Life-Long Coltonite Honored with Military Banner by Kayla Sheldon - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
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 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events

Life-Long Coltonite Honored with Military Banner

By Kayla Sheldon, Staff Writer
March 16, 2016 at 11:00am. Views: 100

Life-long Coltonite Richard Y. Castorena was honored for his devoted service to our country with a military banner installation ceremony hosted by his family, friends, and his hometown of Colton. According to his daughter Connie Avila, Castorena, better known among family and friends as “Ricky”, joined the Army at the young age of 17. “He lied about his age,” she explained. “He wanted to join but he wasn’t 18 yet.” He served for nearly two years, Dec. 1, 1943 to Nov. 20, 1945. Castorena was a member of Company E, 130th Infantry, 33rd Division. He had a variety of duties during his service including multiple risky duties; he had multiple titles as he was a scoutsman and a rifleman. Castorena was skilled in patrolling, and determining the location of the enemy. “He would go out before the troops,” Avila explained. “It was a really dangerous job.” Although Castorena passed away in 2005, before his passing Castorena often shared stories of his various experiences in the military with his family. “He said it was definitely an experience since he had to go out before the troops,” said Avila. “He got hurt once, too.” Castorena was a noble man and his acts during his service only enhanced this trait. Avila shared that he carried a wounded soldier to protection; he earned a purple heart. That was just one accolade he earned during his service. He also earned two bronze medals, a victory medal, and more. Throughout his time served, he traveled to various places including the Netherlands, Philippine Islands, New Guinea, and more. Castorena was born and raised in Colton, right on O Street, she said. “He was here his whole life; the family is very well-known around here." He attended Colton High School but was unable to graduate due to his honorable decision to join the military. Throughout his childhood, Castorena enjoyed playing the harmonica and dancing. “My father was a great dancer,” said Avila; specifically with the “zoot suit” scene. “It was one of his favorite things to do,” she added. Unfortunately most of his family members were unable to attend Castorena's military banner installation ceremony due to illnesses. However, Avila shared that many of his friends showed up to support him. “We all got a chance to share a few words about him,” she added. “It was a very nice day.”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Woman's Club

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

November 13, 2026 at 04:48pm. Views: 293

Join the celebration on Sunday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Richard Rollins Community Park. Come play, have fun, win prizes and help celebrate 48 years of Grand Terrace!

Photo Courtesy of: BBOP Center

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 732

BBOP Information Session The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, an Inland Empire economic and workforce development hub and a project of Time for Change Foundation, has launched Pathways to Prosperity, its Employment Training Pathway Program (ETPP), a comprehensive workforce initiative designed to connect residents facing barriers to employment with the skills, credentials, hands-on experience and employer relationships needed to enter and advance in high-demand careers.

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino's California Theatre from 1930

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 516

Nearly a century after opening its doors, the downtown landmark remains an important connection between the city's entertainment history and its cultural future. In downtown San Bernardino, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts stands as a reminder of a time when attending a movie or live performance was one of the most anticipated social occasions in a growing Southern California city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 484

With winter approaching, emergency officials are coordinating flood prevention, roadway maintenance and public alerts to help residents prepare for dangerous weather. A heavy rainstorm can change the landscape of San Bernardino in a matter of hours. Streets that ordinarily carry commuters and school buses can become difficult to navigate, drainage channels can fill rapidly, and neighborhoods near foothills may face increased risks from flooding and debris.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 464

A sweeping decision involving California's most serious criminal sentences has drawn strong opposition from San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, placing the county's chief prosecutor at the center of a statewide debate over justice, victims' rights and executive authority.

Photo Courtesy of: West Valley Water District

By Socorro Pantaleon, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:14am. Views: 370

Group photos of WVWD Board Members and winning students of the 2026 Poster Contest

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 602

During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility for scholarships supporting college and career training.

Photo Courtesy of: Khouri Evans-Dangerfield

By Mike Hoover. President, Inland Empire Civil War Round Table, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 375

University of Redlands student Khouri Evans-Dangerfield will examine slavery, constitutional law and the decisions that divided a nation during a free November 15 presentation at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 382

November 11 screening of acclaimed film “All We Imagine as Light” invites students and community members to experience international cinema and discussion. Films can transport audiences to places they have never visited, introduce them to unfamiliar experiences and encourage them to consider how people in different parts of the world navigate relationships, work and personal challenges.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Willam Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 377

A decision announced in Sacramento could change the sentences of hundreds of California prisoners, bringing renewed attention to the death penalty and the future of criminal punishment across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom announced November 5 that he intends to commute the death sentences of all 548 people currently sentenced to death in California.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 458

November 21 event at Olive Avenue Market will introduce residents to drought-tolerant landscaping, city rebates and the benefits of native plants. A beautiful garden does not have to depend on a large lawn or plants that require frequent watering.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 311

A school announcement can contain information that changes a family's entire afternoon. A reminder about an upcoming meeting, a schedule adjustment or a message from a teacher may determine when a parent leaves work, arranges transportation or helps a child prepare for the next school day.

--> -->