Assemblymember-Elect Cheryl Brown | rialtonow

Eisenhower Sings the Praises of 2017 Senior Class

20 Apr 2017 Leave a comment

Photo taken by Career Center Teacher Nancy Samir Ibrahimi

Eisenhower has been on a big push to honor and push their students great accomplishments into the spotlight. If you get the text message updates from the schools ASB Department you would have been bombarded by not only updates on upcoming events but a constant flow of celebration messages on students being excepted into a wide variety of colleges. Some schools “say” that college is a desired goal of every student. At Eisenhower the embody the very traits that send a clear message that the school is proud of every students accomplishments.

30 students from Eisenhower High will be going to one of the largest colleges in the Inland Empire UCR Riverside. The top majors by a majority of the 30 UCR accepted student are: PreMed, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Nutritional Science, Biology, Business and Marketing.

Now the goal is to find ways to keep our young people in Rialto or at least keep them close to home. You see while these bright young people are off to seek higher learning in some awesome popular fields of study, what are we doing to provide great opportunities to bring their education and skills to businesses close to home. As it stands now Rialto leadership only cares to open opportunities for our young people to work in warehouses or at Super Walmart.

The question is how far will these parents allow the leadership of Rialto to sell away any opportunity for these young people to return home?

Congrats to all of the Graduating Seniors in Rialto.

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Easter event comes to Rialto

15 Apr 2017 Leave a comment

Rialto’s Spring Eggstravaganza April 15th. JOIN US for the Tea Cups Ride, Magic Show, Egg Hunt, Photos with the Easter Bunny and MORE!

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Fontana Mayor Charges Residents to come to her Coffee with the Mayor event.

15 Apr 2017 Leave a comment

So what do you do if your a Mayor facing a recall attempt? You get your face out there right! Well someone failed to tell Mayor Warren in Fontana that you shouldn’t charge a mostly low income, foreign born resident base for the opportunity.

Below is an article in the Fontana Herald where the Fontana Mayor’s coffee event is given exposure through an article in the paper.

Most Coffee events held by city leaders or elected officials are almost always FREE and normally include free hot coffee. Leave it to Mayor Warren to break the mold and make her event a Ivory Tower Elite only event. In a lot of families in the Fontana area $10 is all they have until payday.

Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren is inviting local residents to attend her “Coffee With the Mayor” event on Thursday, April 27 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

Warren will discuss how education and workforce development can help create jobs for the Fontana community.

The event will take place at Richter’s, the newest and most exclusive hospitality area at the speedway.

Registration and networking will take place from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. At 8:30, Fontana Chamber of Commerce President Phil Cothran will give opening remarks.

Warren will then speak at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Q&A session.

The event is free to attend for Fontana Chamber members and $10 for general admission.

For more information or to register, call (909) 822-4433 or email anahi@fontanachamber.org.

Top this off with Mayor Warren joining forces with Mayor Deborah Robertson to shut down the only soccer park in Rialto for an exclusive Elite only Jazz Fest in Rialto. If you have an extra $75 laying around plus bring your own food, chairs and shade and are forced to spend more money on drinks at the venue then you can join Mayors Warren (Fontana), Robertson (Rialto), Carey (San Bernardino) & De La Rosa (Colton) for a Jazz Fest.

Also is it just me or does Brad Pomerance host of Charter’s Local Edition News show seem a wee bit to excited to be having this conversation?

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Mayors Jazz Fest Returns After Costing Taxpayers $40,000 in 2015

11 Apr 2017 Leave a comment

Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson seems to really enjoy two things Jazz and Using Public Money. As spelled out in yesterdays article former councilman Shawn O’Connell laid out in a letter the series of issues that followed. Let us be clear were not against live music or raising money for non profits that do good work. What does drive us crazy is when an elected official uses their power to get privileges that would never be afforded to any other group or citizen. We have laid out what about this event is driving us insane:

Using city offices and time to sell tickets for a private event.
Using massive amounts of public safety resources, promising to pay for the services used and never fulfilling that promise.
Shutting down a Park where youth sports happen knowing full well that sports field space is seriously limited.
Using elected power to hang banners off of Outfield netting for free freeway ad access.
Bringing massive amounts of alcohol into a park in a community full of kids knowing that people will be driving through those neighborhoods under the influence.

I have a lot of experience running events in this city. When the Rialto Community Coalition wanted to hold a Sober Skater event at a local park they were forced to change venues. They were also told that they could not block access to the community at large while running their event. The event was free and for a great cause to give kids something to do while on spring break that channeled their energy into something positive. Even though the event was free and open to everyone the cities special events committee stuck their noses into the event and almost shut it down.

Now Mayor Robertson has joined forces with Fontana Mayor Aquenetta Warren the Mayor currently fighting a recall attempt over her actions in bullying the community. These two are lumping in Mayors from Colton and San Bernardino into this event. To top it all off even though the three other cities have established concert venues that could accommodate the Jazz Fest these mayors are shutting down the largest park in Rialto that is 90 percent Soccer use exclusive.

The fact that yet another group of sports players will be kicked off of their fields (on a Sunday) when they are the busiest proves a lack of concern and care for Rialto Youth sports. Also this park is the same park that held this years 4th of July Festival and the parking lot was so inadequate that people were parking on dirt fields all over the place making traffic a NIGHTMARE. This year will be extra horrible as Ayala Drive is under a major construction and widening project and with normal daily traffic is a struggle. Add to the already difficult nature of this area’s traffic the burden of a concert and you must wonder why?

Many are now trying to get around Deborah Robertson’s lack of ability to tell the difference between a city event and a private event. The mayor is sending people to our blog posts to post about how awesome the event was and how they thought it was a city event. See the comments back and forth between our Facebook page and Andrea Brayboy she is working hard to try and convince us that its ok to shut kids out of a baseball park, waste $40,000 and lie to the people.

Andrea D Brayboy We live down the street from Frisbee Park and ended up with a Cabana. Despite the horrible weather, it was a beautiful event. E everyone had a wonderful time despite the rain. There was a diverse group enjoying the vendors and music. The Eisenhower HS jazz band and Choir did an excellent job performing with David Benoit. My father in law drove in from LA and had a blast. My husband and I have been waiting for this event to return because it was GREAT for our city.

Rialto Now Its great that you had a good time and Jazz music is great. Do you think it is ok to sell tickets from city offices on city time? Do you think its OK to use public resources and never fully pay them back like you agreed to? Things can be a great idea but when our leaders choose to not follow through on promises and outright lie to the community.

Andrea D Brayboy Again, I had a wonderful time. I am not and was not privy to the ins and outs of the funding sources. However, i was under the impression that it was a City event and purchased my tix at the municipal office. And now 2 years later I still feel that it was an EXCELLENT event that would make its city proud. Our children shined along with our police and small business owners. I hope they continue to host events such as that.

The Rialto Record had to print a correction to a story they wrote on the Jazz Fest because they called it a city event in the article and it clearly wasn’t:

An article published in the April 16 edition of The Rialto Record incorrectly said the upcoming Rialto Drop In Jazz Festival is presented by Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson and the City Council. The information about the April 25 event was obtained from the event website, www.rialtojazzfest.com. The information was published in error and should state the jazz festival is not affiliated with the City of Rialto and is a private event presented by Deborah Robertson, who happens to be the city mayor, in partnership with the Rialto Youth Collaborative.

Add to all of this the non profit that Mayor Robertson has pegged to be the victim of this years Jazz Fest is Athletes for Life run by Greg Bell. Now wait where have we seen that name before? That’s right in the letter from former Councilman Shawn O’Connell:

“It was later learned that Mayor Robertson diverted at least $10,000 from the Jazz Festival to another foundation she is on with Greg Bell. Mike Story got involved and had the money returned.”

Just to prove that Greg Bell is tied to the Athletes for Life foundation we went to their website and found our proof:

“Athletes for Life™ has been providing guidance and leadership programs to youth since 1989. AFL was founded by former NFL running back, Greg Bell, who spent his childhood rising above the negative peer pressures of his neighborhood. He became a world-class athlete at the University of Notre Dame and went on to enjoy a productive eight-year career in the NFL.”

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2017-mayors-freeway-jazz-festival-tickets-33030506133

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Ricky Nolasco Kicks Off Angel’s 2017 Season

04 Apr 2017 Leave a comment

The Angels will counter with right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who will make his fourth career Opening Day start. He started on Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins in 2014 and for the Miami Marlins in 2009 and 2013.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia chose Nolasco over two more high-profile candidates, Garrett Richards and Mike Shoemaker. But Richards missed most of last season with an elbow injury and underwent stem cell treatments to repair damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. Shoemaker’s season was cut short when he was hit in the head by a line drive on Sept. 4 against the Seattle Mariners and underwent surgery. He went 0-1 with a 5.29 in five Cactus League starts.

Nolasco went 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA in four spring starts. He was 4-6 with a 3.21 ERA in 11 starts last season after being traded by Minnesota to the Angels on Aug. 1.

“I think Ricky will handle the Opening Day hoopla,” Scioscia said. “I think he’ll go out there and give us a chance to win.”

Nolasco is 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in seven career starts against the A’s. Graveman is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in six career starts against the Angels.

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Rialto Native Ricky Nolasco: Named Opening Day starter for Angels

01 Apr 2017 Leave a comment

Written By Jessica DeLine

Rialto residents and fans of Ricky Nolasco are happy to see him staying close to home (moving from the Dodgers to the Angels). They are also excited to see him playing so well eight years into his professional career that he was given the opening day start over Matt Shoemaker. (Rialto Now)

Nolasco, who was acquired along with Alex Meyer from the Twins in the Hector Santiagotrade last season, pitched well after landing in Anaheim, posting a 3.21 ERA over 11 starts for the Angels. The 34-year-old right-hander continued to build off that success this spring, recording a solid 3.52 ERA over four Cactus League starts. (MLB.com)

The Angels confirmed that Ricky “Fiasco” Nolasco would be the 2017 opening day starter. Since joining the Angels and through spring training this year, Nolasco has been far removed from that nickname he earned while with the Twins.

Matt Shoemaker, who I think also deserved the spot, will pitch in game two on Tuesday, and we will see Garrett Richards in game 3.

Where to start with all this?? First, Thursday (game #4) is TBD which may leave many wondering why Tyler Skaggs was not listed. Well, Skaggs threw 92 pitches and allowed 5 runs in his AAA start on Thursday. The rotation decision was announced before Skaggs was finished with his start, and the Angels were encouraged by what they saw. I would put money on Skaggs as that #4 starter.

Jesse Chavez, who threw for the A’s from 2012-2015 misses the 4-game series against Oakland and landed the job as starter for the Angels home opener.

Ricky Nolasco was an interesting choice for game #1, but not a huge surprise if you look at spring stats. Shoemaker was arguably the Angels best full season pitcher last year (since Nolasco came mid season), and of course he has seniority on the team. However, his spring wasn’t the best and he had a 5.29 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP over 17 IP.

Nolasco, who had a pretty great second half last year was on point this spring with a 3.52 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 15 innings. It’s clear he has been throwing the ball well, and it’s also clear the Angels like what they have been seeing from him lately.

Monday will be Nolasco’s 4th career opening day start.

Information from www.halosheaven.com

Follow Jessica at http://www.twitter.com/abaseballchick

Nolasco has been tabbed as the Angels’ Opening Day starter.

Analysis:

Nolasco will take the ball Monday against the A’s as the Angels open up a four-game set against their division rival. The veteran Nolasco put together a solid spring with a 3.52 ERA over 15.1 innings. As the Opening Day starter, Nolasco should be in line for two starts in the first week of the season.

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Former Councilman Words Reach Out Amidst Miss use of Public Funds and other Issues

31 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

Written by: David Phillips

Councilman O’Connell must spoke to me a lot about how long he thought he had to live after a accident that led to a stay in the hospital. He also knew that the work of advocating for the people and calling out wrongs came at a cost. Like any advocate worth their salt they stocked away information and resources in the event that they were unable to expose it themselves that the information still got out.

Well in the case of Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson and her Jazz Fest Such information has been made available. Below you will see a letter from Councilman O’Connell that will make you wonder why the Mayor would try to hold yet another event using the resources of yet another non profit.

“Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to reapeat it” George Santayana

From Councilman O’Connell:

As elected officials we have an ethical responsibility to bring to the attention of our colleagues and our constituents any acts that are perceived to be in violation of our City policies, ordinances or State Law. We must do so even if it would be harmful to ourselves, or not in our best interests to do so. We do not have the luxury as elected officials of looking the other way or pretending it didn’t happen. This letter is intended to inform the City Council of the potential misuse of city funds and personnel and to seek guidance on how to proceed. As such, it this letter has been distributed to Mayor Deborah Robertson, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Baca Jr., Councilman Ed Scott, City Administrator Mike Story, and City Attorney Fred Galante. Please place this on the February 9, 2016 city council agenda to be discussed in closed session regarding legal issues and personnel.

At the City Council meeting of 3/10/15, Financial Director George Harris provided a presentation for the Council regarding an upcoming Jazz Fest scheduled for April 2015.

After the presentation, questions were asked as to whether or not the jazz fest was a city related event; since they were extensively using City resources (the City seal, this council, city personnel, selling tickets from city offices, etc.)

During the presentation, Director Harris stated that the event was not a city related event. It was a private event hosted by the Rialto Youth Collaborative, a non profit 501 c3 which he oversaw.

Director Harris stated that they had sold approximately 100 tickets, with an additional 300 tickets reserved. According to Director Harris, they needed to sell anywhere from 3000 to 3500 tickets to make enough money for this event to be successful. Otherwise he planned on canceling the event.

A few weeks later, during an organizational meeting for this event with the principals involved, we are informed that Director Harris attempted to cancel the Jazz Fest by telling Mayor Robertson that he was going to cancel the event due to the lack of sales. It’s not clear why Mayor Robertson was even participating in this event (and previous meetings) but we have been informed that at that meeting she told him no and instructed him to continue forward. At no time was this a City of Rialto event and Mayor Robertson, as a City official, did not have the authority to tell Director Harris to continue with this event.

Based on that directive, Director Harris continued forward holding the event in April. The event was a total loss, eventually selling only the original 400 tickets according to Director Harris.

According to Director Harris, the final result ended in a $30,000 loss for the charitable organization the Rialto Youth Collaborative, an outstanding bill to a contractor of $6,000.00, and an approximate $40,000 unpaid bill owed to the City of Rialto. It is this $40,000 that we as elected officials are responsible to account to our constituents. At no time was Director Harris given the authority by the City Council to spend this $40,000, nor could anyone else have authorized the use of City personnel or property because it would require council approval.

During the public presentation on 3/10/15, Director Harris clearly stated he would need to sell at least 3,000 tickets to cover the event. He also stated he would pull the event in case he didn’t reach the required tickets sold. Apparently he tried to cancel the event but when he was told no by Mayor Robertson, his only hope was to sell the 2,600 tickets on the day of the event itself to prevent a total loss. He did so by gambling city assets that he had no direct authority to use.

Also, during meetings with Mike Story, Director Harris was told by members of the City Council and Mike Story to immediately stop using city resources & employees to support this event. He was directed to remove the City Seal, discontinue using city telephone numbers and staff to sell tickets, etc. Director Harris did the opposite, even though he stated that he fully understood the direction of the Council. He continued advertising on city property, using city personnel to sell tickets over the phone and on city property.

As elected officials for the City of Rialto, we are entrusted with the duty to ensure that all assets of the City are used in a legal and transparent manner. Regardless of the amount spent, the fact that it was city funds and spent in direct opposition to the direction of this City Council makes this a serious issue. Additionally, based on Director Harris’s statement that he decided to use city funds because he was underwater in the event and that was the only way to attempt to make his money back. This logic shows a reckless and potential illegal use of city funds and resources.

Based on the information received that Mayor Robertson had a direct involvement with this Jazz event, her attending numerous meetings of this event, and her directing Director Harris to continue when he attempted to stop the event (regardless of its impact), it would appear that she was not impartial to its final outcome regardless of the impact it might have on this city. Based on this involvement, it is respectfully requested that she excuse herself from any deliberation on this matter.

We have serious concerns in regards to Director Harris using and accessing the charitable funds from the Rialto Youth Collaborative, but our responsibilities as elected officials require us to focus on Director Harris’s failure to follow the Council directions, potential abuse of city resources and the fact that the funds have to this date not been paid back to the City. As such, it is our recommendation that this letter and a more detailed report be forwarded to the District Attorney and any other appropriate agency for investigation. Even though this is not an easy recommendation, we believe that it’s an appropriate one. The public has a low level of trust of elected officials and they demand complete transparency and responsibility of us all. Failure to act on this item, might be perceived by the public as acquiescing or being complicit in the use of these assets. It was later learned that Mayor Robertson diverted at least $10,000 from the Jazz Festival to another foundation she is on with Greg Bell. Mike Story got involved and had the money returned. (Why would Mike Story get involved? It was not a City event). Then it was learned that the night before the event, Mike Story called up Table Rock and tried to get them to donate $50,000.00 to the event so that it would not go bust. (Again, why would he get involved, another misuse of City resources)

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Internal Affairs Investigation Ruins K9 Partner “Jordy’s” Career

25 Mar 2017 7 Comments

Initial reports are that the city has paid over $6000 in boarding fees for former officer Glen Andersons partner Jordy. He was kept at Adlerhorst in Jurupa for ten months at $25.00 per day. This poor hardworking police dog is one of the greatest victims of whatever the Police Chief had an issue with former officer Glen Anderson.

The department purchased a new dog costing around $11,000 from Adlerhorst using money from the police department that could have been spent elsewhere if the Police Chief had not cut ties with the Friends of Rialto Police K9 program. Reports are that K9 Jordy was given back to Adlerhorst for another dog the a new K9 officer choose. Rialto Police added two officers since officer Glen Anderson was fired. These officers will be going through the basic class which cost is approximately $5,000 each costs that the Friends would have normally paid. Due to the length of time Jordy sat at the kennels he was no longer desirable for purchase by any other police agency and was sold to a private party.

This awesome police dog and a former Military Veteran (K9 Military Dog) was locked up, had to spend his birthday in a cage all because of an issue our Police Chief had with one of his officers. Whether officer Anderson was fired for a good reason or for a power struggle the Dog paid the ultimate price for something that was out of his control. The blame falls to Chief Deanda since his actions against former officer Anderson led to Jordy’s lockup.

It’s not just Rialto Now that is worried about Jordy one of our biggest critics since we began writing about the issues at the PD commented this on one of our last articles:

“The only person i feel sorry for is the dog Jordy. woof woof. Free Jordy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Mark Peterson

The people of Rialto have the added burden of costs that are not needed because of the chief’s actions against the Friends of Rialto Police K9’s.

We have received some heat for these stories. These stories are not meant to be done put of spite but to inform the people of Rialto about what is going on in your city. Lets look back at some of the things we have highlighted that if we didn’t write about our failed leaders would have been able to hide their failures and get away with the consequences we the people have to pay:

Selling off Rialto’s water – We were key in trying to shut this action down working to highlight that the cities scare tactics were nothing more than just that scare tactics. We also pointed out that NONE of the improvements would ever be made. Five years later we keep electing the same people and all that has been done is our rates are skyrocketing and some of the water meters have been replaced. Almost every single improvement is YEARS behind schedule and our leaders could care less.
Money moved around to pay for pet projects – We have been harping on the money movement game for years. It wasn’t until former councilman Shawn O’Connell saw it for himself did it come to a stop temporarily. Were now doing it again and allowing our leaders to get away with it.
Councilman Trujillo & Sanctuary Cities – Had it not been for this blog newly elected Councilman Trujillo would have held his sanctuary city meeting and Fontana Herald reporter would have reported it in a much different light. If not for this blog we would be in jeopardy of loosing MILLIONS in federal dollars.

So when we write about these actions it is up to you to dig into them for yourself and look at each situation with clarity and not allow personal relationships to cloud your judgement.

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Comic Con Comes to the Inland Empire

20 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

For tickets to the Ontario event go to http://vor.us/99c4c

COMIC CON REVOLUTION COMES TO

THE ONTARIO CONVENTION CENTER

Ontario and the Inland Empire Get Their Very Own Comic Con at

The Ontario Convention Center in Ontario California Saturday May 13, 2017

Ontario, California March 8, 2017 – The Ontario Convention Center located at 2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, California will be the home of Comic Con Revolution. The Inaugural 1-day event at the Ontario Convention Center will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017. The show brings Heroes, Villains, Princesses, Pirates, Aliens and so much more to the Inland Empire.

Comic Con Revolution is an event for long time comic collectors as well as first timers and families who want to experience the excitement. Hardcore fans will recognize many of the names on the guest list while families and first time comic convention attendees will quickly see what makes these events so much fun.

Attending comic cons can be expensive – we want to make it affordable. Comic Con Revolution offers a variety of pricing options so that the entire family can enjoy the experience. Adult tickets are $25, teen tickets (13-17 years-old) are $15 and kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. One adult ticket allows for up to two free children’s ticket.

For tickets to the Ontario event go to http://vor.us/99c4c

“We are very excited to bring an authentic comic con experience to the City of Ontario and the Inland Empire community as a whole,“ said Atomic Crush Events co-founder Mike Scigliano. He added, “The team behind Comic Con Revolution is working overtime to bring you an amazing experience. Come join the revolution!”

“We are thrilled to welcome Atomic Crush Events to the Ontario Convention Center” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO, of Ontario Convention Center. “Finally our very own Comic Con! We know visitors to this event will be in for a treat with the planned program, exhibitors, and camaraderie of fellow collectors.”

Comic Con Revolution, a family friendly environment, will feature a full day of programming and events which includes panels featuring screenwriter Doug Jung who wrote the scripts for movies including Star Trek Beyond. Other panels include creating comics, creator & comic spotlights, cosplay panels, kid’s panels, and capped off with a Cosplay Contest. Our show floor will feature exhibitors & vendors who sell movie memorabilia, toys, t-shirts as well as full guest list of top industry talent.

For tickets to the Ontario event go to http://vor.us/99c4c

Guests currently scheduled to appear include Karl Altstaetter (Mirror), Tim Bradstreet (Marvel Comics Covers), Sandy King Carpenter (Producer Ghosts of Mars, Vampires), Matthew Clark (Injustice: Ground Zero), Mike Collins (ABC’s of Halloween), Neo Edmund (Clan of the Vein), Joshua Hale Fialkov (The Life After), Derek Fridolfs (Li’l Gothams), Joel Gomez (La Muerta), Steven Gordon (X-Men Evolution Animated Series), Travis Hanson (Life of the Party), Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger), Doug Jung (Screenwriter Star Trek Beyond, God Particle, Scalped), Scott Koblish (Deadpool), Mike Kunkel (Herobear), Hope Larson (Batgirl), Livesay (Dr. Strange), Scott Lobdell (Red Hood & the Outlaws), Pamela Lovas (Regular Show), Raychul Moore (Cosplayer & Gamer), Todd Nauck (Spider-Man), Whilce Portacio (Comic Legend), Livio Ramondelli (Transformers), Paolo Rivera (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953), Patrick Scullin (Super Siblings), Beth Sotelo (Grump), Cat Staggs (Wonder Woman), Art Thibert (Superman), Gus Vazquez (Big Hero Six), Vivid Vidka (Cosplayer), Dave Wagner (Dot Problems) and Tommy Walker (Actor on Netflix’s Daredevil) . Additional announcements will be made as guests continue to confirm and support the show.

For tickets to the Ontario event go to http://vor.us/99c4c

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

19 Mar 2017 4 Comments

by rialto-now in #CA31st, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy, Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Inland Empire, Rafael Trujillo, Rialto, San Bernardino, Shawn O'Connell

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.