Colton High “Fact of the Day” – May 11
Due to widespread theft, the CHS library installed a security system in 1985. Freshman Greg Orndorff is pictured here testing the book detection system, which was four weeks old at the time.
Colton High School opened in 1895. It is one of the oldest high schools in the Inland Empire. In this daily feature, we celebrate Colton High’s rich history.
In 1985 theft became a real concern for the Colton High library. Five hundred books were getting stolen per year, which was costing the school quite a lot of money for replacement. Speaking to the Pepper Bough in April 1985, media specialist Charles Graser said, “Students would steal the best books we have. It was horrible because they would just disappear and we lost a lot of magazines as well.”
To solve the problem, the library Media Center installed a book detection security system. Unchecked books would trigger the alarm system, alerting the librarian. However, that did not stop thieving students from trying to bypass the system. Kids would exit through the gate in groups to prevent the alarm from going off. Those caught tampering with the security system were referred to administration for disciplinary action.
The security system was officially removed in 2019 as part of the library renovation that took place that year.
Recently, the CHS Publications Department experienced a major theft as over $20,000 in photography equipment was stolen from our studio over Spring Break. This included all cameras. Any amount you donate will help rebuild our program. Thank you!
Joseline Ortega Delgado is a student at Colton High School. She doesn't talk much. When you run into her, expect her not to hear you over the music playing...