PG native wins California councilman’s seat

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Nov. 5, 2026

   Belizean-born Joseph Paulino, a native of Punta Gorda, won a seat on the Colton City Council in the 4th district of San Bernardino County, California, on Tuesday, November 3, in the U.S. midterm elections.

   Paulino won 43.79 percent of the votes cast in the 4th district, to win over his nearest rival who garnered 42.2 percent of the votes, while the 3rd candidate got 13.9 percent of the votes.

   He had campaigned on a platform to ensure safer neighborhoods and schools, and more responsive city services. He pledged to keep residents informed and involved, with respect and dignity for everyone.

   As retired Chief of Police, he brought with him 16 years of service to the city, where he displayed strong leadership in emergencies, making hard decisions under pressure, balancing budgets and managing resources responsibly, to put the community’s safety and well-being ahead of politics, with an open-door policy of accountability to the community he served.

   His supporters say, “Joe Paulino has earned our trust through years of service”.