Tutus, Rainbows and Girl Scouts at Cal State San Bernardino by Katherine Li - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Tutus, Rainbows and Girl Scouts at Cal State San Bernardino

By Katherine Li, Community Writer
September 20, 2013 at 02:24pm. Views: 52

By 8 a.m. the temperature had already reached into the nineties and thousands of runners gathered at the starting line. The temperature would top 106°F by the time the last runner took her mark. On Sept. 7, the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council hosted the 5K Colorful Dash, a unique paint race to celebrate individuality and self-esteem. The 3.1 mile course explored the Cal State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) campus and the event drew an impressive turnout of 3,700 people, with 3,450 participating in the actual race. “You could really feel the energy in the crowd,” said Colorful Dash coordinator Elizabeth Locke-Thomas. All ages, from toddlers to grandparents, arrived—mostly in plain white T-shirts—ready to be doused in clouds of prismatic powder color. Many Girl Scouts danced and sang alongside their families. Troops and even some parents arrived in matching tutus and hair bows. The official motto of the Colorful Dash was, “Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful.” A Pinterest contest took place in the weeks before the race, where contestants pinned images that best represented their individuality and inner beauty. “We decided our race theme should promote self-esteem. Talk about knocking it out of the park! The number-one thing said over and over again was, ‘I am so proud of myself! I can’t believe I did this!’” said Locke-Thomas. That’s not surprising considering 75 percent of participants had never taken part in a 5K race before. Completing the event was truly a landmark moment for many families from Riverside and San Bernardino. Micah Garner, a runner, said, “Our troops had a great time doing this. I especially liked the fact that we all got out and were active and still had fun.” Inside the VIP tent, open exclusively to registered Girl Scouts and special guests, granola and gourmet nut mixes from the upcoming fall product sale were available for sampling. Several stations inside the tent also offered activities, such as an affirmation station. Sam, a Girl Scout, wrote on her affirmation badge, “I like me because I’m kind and courageous,” and displayed the badge on her color-splashed shirt. Near the Dash finish line, families could be seen dancing and tossing packets of brightly tinted powder high into the air, while the smash-hit Gangnam Style pumped from the speakers of the dance party DJ. Mary Swartzel, who volunteered at the event, said, “I had the privilege to work as a color thrower. I would do this again any time. I don't think I have ever seen so many happy and colorful people.”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 208

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 176

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 127

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 117

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 132

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 223

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 215

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 116

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 128

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 107

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 187

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 134

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->