Rialto identified as one of the most difficult cities in SB County to obtain public records.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BEAU YARBROUGH — SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEWS GROUP

In an article penned by Beau Yarbrough we see that Rialto is one of four cities in San Bernardino County to not respond or fufill  California Public Records Act requests from San Bernardino Sun reporter. Out of 24 cities that were requested Adelanto, Fontana, Grand Terrace & Rialto never filled the request or even responded.

This should not come as a surprise to anyone that has ever requested documents from our city or its many departments. Rialto is one of the most secretive cities in the county, even our blog has been a sore spot for the city leadership as items that used to be kept quite now float to the surface on the pages of our blog. Councilman will demonize us and city leaders may curse us under their breath but the simple fact is that Rialto residents have very little idea what goes on at city hall.

To be completley honest we have never filed one of the California Public Records Act requests because we have known for a long time what Beau Yarbrough has found out they are Dead on Arrival. Here at Rialto Now we rely on honest people giving us information or using on the spot video to prove what has been said in secret. The best example of this would be newly elected Councilman Rafeal Trujillo and his secret Rialto Sanctuary City Meeting. Had we not had video proof of what was going on few would have believed what we were telling them.

Former Councilman Shawn O’Connell used to say that before he was on the council the city would ignore his advocacy groups Freedom of Information Act requests until they began to serve them in open public council meetings and still had to pressure staff to get the information requested. This election the issue of a lack of information that is readily available to city residents is severely lacking. We also found out in this election that the person who is responsible for this information seems to have little time to process requests.

It will be interesting to see how the city responds to the SB Sun article.

Rialto Police Chief Cuts Ties With Friends of Rialto Police K9 Program

Earlier this week our offices received a letter that is addressed to Rialto Police Chief Randy Deanda, Mike story and city of Rialto.

This letter goes into detail about the knowledge of the city of Rialto approving the work done on the K-9 obstacle course and yard. It also goes into detail about an interaction with our police chief and the president and founder of friends of the Rialto Police K-9 Association.

The letter details a complaint where Chief Randy Deanda banged on Greta Hodges door and personally delivered a letter stating that the friends of the Rialto Police canines were no longer to be involved with Rialto Police canines the letter also stated that Randy Deanda had spoken to Rialto city council members and that they all agreed with the chief on this decision the letter also goes into the fact that Chief Deanda apparently brought a witness with him Captain Wilson from the police department to verify that he delivered the letter.

The letter details that Chief Deanda opened a internal affairs investigation and officers interrogated Greta Hodges founder of The Freinds of Rialto Police K9 on the telephone and at the canine obstacle course the letter states. As of June 20th 2016 the police department no longer need the services of the friends of the Rialto Police canines a group that has funded canine operations in the city of Rialto for decades. It’s hard to Fathom with a basically cash balance budget that we would be in a position to start funding K9 purchases and operations when there’s a non-profit organization willing to do the work and provide the funding. It’s also odd that a police chief can by himself without any written Authority from city council mayor or the city administrator tear up or sever ties with an organization like this. The letter also states that Chief Deanda said that the Police Departments budget has approved and they no longer need the help of the Friends of Rialto Police K9’s. This is confusing as Rialto is looking at yet another extension of the Utility Users Tax or the creation of a Public Safety tax to provide police services.

Another point of reference that the letter spells out is the way that the Chief’s actions have hurt the Friends of Rialto Police K9 with other officers, vendors, donors and the city leadership. This action by Chief Denada has created what some say an unnecessary division among the Friends and the Police Department.
From what we can surmise is that this all began with whatever issues lye between Chief Deanda and Former K9 officer Glen Anderson who was fired last month after a lengthy IA investigation.

Another victim of this situation is former officer Glen Anderson’s K9 partner Jordy who has been stored at the Alderhorst training facility for almost a year now. It is very concerning for some in the community and The Friend’s of Rialto Police K9 that this powerful skilled dog has been allowed to be an additional victim of this sad series of actions.
We looked further into the authority of the Chief to be able to cut ties with this organization and it appears it is up to him but it is odd that this type of decision would not be made public.

World’s Longest Pizza 2017 Comes To Fontana

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World’s Longest Pizza 2017-Fontana, CA

PizzaOvens.com and sponsors announce that they will be attempting to break the Longest Pizza World Record at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California on April 9 th, 2017. The event is scheduled to run from 10AM to 7PM and is free and open to the public. Records are made to be broken. For leading pizza oven and equipment company, PizzaOvens.com, breaking the World’s Longest Pizza record was too tempting to resist. Backed by a team of top names in the pizza industry including Tony Gemignani, Giulio Adriani, Tom Lehmann, John Arena, Fred Mortati, Massimo Balacchi and Jimmy DeSisto, the event is destined to be a big success.

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All proceeds raised and the finished pizza will be donated to local charities and food banks. America and pizza certainly go hand in hand. The fact that the Guinness World Record for World’s Longest Pizza is being held outside of the United States is unfathomable. PizzaOvens.com has accepted the challenge, recently announcing that it (along with a few hundred friends) will be taking on the challenge to break the record on a fun and exciting day at Auto Club Speedway on April 9th 2017.

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Plenty of food and entertainment will be available to keep things lively with all the proceeds and food going to local homeless shelters and food banks. Not surprisingly, excitement surrounding the event is high. “Breaking records is a big part of anyone’s spiritual journey” commented Fash Asvadi, director at PizzaOvens.com & Italforni USA Ovens. “Facing challenges and pushing the envelope makes us better beings. With all the fun involved with a project like this and the fact that in this process we are sharing something with others less fortunate, it is not a surprise that the attempt has been received with true enthusiasm at every level.”

Official sponsors of the Longest Pizza World record challenge include Pizzaovens.com, Doghouse Carts, Italforni Authentic Italian ovens, Orlando Foods distributors for the Caputo flour and Ciao brands, Scaffold Works and Capstone Scaffolding with their amazing 7000’ scaffolding, SoCal Gas, Sysco providing the Riserva Cheese by Arrezzio, TFX Non-Stick and Venice Bakery with their generous contributions of the dough handling and preparation for the event. According to the Longest Pizza team, the April 9th challenge will be an attempt to make a 7000′ [2.13Km] pizza, that’s not just long but looks and tastes great. An official from the Guinness Book of Records will be present to document the challenge and officially judge the record attempt. Auto Club Speedway of California is located 45 minutes north east of Down Town Los Angeles, making it an easy drive for anyone not wanting to miss this potentially historic and indescribably fun day in America’s pizza time line.

Find the official event on Facebook

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Senator Connie Leyva Visits Jehue Middle School

A Senatorial Visit to Jehue Middle School….. 20th District Senator (D) Connie Leyva, visited Jehue Middle School students, staff and parent volunteers this morning to a roaring audience of engaged students. The Senator, who has roots in the Cities of Colton and Rialto (her husband coached in the RUSD District in the late 1980s) spoke to Jehue students in the MPR about the importance of history, education and work ethics  “My first job at the union that I was employed for, I took out the trash. I dedicated myself to that task,” explained Senator Leyva. “They noticed. I worked from the ground up, and later, I became the first female President of that Union.” After some loud applause from students, she added, “Never stop working hard, at any level.” The Senator also recognized Jehue Middle School Principal, Mr. Armando Urteaga, much to his surprise, with a “Principal of the Year,” certificate. Mr. Urteaga was one of two RUSD administrators selected by ACSA, Region 12. The other RUSD employee was a former Principal of Jehue Middle School, now RUSD Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance, Mr. Leonard Buckner. Enjoy the highlights and GO JAGUARS!!

It takes a village of Jaugars to add success. State Senator Connie Leyva walked into Jehue Middle School with a team of smiling and welcoming District officials, students, staff and parent volunteers. The Senator came to speak to the school’s social studies students about history, work ethics and importance of earning a solid education.

Parent Volunteers add strength to any schools… Jehue Principal Armando Urteaga introduced the Jehue Parent Leaders, sitting front and center, and thanked them for support.

Listening to Jehue Middle School students on stage, RUSD Lead Innovative Agent, Dr. Jinane Annous (far right)and RUSD Superintendent, Dr. Cuauhtemoc Avila (middle) joined Senator Connie Leyva, (far left, in a white blazer) as she was the guest speaker, addressing Jehue Middle School social studies students.

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Jehue Middle School student/ASB President, Christian Flores, Left) along with ASB Vice President, Lorely Ramirez, did an awesome job in introducing District 20, State Senator, Connie Levya, as their guest speaker. Jehue Middle School Principal, Mr. Armando Urteaga, was recognized by 20th District State Senator, Connie Leyva at Jehue Middle School, when she came to speak to the social studies class. “I found out that he was receiving an honor from ACSA ‘Principal of Year,’ so I also wanted to show my support. Our principals work tirelessly,” said Senator Leyva. A surprised Jehue Middle School Principal, Mr. Armando Urteaga was recognized by 20th District State Senator, Connie Leyva at Jehue Middle School, when she came to speak to the social studies class. “I found out that he was receiving an honor from ACSA ‘Principal of Year,’ so I also wanted to show my support. Our principals work tirelessly,” said Senator Leyva.

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Assembly Woman Reyes Ducks Local Online Media

Since were not seen as mainstream were blocked from getting information on the Jr Assembly Woman who represents the 47th Assembly District that covers most of Rialto. Sadly our concerns have fallen on deaf ears when it comes to Mrs Reyes. Below is a post that mainstream media journalist that only covers one side of stories posted on his Facebook page claiming it came from a PR from Eloise Reyes office.

Assembly member Eloise Reyes Today announced her legislative priorities for 2017.

“I have worked diligently to ensure that my bill package has ideas and solutions that will have a direct impact on the lives of the people of the 47th Assembly District,” said Reyes in a press statement. “For far too long the residents of our district have not had a seat at the table regarding critical issues that affect their daily lives. My mission in Sacramento is to represent their collective voices, and the bills I have introduced are the first step in that process.”

Proposed bills
AB44- Introduced on the first anniversary of the December 2nd San Bernardino terrorist attacks, this bill provides for expedited review process for the victims so that they can get the treatment they need and continue the recovery process.

AB523- This bill requires that 25 percent of renewable technology funds collected through the EPIC program be spent in disadvantaged communities and 10 percent be spent specifically in low-income communities.

AB578- Increases the penalty for an individual who threatens to report the immigration status of a crime victim or witness.

AB550- Provides support for long-term care Ombudsman programs which help investigate and resolve various issues in long-term health care and residential care facilities.

AB667- Ensures that there is a transparent and fair process for students who are at risk of being suspended from school.

Poll Question on Warehouses?

LITIGATION TO DEFEND “SANCTUARY CITY” STATUS OR LITIGATION TO STOP IT? EITHER WAY THE TAXPAYERS LOSE

Written by Lynn Courtney

On December 30 at the Rialto City Hall a meeting took place while nobody was paying attention due to the holidays. Organizers invited interested Rialto community members to assist in organizing to make Rialto a SANCTUARY CITY for illegal immigrants. Sanctuary cities are a blatant violation of federal law. They undermine law enforcement and there is a clear connection to illegal immigration and crime. Further, they cost taxpayers millions out of our pockets. Most LEGAL immigrants oppose illegal immigration, and we need to give them respectful credit for that.
Newly elected Victorville City Council Member BLANCA GOMEZ was present and appeared to be an active part of the meeting, apparently in favor of sanctuary cities. Does Ms. Gomez’ signal participation in opening doors for the High Desert to follow? Does she advocate bringing the same to Victorville in the future as well? It is worth watching closely, and asking her what her role is in the Rialto push for sanctuary city status.
Additionally represented at this meeting was TOPEC (Training Occupational Development Educating Communities) which is a Immigration Legal Center that serves migrant communities in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties. TODEC’s mission is to ensure equitable access to information and services for limited and non-English speaking people. Also represented was LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States. Note: It does not say ‘legal’ Hispanic population.
Given the election that just occurred in which California passed marijuana laws which defy Federal Law, and is accepting and encouraging Sanctuary Cities that harbor perons who have illegally entering the US, defyig the Federal Law, they have laid the groundwork for major litigation, and it is ‘we the taxpayers’ who will pay for it.  It seems like Ms. Gomez is already poised to spend big money in legal fees if she tries to bring this to the High Desert.
***This was the invite that was sent out to a Rialto constituent.
“You are invited to the first meeting of the Rialto Sanctuary City Committee Meeting Friday, December 30th, 10:00am at City Hall, 150 S. Palm Ave in Downtown Rialto. This is a small group meeting focused on Rialto residents who want to help lead us into the work that needs to be done. There will already be organizational leaders in attendance like Maribel Nunez, TODEC, and LULAC. Refreshments will be served.”
*Crime Date Source: http://www.dailywire.com/news/10155/9-things-you-need-know-about-illegal-immigration-aaron-bandler

New Laws for 2017 in California

new-law

With a New Year also comes with a flood of new laws. These laws are normally meant to protect you but they normally just make our beautiful state a place we just can’t afford to live in.

You will be beyond surprised at the time our legislators wasted last year in any of the laws that were formed and created. The reason that our state is in the shape it is can be laid at the feet of these crazy laws.

  • At companies with 26 or more employees, the minimum wage will increase from $10 an hour to $10.50.
  • Employers are prohibited from paying women less than male colleagues based on prior salary. Workers in “substantially similar” jobs but of different race or ethnicity will also need to be paid equal wages.
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  • Employers won’t be allowed to ask a job applicant to disclose information about an arrest, detention or court case — if it happened while the person was younger than 18.
  • Children younger than 2 must sit in rear-facing car seats.
  • Those convicted of driving under the influence must install a device in their cars that would ensure they are sober before they can start the ignition.
  • The state’s ban on texting while driving expands to include other distractions, such as searching for “Pokemon Go” characters.
  • Once a gray area for motorcyclists, new rules will be established by the California Highway Patrol for how fast they can drive when riding between cars along the lane line.
  • Companies including Uber and Lyft can no longer hire drivers who are registered sex offenders, have been convicted of violent felonies or have had a DUI conviction within the last seven years.
  • Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft can’t have a blood alcohol content of 0.04% or more.
  • Charter bus drivers must provide written or video instructions to passengers on how to use the vehicle’s safety equipment and emergency exits.
  • School districts must improve bus driver training to avoid students being left alone on buses and must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles if students are left behind.
  • There will be new protections against foreclosure for surviving spouses who own their home but are not listed on the mortgage.
  • A program providing electric-car rebates will now only be available to those making $150,000 a year or less.
  • To help the state’s housing crisis, it will be easier for California homeownersto construct additional small units on their properties, whether in their garages or as freestanding second structures.
  • The cost for lead-acid batteries like those used to start cars and trucks will increase to help pay for cleaning up contaminated sites like the former Exide battery plant in Los Angeles County. Consumers will see the new $1 fee starting in April.
  • Inspired by the sexual assault allegations against comedian Bill Cosby, California eliminated statutes of limitations for rape and some other sex crimes. That means if a crime happens after Dec. 31, 2016, the victim can report it at any point in the future and see it prosecuted; previous law generally limited prosecution to within 10 years.
  • In response to outrage over the six-month sentence for sexual assault given to former Stanford student Brock Turner, prison time will be mandatory for those convicted of assault in which the victim was unconscious or not capable of giving consent because of intoxication.
  • County prosecutors can pursue felony charges against people caught with the most common date-rape drugs and who also have demonstrated the intent to commit a sexual assault.
  • Convicted sex offenders involved in Internet-related crimes must report their email addresses, user names and other Internet identifiers to police.
  • It will be tougher for law enforcement to seize someone’s cash, cars or property. A criminal conviction is now required before the police can permanently take from a suspect any assets valued under $40,000.
  • A ban is imposed on publishing the addresses of domestic violence victims
  • A ban is in place on possession of a synthetic drug called “spice.” The first offense would be an infraction; the second or third offense would be a misdemeanor.
  • Children can no longer be charged with prostitution, given the high incidence of human trafficking of people younger than 18. Adults who perform or solicit prostitution would not face mandatory minimum sentences.
  • It is now a crime to use ransomware, malware or intrusive software injected into a computer or network to hold data hostage until money is paid.
  • Public schools can now expel students for bullying through video or sexting. State education officials will be required to publish information on sexual cyber bullying online and encourage schools to teach students about sexting.
  • People will no longer be able to buy semi-automatic rifles that have a bullet button allowing removal of the ammunition magazine, commonly used in mass shootings. Those that have such weapons will have to register them with the state.
  • People who falsely report a firearm is lost or stolen would face a misdemeanor charge, and would face a 10-year ban on owning a firearm upon conviction.
  • Licenses to carry a concealed weapon will no longer vary from county to county. State justice department officials will create a uniform license.
  • Law enforcement officers and concealed-weapon permit holders who leave firearms in cars are now required to lock them in a safe box or in the trunk.
  • Bathrooms in public buildings with a single toilet must be designated as all-gender, open to anyone. The law will take effect March 1.
  • The state can’t fund or require public employees to travel to states believed to discriminate against lesbians, gays, bisexual or transgender people.
  • Smoking or use of electronic cigarettes within 250 feet of any Little League baseball game or other youth sports event is now illegal.
  • Beauty salons and barbershops can now offer patrons a free beer or glass of wine.
  • Denim is now the state’s official fabric to recognize its role in California history.
  • Every autographed collectible sold in California must come with a certificate that verifies it’s not a forgery, under a bill backed by famed “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill.
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    Click here for a free guest pass https://ufcgym.com/ontario/get-a-guest-pass

  • Patients who go to their insurance’s in-network hospital, lab or other health facility will not face surprise, larger charges if the doctor or health worker treating them is not in the network.
  • California businesses and public agencies are authorized to have on hand medicine designed to combat severe, emergency allergic reactions.
  • Women can pick up an entire year’s worth of birth control pills at once, and health plans must cover the cost.
  • To counter a spike in opioid overdose deaths, prescribers must check a state database to see whether their patients also have received drugs from other physicians.
  • Terminally ill Californians will have the “right to try” experimental drugs that do not yet have full federal approval for clinical trials.
  • Want to save an animal trapped in a car in heat or cold? As long as you call authorities first, you won’t be held legally liable for breaking into the car.
  • Dog kennels and pet hotels must check on animals once a day and provide elevated platforms in cat enclosures.
  • A dog seized from criminal fighting rings will no longer automatically be labeled “vicious” — which leads to it being euthanized. Instead, each dog will be evaluated to see whether it can be rehabilitated to safely re-enter society or be placed in a sanctuary.
  • Carbon monoxide gas chambers are banned in animal shelters for euthanizing animals.
  • Orca breeding and performance programs, like the one formerly run by SeaWorld theme parks, will be outlawed starting in June.
  • Felons serving sentences in county jails will be able to vote in California elections as part of an effort to speed their transition back into society.
  • Voters can now legally take a selfie with their completed ballot.
  • Voters are permitted to legally hand off their sealed ballot to anyone to mail or deliver in person.
  • More cities and counties can offer public financing of political campaigns.
  • City councils and county boards of supervisors are required to publicly announce pay and benefit increases for government executives before they are approved by a vote.

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New Video Exposes Where Councilman Trujillo Learned How To Hide Plans From The People

On the last Friday of 2016 Rialto City Hall was center stage for the issue of illegal immigration. Newly elected Councilman Rafael Trujillo tried to have a secret meeting with outside agencies looking to make sure that Rialto is a Sanctuary City.

We found out that even though Rafael Trujillo wanted the alternative media sources shut out he had invited his own media source Alejandro Cano to write a puff story on what was going down in Rialto.

Also called into question was if Rafael Trujillo was acting on behalf of his boss congresswoman Norma Torres?

Well if you look at the video above Rafael Trujillo is following Norma Torres lead to the letter.

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Nominate the person you think made Rialto great in 2016.

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Last year we asked you the readers and residents to vote for the Most Influential Person of 2015 in Rialto. 

https://rialtonow.com/2015/12/24/top-three-most-influential-people-in-rialto-2015/  

Last year went so well that our plan is to make it a regular thing. So now we want to know who is that person in 2016.

This year were changing things up a little bit, here is how the process will go:

  1. Email the person you wish to nominate to rialtosnow@gmail.com include their name and a why your nominating them (deadline is December 31st at midnight).
  2. Each name will be added to a online poll on our website.
  3. The people with the top three votes will be highlighted the last week on January.

Last years winners were Councilman Shawn O’Connell, Former Police Chief Fararr and Vibe Fitness Owner Gino Garcia. All three men qualify if anyone chooses to nominate them.

So if you know someone that made Rialto great or worked hard on the greater communities behalf be sure to nominate them so we can give them the recognition that they are due.

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