CHS Dedicates Math and Science Building to Former Mayor David R. Zamora

“Working with people and especially helping them in any way he could gave him a sense of enjoyment, fulfillment, and great satisfaction. I personally believe that God created him to embrace life and live it to the fullest,” said Colton City Mayor Sarah Zamora to a crowd who gathered Wednesday evening, Oct. 2, in front of Colton High School’s (CHS) Math and Science building during a ceremony which dedicated the building to Zamora’s husband, former Mayor David R. Zamora. “I know for the 40 years we spent together, he did that every day. I thank God and feel blessed to have had him in my life as my husband and the …” Mayor Zamora paused as she was overcome with emotion. She continued after a moment, “father of my children.” Rancho Avenue was closed off for a short time that evening as community residents, leaders, school officials and family and friends gathered to honor the life and legacy of David R. Zamora, who served his community in various capacities, including as a member of the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) School Board and later as the Colton City Mayor from 2010 until his passing in July 2011. Sarah Zamora remembered her husband as a happy individual, she told the audience. “For those of you who didn’t have the privilege of knowing my husband on a personal note, I will share a few facts. He was the type of person that burned with energy, happiness and joy every morning … He was always smiling, laughing, telling jokes and having a great time.” Following Mayor Sarah Zamora’s speech was a standing ovation and a round of applause as she was embraced by family members—more than half of those in attendance were related to David. The CHS NJROTC Color Guard presented the colors, the school’s band provided the soundtrack for the evening and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by David Zamora’s grandchildren: Seth and Selah Johnson, and Raquel and Joaquin Jorrin. Guest speaker, CJUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, said, “Permanently dedicating a portion of CHS to David Zamora is a perfect gesture, because his humor, his passion for our community and his life’s work represent the best of Colton pride, and exactly what we strive to carry with us into our future.” Almendarez credited David Zamora with the reason he is today the CJUSD Superintendent, often in his speech referring to how David Zamora treated him as a friend. “Over the years, he would call me to ask how I was doing, or just to talk, and that meant a lot to me, because not only did I see him as a board member, but as a personal friend,” said Almendarez. Board President Roger Kowalski touched on David Zamora’s commitment to the city as a whole, and his drive to ensure Colton’s success. Kowalski said, “When David retired from the City of Colton, he could have enjoyed a life of leisure, but just as he was dedicated to the needs of the students and to the school district, he was also dedicated to the needs of the citizens and the city of Colton. Until his passing in 2011 he worked vigorously to meet the challenges of his new position.” David’s daughter, Summer Zamora Jorrin, gave closing remarks. “I know he would be humbled that his name is up for everyone to see, and that we are all here today to celebrate him. This is extra special for our family, since his name is on the building at the high school that my sisters and I are all graduates of,” she said. “I wanted to share something my dad used to tell me when I was growing up. He would say, ‘There are three kinds of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, “What happened?” Which kind are you?’ I know we can all agree that my dad was, without a doubt, the kind that made things happen. He led a very proactive and involved life, both in his public life and, more importantly, in his private life as our dad and as Papa to his grandkids.” Prior to the ceremony, school board member Randall Ceniceros also remembered David Zamora as a friend. “I didn’t know him as long as some other people did, because I live in South Fontana,” said Ceniceros, “but whenever I came to Colton, he would always give me that big toothy smile and a handshake. We’re glad this [the dedication ceremony] is finally here. It’s long overdue.” The blessing of the building was given by Centerpoint Church’s Pastor Dane Aaker, with a closing prayer led by Colton First Assembly of God Church Pastor Jonathan Florez, both of whom were friends of David Zamora. David Zamora was a board member from 1997 to 2010, serving during his tenure as both the president and vice president. Additionally, he was employed by the City for nearly 30 years, serving as the Director of Community Development, where he was responsible for overseeing both the building and planning departments, as well as the planning commission. After he retired in 2009, David concluded his time on the school board and ran a successful campaign for mayor. The math and science building which bears his name is a two-story, 46,794-square-foot building equipped with 30 classrooms and 1,380 seats. The project was built with a budget of $18.6 million, comprised of a combination of voter-approved district bond Measures B & G funds, state matching funds and capital facilities funds. It was constructed in cooperation among the CJSUD facilities project team, CJUSD Facilities Team, and partners DJM Construction, noted Principal Amanda Corridan. The building is located on the corner of Rancho Avenue and West Valley Boulevard.