Colton

#Key findings

• Mayor: incumbent Frank Navarro (won with 77% in 2018 and 69% in 2022) faces Councilman John Echevarria, a San Bernardino police lieutenant. Echevarria gives up his council seat if he loses. ^[1]
• The trash contract is the main record difference. In 2024 the council extended CR&R's trash franchise to 2037 without competitive bidding, 3–2. Echevarria voted yes; Navarro voted no. CR&R gave Echevarria $1,497.50 in Dec 2022. ^[1] The Sentinel argues that may have triggered state donor-recusal rules; no agency has made that finding.
• Measure O would make the city treasurer appointed instead of elected, starting in 2028. Today the only qualification is living in Colton. ^[2][3]

#Measure O: Appointed city treasurer

What it does: The council appoints the treasurer, sets minimum education and training standards, and reviews performance. It takes effect when the current term ends in November 2028. If it fails, the office stays elected. ^[2]

Track record: Colton has already cut its council from 7 to 5 members and has considered ending the elected city clerk. ^[1]

Money and conflicts: Signed for by Councilmember Luis S. González and Aurelio De La Torre, a former Colton city treasurer. I found no filed argument against. ^[3]

Does it solve a lasting problem? Most California cities appoint their treasurer, so this is mainstream. The trade-off is one fewer independently elected official watching the city's money.

#Mayor

#Frank Navarro (incumbent)

• Key findings: Mayor since 2018; councilman from 2012 and planning commissioner before that. Founded the watchdog group Citizens for Colton First. ^[1]
• Voted against the no-bid CR&R extension. ^[1]

#John Echevarria

• Key findings: District 4 councilman since 2020; San Bernardino police lieutenant. ^[1]
• Votes: for the 2024 no-bid CR&R extension; for consolidating council stipends and car allowances into $1,600 a month (effective Dec 2026); for removing a two-year wait before former elected officials can be appointed to city boards. ^[1]
• Money: $39,848 cash on hand at the last report, ahead of Navarro. CR&R gave him $1,497.50 in 2022. ^[1]
• Caveat: the Sentinel, the main outlet covering this race, is openly critical of him.

#Council District 3

GoodParty lists these candidates; its list may be incomplete, so check your sample ballot.

#Luis S. González (incumbent)

• Councilmember and utility commissioner; signed the Yes argument for Measure O. ^[3][4]

#Eugene Valdez

• I found no independent reporting on this candidate.

#Council District 4

Open seat, since Echevarria is running for mayor. GoodParty lists these candidates; its list may be incomplete.

#Drianna Escarcega

• I found no independent reporting on this candidate.

#Joseph Paulino

• I found no independent reporting on this candidate.

#Lawrence "Larry" Rivas

• Named as a filer by the SB County Sentinel. I found no other reporting. ^[1]