W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 23, NO. 20
January 9, 2024
Wolverine Con International Celebrates ’90s Pop Culture at SBVC with Films, Rap Battles, and a 66-Hour Challenge By Manny Sandoval
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n infusion of ’90s nostalgia is set to transform San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) this spring as the Wolverine Con International Student Film Festival returns March 4–7, 2025. Featuring everything from a debate competition to a rap battle and a 66-hour film challenge, the annual festival is spotlighting an era known for iconic movies and groundbreaking independent cinema.
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San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra Performs Inaugural Concert Pg. 5
PHOTO NAVARRO
Briana Navarro (left), SBVC FTVM alumna and KVCR Public Media employee, conducts a Q&A following the debut screening of her feature film, “A Man’s Due,” with Department Chair Lucas Cuny (right) at Wolverine Con 2024.
Ontario and New York Firefighters Play Final ‘Fire on Ice’ Hockey Match at Toyota Arena Jan. 18 Pg. 8
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“This is my favorite time period because it was my comingof-age decade, transitioning from high school to college,” said Lucas Cuny, SBVC’s Film, TV, and Media Department Chair. “The ’90s was a rediscovery. The ’80s had huge blockbusters with Stallone and Schwarzenegger, and before that, the late ’60s and ’70s were all about film auteurs like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. But in the ’90s, emerging filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Wes Anderson finally started making the movies they really wanted.” Cuny notes the importance of the 1990s in launching the modern film festival circuit—
epitomized by Sundance—and cites quintessential ’90s titles like “Pulp Fiction,” “Seven,” and “Swingers.” He also points to 1999 as a watershed year for cinema, boasting landmark films such as “American Beauty,” “Fight Club,” “Office Space,” and “The Matrix.” Rap Battle, Debate, and More In addition to screenings, Wolverine Con will host a debate competition and the festival’s first rap battle, both student-driven ideas. “They wanted something cool and engaging,” Cuny said, referencing SBVC’s student interns. “It’ll be an audience-voted event in the Music Lab Space in North Hall, and we invite participants to bring their best rhymes.” 66-Hour Film Competition Open to the entire community—not just students—the 66Hour Film Competition expands on the popular 48-hour film challenge format. Teams will register on FilmFreeway by February 20. At 7 p.m. on February 21, registered filmmakers will receive an assigned genre and a required Route 66 element to include in their short. They’ll have exactly 66 Film Festival, cont. on next pg.
Chastain, Toro, and Others Begin Historic Terms at Colton City Council Swearing-In Ceremony By Manny Sandoval
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n a ceremony marked by personal milestones and a renewed commitment to local governance, incumbent Councilmembers Kelly Chastain and David Toro were officially sworn into office at the Colton City Council’s final meeting of the year on Dec. 18. City Clerk Isaac T. Suchil and new City Treasurer Mike Razo also took their oaths, rounding out a day that signaled both continuity and forward momentum for the city. Chastain’s Return to Council Councilmember Kelly Chastain, re-elected in November 2024, has previously served as both councilmember and mayor. Receiving her oath of office, she wasted no time expressing her eagerness to continue serving Colton residents. “I want to get to work,” Chastain said. “We have a lot to do and I hope we can bridge some of the gaps and see the best for the residents of the city. Thank you to the city staff for the work they filter off and online.” Chastain’s history of public service in Colton spans multiple terms: Council (District 3): 1996–2006 Mayor: 2006–2010 Council (District 2): 2022–2024 With this new term, Chastain is poised to become the longest-serving woman in the
city’s history, marking 20 years of service by its completion. Over the years, she has focused on delivering reliable city services, enhancing public safety, and building stronger communication channels with residents. Toro’s Sixth Term and Personal Reflections David Toro, another incumbent who also won re-election in November, had his oath administered by his sons, Michael and Jayden Toro. This marks his sixth consecutive term on the council, continuing an 18year stretch. Toro recounted his early activism in Colton, highlighting how he and seven neighbors successfully petitioned for a multi-purpose park instead of a proposed soccer field. “A group of eight residents, including myself, got together to oppose a soccer field. Councilmember Connie Cisneros and Mayor Frank Gonzalez voted to allow the residents to vote on what the homeowners in the Mello-Roos district wanted to go on that property,” he said. “I took the responsibility to get a petition going and got over 300 signatures in the Mello-Roos district, with only one person voting no. The eight members of the group actually designed that park.” Toro noted that park remains “one of Colton’s most used multi-purpose parks” and credited support from San Bernardino County and Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. for forthcoming improvements.
He also revisited the pivotal moment of securing approval for Colton’s habitat conservation plan on Feb. 3, 2015. “My birthday is Feb. 12th, and it serves a purpose,” he said. “With each update, I’d say, ‘Maybe by next year’s birthday we can have it.’ … On Feb. 3, 2015, our habitat conservation plan was approved. This allowed for the medical university, the development on the corners of Valley and Pepper, and we are still in the process of making history on the west end with further developments that are coming.” Now entering his sixth term, Toro acknowledged the significance of his long tenure. “It’s six terms and 18 years today and this has created a lot of history for me politically and personally,” he said. “It is humbling when people thank me for the decisions I make on their behalf.” He also shared a personal note about sharing a Feb. 12 birthday with his wife, mentioning they were married on that day as well. Suchil and Razo Take Office City Clerk Isaac T. Suchil was sworn in by his son, Eric Suchill. Having previously served on the council, Suchil promised to maintain strong staffing levels and to offer more services through the City Clerk’s office. “Although this seat is different from my previous seat, I will treat this seat with honor and respect and with dedication to all of our residents,” he said. “I want to maintain our staff levels in our office. I also Colton City News cont. on next pg.