appreciation Day with proclamation Valley College hosts CA Surgeon General Dr. Harris P. 8
INSIDE Gloria’s Corner
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Words To Think About 5 Opinion
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Legal Notices
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H OW TO R E AC H US
Inland Empire Com munity Newspaper s Office: (909) 381-9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: sales@iecn.com
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D R. G
Congratulations to the 15 local educators who were recognized during the June 4 council meeting, and to Dr. G who retired from a 41-year career as a music and social studies teacher! By Dr. G (Dr. Luis Gonzalez)
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t the June 4 council meeting, the Colton City Council recognized teachers who live in the City of Colton in celebration of National Teachers Month. Councilman Dr.
G (Dr. Luis S. Gonzalez) presented to the entire City Council 15 local educators at the ceremonial event. The event was planned to coincide with National Teachers Month at the end of the academic school year.
Teachers, families, and special guests were all in attendance while Dr. G recognized the teachers and presented the official “Teacher Appreciation Day” Proclamation. He also explained that this was the fourth time the teachers were being formally rec-
ognized both as a group and individually in the City of Colton, and was very pleased the City Council continued the tradition. The first Colton Teacher Appreciation Day was held in 2016. Teachers, cont. on next pg.