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Residents and truck drivers urge Colton Unified board to allow showers at Pilot Travel Center in Bloomington
Summary
Dozens of speakers — truck drivers, family members, local workers and business supporters — told the Colton Unified School Board that showers at Pilot Travel Center are a public-health and dignity issue and asked the district to consider the facility while development and partnership talks continue.
Dozens of residents, truck drivers and business representatives used the Colton Joint Unified School District public comment period on Aug. 7 to press the board to consider allowing shower facilities at the Pilot Travel Center in Bloomington.
Speakers described long hours on the road, difficulty finding clean facilities and the public-health and safety benefits of access to showers. "Shower facilities at truck stops are not a luxury. They are a matter of public health, hygiene, and dignity," Dalia Zavala said during public comment.
Several drivers and family members recounted personal experiences in which access to showers affected fatigue, health and the ability to perform safely. Truck driver Gabriel Simmental told trustees that being able to shower helps him “feel human” while working long shifts. Community members such as Alicia Vega and Regina Lopez, who described family members who drive for a living, asked the board to put themselves in truck drivers’ shoes when evaluating local development and partnerships with travel centers.
Business representatives and local volunteers also spoke in favor of the Pilot Travel Center, saying the site provides jobs and can be a community partner. John Group representative Mandy Core (as recorded on the public card) urged the district to consider partnership benefits, including internships and support for schools.
The Pilot property and a related matter were mentioned as items that may be discussed in a closed session; speakers asked for resolution in good faith and more collaboration between the district and the business owner, Mr. Chandi. Trustee discussion and votes later in the agenda amended a separate motion to include Measure G funds for the new Bloomington elementary school; the Pilot issue itself was not decided at the open meeting.
What happens next: The board closed public comment after the scheduled speakers and moved into administrative presentations and action items. The Pilot/closed-session matter was flagged for further consideration; the public was told the district would follow up when appropriate.
Representative speakers and positions: Dalia Zavala (public health framing); Benjamin Pratt (IBW Local 477, apprenticeship and local-hire support); multiple truck drivers and family members described the practical needs for showers; several business representatives urged collaboration and presented potential community benefits.
