Active Community Member Appointed to CAM Board of Directors

Last weekend at the Colton Area Museum, Dr. Luis S Gonzalez (Dr. G), was officially appointed to the board of directors for 2014. The museum is located at 380 N. La Cadena Ave, and includes an organization made up of a board of directors, volunteer docents and a general membership. Dr. G has been a museum docent for two years and will continue in that capacity while serving on the museum board. During that time, Dr. G has devoted much time and energy to bring to the museum several new events, including a community reception, musical performances and a local art show. In 2013, Dr. G was instrumental in the gathering and completion of the well-known Colton High School (CHS) Yearbook Collection. Over the last three months, Dr. G has been working in collaboration with the Colton Joint Unified School District to bring to town the historical Colton School Quilt, which is now on display on the museum's lower level. Currently, Dr. G has two research projects already in progress: one about Colton city veterans of World War II, and the second, a history of the Colton High School band. In addition, plans are currently being made to establish a CAM Museum Day on the first Saturday each May, this year being the first on May 3, 2014. For 16 years Dr. G had previously served as the CHS band director. Under his direction, the CHS band has won numerous awards for concert band, marching band and jazz band competitions, as well as being recognized by several organizations for their contribution to the cultural life of Colton. Those activities have included formal concerts, parades, school presentations, athletic events, city events, service organizations, senior center concerts, on-campus gigs and performances at several businesses. Dr. G has also served as a clinician for professional music conferences, a guest lecturer for college and university courses, and a guest conductor for several schools and honor bands throughout California, Ohio and Colorado. In 2012, Dr. G officially “semi-retired” as band director, and now continues his 38-year career teaching history at CHS. From 1996 to the present, Dr. G has educated, mentored and motivated over 3,500 of Colton’s youth. His vast experience working with people has led him to serve in several leadership positions including church boards, educational boards, European travel groups and professional boards such as the California Band Directors Association for 10 years. He has traveled to Europe several times and has a passion for his Christian faith, music, teaching, service to the community, gardening and history. He also volunteers regularly with the Salvation Army and often provides physical and financial assistance to senior citizens and the homeless. Dr. G was a candidate for Colton City Council in 2012, and has recently announced his candidacy for Colton City Council — District 4, for the upcoming election in November 2014. Currently, Dr. G provides tutoring and lessons for students after school and is an active community participant with the Colton Area Museum, the Luque Senior Center, the Hutton Center, Colton First, Immaculate Conception Church, the Colton Planning Commission, the Utilities Commission, and the Colton City Council. In addition to the museum, Dr. G also holds membership with the Colton Friends of the Library and the Chicano Latino Caucus of the Inland Empire. He also performs regularly on guitar, trumpet and piano at school events, church services, local businesses and local service organizations. Community residents are invited to visit the Colton Area Museum and see the many outstanding displays. Regular museum hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dr. G is regularly scheduled to be on duty the third Saturday of each month.