The Heart of Colton Shines for Baby Colton by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

JUNE
S M T W T F S
31 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
View Events
Submit Events

The Heart of Colton Shines for Baby Colton

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
January 29, 2015 at 10:35am. Views: 103

Just 10 days after the Colton community gathered to share words of love and memorialize a newborn baby boy, residents gathered once again at Desert Lawn Cemetery in Calimesa to lay him to rest. The Jan. 24 burial services brought together approximately 75 people who said their final goodbyes to the newborn, who was discovered dead by a resident on the morning of Jan. 2 clothed and wrapped in a blanket next to a trash can on the corner of Seventh and B streets near the old Evans Market. Colton police determined that the child – dubbed “Baby Colton Evans” for the location where he was discovered – was not older than two weeks at the time of his death. There was a large gathering on Saturday, but exact numbers were hard to calculate because she didn’t count, explained Debi Faris, the founder of Garden of Angels, a non-profit organization that works to advocate for safe surrender and helps bury children who have died after being abandoned. Faris was entrusted with the burial services for the child. “I don’t really look at numbers because I feel the people who are there are the people who are supposed to be there,” she said. The services included musical selections and a message given by Lifehouse of Christ Church’s Pastor Oly Chavez. Attendees included community members and other city dignitaries, like councilmembers and both chiefs of the police and fire departments. “There was such a circle of love that surrounded Colton,” said Faris. “It was very moving and very heartwarming. I felt like the heart of the city of Colton was there.” Faris helped enact safe surrender legislation that went into effect Jan. 1, 2001, allowing parents to safely surrender their newborn children up to three days old to any hospital, emergency room or fire department without fear of persecution. “All these people who didn’t know (Baby Colton) wanted to love and honor him. They were saying, ‘We will be your voice, too,’” said Faris. “When this type of tragedy happens I am very prayerful of us making a difference with possibly another child.”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

June 4, 2026 at 02:04pm. Views: 432

Across Moreno Valley, students are reaching a milestone that represents years of dedication, growth, and perseverance. To the Class of 2026, this moment belongs to you, and it’s one worth celebrating.

Photo Courtesy of: The Petersen Kids

By The Petersen Kids, Community Writer

June 4, 2026 at 07:55am. Views: 452

Niel “Pete” Petersen Turns 95 this weekend. B.Y.O.B, Bring Your Own Bible. Pete has long been a cherished and prominent member of the Grand Terrace community. He has also shared his insights and experiences as a contributing writer for City News Group, helping inform and inspire local readers. A man of deep faith, Pete is an active member of both Colton Christian Church and Centerpoint Church. As he celebrates his 95th birthday, the community joins together in honoring a life marked by compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI-generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1453

Business professionals and community leaders attend a luncheon networking event featuring guest speakers and local updates.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1223

Brenden Muir proudly represents Titan Baseball with dedication, leadership, and passion both on and off the field.

Photo Courtesy of: Truly Adams

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1610

Truly “The Truth” Adams secures a second-place podium finish at NOLA Motorsports Park during the opening rounds of the 2026 Ligier Junior Formula Championship.

Photo Courtesy of: Alisha James

By Carl M. Dameron , Contributing Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1419

PHOTO CAPTION: “This means so much to me because I love my students and the population I serve,” said Black Rose Award Winner Alisha James, Senior High Teacher at San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD).

Photo Courtesy of: City News group AI Generated Image

By The Opinion of Vivian Johnson, Community Writer

June 3, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 439

Budget priorities can influence how communities support economic development, business licensing, and local entrepreneurship. This AI-generated illustration represents the connection between city financial planning and small business growth.

Photo Courtesy of: Dr. G (Dr. Luis S Gonzalez)

By Dr. G (Dr. Luis S Gonzalez), Community Writer

June 3, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 466

Dr.G, Council Member and Community Advocate and Delma Ledesma, award recipient.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Miles Thornton, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 647

Colorful resin keychains highlight how simple materials and creativity can produce polished, one-of-a-kind accessories at home.

Photo Courtesy of: Bububácsi

By Paige Mercer, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 478

A hand-decorated ceramic mug demonstrates how simple painting techniques can transform everyday items into custom home décor.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Lucas Hart, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 615

These balloon rockets races encourage curiosity, teamwork, and problem solving.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Anthony Romano, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 466

Tender teriyaki chicken glazed to perfection brings together sweet, savory, and satisfying comfort in every bite.

--> -->