W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 22, NO. 38
May 30, 2024
Historic Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery, Resting Place of Early Settlers in Colton, Reopens After $1.059M Rehabilitation By Manny Sandoval
T
IECN.com
Colton City Council Recognizes Student Leaders Ahead of Graduation Pg. 4
he historic Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery has officially reopened after an extensive $1.059 million rehabilitation project. This significant investment, funded by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, promises to enhance visitor experiences and preserve the site for future generations. The renovation, which began in August 2023 and was completed in May 2024, includes drive repairs, landscaping, the addition of an entrance monument, interpretive signage, gate replacement, and the conservation of select headstones and gravestones. A key aspect of the project was the use of groundpenetrating radar to create a comprehensive map of all burials, providing invaluable data for future research. Nancy Melendez, president of the Old Spanish Trail Association and the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation, emphasized the personal and historical significance of the site. "My third great grandfather, Juan Manuel Lorenzo Trujillo, led the original ten
San Bernardino Valley College Celebrates 97th Graduating Class at San Manuel Stadium
families across the Old Spanish Trail and settled here. He was kind of the unofficial mayor because everyone looked to him. He died in 1855, and this cemetery, established in the mid-1800s, became his resting place. Unfortunately, over the years, rains, floods, and vandalism led to the loss of many graves, including his." The cemetery, which had fallen into severe disrepair and was closed in the mid-1960s, became completely shuttered in 2019. Melendez recounted, "In 2011, we wanted to recognize Lorenzo Trujillo for his contributions. With the help of family genealogist Leonard Trujillo and a sculptor friend, we installed a piece that resembled the Latin cross and the New Mexico flag, symbolizing Lorenzo's faith and heritage. The Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino blessed the monument, marking a pivotal moment in our preservation efforts." Melendez further highlighted the cultural importance of the site, "This reopening is crucial because it's a place for people to learn about history. You don't need to have an ancestor buried Cemetery, cont. on next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A family at the event exploring the historic cemetery on May 22, 2024.
1,700 New Shoes Donated to SB High School Students, Highlighting Critical Need for Proper Footwear in Low-Income Communities
Pg. 5
Over HOW600 TOCommunity REACH US Members Supported Inland Empire Community Mental Health Newspapers Awareness the 6th Office: (909)at 381-9898 Editorial: Stand iecn1@mac.com Annual Up to Advertising: sales@iecn.com Stigma 5k Legals : iecnlegals@hotmail.com Pg. 8
HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A group of four SBHS friends receiving five pairs of socks from Shoes That Fit, after garnering their new pair of athletic shoes.
By Manny Sandoval
I
n a heartfelt and significant gesture of generosity, an anonymous donor, who is an alumnus of San Bernardino High School, donated a six-figure worth of brand new athletic shoes to the entire student body of 1,700 students on May 23rd. This remarkable act, facilitated by the nonprofit organization Shoes That Fit, aims
SBHS student Tristen, who says he’s thrilled to be receiving a new pair of athletic shoes as one of his two current pairs no longer fits.
to address a critical need often overlooked in low-income communities. The donation included high-quality athletic shoes from brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Fila, ensuring that every student at San Bernardino High School now has access to proper footwear. Additionally, each student received five pairs of socks, further enhancing their comfort and readiness for school activities.
"San Bernardino High School wants to express its deepest gratitude for this incredibly generous donation made by one of our alumni," said Principal Anna Sosa. "It is heartwarming to know that there are organizations like Shoes That Fit who are dedicated to supporting the community and ensuring that every individual has access to basic necessities. Your kindness and support mean the world to us, and we are truly SBHS Shoes, cont. on next pg.