On a beautiful, sunny day at Rialto’s Margaret Todd Park, crosstown city rivals from both Rialto and Colton PD’s at-risk-youth programs came together to participate in a friendly competition. City dignitaries and family members gathered as well to witness the excitement. Saturday, April 7th, marked the return of the 4th annual Earp Challenge. Rialto Pride Platoon played host to Colton’s At Risk Teen Academy. After a series of stamina-testing physical activities, including a team sled-dragging relay and a team tug o’ war, C.A.R.T. walked away with the win. “It’s very competitive, it’s teamwork and it brings kids together, which is very important,“ comments Colton City Council Member Isaac Suchil, who was in attendance. Also present were Colton City Manager Bill Smith and Colton High School Principal Joda Murphy.
Don Earp, a descendant of the famous Earp brothers, dressed in an 1880’s gunslinger suit was in attendance on behalf of the Earp family to present the trophy to the winner of the academy games. The coveted Earp Challenge trophy has been awarded to Rialto Pride Platoon for the last 3 years. “This class is one of the most physically fit classes we’ve had,” says Rich Randolph, C.A.R.T.‘s coordinator. On hand for a celebratory lunch was the In-N-Out food truck to reward the students and staff of both programs for a job well-done.
Both the Rialto Pride Platoon and The C.A.R.T. (Colton at Risk Teens) Academy are designed to introduce at-risk youth to discipline, guidance, and career development. The programs are a collaborative effort between law enforcement and community-based organizations, with law enforcement being the facilitators. Students between the ages of 13-17 are immersed in a para-military environment that allows them to be exposed to various levels of mentoring, career development and other topics. Success or failure depends directly on the level of commitment and application of each participant and the participant’s family. For more information on the C.A.R.T. program, please contact the Colton Police Department C.A.R.T. Staff at (909) 370-5160 or download an application online at coltonpd.org. For more information on Rialto’s program or to add your son/daughter to the next boot camp class, please call the PRIDE Platoon information line at (909) 820-2621 or email prideplatoon@rialtopd.com.