“SPOTLIGHT” Sabrina with DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier

Who wants some CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This “SPOTLIGHT” came from our outreach on Facebook and before being asked to do this interview I never even knew that this type of businesses existed. Sabrina Ruiz is the rep for Independent DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier located here in Rialto.
RIALTO NOW – Sabrina, tell us a little about yourself. Did you grow up in Rialto? What’s your background and education? What prodded you to become a small business owner? Why Chocolate?
SABRINA RUIZ – My name is Sabrina Ruiz. I grew up in Ontario and  recently moved to Rialto two years ago. I attended Ontario Christian High School. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.  I am currently working on my Ph.D  in Organizational Management and Leadership thru Capella University. I have always had a desire to work for myself. I was laid off from my employer of seven years in late 2010. I wanted to produce an income that allowed me to have the flexibility to have time for my family and education .I have always been a Chocolate lover and baker; so of course when I had the opportunity to get paid to share Dove Chocolate I embraced it!
I have the unique ability to earn a full time income while still controlling my own hours, and life! I love the flexibility my Dove Chocolate Discoveries®. business allows me, I am able to always be there for my family and still support a wonderful lifestyle! It’s so much fun meeting my Hostesses and helping them throw great tasting parties that their guests LOVE while earning free products! Guests will learn more about how to entertain, give gifts, and make beautiful and delicious homemade treats.
RIALTO NOW – As an avid baker I do know that dove chocolate is very delicious. What has been your experience in introducing this product to people here in Rialto?
SABRINA RUIZ – I have had a few tasting parties at my home and locally in the area. Many people have not heard of Dove Chocolate Discoveries and were happy to come and sample some premium Dove Chocolate. Our Exclusive line of Dove Chocolate products include: Fabulous drinks, instant gratification, easy to prepare desserts, and professional candy making tools. All of our products feature the premium quality of the DOVE Chocolate you know and love!
RIALTO NOW – What are some of the struggles you have experienced as a Independent DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier in the beginning?
SABRINA RUIZ – The struggles I had in the beginning were finding customers to purchase and host.
RIALTO NOW – What was your motivation on offering this product to our community? Where did you see the value in operating in and around Rialto?
SABRINA RUIZ – Small business in America has been the stabilizing force in the economy. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of creativity and production. Small business is what stimulates economic growth. I believe it is important to support your community that you live in. The City of Rialto is now my home and I want to contribute and support the community. Dove Chocolate is my vessel that I am using to bring business into the community.
RIALTO NOW – What are the struggles of owning a small business in today’s economy?
SABRINA RUIZ – Some of the struggles of owning a small business that I have come across include: marketing expenses, supplies, and building new clientele
RIALTO NOW – Run us through a Chocolate Party. How do we schedule one? What goes on? Is it similar to Tupperware parties only yummier?
SABRINA RUIZ – We do use the same party plan format similar to Tupperware. Dove chocolate parties are so much fun! We gather some friends together usually 20 or so, play a few games, sample about 5 products and enjoy each other’s company. At the end of the party guests are able to place orders and book parties. I am available to schedule parties at (909) 238-9397 or via email partywithbrini@gmail.com. You can also place orders on my website and have Dove Chocolate delivered right to your doorstep. www.mydcdsite.com/partywithbrini
RIALTO NOW – Were you at the Taste Of Rialto Event this past week?
SABRINA RUIZ – No, I was not did not hear about the event until after it took place.
RIALTO NOW – Are you going to have a booth at this years National Night Out?
SABRINA RUIZ – I am looking forward to attending the event and will be looking into having a booth.
RIALTO NOW – If you could pass one nugget of inspiration to future small business owners in Rialto what would it be?
SABRINA RUIZ – Small businesses are job creators. The best advice I would give to small business owners is don’t give up. Personally I support small business Saturday and make an effort to habitually shop at small businesses.
RIALTO NOW – Does your business support any local charities or sports groups?
SABRINA RUIZ – At this time my business does not. My business was recently involved with the making strides for breast cancer walk/run.  I would love to support any of Rialto’s local charities or sports groups thru fundraising.
RIALTO NOW – Is there anything else you would like the Rialto Readers to know?
SABRINA RUIZ – Yes, I am currently holding interviews for Dove Chocolatiers. The only requirements for the job is a functioning mode of transportation, must be 18 or older, and purchase a chocolate kit which is $115 including shipping ($200 retail value). I am the only Chocolatier in Rialto and there is plenty of room for growth within the Inland Empire.
Everyone loves our parties; after all it revolves around DOVE chocolate! I also enjoy sharing this opportunity with others. I have been fortunate to grow a very successful team of wonderful individuals. It is my pleasure to support chocolatiers in growing their own business and attaining their personal goals! Think about joining me today and create the lifestyle you have always dreamed of.
RIALTO NOW – Below is Sabrina’s contact info, if your intreased in a party or working with her please give her a call. Thank You Sabrina for your time and sitting down with us.
Sabrina Ruiz
Independent Dove Chocolatier
(909) 238-9397
partywithbrini@gmail.com
www.mydcdsite.com/partywithbrini
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Burglary Prevention Tips

Burglary Prevention Tips

The burglary basics:

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.

• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

• Keep your garage door closed and locked.

• Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.

• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.

• Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.

• Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives. Don’t tempt a thief:

• Lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight.

• Always lock your garden sheds and garages. • Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

• Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.” Locks…get the best:

• No lock, regardless of its quality, can be truly effective. Key-in dead bolt locks provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for advice on your situation.

• Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.

• When moving into a new home, have all locks changed. Targeting the Outside:

• Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.

• Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.

• Make sure your door hinges are on the inside. Windows:

• Most windows can be pinned for security.

• Drill a 3/16″ hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame – place a nail in the hole to secure the window.

Alarms:

• An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.

• Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you. If Your Home Is Broken Into: If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:

• Do not enter – the perpetrator may still be inside.

• Use a neighbor’s phone or a cell phone to call police.

• Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.

• Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.

• Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons. Other precautions you should take:

• Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places — burglars know where to look for hidden keys.

• Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home — this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.

• Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.

• Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call the Rialto Police Department immediately.

• Mark your valuables with your driver’s license number with an engraver. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.

• Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. We can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.
Consider installing a burglar alarm system.

The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity.

You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes!

Remember the three L’s of Crime Prevention:

LIGHTS, LOCKS & the LAW!

Light up your residence, lock your doors at all times, and call the Law when you see something suspicious.

Fight between Rialto roommates leads to death

Melissa Pinion-Whitt, Staff Writersbsun.com

Posted:   06/08/2012 01:23:50 PM PDT
RIALTO – A fight between roommates ended with the death of a 49-year-old disabled postal worker and the other man suffering stab wounds, police said Friday.Police came to the 2900 block of North Orange Street at 4:19p.m. Wednesday and found Juan Tulio Valens dead from upper body trauma.

“It looks like he was probably choked to death,” said Rialto police Capt. Randy DeAnda.

Investigators are awaiting an autopsy from the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.

Police said Valens’ roommate, William Michael O’Connor, 37, had been taken into custody by Rialto officers on May 17 and was taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation.

After he returned home Wednesday, O’Connor got into an argument with Valens, who was on leave from the San Bernardino Postal Distribution Center in Redlands due to a medical disability, DeAnda said.

Valens grabbed a kitchen knife and began stabbing O’Connor in the head, and O’Connor fought back, fatally injuring Valens, police said.

Paramedics took O’Connor to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. He was expected to survive, authorities said.

Valens was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the District Attorney’s Office will review the case to determine whether any charges should be filed against O’Connor. Reach Melissa via email or call her at 909-386-3878.

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_20814956/fight-between-rialto-roommates-leads-death#ixzz1xP9H0JmN

Man and woman shot in Rialto

Ryan Hagensbsun.com

Posted:   06/09/2012 06:12:56 PM PDT

A man and a woman were both shot in the leg at about 5:45 p.m. Saturday at Ferguson Park, police said.Both victims were taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to treat their wounds, which are not life-threatening, said Sgt. Andre Shourds.

Police are still collecting information on the shooter and the circumstances, he said.

“We just know there was a bunch of people there, and some kind of altercation that turned into a shooting,” Shourds said.

Some further information was collected but is being kept to protect the investigation, he said.

He said he didn’t know the names or ages of the two victims.

Ferguson Park is at the corner of West Casa Grande Drive and North Alder Avenue in Rialto.

http://www.sbsun.com/ci_20821990/rialto-police-respond-shooting#ixzz1xOwggIg6

Colton man in wheelchair falls into hole

Horrible incident but thank God he came out ok. Rialto Fire on scene assiting.

COLTON – Firefighters on Thursday rescued a man in a wheelchair who fell into a 6-foot-deep hole that was left covered with a weathered and unsecured piece of plywood, Colton fire officials said.Charles Walker, 67, of Colton was in his motorized wheelchair on a Wildrose Avenue sidewalk when he rolled across the plywood covering the hole over an open electrical vault, Colton Fire Department spokesman Tom Debellis said.

“The plywood appeared to be weathered,” Debellis said. “Mr. Walker was taken to the veterans hospital in Loma Linda just for precautionary measures.”

Walker didn’t have any obvious injuries, acting Fire Chief Tim McHargue said.

Firefighters used a hoist to lift Walker’s motorized wheelchair out of the electrical vault after they pulled him to safety.

“He was talking to us, and he was glad we were there,” McHargue said. Not including Walker’s weight, the board probably collapsed under 300 to 500 pounds from the wheelchair, McHargue said.

“We don’t have any information at this time who left the plywood covering the hole,” Debellis said.

City workers had been working on the underground vault earlier in the day, according to sources at Colton Public Utilities.

“Until this is completely investigated the city of Colton has no comment on this matter,” City Manager Rod Foster said in a phone interview Thursday evening.

Colton work crews secured the hole, Foster said.

San Bernardino and Rialto firefighters assisted in the incident.

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_20808805/colton-man-wheelchair-falls-into-hole#ixzz1xDAqp5YZ

Graffiti Removal, How important is it to you?

When I first moved back to Rialto I noticed how much graffiti was all over the place it was like little LA.

We rented for one year then made the decision to purchase our first home in Rialto, the graffiti was out of control.

We banded together with Lt Burkholder, Lt Crispin & Cpl Muir to get the graffiti under control. I personally held GPC the graffiti removal contractor to a hard-line of removing the graffiti ASAP. I helped GPC & the city of Rialto over obstacles such as private property right of ways and businesses that were no longer cleaning graffiti on their back walls because of retaliation against their maintenance employees. Councilman Ed Palmer and I developed a way to get property owners and leasing companies to keep their leasing signs free of graffiti.

And things were looking better……………………….. Until Now!!!!!

The city has decided to change contractors beginning last month May 2012 to save $3 a stop. Now everyone has heard the saying you get what you pay for, and we are getting just that cheaper service that has more excuses than results.

Larry De Corona the Owner of Superior Property Mainence ( http://www.4superior.com/ ) came out to the Area 1 Command Meeting stating that nothing will change but better faster services at a lower price. He tried to tell us his company can’t take care of our drainage Areas or Washes ( which is wrong ) and that they were brining in a new camera program, knowledgeable staff ect. None of his statements have shown to be true.

So I wonder why I have been calling and seeing graffiti up for days and days, poor painting, tags still showing through ect. Then I remembered something Mr. De Corona said at the meeting they are the largest graffiti removal program in LA County. Ah ha this is why who hasn’t driven around LA County and been blinded by graffiti.

Larry Decrona Owner & Managing partner in aquisition and Property Managment

Larry De Corona (pictured above) called me yesterday very upset that I am asking his company to remove the graffiti in a timely fashion. He said that they are working within the confines of the contract and that I couldn’t use his statements at the Area Command Meeting as gold. He told me that in April GPC billed the city $8K for the month of April, Superior billed the city $6K for May. This isn’t because they are so much cheaper it’s because they are slower to respond and GPC work some Saturdays in April Superior doesnt.

Mr. De Corona said something that speaks to where he is coming from a property management back ground that showed his lack of knowledge of this city or the War we wage her on Hoodlums. He said “Whats the difference if the graffiti stays up a few more days if it saves the city money”. Really did you just say that. Graffiti is a hoodlums way of saying he owns your neighborhood, street or city, and everyday it’s up there is another day to influence our teens, intimidate our communities and enrage community members.

I spoke with Tim Sullivan from public works and he told me that Superior is new and he is keeping close account of the complaints and looking at Superior’s response times and quality of work. We want to keep this from becoming a problem.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rid-Rialto-of-Graffitti/216882198324244 – We have a Facebook Page you can visit and post your problem areas with graffiti or just email them to rialtonw@aol.com and we will post for you.

Ferguson Park the Multi Million Dollar park that wont be stripped until the July Grand Opening was hit hard and it took Superior 3 days to remove this graffiti, so people’s questions on safety at our parks is still an issue and thanks to Superior the community is wondering if the new park is even worth visiting.

I have called the graffiti hotline numerous times to find MAJOR, MASSIVE tags up for days and even weeks.

The graffiti Hotline number is 909-820-2670 put this in your cell phone and call on every tag.

If you have questions, complaints or concerns please call 909-820-2602 and ask for Tim Sullivan.

Coffee With the Chief, Taste of Rialto and More………….

Coffee with the Police Chief

June 12th from 8:00 to 9:00 am – A meet and greet with the Rialto Police Chief and staff!  This will be a recurring event happening every 2nd Tuesday at Coffee Nutzz (119 E. Foothill Blvd.).  Come out and learn more about your Police Deparment!

A Taste Of Rialto

You’re invited to join us for the 8th Annual Taste of Rialto on Thursday, June 7th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm in Downtown Rialto.  The Rialto Chamber of Commerce, City of Rialto, and State Farm Insurance are sponsoring the  “Taste of Rialto.”  This event will highlight over a dozen of Rialto’s finest restaurants and will include wine and beer tasting from several participating wineries and breweries in the region.  A wide variety of foods including African, American, BBQ, Cajun, Chinese, Mexican and International cuisine will be free for the tasting!  The event will be held at the Downtown Park on the northeast corner of Rialto Avenue and Riverside and will include entertainment.  Tickets for the event are $25.00 and are available from the Rialto Chamber of Commerce (909) 875-5364 and at the event.  There will also be a Cruise Night on Friday, June 8th from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. See you there!

Run What You Brung Car Show

Come join us for the annual Run Whatcha Brung car show. This event takes place Saturday, June 9th,  from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Downtown Rialto. Free admission to spectators.

2012 National Night Out

National Night Out is a nation-wide program co-sponsored by Target in where neighborhood watch groups come together one night a year with Target representatives, police, fire, school and city officials, to celebrate the concerted effort in fighting crime throughout the year. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:30 pm.

National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity for our community to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. It represents the kind of spirit, energy, and determination that is helping make our neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. It is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention success and to expand and strengthen our commitment throughout the year.

The Rialto Police Department and its personnel are proud to host such a great event and we would like to say a special “Thank You” to all of our citizens for their willingness to work with us to make this a better and safer Rialto.

Counter balancing SB Sun Newspaper Primary Review

Below is the endorsmants of the local paper SB Sun. We will add under each one and let our readers see who is out there and who may also be a better pick.

Review of our primary endorsements

Posted: 06/03/2012 07:05:03 AM PDT

Leading up to Tuesday’s primary election, our editorial board has made ballot recommendations in some competitive races. Here are summaries of our endorsements:Congressional District 8

Assemblyman Paul Cook, an effective state legislator, is the best choice for the expansive new 8th District. Cook is a respected conservative, but no idealogue. He’s a listener and a problem-solver, just what Congress needs.

We are supporting Victorville city council member Angela Valles for the 8th district. She has done a lot to bring out the issues facing the High Desert as well as being able to call a bad deal a bad deal and stand in the gap. It’s not rare to find here engaging people via social media and discussing the issue at its core. Strong candidate for the 8th. Find her at http://www.facebook.com/vvmccfvalles

Congressional District 31

Bob Dutton is a former Rancho Cucamonga councilman and state assemblyman who rose to Republican leader of the state Senate. He’s a practical, solution-oriented leader and he’s our choice for the 31st District.

 

Bob Dutton is a good choice, he is a former Councilman at Rancho Cucamonga, has been in the Assembly and Senate. Has strong ties to the community and supports a strong public safety. Find him at http://www.facebook.com/bobdutton

Congressional District 35

Our editorial board split right down the middle on this race, a contest between two veteran Democratic legislators and a Green Party candidate. Half of the board backs Rep. Joe Baca, the other half state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod. Both will likely square off again in November anyway, since the state’s new primary election rules will send the top two vote getters, regardless of political party, to the general election.

We support Joe Baca in this primary & that is saying a lot because were not his biggest fans. Joe Baca has stepped out in Rialto and helped clear environmental regulations in building projects and advocating for Local Control of Ontario Int Airport. The airport issue is a big one because it is a massive hassle to schlep out to LAX just to have out-of-town visitors. Also a revitalized airport will bring jobs here in droves and jobs are what we desperately need. His contact info is http://www.facebook.com/BacaCA43

Assembly District 33

Big Bear Lake Mayor Bill Jahn is our choice for the 33rd District. Jahn, a senior-housing builder, is an accomplished leader regionally and a natural fit for important committees on transportation, housing and local government.

Tim Donnelly is the incumbent running for this seat. He is a strong candidate that cares for his community and the state he lives in. He is truly the Assemblyman that deals with the issues his constituents want him to not looking to how those actions may complicate his re-election efforts. He fights daily for his people and they are better for it. Plus the SEIU has been attacking Tim to no avail. I was ruined by unions so I have no love for them so when they oppose someone it makes them more attractive. Contact Tim @ http://www.facebook.com/tim.donnelly.12 

Assembly District 47
Local publisher Cheryl Brown’s deep roots in San Bernardino County and her focus on educational opportunities and job growth – two of the area’s most pressing needs – make her a natural fit for the 47th District seat.

Were backing the other side of the Baca’s with Joe Baca Jr. We support his desire to bring safe parks and family/community gathering sites. What we like the most is his ability to stand in the gap for Rialto Rate payers and twice vote down the bad water deal approved by the rest of council. He will excel in this assembly seat and make us proud but we must first put him through the primary. something interesting challenger Cheryl Brown has weak support from within the Black Chamber of commerce, meaning there is a clear divide. Joe Jr can be contact at http://www.facebook.com/BacaJr  

Board of Supervisors 3rd District

James Ramos, former San Manuel tribal chairman, is a consensus-builder who will make an effective leader. His considerable business experience will be especially helpful in budget and economic development matters.

Everyone supporting Ramos is doing so under the guise of having the ability to call in tha favor when the time is right. Ramos is a big wig with San Manuel and they have money, these people want a piece. Some bigger than most but they still want a piece.

Derry can come off smug and cocky and unable to debate someone that may have a different outlook on things than he does. Also he went negative way to fast almost attacking Ramos right out of the gate. I like it when polotions can have mud slung at them but not throw it back right away. This is a lazy board that can’t even make up its mind on food truck regulations, county life in limbo.

Board of Supervisors 5th District

Supervisors Chairwoman Josie Gonzales has grown as a leader since her election to the board in 2004. She is up to the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that open communication with residents and businesses is the best way to secure the county’s future.

Silvia Marroquin, a Fontana community organizer is a much better choice than entrenched professional politician Josie Gonzales we need a changing of the guard and someone that works so much in the local community would be a better choice. Josie Gonzales is a snob that refuses to respond to her community, wasted tons of money on a You Tube video diverting traffic to her lame FB account, said in reference to the part-time county supervisor idea that was circulating in a petition that if it passed she would have to quit because she refused to work with less. Contact her at http://www.facebook.com/silviajudith.marroquin?sk=wall

Proposition 28

We urge passage of Proposition 28, which would make smart changes in California’s nearly two-decades-old term-limits law. Currently, state legislators are held to six years in the Assembly and eight years in the Senate. The initiative would cut the total limit from 14 years to 12 but allow someone to serve the whole time in one house (or a combination of houses). This would preserve the message that elective office is not a lifetime appointment, while giving legislators enough time to develop the skills, knowledge and relationships with colleagues required for effective lawmaking.

We say Vote “NO”. First off the legislators want it they are supporting it. Second it will no help keep legislators from abusing the system instead of 8 in the assembly and 6 in the senate they can do a full 12 in either. NO, NO, NO

Proposition 29

We recommend defeat of Proposition 29, which would raise the California cigarette tax by $1 a pack to try to discourage smoking and raise funds for research into tobacco-related disease. The aim is noble, but the initiative would add to bureaucracy and funnel hundreds of millions of dollars into an effort that is not among the cash-strapped state’s highest priorities right now.

Prop 29 is nothing more than a way to force more money out of people’s pockets. If the backers of this Prop think  funding cancer research is so important why don’t they give out of their own pockets. If you don’t think smoking is good or should be legal then have the legislator ban them from Ca. Stop giving elected officials an out by saying that one was by the people. I’m not a smoker, I am a cancer… survivor, this will not cause people to stop smoking what it will do is take more money out of hungry families pockets. I have lost so much respect for Lance Armstrong by allowing himself to be attached to this money grab. California Voters “JUST VOTE NO” “LEAVE OUR TAXES ALONE” “WE ALREADY PAY THE HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY”

Man killed in Bloomington shooting

Saturday night Ryan Hagensbsun.com Posted:   06/03/2012 12:54:34 PM PDT

BLOOMINGTON – A man was shot dead at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Jurupa Street on Saturday just before midnight, according to sheriff’s officials. Deputies responded to a call of shots fired at 11:49 p.m. and found Rialto resident Joseph Anthony Rojas, 33, had been shot, according to spokeswoman Jodi Miller.

He was taken by ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he died shortly after arrival half an hour later, Miller said.

There are no suspects, but detectives believe the shooting may be related to a party that was held at that time three houses east of the shooting.

“We are asking anyone who may have been in the area or know anything to contact us,” she said.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Stan Winjhamer or Sgt. John Gaffney by calling sheriff’s dispatch at 909-387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-782-7463 the WeTip website, www.wetip.com

 

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_20772434/man-killed-bloomington-shooting-saturday-night?source=most_viewed#ixzz1wpittjA5

Neighborhood Watch has helped reduce crime in San Bernardino neighborhood

Looking at the examples of how this program works in other communities is a good way to see the value in supporting these programs. Local businesses can offer all types of things to help bring the stragglers out of their houses and into their various community meetings. Elected officials attending these meetings regularly & integrating other agencies that work with yours to the meetings and programs helps show people in the community all the resources available to them. this type of knowledge is power.
Below is a great example of how a bad community can be turned around with the right type of effort.
SAN BERNARDINO – When Tim Callaghan moved into his Conejo Drive apartment nearly three years ago, some of his neighbors were halfway house tenants, suspected drug dealers and prostitutes, he said.Those neighbors are gone now, and crime has dropped in his neighborhood.What’s the source of the dramatic change?

Neighborhood Watch, he said.

“If you want the homicides to drop, if you want the break-ins to drop, you have to give the police a little help,” he said.

It’s a program that has been around since the early 1970s, and focuses on bringing together residents and law enforcement to prevent crime and improve communities. But not everyone is sold on it, some don’t trust law enforcement and others are discouraged to join due to language barriers.

Callaghan, 46, a sales associate at Games for Fun, says he often runs into people who are dubious that the program works.

“A lot of people have this black cloud image, that if they call, nothing’s going to get done,” he said.

His group began with three members, who worked together to observe and write down suspicious and criminal activity in the area.

They talked to the city about cleaning up a pile of house rubble left behind from the Old Fire at the end of the street. They reported a dangerous hole in a bridge over Cross Street.

Callaghan took it a step further by installing surveillance cameras in the area and installing burglary alarms in his apartment. He also attended San Bernardino Police Department’s community police academy – a seven-week course that teaches residents about the department.

Police came in, made arrests, served search warrants and cleared residents out of homes where criminal activity was taking place.

City workers cleaned up the burned-down house and fixed the hole in the bridge.

The number of crimes occurring in the neighborhood has dropped from 21 in the first quarter of 2011 to 12 in the same period this year, according to police statistics.

When residents around him saw the progress, his group grew from three members to 15.

“He stepped up, got a few people, who got a few more people and now it’s just rolling,” said San Bernardino police Lt. Paul Williams.

But the process hasn’t been without some challenges.

An elderly couple living on Conejo, who are members of the group, reported suspicious activity to police several months ago. That call resulted in police arresting several people, Callaghan said.

The same night, someone busted the front windows of the couple’s home. Another window was broken three weeks later. Callaghan and his neighbors worked together to replace the windows and report the crimes to police.

The vandalism stopped after they contacted officers.

San Bernardino Police Chief Robert Handy said he began holding regular meetings with Neighborhood Watch leaders when he started with the department. Police use those meetings to teach residents how to improve their neighborhoods, report illegal dumping, code enforcement issues and other matters.

“The more residents get involved, the more improvements the residents can make and we can make,” Handy said. “We’re much stronger together than we are separate.”

For information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch group in San Bernardino, call Diane Holmes at the Police Department, 909-388-4918. Reach Melissa via email or call her at 909-386-3878.

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_20769946/neighborhood-watch-has-helped-reduce-crime-san-bernardino?source=most_viewed#ixzz1wkVi4ePF

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