From left, Colton Councilwoman Susan Oliva, Councilman David J Toro, Councilman Vince Yzaguirre, Councilman Frank Gonzales, Union Pacific Public Affairs Director Lupe Valdez, Colton Mayor Sarah Zamora, Councilwoman Deirdre Bennett and Councilman Alex Perez.
Colton has rich history with the railroad industry. In fact, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company founded the town site of Colton in 1875, naming it after David Douty Colton, who was Vice President of the railroad company. At that time, Colton was the transportation hub of the San Bernardino Valley, earning its moniker as "The Hub City." As the site of the famous "Colton Crossing" of the Union Pacific and BNSF lines, Colton's residents literally grow-up around trains. The City has a history of partnership with Union Pacific, including UP support of City events and programs, such as Colton's annual Birthday Celebration and scholarships provided through the Colton Parks & Recreation Foundation. The City also works with Union Pacific to provide frequent railroad safety programs for Colton's youth, to help ensure that our children know how to be safe around trains.