W e e k l y COLTON COURIER
Vol 146, NO. 01
THIS WEEK Gloria’s Corner
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Kiwanis SB 30th annual toy giveaway A5
Holiday community health, resource fair
Decembe r 21 , 2017
Non-profit spreads ‘seeds of hope’ this holiday season
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By Marina rojas
eno’s Rico Tacos at 549 West Valley Boulevard in Colton hosted the 9th Annual Seeds of Hope Toy Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 16. Having joined the effort to help families for the holiday season about five years ago, Leno Moreno reminisced about how much the event has grown. “The first time Gloria (Gaona) came to me about holding the toy giveaway here, it was because the place where she had planned to hold it had double-booked and they couldn’t accommodate her that year. When she explained what she was doing, giving toys to families in the Colton area that needed help at Christmas, I had to say yes,” Moreno shared, “and it’s grown a lot. The community pitches in, they come to us to help out. It’s because they know we’re doing the right thing.” Asked what he personally receives from the day-long event, Moreno smiles and says, “I get a blessing and a prayer, and with that, honestly, I’m good to go.” Gloria Gaona, Director and Founder of the faith based organization Seeds of Hope works with
groups and individuals across the Inland Empire all year long to gather toys for families who had previously applied for inclusion to the giveaway. Gaona is quick to offer many thanks to the continued support of those who volunteer and make this event so special for everyone involved. “I always give a special thank you to the board of Seeds of Hope, the real heart of this organization,” said Gaona, “to my family and Leno’s Tacos. This truly takes a village, but most importantly, I thank God who gives me the strength. I just could not do this without all of them.” Since applications are taken all year long prior to the toy giveaway, Gaona says the number usually caps out anywhere between 400 and 600 children who are able to be served in this annual event. This year, even with overcast skies threatening rain, there was a crowd of volunteers in place when the first families showed up. Families checked in to verify they had an approved application, and children were taken to fun stations (this year included Home Seeds, cont. on pg. 2
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LAFCO request could bring development to Reche Canyon
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By Anthony Victoria
INSIDE ONE SECTION, 12 PAGES
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Legal Notices
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Words To think About A5
Opinion
Classified
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HOW TO REACH US
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MArinA rojAs
Seeds of Hope hosted its annual toy giveaway at Leno’s Rico Tacos on Saturday. Pictured is Seeds of Hope Founder and Director Gloria Gaona, left, with Colton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director neli Gutierrez, who donated a big box of toys for the giveaway.
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Gloria’s Corner
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Anthony VictoriA
heather tutton, seen here during a town hall at Reche Canyon Elementary School earlier this year, has been vocal in her opposition of development projects that may affect the community’s rural lifestyle. She raised her concerns to the Colton City Council at their meeting on Dec. 19.
his week the Colton City Council confirmed its support for a sphere of influence amendment request that, if accepted, may have implications on the type of resources and services Reche Canyon residents receive in years to come. ASU Enterprise Partners University Realty LLC is asking the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to have their 209-acre vacant property served by the City of Colton. The land, which is to the east of Reche Canyon Drive and the historic Hitchin Post, currently stands within Loma Linda’s jurisdiction. It does not receive police, fire, or utility services from either of the cities. CEO M. Randy Levin previously told city leaders his organization is committed to helping resolve the roadways, improving LAFCO, cont. on pg. 2