Fergusen Park

07 Jan 2012 2 Comments

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Family, Family Sports, Flores Park, Fun, Layoffs, Nieghborhood Watch, Protest, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Taxes, The Circle Vision Quest, youth

Fergusson Park in Rialto Gets $6 Million Upgrade

Fergusson Park is one of nine city parks in Rialto. Besides the new amenities the developed eight acres of the park include an existing basketball court, a quarter-mile walking track, a picnic area, two tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a tot playground, and a softball field. The new restroom building will add to one serving the eight acres already developed.

Rialto, CA (PRWEB) October 9, 2010

A $6 million upgrade, including two new football fields, begins at Alec Fergusson Park on Oct. 11.

The city of Rialto intends to complete this upgrade in October 2011. Fergusson Park is at 2395 W. Sunrise, near West Casa Grande Avenue and North Alder Street.

“We will be more than doubling the usable area of Fergusson Park,” said Recreation and Community Services Director Larry Thornburg. “Eight acres of this 18-acre park were previously developed. This project develops the remaining 10 acres.”

Besides the football fields, new amenities for Fergusson Park include a skateboard area, playground, picnic areas, additional parking lot, an additional basketball court, and a snack bar/restroom building.

Rialto contractor Robert Clapper Construction submitted the successful bid for this project.

“We at R.C. Construction are very excited at the opportunity to provide construction services for our ‘home town’ here in the City of Rialto,” said Company President Robert Clapper. “Our corporate headquarters are located less then a mile from the park so that gives us a great chance to pay special attention to the project. We hope residents will enjoy this park for years to come.”

Funds for this park are from a $6.3 million community improvement bond the Rialto Redevelopment Agency obtained in 2008.

Fergusson Park is one of nine city parks in Rialto. Besides the new amenities the developed eight acres of the park include an existing basketball court, a quarter-mile walking track, a picnic area, two tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a tot playground, and a softball field. The new restroom building will add to one serving the eight acres already developed.

The other Rialto City Parks are:

Andreson Park features a playground, walking track, three large picnic shelters and a basketball court. Andreson Park, 726 S. Lilac: Features here include a quarter-mile walking track, a basketball court, playground equipment for small children and three large picnic shelters.

Youth baseball lovers of all ages will enjoy the amenities at Bud Bender Park in Rialto. Photo by Chris Sloan Bud Bender Park, 300 N. Lilac Ave., which has Little League and Pony League baseball fields, and a T-Ball field. It also has a picnic area.

Roger Birdsall Park, 2611 N. Linden Ave., has two Little League ball fields and one for T-Ball. It also offers a picnic area and a children’s playground.

Jerry Eaves Park, 1485 N. Ayala Ave., has 15 soccer fields, three large picnic shelters and several smaller picnic areas, and a children’s playground.

Flores Park includes a children’s playground, picnic area and walking track. Photo by Chris Sloan Flores Park, 1020 W. Etiwanda Ave., has a picnic area, children’s playground and a quarter-mile walking track.

Frisbie Park includes three Little League and two girls’ softball fields, as well as picnic areas, playground equipment and basketball courts.

Frisbie Park, 19901 N. Acacia Ave., has three Little League fields and three girl’s softball fields, picnic areas, playground equipment and basketball courts.

Margaret Todd Park, 201 N. Willow St., has a skate park for skateboarding and roller-skating, picnic areas and open space.

Rialto City Park includes baseball fields, a football field, picnic areas and playground equipment. Rialto City Park, 130 E. San Bernardino Ave., has one football field, one Pony League field and one Little League field. It also has picnic areas, playground equipment and an outdoor stage.

Although the City of Rialto is located in the middle of one of the nation’s fastest growing regions, it has retained a small town atmosphere and similar quality of life. Rialto is an ethnically diverse and progressive community, which boasts several unique community assets including its own police and fire departments, a city-owned racquet and fitness center, performing arts theater, a community center and senior center. Rialto is near mountains, beaches, deserts and other recreational areas.

Rialto’s housing mix and home costs are some of the most affordable in the southern California region. First-time homebuyers find Rialto more affordable than almost any other comparable community in the region. Executives and those seeking high-end homes also find they can purchase much more home for their money in Rialto. This lower cost of living in Rialto also translates into more discretionary income for residents, thus benefiting retailers and service providers.

For more information about Rialto, Calif. go to http://www.ci.rialto.ca.us or call (909) 820-2525.

Area Command Meeting Area 1

07 Jan 2012 3 Comments

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Family, Flores Park, Holidays, Layoffs, Military, Nieghborhood Watch, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Taxes, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

So as promised I went to the area command meeting for area 1 at Kucera Middle School on Buena Vista Ave in Las Colinas. In attendance were Chief Farrar (former Captain) Captain Deanda (former Lt), Lt Thompson, Sgt Hardin, Sgt Wilson, Det Quiniones (former SCAT member) Code officer Dave Hernadez and Judy Roberts. There were represenitives from Code enforcement, Redevelopment Agency, Public Works, Waste management, City Manager.

It began like the original area command meetings. Different people from various deptartments came up and gave us a update from thier department. Most was doom and gloom so if you came in depressed you probably weren’t lifted up when you left.

To the Left is the new Chief of Police Chief Farrar. He is a former Captain with Rialto PD.

Below is a break down of the diffrent presenters at the Area Command Meeting and what they had to say or not say:

Steven Jaraminllo Redevelopment Agency – RDA’s in Ca lost thier fight against Govener Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown in eliminating these agencies in Ca city’s. So as of Feburary 1st 2012 there will no longer be an RDA here in Rialto. Rialto’s RDA does alot including:

The City of Rialto has a variety of industrial and commercial development opportunities, from small in-fill development sites to large development sites for retail power centers, as well as existing shopping centers that need to be repositioned to take advantage of shifting demographic trends in the region. Rialto also has several vacant in-fill sites along Foothill Blvd., commercial corners, as well as unique specialty retailing opportunities in the downtown Central Business District (“CBD”). Rialto’s downtown is currently undergoing a renaissance following the completion of a $2.8 million streetscape improvement project and assistance from the Agency’s seismic and facade grant program.

http://www.ci.rialto.ca.us/redevelopment_800.php

So why is this important to Rialto Residents, first we dont have anyone in our local goverment pushing to bring positive development to our city. It seems to be that if left alone with business development here, city council would just add more liqour stores and indoor swapmeets. We have more indoor swapmeets that most other cities in the Inland Empire. REAL development didnt begin until the RDA took over and started making things happen. It was councils idea to put a moritorium om development along the new 210 freeway. So while Rancho, Fontana, Highland and Redlands too advatage of the new freeway we just sat back and watched.

What do we loose? Who knows about the In & Out on Riverside and 210 freeway thats in Limbo. Rember the reason we shut down the Airport? It was for the new Target mass shopping Center that too is in Limbo. The only project that is still a small possibility is the Pepper extension to the 210 freeway.

Questions can be directed to Steven at 909-879-1145 or click contacts from thier website listed above.

Mike Story City Manager – Mike Story is the new city manager and has worked for the city of Rialto for 20 years. I grew up with Mike’s kids and our families attended the same church for alot of years. Mike has been throw into the fire and has been left to make choices other has been to weak to make themselves. Mr. Story’s report was full of DOOM and GLOOM. According to him there are no positives here in Rilato. He said “the city must live within it means” and “I will try and do the same with less but I cant do more with less”. His report included the following:

In Limbo – In & Out, Target Shopping Center.

In Question Pepper/210 freeway extension.

May have to FIRE SALE properties RDA bought to re-sell to developers to bring business to Rialto.

10 depts consolitated into 5 depts, Layoffs.

Reductions in street sweeping and tree trimming.

See Mike Strories Monthly Report at:

http://www.ci.rialto.ca.us/documents/downloads/December_2011__2_.pdf

Amy with waste management – Amy has been at most Area command meeting and gives us info on free dump days and where you can take haserdus waste, electronic wates and donated items. Every free dump day (one a quarter) the Salvation Army is at city hall parking lot taking your donated items and give a tax recipt in return. Also they have special sponsorships they do for non-profit organizations. This months is Fly Doctors of Mercy. They will be taking useable medical equipment like Wheel Chairs, Walkers, Canes, Prostetics, Hearing Aids and Eye Glasses. they take these items to impoverished countries and preform free medical care. The free Dump day for the first quarter is January 28th. Also they will be taking 9 tires per address for free disposal on the weekends of January 13-14 and January 27-28 at the Public Works Yard at 335 W Rialto Ave.

Michelle Aguirie Public Works Admin Assist – Mrs. Aguirie spoke about the near completion of the Fregusen Park Remodel. This park remodel cost 6 million dollars. She was asked alot of questions about street repairs and extensions and had no real awnsers her key phrase was “I don’t Know”. She was asked about Linden From Casmilia to Summit the street is all torn up and in bad repair. Mrs. Aguirie also feilded a question about the massive graffitti on the businesses along the north side of the 10 freeway espcially between Riversid and Cedar, no awnser but well let you know what she finally says. We will be taking pictures and reporting on these 2 questions to see what we can drive out of officals.

Det Anthony Quinonez Personal Property Crimes – Det Quinonez gave us good tips to help us stay safe and protect our properties. I have pictures of the slides he presented. If you have the time make one of the upcomming command meetings just for this presentation. The only thing I don’t agree with is his reliance on the Nieghborhood Watch Program? Our NW progam wasn’t there for Flores Park residents who wanted to included new and inovative ways keep one step ahead of criminals and empower residents. Things like Liason with Protection One, using technology and using our volenteers in new and inovative ways. He isnt a bad guy but he is comming into a situation blind.

Here are the pics of the presentation:

The Exit of one Chief Ushers the Entry of Another

15 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Family, Flores Park, Holidays, Layoffs, Nieghborhood Watch, Protest, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Taxes, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

People I give you the end of one and the beginning of another.

Police Chief Mark Kling will no longer be the chief of police in the city of Rialto.

Chief Kling was a good Chief but in Rialto it’s not hard to do when you see some of the leadership we have resided under over the last 15 years.

I at one time was the Chiefs biggest advocate, when he removed community policing and chased good people into early retirement I was left to pause is this man really who he claims to be?

Chief Kling did his best, but it wasnt enough we needed more.

Will Capitan Farrar be able to fill these shoes? Can he bring TRUE community policing back to Rialto? What are his plans for the future? Are the other 2 Lt’s spots ever going to be filled? Can we still count on Rialto PD being there when we need them?

Only Time will tell, maybe we should ask I’m running for office Baca Jr he is all over this SB Sun Article, do your job baca get out of the lime light.

SB Sun Article Below:

After 5 1/2 years, Police Chief Mark Kling is calling it quits.The veteran police official, with a doctorate in public administration, is going to teach at the undergraduate and graduate level at Riverside’s California Baptist University, retiring from police work after more than 30 years.Kling, 54, said he will be revamping the university’s criminal justice program, will teach within the program and also will teach public administration and political science.”I came here to do a job and I have done that job and it is time to move on,” said Kling, who for six months this year wore the hat of both police chief and city administrator.

His last day as police chief will be Dec. 29.

Kling said he will be replaced by Tony Farrar, who has been employed by the Rialto Police Department for 22 years. During the last five years, he served as captain with the responsibility for the department’s field operations.

Farrar holds a master’s degree in the administration of justice and an MBA.

Kling said that he took no additional salary while serving as interim city administrator, an action that saved the city considerable money.

“It was my way of giving back to the community for their support,” Kling said in an interview Tuesday.

When Kling arrived in Rialto, he walked into a demoralized Police Department that had been slated for elimination a few months before.

A large community outcry kept policing in Rialto under local control instead of under contract with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

During his tenure, Kling transformed the department, giving it tools to increase productivity and restoring its pride, said City Council member Joe Baca Jr.

“He brought back the gang unit, brought injunctions against gangs and took many other actions that had never been done in this city,” Baca said.

Kling’s tenure, however, was blemished by an embarrassing sex scandal in 2010 when a female employee at a Rialto strip club alleged she and an on-duty officer had sex three times at the Rialto Police Benefit Association’s union hall.

Prior to those allegations becoming public, Kling began installing vehicle locators on all police cars, to allow supervisors to pinpoint where officers are during their shift.

That process was completed in mid-2010.

Earlier this year, a Rialto police officer and an Orange County defense attorney were arrested by FBI agents on bribery charges.

Baca said Kling took swift action against those whose conduct fell short of the department’s standards.

“Chief Kling took personal responsibility for mishaps within the department. He didn’t try to hide anything….One of the things you can’t do as a leader is control what the troops do,” Baca said in an interview Wednesday.

Kling said that his leadership style includes “moving a lot of people out of organizations that probably should have never been there.”

As city administrator, Kling fired a contract employee at the Rialto Municipal Airport after he found documents suggesting financial irregularities there.

“Kling really trained his support staff to become leaders,” Baca said.

By grooming Farrar, he saved Rialto a significant amount of money because the city didn’t have to hire a headhunter to find its next police chief, Baca said.

Kling said he pushed department members to pursue educational opportunities “at every level.”

Studies show there is a correlation between the education level of a police department and how it treats its community, Kling said.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Tony Farrar is the best candidate for police chief, not just here, but anywhere,” Kling said.

Water Rates go up, up, up

09 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Family, Layoffs, Taxes, Uncategorized, youth

So once again the water rates are the topic of conversation and its all about raising them.

It is said that we have neglected our water and waste system, who is the “WE”. No one ever called my house and asked me if I want to continue to neglect our infrastructure, I don’t sit on any boards or communities. I just pay my taxes and fees. To be honest EVERY SINGLE time I have come before the dias at city council the council pretends they don’t work for us and they are untouchable. The most elder councilman Ed Scott has had plenty of time to begin working on these problems. Joe Baca Jr has been in local politics long enough to know this was coming on the municipal and State level. Plus Mrs Robertson and Mayor Vargas have been around quite a while and nothing has been done.

something that perplexes me though are they selling us water at cost? Meaning after all the bills are paid there isn’t anything left over? That would mean were not back filling or have been back filling the general fund with monies that could have been used to begin to start dealing with our infrastructure issues?

What I love is how Stephen Dopudja, a civil engineer with Irvine-based SAIC Energy, Environment & Infrastructure LLC who the council is paying with our tax dollars all but uses an agency he isn’t a part of or has any say in to threaten the residents of this city.

Im sorry Rialto Governing board we the people have nothing left to give, you want to over tax us and fee us to death. Un employment numbers are high and are only dropping because people are giving up on looking for work because it’s so hopeless. If you raise the rates you had better find a innovative collection agency to work with because the residents probably wont be able to pay their bills.

If the system is this bad I call on all Senior members of our city government who have ignored and mismanaged funds to this point to step down and resign.

Rialto officials will separate rate proposal from American Water issue

Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer

Posted: 12/08/2011 01:20:41 PM PST

RIALTO – City of Rialto officials will be seeking significant hikes in water and wastewater treatment rates early next year.This effort will separate highly-charged issue of whether or not American Water Works Co. Inc. will manage the city’s water operations for 30 years.

“It doesn’t matter what we do (on that). Rates have go to go up,” Mike Story, city administrator, said during a meeting of the Rialto Utilities Commission Tuesday night.

Last summer, when the motion to outsource the water department to American Water died on a 2-2 vote by city council, officials said that large rate increases would be coming.

For years, various city councils have ducked the politically unpopular vote to increase water and wastewater rates.

The result has been that the city’s aging water infrastructure now needs some $40 million in upgrades and repairs.

Story said that a rate request in some form will likely come before city council during its Jan. 10 meeting.

Regardless of that date, the issue will not be considered during council meetings scheduled for Tuesday or Dec. 27, he said.

A vote by the council to boost water and wastewater rates would be subject to a Proposition 218 vote, meaning that a negative vote by 50 percent of the property owners – plus one vote – would block the increase.

The voting period ends 45 days after the council’s affirmative vote.

For several weeks, utility commission members have been developing a “Water, Wastewater & Rate Education Outreach” plan to tell in great detail why the rate increases are necessary – and what payments to the water system buy.

The board consensus Tuesday night was that there will be three or four public meetings offered at different times and locations – when it has been determined what the rate increase will be.

Stephen Dopudja, a civil engineer with Irvine-based SAIC Energy, Environment & Infrastructure LLC, said that city residents elsewhere in the state have decided to neglect their water system and repeatedly defeat water rate increases.

But ultimately the state steps in.

“The Department of Public Health is not going to let water systems become a health hazard. They will come in and levy fines in the millions of dollars,”

Then the ratepayers in those city must pay for needed improvements – and the fines.

“The question is does Rialto want to be part of the solution,” he said.

SAIC has been hired by the city as a consultant for water and wastewater issues.

jim.steinberg@inlandnewspapers.com, 909-386-3855

Holiday Flyers

06 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Family, Fun, Holidays, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, youth

Hello everyone,

Were putting up a couple of flyers for you to look over use and enjoy. First one is a guide from the San Bernardino County Fire Dept. They have put out useful tips to keep everyone’s Xmas happy & safe. Click the link and see what you knew and didn’t know, if you see one or more that you didn’t know comment with it for a chance to win a holiday gift surprise!!!!!!!!

HOLIDAY_DECORATING_flyer.2011

The one below is a flyer from the Redlands Police Departments toy drive.

Toy_Flyer_2011

Story Time In Rialto

27 Oct 2011 1 Comment

by rialto-now in Budget, City of Rialto, Family, Fun

At the Rialto Library at 251 West 1st St. • Rialto, CA 92376 there are some cool options for childrens story time.

Wednesdays at 11:30am is Mother Goose story time. Children ages 6 months to 2 yrs. Older 2 yr old children are encouraged to attend untill the story time no longer intrests them

This event is so much more than somone reading a book to children it serves multiple pupoeses. Children develop thier social skills, Gross Motor development, Colors, Counting & music. See the video below for example:

They also offer a Pre-School story time on Thursdays at 10:30 AM with stories and fun, fun, fun!

As well as these other programs somthing for all ages:

Doki Doki Anime Club

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 4:30 PM. Come join us for all things anime!! Manga discussions, anime viewings and monthly anime-themed show and tells are just some of the events. All otakus invited!

Computer Classes

Want to learn to use the computer or sharpen your computer skills? We have classes in Computer Basics, Email, Internet, and Facebook in our new Computer Lab! Register at the library the last week of the month for next month’s classes.

Job Search & Resume Workshop

Every Wednesday from 4:30 – 6 PM. Learn how to navigate the online resources the library has available to help you choose a career, write a resume, and find a job. Then try out your new skills in the Computer Lab on Fridays from 3-5 PM with lab assistants available to help you!

Teen Craft: Amigurumi Crochet

Saturday, October 8 and 22 at 2 pm. Want to know how to crochet something a little different than plain scarves or blankets? Come join us for amigurumi and learn how to make cute crocheted plushies!

Book Club3rd Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Join us for a lively discussion of a popular book!

Haunted HouseOctober 28 to 31. Come get your scare up!

Friday 4-5:30 pm

Saturday 2-4 pm

Monday 4:30-6:30 pm

For more activites just click the link below.

http://www.sbcounty.gov/library/home/default.aspx?page=librarybranches/librarybranches.ascx&branchid=ria

City Update

14 Oct 2011 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, City of Rialto, Family, Layoffs, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, Taxes, youth

City Clerk/KRTO

The 13^th Annual Rialto Family Festival

The festival held on Saturday, September 17^th was a success. Many residents came out and enjoyed the day. We are looking at how we can expand on this event for next year along with the continued support of donations and sponsorships.

Centennial Celebration

Planning Committee meetings are held every other Wednesday in the KRTO Conference Room. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for October 12^th and October 26^th at 6:00 p.m.

A fundraiser for the Centennial Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, from 3:00 p.m. to CLOSE at Farmer Boys and Popeye’s, located at the corner of Baseline and Ayala. Tickets of $10 can be purchased for a Cheeseburger Combo or Fish Sandwich Combo which includes refillable fries. Tickets are now on sale at the City Clerk’s office. And, as an additional fundraiser, $10 gift cards can be purchased from Coffee Nutzz, where you can enjoy delicious coffee, frappanutzz and smoothies!

Rialto Walk of Fame stars continue to be a big seller. As word continues to get out to the community, people are excited to be a part of Rialto History. Come in and buy your star!

The Centennial Gala, a black tie event, will be held on Friday, November 18, at the Carl Johnson Center. Tickets for $100 per person, or $1000 for a table of 10, can be purchased at the City Clerk’s office.

Police Department

Homeland Security Grant Program 2011

The police department has once again been approved for funding thru the Department of Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) 2011. This funding is for first response personnel, and will assist the department in increasing its ability to effectively respond to major incidents and/or disasters.

Park Camera Phase II

Technology has become a critical element of crime fighting in the 21^st century. Law enforcement agencies at all levels are using technology to enhance their effectiveness in such areas as solving crimes, streamlining dispatch and deployment systems, developing faster electronic field reporting methods and sharing information among partners. Use of such technology often leads to resource management that is both more effective and cost efficient.

The department is in the process of implementing Phase II of its Park Camera Project. Phase I encompassed three city parks; Jerry Eaves Park, Frisbie Park and Rialto Park. Phase II will encompass Fergusson Park, Birdsall Park, Flores Park, Bud Bender Park, Andreson Park, and Margaret Todd Park.

Safe Moves City

The Safe Moves City course is an interactive exercise that allows students to learn about safety by walking and bicycling through a miniature city called “Safe Moves City”. “Safe Moves City” consists of streets, sidewalks, intersections, crosswalks, traffic signals, traffic signs, residential areas, business districts, cars, trucks, buses and a railroad track with signals, crossing gate and train. “Safe Moves City” is designed to simulate the diverse traffic environments in Rialto and to create “problem solving” experiences for each grade level.

Under the supervision of Police Traffic Officers, students will walk and/or ride a bicycle through “Safe Moves City” while trying to avoid over twenty (20) traffic hazards. The Officers will evaluate the student’s performance and discusses the results with each teacher and students. We will be presenting this program at several schools during the month of October 2011.

Fire Department

Open House

The Rialto Fire Department will be holding our annual open house in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week Saturday October 8 at Headquarters station, 131 S. Willow Ave. from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

Rialto Improves Rolling Stock

The Fire Department is preparing three new Dodge Ambulances to be put in front line emergency service at the start of November. This batch of Ambulances is the first Dodge ambulances Rialto has purchased and is a change from Ford that we are presently operating. The Fire Department has also ordered a new Technical Rescue vehicle which was purchased with an “Assistance to Firefighters Grant” and a $100,000 matching fund by the City. The Fire Department is raising funds with the intent of receiving the Rescue vehicle without cost to the City. The Rescue vehicle will be in service at the start of January 2012.

Rialto Centennial

The Fire Department is planning on displaying Old Betsy our 1923 Fire Engine on the front lawn of the woman’s club on Rialto November 19^th during the City of Rialto Centennial Celebration.

Development Services Department

City Council Awards Contract for Utility Relocation to Support Future Freeway Retail Development

On September 13, 2011 the City Council awarded a $246,019 construction contract to Merlin Johnson Construction to relocate two water lines and construct a sanitary sewer that will support the redevelopment of a 3 acre site on the northeast corner of Riverside and Easton Avenue, which previously contained Fire Station #202. Construction of the water mains and sewer line will commence in October and be completed by December, 2011. The site has been entitled for the development of two fast food restaurants and a third parcel that could contain a sit down restaurant or other complementary retail uses. Upon completion of the utility relocations, the next step will be to complete the site improvements to support development, including grading, street improvements, parking area, landscape and signage.

Agency Makes its Annual Payments to Various Tax Entities Totaling $5.4 million

Redevelopment agencies throughout California generally have obligations to “pass-through” a portion of the property tax increment to various taxing districts within their jurisdictions. The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Rialto recently processed payments totaling $5.4 million for the benefit of local schools, utility districts, and county government agencies. This represents 21% of the Agency’s gross property tax revenue of $25.5 million in FY11. In addition, the Agency paid another $1.4 million to the State as part of its SERAF obligation for FY11.

New Businesses Locating in Rialto

The recession caused a number of recently completed industrial buildings to become, or remain vacant. A surge in recent industrial leasing has brought a number of recognizable businesses to Rialto.

The Klein Ranch Project welcomed its first two occupancies, with Living Spaces leasing an 800,000 square foot facility and Razor leasing a 600,000 square foot facility. The Klein Ranch Project is fully occupied for the first time. CBRE Investors acquired the Project from Klein Ranch East LLC.

American Building Supplies leased the 734,000 square foot Rialto Commerce Center Building owned by Rialto Realty Holding 11. The former 84 Lumber Store on Rialto Avenue was acquired by American HandForge and the company is adding another 40,000 square feet. ProComp Automotive leased the 72,000 square foot facility in the OMP-Rialto Distribution Center. Bissel Homecare purchased a 247,000 square foot building in the OMP-Rialto Distribution Center. Go Green leased the 128,000 square foot building at the northwest corner of Cedar Avenue and Merrill Avenue and will commence operations in December.

The industrial vacancy rate has declined from approximately 20% one year ago, to under 10% today as a result of these new occupancies. Rialto will benefit from the availability of new jobs and economic activity from these businesses.

Largest Rooftop Solar Installation in US Completed in Rialto

The 43-unit Oltmans Construction Company has completed the installation of the largest rooftop solar installation the U.S. has ever seen. The rooftop installation took place atop a Prologis distribution center at the northeast corner of Merrill Avenue and Linden Avenue. The solar panels will produce 8.6 megawatts from the 1.2 million square feet of panels. The project is part of Southern California Edison’s renewable energy program.

TELACU Commences Construction of Senior Housing Community on Bloomington Avenue

On September 26, TELACU commenced construction of the 75-unit affordable senior rental housing project at the corner of Bloomington Avenue and Lilac Avenue. Funding for this project includes $12,300,000 from the federal Section 202 program and $3,800,000 from the Agency’s Low-Mod Housing fund. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2012. The Project recently paid $939,000 in development fees, including building permit/plancheck and development impact fees.

Public Works Department

Painting of Civic Center Campus Buildings

Painting of the Civic Center campus has begun with the City Clerk/Human Resources building by our in-house crews. Painting will continue through the month of October and is scheduled to be completed in time for the City’s Centennial celebrations.

Civic Center Energy Efficient Window Retrofits

Public Works in-house crews have installed new energy efficient windows in the City Clerk/Human Resources, Finance, and Administration buildings. These windows were fully paid for with grant monies, are a great visual improvement to the Civic Center campus, and will reduce the energy consumption of each building.

Centennial Walk of Fame, Stars, Benches, and Monument

Construction is complete within the existing raised median along Riverside between Rialto and Second Street in Downtown. The installation of the stars and benches will commence in early November. Majority of the construction work was performed by in-house crews, including site preparation, grading, assistance in forming, as well as complete construction of the monument. Project is on schedule.

Free Dump Day

Regularly scheduled quarterly free dump/cleanup day, October 22^nd – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are no changes to the services offered to the public:

Household Hazardous Waste, behind 246 S. Willow
Used Tire Drop-off, Rialto Airport, 1451 N. Linden
Electronic Waste Collection, south lot City Hall, 150 S. Palm
Salvation Army Collection, south lot City Hall, 150 S. Palm
Mid-Valley Landfill, 2390 Alder Ave.

Burrtec Waste will post roll-offs at three locations to provide free disposal to residents of multi-unit complexes: Cactus and Randall, Linden and Merrill, dead-end of Sycamore north of Easton. Flyers will be posted in multi-unit complexes in the vicinity of these locations.

Special Collection

Our special collection for this quarter is Soles 4 Souls, a non-profit that collects shoes for distribution in underdeveloped countries and areas hit by natural disasters. Shoes will be collected on October 22^nd as part of Free Dump Day in the south parking lot at City Hall and will be transported to the Soles 4 Souls warehouse in Fontana afterwards.

Solid Waste Division Move

The Solid Waste Division will complete their move to join the Public Works Department and be operating out of 246 S. Willow by October 10^th.

Commissioning for the Wastewater Treatment Plant

The City has installed three Fuel Cells at the Wastewater treatment Plant to produce renewable power/green energy. The three fuel cells, Gas Treatment Unit and FOG (Fat, Oil, and Grease) systems are currently in commissioning and when completed they can generate up to 900 kWh of electricity to run the treatment plant. The Fuel Cells are fed from digester gas produced by the two digesters at the plant.

Kristina Dana Hendrickson Cultural Center

The Kristina Dana Hendrickson Cultural Center which was formerly known as the First Christian Church had exposure to rain water which has damaged the basement of the building. Repair work was performed mostly with our in-house crews.

Fire Station No. 202

Fire Station No. 202 is now located at 1700 N. Riverside Avenue. Currently, it is under construction and on schedule. The work is about 70% complete with walls up and roof in place.

Riverside / I-10 Bridge Widening

The project is on schedule and currently staff is working closely with SANBAG staff to plan for the opening ceremony well in advance of the City’s Centennial celebrations. City Council recently authorized additional pavement work near the bridge which will make the roadways smoother and presentable.

Administrative & Community Services Department

Recreation Brochure

The Recreation & Community Services Department is once again mailing the Recreation Brochure to all households in Rialto. The Brochure has been redesigned and provides residents with all they would want to know about the latest and greatest in Recreation. The Brochure can also be viewed online at www.RialtoRec.com .

Please take a moment and look closely at page 25 in the Brochure. As part of the City’s Centennial Celebration, on November 19^th, there will be a 3K Family Fun Run/Walk. For added fun on your walk, dress up from your favorite decade as you stroll through the ages on this retro run. Prizes for costumes will be awarded! To sign up today, or for more information, please call the Recreation Department at (909) 421-4949. We’ll see you on November 19^th!

Also, as part of the Centennial Celebration, we are still taking parade entries. Have your group or organization recognized in the parade and help make the Centennial Celebration a success! For an application, please visit the Recreation website, call (909) 421-4949, or visit us at the Rialto Community Center.

Jack Simonson Center

City Staff completed the final phase of the electronic reader board project by installing JACK SIMONSON CENTER lettering on the awning above the reader board.

On January 20, 1990, City Council Members voted unanimously to name the fitness center, pool, and theater complex the “JACK SIMONSON CENTER.” This was done in honor of Jack Simonson, the City’s first Director of the Recreation & Community Services Department. Mr. Simonson was employed by the City of Rialto from May 1957 to August 1984 and served as Director of the Recreation & Community Services Department from March 1970 to August 1984.

Council Member Ed Scotts Response

03 Oct 2011 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, City of Rialto, Layoffs, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, Taxes

Mr. Phillips

we are still in negotiations with fire fighters I am on that committee, while things
are going very well the I simply am not at liberty to discuss those talks with
you. As to the utility tax that tax under state law must go into the general
fund in order for it to go into a special public safety fund it requires a 2/3
approval of the voters that’s not how it was placed on the ballot nor do I
believe that it would pass. I remind you that the first election of the utility
tax it only passed by 5 votes. Having said all of this 80% of the general fund
goes to police and fire the other 20% goes to other employees and services.
Bottom line we are all in this together and we have to work together to find
solutions.

Thanks for your questions

Ed Scott

The problem with this response is two things:

One he didn’t seem to understand what I was talking about when I asked about the utility tax I wasn’t asking for a new one I was talking about the one shoved down our throats all those years ago that is now being used elsewhere not in public safety. Two I don’t know about you readers but I don’t trust politicians any farther than I can throw them. So since everyone is talking about laying off ten of our fire fighters and making emergency response a serious issue around Rialto I don’t care about confidentiality I want some transparent dialogues in this process so don’t get broad sided by council and have our backs and lives against a wall.

The latest on Rialto Fire Dept and the City of Rialto

29 Sep 2011 1 Comment

by rialto-now in Budget, City of Rialto, Family, Layoffs, Protest, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, Taxes

First off my question to our council:

Now in my opinion I don’t believe that we can afford any layoffs, especially
with the new fire station still not completed. Layoffs are going to force
overtime a lot of overtime and I vividly remember Mr Scott bocking at the amount
of overtime the fire dept had last year in comparison to PD. Keep working with
the fire fighters, don’t try to show your strength through ultimatums and fear
tactics.

Finally I wasn’t at the last council meeting but I would have come un glued
if I had to hear people comparing what a fire fighter makes a year, How much
money should one make when they put their lives on the line daily for complete
strangers?

Why dosent the 8% Utility Tax go for public safety anymore?

I await your comments, nothing will be taken out of context I only seek
honest open dialogue.

*****************************************************************************

What I found out is sad and makes me wish I was at the last council meeting and not fighting crowds at work.

First off according to a source from inside the Fire Dept. there were a lot of friends of Ed Scott at the council meeting. These people got up and were saying that fire fighters make 300 K a year and implying that we could do better to cut their salaries and get rid of some. Now I know this is hard for some of you to understand if you have never been in harm’s way, but let me tell you it takes a special person stand firm and charge forward in the face of danger. Yes I know they knew what they were getting into when they signed up for the job but even so they do what most of us don’t want to and some of us are incapable. It takes the courage of a bear to rush into a fire to save a life heck it takes balls just to get within 50 feet. My friends and I were somewhat ambulance chasers in our youth, the last time we did it was to a house engulfed in flames from the opposite side of the street with the windows up the heat was intense and scary, I would never want the job of rushing into that mess to save other homes, lives or one of their own.

Ok so not every call is a fire, ok. How much of a strong stomach and clear mind would you need to care for an accident victim that was just thrown from a moving vehical? How would you react to the job of being the one responsible for caring for a gun shot victim, that is a cop that later died, what kind of resolve does that require?

We can talk about how to find creative ways to keep fire fighters working, but I refuse to allow people to try to put a price on how much a man or woman is worth that is willing to risk their own lives just to save a stranger.

Now to the Utility Tax. We pay 8% on our utilities every month which is supposed to go to Fire and Police, that was a selling point they think they don’t have to adhere to. Now let me be out front I voted no on this for 2 reasons. 1 not everyone had to pay it senior citizens were exempt, don’t they use the same services we do? 2 I knew this was going to happen where we found out that it didn’t go to public safety and we would be here in a hole trying to lay off public safety officers.

More to come visit the Facebook page to get up to the date info:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rialto-Residents-for-Rialto-Fire-Department/145275045567795