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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.

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

19 Mar 2017 5 Comments

by rialto-now in #CA31st, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy, Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Colton, Currupt, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Inland Empire, Public Safety, Rialto, Rialto Police Department, San Bernardino

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.

Rialto Police Department Names Erica Duque Officer of the Year

14 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

Courtesy Photo/rialto police From left: Cpt. William Wilson, Chief Randy De Anda, Volunteer of the Year Richard Montano, Ofc.of the Year Erica Duque and Councilman Rafael Trujillo. Third annual Rialto Police Awards.

Officer Erica Duque was named the officer of the year at this years awards ceremony for the Rialto Police Department. Officer Duque is a Rialto Native growing up here and going to school here. Officer Duque comes from a long line of Law Enforcement professionals and is a dedicated public servant. Officer Duque still has family that lives here in Rialto and that has kept here up to date on what is going on here in our city both on and off work. Officer Duque has worked with the Community Policing and Reentry Support Program in her most recent assignment. Officer Duque is putting her unique knowledge of Rialto and her care and compassion for everyone to work to help her colleagues solve more problems and obtain results that can make Rialto residents proud.

Photo Courtesy Cpl Gregory Marquez. From left to right Probation Officer Vicky Whitworth, Officer Dwuan Rice, Officer Erica Duque and Cpl Gregory Marquez

Not only did Rialto Recognize Officer Duque for her outstanding work but her whole team was awarded for the work they have done together. Below is what Cpl Gregory Marquez said about his staff:

I chose Officer Dwuan Rice and Officer Erica Duque. I also was allowed by the Probation Department @sbcprobation In the selection of a probation officer who would be assigned to my team. Since my old partner Probation Officer Bradley left there wasn’t a doubt in my mind Probation Officer Vicky Whitworth could easily slide right into his spot. In the last year they have worked non-stop from the time they come into work until the time they leave and even get random texts and phone calls from me asking them to complete a task 😄. Last Friday our team received a Unit Citation which is a great honor recognizing our hard work! I also wanted to add that we could have not completed our tasks without the love and support from our Explorers and Volunteers as well as Code Enforcememt Officer Dave Hernandez and his team!

As someone who had the pleasure of growing up with officer Duque I can attest this is a well deserved award.

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Photos of Students Inside Public Classrooms Used for Political Purposes

08 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in #CA31st, Ana Gonzales, Assembly Woman Eloise Reyes, Ca, Inland Empire, Poor, youth

This Photo was taken from the Social Media page for Sam Torres

Written by David Phillips

On Thursday March 7th on the Facebook page of Sam Torres a former Councilman in Indio had the following caption with a photo of him reading to kids:

“16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; — with Donna Brisendine-McDowell, William Muse, Frank Reyes and 14 others.”

I saw this photo because Mr. Torres tagged Assemblywoman Reyes and Community College Board Member Frank Reyes in the photo, since I am connected to them on Facebook I saw the post as well. Mr. Torres decided used his original photo with the kids faces in plain view (we covered the kids faces to allow them some dignity) In full disclosure the above statement was a portion of scripture that Mr. Torres was taking from the bible to show how Christians hate immigrants. I am still confused to what his meaning is sadly that is not my biggest problem.

My issue is with the use of a photo where Mr. Torres seems to be reading to school children on Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and adding the portion of scripture that says to KILL THE BABY BOYS!!!!!!! When I asked if he thought THIS Photo was the appropriate photo to use in this given situation and that the parents may be upset to see their kids photos used in this way Mr. Torres said the following:

“Good points all David. I have regularly been asked to participate in our public schools on everything from gang intervention to read across America. There is a crisis being created and it is affecting these and millions of children’s lives. While your points are well taken, I don’t see where you offer any solution or support for their cause or situation. I would rather be accused of politics than withdraw and do nothing because someone disagrees with me. History and the almighty will judge us all. I hope that I am found to be on his side with his sheep than in the wrong with the goats. Respectfully.”

The argument over what our kids are exposed to in California Public Schools has regained center stage with the Election of Donald Trump & majority control in Washington DC with the republican party. These two actions have seemed to send Liberal Californians into a frenzy. For decades in California our kids have been bombarded with the left wing ideas of right and wrong. Parents complain but their words fall on deaf ears because of the control the Democrat party has here.

Now we have photos from a day where literacy is the focus of the day and we take that photo and use it with a verse in the bible that refers to killing male children? Then you ask the person creating the post if this was the best choice of photo and he goes off into a mindless rant? I’m sorry but did I miss something?

Rialto Fails To Get Community Input on New Park Improvements

28 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

There is nothing worse than not being included. This is the same theme that is constantly brought up in this community and it seems like we have yet another example.

From the message below the people living in the 1 mile radius from Frisbie Park were not included in the survey that asked residents what they would like to see in their neighborhood park. Now the right thing to do would be to stop the progress and put the survey back out to get the communities real opinions right? Well according to the message below that doesn’t seem to be what is going to happen unless the community floods the city council chambers tonight.

Why is it that we have to hold our elected leaders hands with every decision that requires just a little common sense?

City Administrator Mike Story said this about the Park Project:

“Survey was done. It was sent out to a large radius of both park projects. There was also a community meeting to get input. Tonight is to review the plans that were prepared with input from community and sub committee.”

City Administrator Mike Story refutes the statement from Omar Menjivar:

“That is incorrect. Perry in community services has the list of all the people who survey was mailed to. The survey was also available on line.”

This message was sent to use from Tennis Coach Omar Menjivar:

Hello Tennis Friends,
This Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 6:30p.m. there will be a city Council meeting in the City of Rialto at 150 S. Palm Ave, Rialto, CA 92376. They will be talking about the Frisbie Park renovation project.

Frisbee Park is located at 1902 N. Acacia Ave, Rialto, CA 92376

A few months ago I shared with you all that there will be a series of meetings in order for the community to express their ideas and concerns about this park. During the month of January and February everyone that lives within 1 mile radius from Frisbie Park should’ve received a survey where you could’ve shared what you like to have in Frisbie Park for you and your family to enjoy in the future. Unfortunately many of us that live within this 1 mile radius from Frisbie Park did not receive the survey.
The City Counsel is nearing the final stages of setting on paper what will be part of the final renovation project. I was informed that there is many things being left out from this project, including the addition of Tennis Courts. Today I got to speak with two city counsel members and I shared with them that Frisbie Park has the great potential of becoming a complete Community Park for everyone in the community, instead of just a park for Baseball and the Softball community. Madame Mayor Deborah Robertson and Counsel member Andy Carrizales ask me to show up to the next city counsel meeting along with everyone in the Tennis Community to advocate to have tennis courts added into the renovation project. However, they emphasized that the tennis community must show up and speak out for their tennis courts.
I will speak in front of the city counsel and I will talk about the following points.

1. We need a community park to the East of the City of Rialto (Frisbie Park is the perfect location)

(so far we have two community parks. One to the far North at Fergusson Park and one to the far South at Rialto City Park)

2. Our Tennis Community has grown in the past year from 5 kids in the tennis program to 50 kids.

(By the end of this year I’m projected to reach more than 100 kids to be in the tennis program. WE NEED MORE TENNIS COURTS)

3. Our Tennis Program is reaching mile stones. For the first time in many decades we have a team that was League Finalist.

(GOOOO Acing Pandas 1 for being League Finalist for the 10 & Under Jr. Team Tennis League)

4. The USTA has grants to help the City of Rialto build tennis courts for our community.

THE CITY DOES NOT HAVE TO PUT IN ALL THE MONEY TO BUILD THE TENNIS COURTS
I’M MAKING A CALL OUT TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO SHOW UP THIS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017, TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE TENNIS COMMUNITY.

I would like to see someone else from our tennis community speak in front of the city counsel and advocated for more tennis courts and to ensure that Frisbie Park becomes a true community park.
Omar Menjivar

School of Tennis Rialto, CA

Certified USTA Tennis Instructor

schooloftennis@att.net

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World’s Longest Pizza 2017 Comes To Fontana

27 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

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.

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.

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

26 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

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.

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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Appointments Open for West Valley Water District

17 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

So what happens when a local governing body is so fractured that no more than two people can agree with each other? Another governing body has to do your work for you.

There are few governing, publicly elected bodies like West Valley Water District that cover Rialto, Colton, Fontana, Bloomington and other unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, and a portion of Jurupa Valley in Riverside County. West Valley Water fly’s under the radar of rate payers because until recently who cared about your water board right? Until the hyper controlling measures that state and local water agencies laid out on ratepayers nobody really took the time to watch what their water board is doing.

West Valley Water Board members Clifford Young, Linda Gonzles and Greg Young worked hard over the last two years to kick certain board members off the board, bring in new blood that wont question bad spending habits and fight to keep certain people from ever sitting on the board EVER…..

Well with twice appointed never elected board member Rafael Trujillo moving over to Rialto City Council there is once again a vacant seat. Normally the board has a politically charged person waiting in the wings but partisan politics coupled with a lack of ability to collectively agree on a person now has taken this choice out of their hands. The names that were floated around being considered were former Rilato Councilman Ed Palmer, Former Fontana Planning Commissioner Phil Cothran and Activist Irma Flores were just a few of the names that were talked about.

The community was ready to charge the doors of West Valley Water district if Phil Cothran was appointed to the water board. He is coming off a fresh election where he has been accused of trying to takeover the Fontana Woman’s Club, stories of failing to report campaign donations that Phil Cothran took from Young Homes prior to voting yes on their projects and running a local PAC that derailed some very good peoples chances of winning an elected seat. Apparently Ed Palmer who was supported by Clifford Young was not what Greg Young was looking for in a fellow board member. Greg Young didn’t want Ed Palmer’s drama from the recent election where he challenged current Mayor Deborah Robertson for her Mayor seat.

So since West Valley Water is punting this decision it is now up to the San Bernardino County Supervisors to make the appointment. The Board of Supervisors created a special advisory committee consisting of Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford and Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales to interview the applicants and recommend an appointment to the full Board of Supervisors.

What is funny is that West Valley may have a Board member that they fought long and hard against two years ago wasting thousands of dollars and wasting rate payer time advocating for their choice in the election.

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