Five local high school graduates received $1,000 scholarships from the Colton Woman’s Club during the organization’s monthly meeting and luncheon Tuesday, June 9. The annual scholarship presentation recognized students from Colton and Bloomington high schools for their academic achievement and future college plans. Each recipient received a $1,000 check and certificate from the Colton Woman’s Club.
Leanne Uribe, representing the office of San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., also presented each student with a
certificate signed by Baca. Colton Councilmember Dr. G also attended the luncheon and congratulated the recipients.
The Colton High School scholarship recipients were Esmeralda Alvarez, who plans to attend UCLA to study business; Paulina Ramirez, who plans to attend San Bernardino Valley College to study business; and Cherlin Cruz, who plans to attend UC Riverside to study marketing.
The Bloomington High School recipients were Betzy Carrillo, who plans to attend UC Riverside to study psychology, and Stephanie Iwejuo, who plans to attend Duke University to study public policy.
By Manny Sandoval
ASA of San Bernardino County held an open house and ribboncutting ceremony June 18 at its office inside The Enterprise Building in downtown San Bernardino, highlighting its work connecting trained volunteer advocates with children across the county’s foster care and juvenile justice sys-
The students were joined by their parents and Colton Woman’s Club members during the luncheon, where the club celebrated their accomplishments and wished them success as they begin the next chapter of their education.
The Colton Woman’s Club also thanked the Howmet Aerospace Foundation for awarding a grant that helped make the scholarships possible, along with the club’s continued fundraising and community support efforts. The scholarships reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local students and investing in the educational future of the Colton community.
tems. The event drew local leaders and community representatives, including San Bernardino City Manager Eric Levitt, representatives from Assemblymember James Ramos’ office and representatives from San Bernardino County Supervisor
Appointed Special Advocates, recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who are appointed by juvenile court judges to advocate for children who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment.
build consistent, long-term
Woman Killed in Shooting on Silver Star Circle
PHOTO WOMEN’S CLUB
Colton Woman’s Club scholarship recipients and their families celebrate during the club’s June 9 luncheon, where five local graduates from Colton and Bloomington high schools received $1,000 awards and certificates recognizing their academic achievements.
PHOTO RICARDO TOMBOC
IECN Co-publisher Manny Sandoval, Carillo Group Housing and Economic Analyst Ruben Mendoza and IECN Co-publisher Denise Berver attend CASA of San Bernardino County’s open house.
PHOTO RICARDO TOMBOC
CASA of San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Contreras-Martinez accepts a certificate of recognition from a representative of Assemblymember James Ramos’ office.
CASA (cont.)
- relationships with youth while independently assessing their circumstances, monitoring their needs and making recommendations to the court regarding safety, well-being and permanent housing. Advocates may also support children across education and health systems, including participating in IEP and 504 plan meetings when needed.
The San Bernardino County nonprofit is part of the larger National CASA/GAL Association for Children network, a nationwide movement of state and local programs that rely on trained citizen-volunteers to advocate for children in foster care.
CASA of San Bernardino County provides background screening, 30 hours of pre-service training and ongoing supervision before volunteers are sworn in as advocates.
Community members interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can visit casaofsb.org/volunteer.
City-Owned Properties Could Shape San Bernardino’s Downtown PBID Push
By Manny Sandoval
Arenewedpush to form a downtown San Bernardino Property and Business Improvement District is moving toward City Hall, where one data point could shape the future of the effort: the city itself would be the proposed district’s largest payer and most influential vote.
A downtown property ownership spreadsheet reviewed by Inland Empire Community News shows the city of San Bernardino owns 79 parcels within the proposed district, with a listed assessment of $77,566.85. That represents about 25.7% of the proposed assessment total across 592 parcels, making the city the largest single property owner in the district by assessment weight.
The next largest listed property owners are Southern California Gas Co., with a proposed assessment of $25,424.26; the county of San Bernardino, with $23,188.92; the Inland Empire 66ers Baseball Club, with $17,772.48; and the state of California, with $8,360.61.
That ownership structure makes City Hall’s support central to the formation of the district, known as a PBID, which would assess property owners within a defined downtown boundary and use the money for services and improvements inside that same district.
“When Civitas completed its report in 2023, the city owned about 23% of downtown property within the proposed district, and it may still hold that stake today,” said David Friedman, founder of downtown-based Realicore Real Estate, who has helped revive the effort. “That could make the city the PBID’s largest financial contributor and one of its most influential votes.”
Friedman said the city’s role is not just procedural, but foundational.
“What we’d like is for the city to be on board with it and adopt it themselves because they are the biggest player,” Friedman said. “Because they’re the biggest property owner, they also have the biggest responsibility for fixing up downtown.”
A January 2023 feasibility study prepared by Civitas Advisors for the city reached a similar conclusion. The study said the proposed Downtown San Bernardino PBID had “a solid foundation of support” from property owners and key stakeholders, but also noted that the city was the largest paying property owner.
“Given the city’s support, a successful PBID formation is very likely,” the study states.
The study also said county support would be crucial because county-owned properties were included in the proposed boundaries.
A PBID, short for Property and Business Improvement District, is a defined assessment district where property owners pay an additional assessment based on their property’s size, type or another approved formula. The money is collected for a specific area and must be spent within that district, typically on services beyond standard city operations, such as security, cleanup, graffiti re-
moval, lighting, landscaping, marketing and public-space improvements.
In downtown San Bernardino, the proposed PBID would not create a city department. The Civitas study says a new nonprofit owners’ association would be formed to manage the district, with property owners who pay the assessment serving on its board and helping decide how the money is spent. The nonprofit would be required to provide annual reports on activities and expenditures to the city and property owners.
“You draw on a map where you want the district to be, and you assess the property owners in that district,” Friedman said. “That money goes toward safety, cleanup, branding and infrastructure improvements.”
Friedman said the intent is not to replace city services, but to add a more direct, street-level presence.
“We augment the city services, but we’re more boots on the ground,” he said.
While the formal PBID process has not been completed, Realicore Real Estate and Stronger Together Now have entered into a memorandum of understanding tied to the effort, including a downtown San Bernardino ambassador role. Supporters said the ambassador program is intended to show, on a smaller scale, what a future PBID could provide.
Janelle Martin, COO of Stronger Together Now, said the ambassador role is designed around direct communication with businesses, residents and visitors.
“If there is blight, unhoused individuals in front of a business or safety issues, those things are constantly documented,” Martin said. “The ambassador helps bridge that communication with the city.”
Supporters described the current ambassador program’s working area as roughly from Rialto Avenue to Fifth Street and from east of the freeway to Arrowhead Avenue. The 2023 Civitas feasibility study includes a proposed district boundary map, though the study’s written text does not provide a street-bystreet legal description of the boundary.
The Civitas study estimated a first-year budget of $301,249.33. Of that, 70%, or $210,874.53, would be allocated to clean and safe services. Another 15%, or $45,187.40, would go toward capital improvements; 10%, or $30,124.93, would go toward administration; 3%, or $9,037.48, would be held for contingency and reserves; and 2%, or $6,024.99, would cover collection fees.
Proposed assessment rates in the study were $0.015 per square foot for commercial parcels, $0.0125 per square foot for vacant parcels and $0.005 per square foot for tax-exempt parcels.
Potential services include security patrols, direct communication between property and business owners and law enforcement, litter removal, bulky-item removal, graffiti removal, sidewalk pressure washing, landscaping, decorative lighting, banners, wayfinding signage, public art and other public-space improvements.
The formation effort has been discussed for years. Friedman said he began
raising the PBID concept about five years ago as a way to get downtown property owners and businesses moving in the same direction.
“I wanted to get all the property owners and businesses on the same page,” Friedman said. “Let’s all make the city better together instead of working on the same thing in our own separate ways.”
The city funded the Civitas feasibility study in 2023, but supporters say the effort lost momentum as San Bernardino went through multiple city managers.
“Since then, it went through three or four different city managers, so it kind of got dropped,” Friedman said. “With each city manager, we’ve had to bring the ball back up again.”
Friedman said volunteers have already been walking downtown, reporting graffiti, trash and encampments through the Go SB City app and gathering information from businesses.
“If you see graffiti, trash or a homeless encampment, you report it on the app,” Friedman said. “You don’t engage; you report it. It is a liaison position and a leadership position. You connect with small businesses, connect with the city, collect that data and turn it into action.”
Martin said the work is also about connecting people to resources. She cited examples of helping businesses navigate permits, connecting people with business support organizations and referring residents to community resources.
“We want to be able to refer people to what they need,” Martin said. “As a community member, you might be looking for someone to do your taxes or legal services, and we can refer you to businesses.”
Safety remains one of the central arguments for the PBID. The proposed clean and safe program could include dedicated patrols by off-duty San Bernardino police officers or supplemental private security, according to the Civitas study.
Friedman said the visible presence matters.
“You see that shirt and you know, ‘That’s an ambassador. I can reach out to them,’” he said. “One of the programs we want is for someone to be able to walk you to your car.”
Martin said that sense of safety is especially important for downtown businesses that operate outside traditional work hours.
“For us, that is the most important piece,” Martin said. “If we want to have events here at night or on weekends, we need people to feel safe and secure.”
Under the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994, the PBID would require a formal process that includes a management district plan, an engineer’s report, petition gathering, City Council action, mailed ballots and a final public hearing.
Property owners representing more than 50% of the proposed assessment weight must support the petition before the process can advance. If property owners representing more than 50% of the assessments protest during the ballot process, the PBID cannot be formed. Friedman said supporters hope the pro-
posal will be presented to the San Bernardino City Council in July, though the date has shifted before.
“We know Eric wants it done the right way,” Friedman said, referring to City Manager Eric Levitt. “As much as we’re pushing it, it’s a team effort with the city. We understand if they need a little more time to make it happen, but we do want to get to the finish line.”
IECN submitted a request for comment to Levitt. As of publication, he had not responded.
IECN also encountered Levitt on June 18 at CASA of San Bernardino County’s open house and ribbon cutting, where he said he does not have a lot of experience with PBIDs, but that PBIDs had been in place in previous cities where he worked.
Levitt became San Bernardino city manager in August 2025 after serving as city manager in Fullerton.
PBID-style districts and business improvement districts are already used in other Southern California cities, including Pasadena, Riverside, Ontario, Apple Valley, Los Angeles and San Diego. Supporters also pointed to Old Pasadena, the Arts District in Los Angeles, Ontario and Riverside as examples of districts that have used pooled assessments to support business corridors.
Still, Friedman said he understands concerns about gentrification and whether added property costs could eventually be passed down to tenants.
“Some people are worried about gentrification, and this is a tax on property owners,” Friedman said. “What can happen is that a cost on a property owner may trickle down into increased rent for a tenant. But the idea is that if the business environment improves, those effects are lessened because more revenue is generated for everyone.”
He said the district could also be structured to reduce potential impacts, including by assessing only ground-floor commercial space in some mixed-use buildings.
“You could have a 10-story residential mixed-use building and only assess the retail portion because that is what benefits the district,” Friedman said. “There are ways to lessen or negate the impact a PBID might have on gentrification.”
He said community involvement will be important as the proposal moves forward.
“We want the community involved in this formation,” Friedman said. “This is not just property owners and developers working together. Downtown San Bernardino is so far behind. We have everything to gain by treating people right.”
For Martin, the PBID is ultimately about coordination.
“Everyone can get involved,” Martin said. “This would allow us to improve safety for patrons, improve commerce and make sure everyone is in step with one another to create a better downtown for San Bernardino.”
Public Safety
19-Year-Old Colton Woman Killed in Shooting on Silver Star Circle
By Colton PD
A19-year-old Colton woman was killed in a shooting early June 15, police said.
Colton police officers responded at about 1:26 a.m. to the 1000 block of Silver Star Circle after receiving a report of a shooting, according to the Colton Police Department.
Officers found a woman at a
residence suffering from a gunshot wound. She was later identified as Charlotte Gallegos Aragon, a Colton resident.
Colton Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced Aragon dead at the scene at 1:38 a.m., police said.
Colton police detectives responded and took over the investigation. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Scientific Investigations Division assisted with crime scene
processing, and the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division also responded.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the case to contact Detective Isabel Jaramillo at 909-3705142 or ijaramillo@coltonca.gov.
Anonymous tips may be submitted to We-Tip at 1-800-78CRIME or online at wetip.com.
San Bernardino Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Suspect in Fatal February Shooting
By San Bernardino PD
A20-year-old San Bernardino woman was arrested June 17 in connection with a fatal February shooting on West Concord Street, police said.
San Bernardino police identified the suspect as Elvia Johnson, 20, of San Bernardino.
The shooting happened at about 5:03 p.m. Feb. 1 in the 1600 block of West Concord Street, after police received a report of people armed with a gun, according to the San Bernardino Police Department.
When officers arrived, they found a female victim suffering
from a gunshot wound. Paramedics transported the woman to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries, police said.
Homicide detectives responded and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Detectives later learned that multiple people had been involved in a fight. After the fight, police said, Johnson entered a vehicle and fired one gunshot, striking the victim, before fleeing the scene in the vehicle.
During the investigation, detectives used Automatic License Plate Reader technology to help
identify the vehicle occupied by the suspect during the shooting, police said.
Through investigative efforts, detectives identified Johnson as the suspect and obtained a warrant for her arrest. Johnson was located in Covina on Wednesday, June 17, and taken into custody.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective D. Roy at 909-998-3497 or roy_do@sbcity.org. Sgt. E. Campos may also be reached at 909-998-3491 or campos_er@sbcity.org.
Five Arrested After Attempted Home Invasion in Riverside’s Overlook Community
By Riverside PD
Five people were arrested in Los Angeles in connection with an attempted home invasion in Riverside’s Overlook community, police said.
The incident was reported at about 8:50 p.m. April 9, when the City of Riverside Public Safety Communications Center received a call about an attempted home invasion in the 1500 block of Northhampton Drive, according to the Riverside Police Department.
Officers responded to the area, where a preliminary investigation found video evidence showing three adult males entering the victim’s backyard by jumping over a wall before attempting to enter the residence through a rear door, police said.
The suspects wore masks and clothing that concealed their identities. Investigators also determined the suspects used a Wi-Fi jammer to interfere with the victim’s security cameras as they approached the home, police said.
The victim was home at the time, causing the suspects to flee in a vehicle before they were able to enter the residence.
During the follow-up investigation, detectives assigned to the Property Crimes Unit identified several suspects associated with the vehicle used during the attempted home invasion. On May 27, Property Crimes Unit detectives, assisted by officers from the
Problem-Oriented Policing Team, located the suspect vehicle in Los Angeles.
Officers detained and arrested four men believed to be responsible for the attempted home invasion, along with a woman who police said had multiple outstanding warrants from Florida.
During the investigation, the four male suspects claimed to be from Argentina and provided officers with false identification cards, police said. Police later identified them as Mauricio Gil-Parra, 30; Ignacio Fernandez-Aliste, 28; Jose Molina-Lagos, 30; and Luis Arcila-Alcaino, 29. Police said all four men were residents of Chile.
The fifth suspect was identified as Maria Elizondo-Zuniga, 38, of Mexico.
All five suspects were arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted home invasion, attempted burglary and possession of false identification cards. Police said they are being held on $500,000 bail enhancements.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Devin Duran at 951-533-8830 or DDuran@RiversideCA.gov.
Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Riverside Police Department’s Atlas 1 mobile app using the secure “Send a Message” feature, available on Apple and Android devices.
City of San Bernardino Adopts 2026-27 Budget Focusing on Fiscal Stability, Public Safety, Infrastructure
Community News
The San Bernardino City Council unanimously approved the City’s 202627 Fiscal Year Operating Budget and 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan at its June 17, 2026 meeting, adopting a financial plan that maintains essential services, invests in community priorities, and preserves the City’s strong fiscal position despite an uncertain economic environment.
“San Bernardino continues to make responsible investments in the services and infrastructure our residents depend on every day while maintaining strong financial reserves,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “This budget reflects our commitment to public safety, streets, parks, libraries, homelessness solutions, and long-term fiscal sustainability. We are planning carefully for the future while continuing to deliver results for our residents.”
The adopted $329.5 million budget includes nearly $10 million in new capital improvement funds for infrastructure projects. The General Fund maintains a projected reserve of approximately $104.9 million, significantly exceeding the City Council’s reserve policy requirements.
San Bernardino, like many local governments throughout California, continues to face long-term challenges related to rising costs and revenue sources that are heavily dependent on retail activity and consumer spending.
The adopted budget continues funding for critical City services, including police, parks and recreation, library services, public works, code enforcement, eco-
nomic development, and homelessness response programs. It supports year-round recreation programming, special events, and ongoing investments in neighborhood quality-of-life initiatives.
The City Council also approved continued investment in the Capital Improvement Program, which includes approximately $165 million in active capital projects entering Fiscal Year 2026-27. These investments fund infrastructure projects such as street rehabilitation, park improvements, and homeless facilities.
The adopted budget does contain a projected gap between recurring revenues and expenditures. While the City's reserve levels remain strong, the Mayor and City Council recognized the need for continued discipline and efforts to diversify and grow the City's revenue base over time.
At the Budget Hearing, the City Council voted to appropriate one million from the Cultural Development Fund for arts initiatives, reflecting the City’s commitment to supporting arts and culture as part of San Bernardino’s ongoing revitalization efforts. The Council will consider future actions related to arts and cultural programming, including the potential establishment of an Arts and Culture Committee.
The proposed Fiscal Year 202627 Budget and Budget in Brief are available on the City’s website and provide detailed information regarding revenues, expenditures, capital projects, and departmental priorities. The final budget documents will be available online and in City libraries in August.
PHOTO REMILLET FAMILY
Maddox Remillet participates in the RUSD Run, reflecting the community involvement his parents say could be disrupted if Redlands Unified cuts eliminate the one-to-one LVN support that has allowed him to safely attend public school.
PHOTO REMILLET FAMILY
From behind his wheelchair, Maddox lines up a basketball shot, reflecting the active, engaged childhood his parents say has been supported by consistent one-to-one care at school.
PHOTO REMILLET FAMILY
State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh recognizes Maddox and his classmate Caleb after their documentary, “All Access,” earned national PTA honors for showing a day in the life of a student with a physical disability.
PHOTO REMILLET FAMILY
With support from his one-to-one LVN, Nicole, Maddox Remillet works on a classroom art project, illustrating the hands-on assistance his parents say helped him stay safe, engaged and progressing at school.
By Manny Sandoval
For Desiree and Joe Remillet, Redlands Unified’s budget cuts are not an abstract staffing decision. They could determine whether their disabled 11-year-old son can safely remain in traditional public school.
Maddox Remillet, who will turn 12 in September, was born with spina bifida and achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. He uses a wheelchair and has a history of serious health challenges, including hydrocephalus, a condition that causes fluid buildup around the brain, and has undergone about 16 brain surgeries, his parents said.
But to his family, Maddox is not defined by his diagnoses.
“Maddox has always been such a happy, joyful kid,” Desiree said. “He loves being with friends, being out in the community and being part of whatever is going on.”
Joe said his son has “a certain gravity to him.”
“People are interested in him,” Joe said. “He just has this glow about him that brings people in.”
Maddox loves cars, swimming, playing outside and adaptive baseball through the Challenger Division of Yucaipa American Little League. He also recently finished fifth grade at Mariposa Elementary School and was preparing for the transition to middle school.
His Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, includes a one-to-one licensed vocational nurse paraprofessional, adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, speech therapy and academic accommodations, his parents said. That one-to-one LVN support has been central to his safety, health monitoring and academic progress.
Now, the Remillets say that support has been jeopardized by districtwide cuts.
Redlands Unified trustees in January authorized reductions of up to 138 positions for the 2026-27 school year as the district faced a multimillion-dollar deficit. Public reporting later showed preliminary layoff notices were issued to 60 employees in March, with confirmed May layoffs affecting 43 employees, including special education aides, student health staff, counselors, teachers and student support staff.
The Remillets said they became concerned immediately, even as the district framed the reductions as cuts that would avoid direct classroom impacts.
“The narrative was that they were not going to take anything out of the classroom,” Joe said. “But our concern was, wait a minute, Maddox’s person is not only his health care support, but also his educational support. She is classified in this unicorn position.”
Desiree said the family quickly realized
they might have to fight again for services they believed were already secured through Maddox’s IEP.
“Once again, we had to go into defense mode,” Desiree said. “We had to get all of our ducks in a row and make the case that this position is highly necessary.”
For the Remillets, the fear is rooted in what happened four years ago at Arroyo Verde Elementary School, an East Highland campus in Redlands Unified, when Maddox was in first grade.
Coming out of COVID-19 campus closures, Desiree said she visited the school the day before in-person classes began and saw that Maddox’s classroom was positioned near a flight of concrete stairs.
She said she warned school staff that the location created a safety concern and specifically asked that Maddox not be seated near the classroom door because, if he got out, he could roll toward the stairs.
A few weeks later, Desiree received a call at work saying Maddox had fallen in his wheelchair and that she should come to campus.
“They told me Maddox fell in his wheelchair and that I should probably come down,” Desiree said. “I asked, ‘Is he OK?’ And they said, ‘We don’t know. You should probably come.’”
When she arrived, a fire truck and ambulance were already on campus. Maddox was being placed on a gurney.
“Nobody was giving us answers in the moment,” Desiree said.
She said she learned from a medic in the ambulance — not from the school or district — that Maddox had rolled down a flight of stairs.
“The only reason we found out that he even fell down stairs is because I asked, ‘How could this happen?’” Desiree said.
“The medic looked at me and said he was told Maddox rolled down a flight of stairs.”
Joe said the family was later told Maddox’s one-to-one support had taken her eyes off him briefly before he rolled toward the stairs and fell.
Maddox suffered a fractured nose, brain hemorrhaging and abrasions across the front of his body, his parents said. Because Maddox had already undergone multiple brain surgeries, the hemorrhaging created additional concern.
“This is a kid who already had probably 12 brain surgeries before this, so we were already hyper-concerned about brain injuries,” Joe said.
Maddox physically recovered within a few months, his parents said, but the emotional impact lasted longer.
“It took six to eight months before he was comfortable pushing himself in the wheelchair again,” Desiree said. “Even
on the slightest incline, he would hold tight to his wheels.”
After the fall, the Remillets said they did not feel comfortable sending Maddox back to Arroyo Verde. Joe said returning would have required school leadership to acknowledge what happened, apologize and clearly explain how the campus would prevent a similar incident from happening again.
Desiree said the principal’s response did not give the family confidence that the campus understood the seriousness of what happened.
“She was very dismissive,” Desiree said.
The Remillets toured other campuses and eventually chose Mariposa Elementary, even though it was farther from their home and more difficult to navigate physically.
The difference, they said, was the team around him — especially Nicole, the one-to-one LVN who has supported Maddox for five years.
“Nicole has become like a member of our family,” Joe said. “She is probably the single biggest reason he has made the progress he has made.”
Joe said Nicole knows Maddox’s baseline well enough to recognize when a difficult school day could signal a medical concern, including possible brain-related issues, a urinary tract infection or an ear infection. Desiree said the Mariposa team created the best school experience Maddox has had.
“Everyone there, from the speech therapist to his teachers to the principal, loved Maddox and wanted the best for him,” Desiree said. “It was the best IEP team and support team Maddox has had in his elementary career.”
That environment helped Maddox grow academically and socially, his parents said. This year, he and classmate Caleb received national PTA recognition for “All Access,” a documentary about a day in the life of a child with a physical disability. Desiree said the film won at the Redlands Council PTA, 5th District PTA, California State PTA and National PTA levels.
State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh later visited Mariposa to present Maddox and Caleb with recognition certificates.
But the Remillets said the celebration also revealed a painful disconnect. They said district leaders invited Maddox to a board meeting for recognition after the family had already raised concerns about the cuts affecting his one-to-one support.
“You want to be quick to jump into a photo op with my son and take recognition for his national PTA Reflections Award,” Desiree said. “But you don’t want to address the fact that you’re removing the one critical support that keeps him safe and allows him to stay in public school.”
Joe said Nicole’s LVN position was affected by the cuts and that she took a demotion to remain with the district. But because Maddox’s IEP calls for an LVN one to one, his parents said Nicole cannot currently fulfill that role in middle school unless the district restores the position or offers another plan they believe keeps Maddox safe.
“As it stands, homeschool is looking like the option for Maddox,” Desiree said.
The family said it asked the district to provide a plan by June 30, including whether Nicole could be returned to the role. Without that, Joe said, the family does not believe it can safely send Maddox into sixth grade at a new campus with new staff and an unresolved support plan.
“The district does not have a plan for our son to show up at sixth grade at a different school, with a different principal, a different teacher and a different LVN we have not met,” Joe said.
Desiree, who helped launch the Redlands Special Education PTA, said the concern extends beyond her family. The group has grown to roughly 250 to 300 parents and provides support around IEP rights, advocacy, workshops and family networking.
She said many parents already struggle to secure the services their children are entitled to, and the reductions could add more pressure to families of students with disabilities.
“We already struggled to get the support our children are entitled to,” Desiree said. “Now what are we going to have to fight for?”
Joe said he wants board members and district leaders to spend more time in classrooms before making decisions that affect disabled students and those who rely on specialized support.
“You need to go into classrooms when no one is paying attention and see what these people deal with on a day-to-day basis,” Joe said. “Then you would be halfway to fully understanding how these broad decisions affect students’ everyday lives.”
For the Remillets, the issue is about more than one position. It is about whether public education remains accessible to students whose safety depends on specialized support.
“Just try to look at things through an inclusive lens,” Desiree said. “Inclusion benefits everyone.”
Maddox, she said, is “just another 11year-old” who wants to be with his friends, take part in school and be included in his community.
“He doesn’t see the world any differently,” Desiree said. “He just wants to be out there and have fun in his community.”
San Bernardino Fire Station 227 Breaks Ground to Replace 60-Year-Old Facility
Community News
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District broke ground today on the new Fire Station 227, joined by local, state, and tribal leaders. The new 10,764 square foot facility will replace the current station built over 60 years ago.
Backed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and a funding partnership with Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the new station will sit at 180 West 38th Street and will be the second of multiple new or rebuilt fire stations in the City of San Bernardino.
“Today’s groundbreaking is not only about a new building,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “It is about strengthening our fire protection system, improving service to residents, and investing in the future safety of San Bernardino County.”
Fifth District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Joe Baca, Jr. echoed that sentiment and noted the project’s
significance for the region’s long-term emergency response capabilities. “Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, their neighborhood, and their community,” Baca said. “This new station helps us deliver on that promise.”
San Bernardino County Fire assumed fire, rescue, and emergency medical services for the City of San Bernardino nearly 10 years ago, on July 3, 2016. The new facility will carry a Type I Paramedic Fire Engine, a brush engine, and a future squad, giving crews additional tools to respond quickly and effectively.
“Improving response times means lives saved, property protected, and a community that knows help is on the way,” said San Bernardino County Fire Assistant Chief Gary Jager. “The new Station 227 will be more than a fire station. It will serve as a positive focal point for the Arrowhead neighborhood, a symbol of what’s possible when county, city, and community partners invest together. We’re grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their continued support of the fire district and for making projects like this possible.”
The project also relies on land the San Bernardino City Unified School District made available. Terry Comnick, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, represented the district at the event and spoke on behalf of Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran and Seventh Ward Council Member Dr. Ortiz also spoke and highlighted the city’s continued support for County Fire infrastructure, equipment, and training.
Fire Chief Keith Alexander of the San Manuel Fire Department and representatives from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation joined the celebration and recognized the partnership that made the project possible.
San Bernardino County Fire looks forward to continuing this partnership with the City of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation as Fire Station 227 moves toward completion. The project will bring faster response times and a stronger public safety presence to the Arrowhead neighborhood for years to come.
Riverside Junior Firefighter Camp Teaches Youth Life-Saving Skills, Fire Service Basics
Community News
The City of Riverside Fire Department, in partnership with the Riverside City Firefighters Association Local 1067, hosted its third annual Junior Firefighter Camp, giving local youth a hands-on opportunity to learn life-saving skills and explore careers in the fire service.
The first camp session was held June 8 through June 12, with a second session June 22 through June 26. Together, the two sessions serve 100 students ages 10 to 13 who live in or attend school within the city of Riverside.
Led by Riverside city firefighters and fire department personnel, the camp offers a structured, interactive learn-
ing experience designed to be educational, engaging and fun. Campers receive CPR and Stop the Bleed training while also learning how firefighters respond to emergencies and serve the community.
Participants also gain hands-on experience with firefighting tools and techniques, including operating a fire hose, learning about the Jaws of Life, practicing with a fire extinguisher, taking part in search-and-rescue exercises and exploring firefighting equipment. The camp also emphasizes teamwork, leadership and problemsolving skills.
The Junior Firefighter Camp is offered at no cost to families through community donations made to the Riverside City Firefighters Foundation. The foundation helps fund camp supplies, equipment, training materials,
meals and other resources needed to operate the program.
“The Junior Firefighter Camp gives young people a unique opportunity to learn about the fire service while building practical skills that can help them respond confidently in emergency situations,” Fire Chief Steve McKinster said. “We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Riverside City Firefighters Association Local 1067 and the Riverside City Firefighters Foundation, whose support helps make this valuable program available to Riverside families.”
Now in its third year, the Junior Firefighter Camp continues to grow in popularity as it introduces Riverside youth to fire service careers, emergency preparedness and the importance of community service.
PHOTO SB COUNTY
San Bernardino County Fire crews break ground on the new Fire Station 227, a 10,764square-foot facility that will replace a more than 60-year-old station and strengthen emergency response in the Arrowhead neighborhood.
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San Bernardino Councilman Mario Flores, Councilwoman Treasure Ortiz, Mayor Helen Tran, County Supervisors Dawn Rowe and Joe Baca Jr., and Councilman Fred Shorett joined fire officials for the Fire Station 227 groundbreaking, marking a shared investment in public safety infrastructure.
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Riverside Junior Firefighter Camp participants work together on a fire hose drill during the city’s hands-on youth training program, which introduces students ages 10 to 13 to firefighting skills, emergency preparedness and teamwork.
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Riverside firefighters guide Junior Firefighter Camp participants through a fire extinguisher exercise, giving students practical experience with basic fire response techniques in a controlled training environment.
