Press Release for Chapter 3 Roadeo:  https://www.thestarnews.com/road-to-bus-roadeo-contest-leads-to-chula-vista/

Chapter 1's second workshop was a total success and did not disappoint. We were fortunate to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day, which made for a perfect outdoor picnic lunch and an even better overall experience.

Most importantly, the energy was electric as we welcomed 83 dedicated participants—a fantastic turnout that shows just how committed our transportation community is to excellence in school transportation.

Aquinas High School’s San Bernardino facility and staff were on-site bright and early, ensuring we had access to all necessary areas well before the workshop began. Their support and preparation played a key role in the smooth execution of the day.

A huge thank you goes out to our generous sponsors—RIDE Bus, AZ Bus, Schools First, and Model 1. Their continued support helped make this workshop possible, and we are incredibly grateful for the commitment and partnership.

A round applause for our presenters who gave up a Saturday or while on duty showed to help enlighten our attendees! Thank you!

• CHP Officer Ivan Sandoval, CHP/PIO San Bernardino Being Safe with Today’s Challenges

• San Bernardino County Sherriff Deputy Cody Becker and his team, Opioid Awareness & Safety for School Transportation

• Julie Reyes, Driver Instructor/Independent Ins and Outs and Ups and Downs of Field Trips

• Kelly La Ponsey, Driver Instructor/Durham Student Services Got Brakes????

We’re excited to keep the momentum going and look forward to what’s next!”

 

 

On February 7, 2026, CASTO Chapter 4 celebrated a landmark moment—the first in-person workshop since the pandemic—by bringing together an enthusiastic crowd of 87 participants for a day of camaraderie, hands-on learning, and community spirit. The agenda was filled with energy, featuring high-impact sessions such as “Active Shooter/First Observer” certification and scenario-based drills, followed by a practical deep dive into “Railroad Crossing Safety” and a lively discussion on “It’s All About Safety: Rules and Regulations.”

Attendees actively engaged in each session, asking thoughtful questions, sharing experiences, and strengthening the collaborative network that makes CASTO thrive. A special thank-you goes to our sponsor, BYD—particularly Jason Shi—for keeping everyone fueled with fresh Starbucks coffee and a generous supply of Porto’s, turning an already memorable day into an unforgettable celebration of safety and solidarity.

     

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – On January 31, 2026, C.A.S.T.O. Chapter 9 hosted a high-impact training workshop featuring a powerhouse lineup of industry experts:

​Stephanie Oliver (CDE-OST): Shared vital expertise on "No Student Left Behind."

​Tony Verdugo (SLO Sheriff Gang Task Force): Delivered a powerful session on local safety trends and route awareness.

​Vincent Evans and Tom Mitchell (CA Operation Lifesaver): Led an interactive presentation on railroad safety.

​Antonio Perez (San Dieguito Union HSD): Presented on the fundamentals of ROADEO. His session began with a classroom presentation then moving to the Cuesta College parking lot for an opportunity for attendees to test their skills.

​Building Team Spirit

The day also featured a high-energy Rock-Paper-Scissors tournament. This exercise built camaraderie and mirrored the friendly spirit of a Roadeo, turning participants into "Super Fans" for their teammates.

Drivers reported they had a great time and walked away having learned a significant amount of actionable safety information.

 

Chapter 14 had an amazing day with more than 40 in attendance at our January 24th Roadeo workshop. Training included the parallel park, stop right turn, backup stall, offset alley and the sharp backing crossover.

Everyone that attended was pleased with the outcome.

             

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Chapter 7 hosted a workshop titled "Remembering the Past, Protecting the Future". We covered five tragedies that changed the school bus industry.

-Paul Lee (2016) Child check devices

-Fox River (1995) Railroad Crossings

-Thomas Lanni (1994) Red Lights and Escorts

-Elk Grove (1985) Distracted driving

-Martinez (1976) Dual Air Breaks, Proficiencies, Training, Bus Body Improvements

It was a great turnout. We had 89 attendees, more than we can remember having.

Thank you to our sponsors, Everdriven and A to Z Bus Sales.

Our next workshop will be a virtual one on March 7, 2026 from 8:00am - 11:30am.