Family | rialtonow

Council Meeting Re-cap Part 2

14 Nov 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Andy Carrizales, Bad Commerce, Budget, Burglury, Ca, City of Rialto, Crime, Currupt, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Family, Grace Vargas, In & Out, Inland Empire, Mike Story, Rialto, Rialto Police Department, Small Business, Target, Twitter @IEBeatriz., Uncategorized, youth

Last night we covered the massive tax grab that is before Rialto voters this next year (2013).

Well let’s ease your fears not everything I saw last night before leaving at 8pm was bad. They are moving along with some great projects that will bring commerce to the city of Rialto.

We saw the intern class of 2012 and it looked like a good group of educated young men and women looking to make their mark on city government. The program’s goal is to increase young people desire to enter working for a city.

City Staff Introduced the Intern Class of 2012

First off they are helping Target move forward smoothly on the construction of its massive cold storage facility they are building on Alder and Easton up by the 210 freeway. This cold storage facility will handle all distribution of all cold storage items for the entire west coast. Target has a great grocery program and great deals and this facility will be busy and create tons of new jobs in the Rialto area.

Second is the best news of all In & Out project is underway.

It seems the city finally understands that we want this fast food restaurant like YESTERDAY. The cities contractors are working on providing the In & Out Contractors a working useable pad. This means that the parking and egress will be complete then In & Out says it can complete the building in 180 days (150 days of construction 30 day grace period). Below is a picture of the stats provided by Robb Steel.

Picture shows money and time frames

Finally the moratorium on Cash For Gold businesses was extended for a year to allow city staff and police personnel develop working guide lines for these types of businesses. At the last coffee with the chief we were informed by Chief Farrar that an investigation was done and found that the existing Cash For Gold businesses were buying Gold that was stolen and not asking for ID then just sending it off to be melted and sold. For this reason the Moratorium was originally put in place to keep thefts from rising even higher and more of these places pop up. Let me begin by saying our Chief of police and his officers don’t just accuse you of doing something they get proof and then catch you doing the crime or wrongful act. So while this TAB item was being discussed Ed Palmer and Ed Scott said they visited 2 of these businesses and saw them doing everything right and wanted to make sure they were brought in on the formulation of the new guide lines so to be given a fair shot at complying with these new rules. These two almost went as far to say that this seemed like a witch hunt on reputable businesses that have done nothing wrong. That’s funny Chief Farrar pointed out all three as the ones buying stolen gold without taking the proper ID techniques.

Then the most irritating portion of the two hours I saw (besides the massive tax grab) was when someone asked if these new rules would apply to door to door Gold Buyers? Then Mayor Vargas said yes I had someone come to my door and ask if I had gold I wanted to sell, after those two homes on my street were broken into. She wasn’t sure if the two incidents were connected but had concerns. Then one of the council members said oh Grace is referring to people passing out flyers for Gold buying businesses and that people didn’t buy gold as an independent buy without a shop. It showed the ignorance of the people leading our city. As a security guard for a shopping mall we were kicking independent gold buyers out of the mall all the time. They would both hover around the Cash for gold stores and kiosks and tell people that the price they were being offered was to low and try and steal the sale, or hit up people eating in the food court. People like these do exist; they are aggressive and can be very underhanded. They carry a small jeweler’s magnifying glass and sometimes a small chemical test kit. If someone like this approaches your home inform the police and then send them down to council chambers to educate the city council and staff.

Career Vision Bootcamp in Rialto!!!!!!!!!!!!

11 Nov 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Edgar Montes, Family, Fun, Inland Empire, Layoffs, Rialto, www.careervisionbyjamie.com, youth

http://careervisionbyjamie.com

I have attended Jamie Becks workshops they are fun and interactive also SHE WILL BLOW YOUR MIND. Be prepared to be energized and empowered to hit the ground running in the job market.

Career Vision: Employment Boot Camp!

Presenter: Jamie Beck, MS

Date: February 20, 2013

Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Rialto Senior Center

To RSVP, please call (909) 820-2540 … Seating is limited to 60!

About the Workshop:

“Whether someone has been searching for a job for two weeks or two years, this workshop provides imaginative ideas to turn their job search process from reactive to proactive and puts them in the driver’s seat. Participants will learn how to NOT be their own worst enemy and find a job based on their passion and interests, using innovative search techniques and learn effective resume writing and interview techniques.” – Jamie Beck, MS

Presenter Bio:

Presenter, Jamie Beck, has a Master’s Degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Social Systems and a concentration in Family and Work and She has worked for California Department of Education and First 5 funded programs in the public and nonprofit sector, has been a CSU Career Counselor, owns and

operates Baby Elephant Books, presents career education workshops and trainings at libraries, high schools, colleges and community organizations, keynotes at conferences and offers private career coaching.

“Spotlight” Interview with Rialto Unified School Board Member Edgar Montes

11 Nov 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Ca, City of Rialto, Edgar Montes, Family, Family Sports, Flores Park, Fun, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Davids-Marketing/156816741049580, Inland Empire, Rialto, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Uncategorized, youth

Member: Edgar Montes
email: emontes@rialto.k12.ca.us

We would like to introduce Mr. Edgar Montes to those of you in Rialto that may not know him. Mr. Montes is one of our School Board Members here in Rialto. I have had the privilege of speaking and interacting with Mr. Montes over the last 2 years and have found him to be someone that cares for the children and the community. Mr. Montes has made it his job to stand in the GAP for our schools and children. Something else less involved people may not know is the riff that exists between the City Government and the Rialto Unified School Board and no one knows why this is, it’s like the Hatfield’s and Mac Coys. Mr. Montes has begun slowly interacting in various city functions and answering questions in reference to Rialto Unified School District when he can. You can find Mr. Montes attending Coffee With The Chief, Area Command Meetings, Rialto’s Farmers Market & the occasional City Council meeting.

He is an honest and open Board Member and works as a peace maker when the situation allows. One thing with Mr. Montes that I have come to experience is you wont ever agree 100% on everything but with Mr. Montes you know where he stands, and in the end its on the side of our kids and schools. Don’t be afraid of disagreeing with Mr. Montes because that won’t hurt or hinder the relationship but make it stronger and give it a solid foundation on where everyone stands.

I would like to thank Mr. Montes for his time answering our questions:

RIALTO NOW – Tell us a little about yourself were you raised here in Rialto? What’s your story?

EDGAR MONTES – I was born in the summer of 1979 in Upland, CA. I have lived in Rialto since 1988. At that time I attended Maple Elementary in Fontana, my parent’s house although it was within Rialto city limits was actually within the FUSD boundaries. Much like today were Rialto Unified School District boundaries cut into parts of Fontana, Colton, San Bernardino and Lytle Creek. I attended Alder Middle School and A.B. Miller High School also in Fontana. So although I attended public school in Fontana, I was indeed raised in Rialto.

RIALTO NOW – What was the driving force behind your desire to run for School Board for RUSD?

EDGAR MONTES – My wife and I bought our home in Rialto in 2002. With 20 years left on our 30 year mortgage we have no plans of leaving Rialto anytime soon. I love my community. I grew up here and have seen first-hand the ups and downs and all the good and bad about our tiny 4 miles wide 8 miles long city.

Going to school in Fontana and having friends and family all through-out the Inland Empire I saw many similarities in some of our public schools. For example; the loss of public school funding over the years, and how that loss of funding and mismanagement of public tax-payer’s dollars affects kids from “socially-economically-challenged” backgrounds. The switch from Junior High Schools to Middle Schools and with that the loss of Junior High Sports teams. Arts and music programs cut or reduced. Increased focus on test scores. Decreased focus on the development of “the basics”like reading and writing, math and science. Above all as a parent and a product of our public schools, I understand the many challenges parents, students, and schools face in these tough economic times.

RIALTO NOW – Have you ever run for any elected office in the past?

EDGAR MONTES – No. I was elected in November of 2010. It was my first time running for elected office, but not the first time I ran for something. In High School at Fontana A.B. Miller High, I ran for A.S.B. President my senior year and won. I also ran for school site council at A.B. Miller after graduating from there and was also elected.

RIALTO NOW – What is your background in regards to education?

EDGAR MONTES – As far as my college education goes, I have put that on hold for now. With 11 year old twin boys, a 3 month old baby boy, a small family-owned business to run, and a democratically elected position as a Rialto school board member, I want to wait a little before going back to school. I am the kind of person that if I will not be able to commit myself 100% to something, than I won’t even bother wasting anybody’s time. I was attending San Bernardino Valley College and the University of Phoenix Ontario Campus before that at the time I ran and got elected to the school board.

It’s important for me to point out that I have been criticized by some as a college student on the public school board for not being a college graduate. Some people have even gone as far to criticize me for the community college I was attending. For example at a time when our school district was laying-off many teachers and cutting programs for students because of the loss of funding, I took a stand against the wasteful spending of $70,000 (public tax-dollars) to send 30 school district employees and two school board members to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for a supposed “one week leadership training.”My fellow school board colleague Michael Ridgway said “there is nothing like this locally. If you want a Harvard education, you go to Harvard. You don’t go to (San Bernardino) Valley College. These are world-class presenters. Education is expensive. The only thing I have found more expensive than education is ignorance.” My response to him was this “I have also met my share of “educated fools” and that I don’t undermine anyone or judge anyone by their level of education or where they went to school.”

The San Bernardino Sun Newspaper wrote an article about the issue of the Gettysburg trip and even wrote an editorial supporting my stance on the issue. What matters most to me on a school board or any elected office is “common sense.”

RIALTO NOW – With school district budgets getting slashed every year what are your ideas on still offering a quality education?

EDGAR MONTES – I believe that even with the loss of revenue for public schools it is still possible to give a quality education to ALL students. I am a strong supporter of grant writing, I asked for grant writers for our school district on a contingency contract, meaning they would only get paid a percentage if they got us grants. Unfortunately, at the recommendation of our superintendent the board opted to go with a grant writing company that charged $5,000 per month for six months that did not produce any grants. I also am a strong supporter of partnering with local businesses in the community. If we reach-out to the local businesses in our school district, they can help us by donating to our schools, sponsoring our students, and working with us to build bridges not burn them. I also believe the city of Rialto would be a great partner in the education of our students. There was a time when our school district and city worked together on many things and you and I both know that is no longer the case. But I remain optimistic and will continue to push for rebuilding that relationship, because what is good for our city is good for our parents and students and what is good for our parents and students is good for our communities.

RIALTO NOW – How important are sports programs and the arts to you within the confines of public education?

EDGAR MONTES – I am a strong supporter of sports programs and arts, and I can say that because you can find me and my sons at school games, art competitions, and at school district talent shows. Many children don’t know they have a gift or special talent for something and it’s important that we help all students find what interests them, what drives them and tie that into their education. Some kids are great leaders, others make awesome drawings. I saw a student from Rialto High School free-style spoken word poetry, powerful and moving.

RIALTO NOW – The current school of thought is to prepare every student to enter college. Do you agree with the thought that every student should and can go to college?

EDGAR MONTES – I believe that every child should be given support, guidance, and encouragement to go to college. The sad reality is that only about 15% of high school graduates actually go. Many people know that if you constantly, repeatedly tell a child that they will “never amount to anything” most likely, not always, but most likely they won’t. And vice versa, if you constantly and repeatedly tell a child that “they can and will be successful in life and do something great”, most likely they will.

RIALTO NOW – As someone who studied education, I know that not every student is college bound, yet through our Regional Occupational Programs we can prepare those students to be successful in the work force. What value do you place on RUSD and its Regional Occupational Program?

EDGAR MONTES – I place a very high value on any ROP at any school district. Preparing students for the workforce is critical to any family and community as a whole. ROP is a great way to give students the resources and skills needed for many vocational careers. Aside from the ROP offered to students at the high schools like ROP Jr. Navy and ROP Jr. Marines, etc., through our Adult ROP high school graduates and adults can enroll in our Adult Education Program. Through our Adult School we offer Career Technical Courses like Word Processing/Keyboarding, and Intro to Computers. In adult ROP students can take specialized courses like Office Operations and Technology, Business Technology Lab, Pharmacy Technician, and Pharmacy Clerk. I not only want to continue these much needed programs, but would to like secure funding to expand them.

RIALTO NOW – What is the biggest factor that can help ensure quality teaching? Is certification a measure of quality?

EDGAR MONTES – I think certification is good, but I don’t think it’s the best way to measure quality teaching. I think quality teaching can be measured by pro-activeness, the ability to adapt to new technology and the ever changing times. Most Hispanics/Latinos/Chicanos have native-indigenous roots, and we use many metaphors when speaking. There is a saying in Spanish I would like to share with you. Here it goes “La vaca que da leche, de lejos se ve” which is difficult to translate but I will try, “the cow that gives milk, you can see from far away.” School principals, parents, and students know quality teaching when they see it.

RIALTO NOW – One of the jobs you have listed on Face book is an education advocate, can you explain what this is.

EDGAR MONTES – An Education Advocate is anyone involved in advocating for student’s education in any way. I have advocated for students education since my sophomore year in high school when me and a group of students organized a student walk-out to protest awful treatment of students, unfair discipline practices, and a hostile learning environment to name a few. Regardless of what anyone says, that walk-out brought many changes to Fontana A.B. Miller High School that by my senior year our high school was award the “California Distinguished School Award.” Did I mention I was elected A.S.B. President that year? As an education advocate I have advocated for students and parents all across the Inland Empire from Big Bear to Perris, and for everything from unfair suspensions/expulsions to speaking at public board meetings. As an education advocate I also attend rallies organized by activist, school employee unions, and community organizations against the state budget cuts to education. Now I am an education advocate for parents, students, and employees as a member of the Rialto school board.

RIALTO NOW – I have had many friends in the city of Rialto remark on the state of your special education programs here in Rialto Unified School District. The biggest complaints are that this department seems to miss the mark more and more frequently. Are you aware of this issue, and if so what are some steps to fixing this?

EDGAR MONTES – The problems of Special Ed in our district are something I became aware of when I was running for school board in 2010. I witnessed parents and students along with Special Education advocates speak at school board meetings many times. Their complaints and their concerns regarding Special Ed were never responded to or addressed. After I got elected I took on the problems head on, I’ve been fighting for the children of Special Ed and their Parents ever since.

For the record let me first say that there are many good-hearted employees working in Special Ed. Many employees of Special Ed give 110% of themselves to the students and need full support of the RUSD leadership starting with the board of education first, and the superintendent second. Without the full support of RUSD leadership how is Special Ed staff supposed to help the students and parents. Recently a group of about 40 parents and members of the community held a protest in front of the school district office; it came out in the Sun Newspaper back in May I believe. I am only 1 vote on a board of 5. I can only keep speaking up and hope that we get some new board members that will “truly” listen to parents, staff and the community, otherwise nothing is going to change.

One of the arguments made by Dr. James Wallace former Assistant Superintendent Deputy Chief of Staff, then Assistant Superintendent of Student Services which oversaw Special Education, now Assistant Superintendent Deputy Chief of Staff again, is that RUSD spends the most amount of money compared to neighboring school districts. Whether or not that is true, the question is how much of the revenue spent by RUSD for Special Ed has actually trickled down to students and the classrooms? For example, how much money has RUSD spent on attorney’s fees for fighting parents and Special Ed advocates instead of giving the students the services they deserve. I believe in accountability, where is it? We can’t blame the Special Ed teachers, Speech Therapist, Psychologist, or any one from our Special Ed department. We need to hold accountable those at the top.

RIALTO NOW – How can our readers reach you to get more information?

EDGAR MONTES – I can be reached anytime 909-202-2485 or emontes@rialto.k12.ca.us

Rialto’s First Food Truck the Entertainment Line Up

18 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Ca, City of Rialto, Edgar Montes, Family, Family Sports, Food Trucks, Fun, IE Gourmet Food Trucks, Inland Empire, Keith Kahn, rialto unified school district, RUSD, youth

Food Truck enthusiasts and those looking to support High School drama and music programs. Well both people can come together this Saturday at Rialto High School.

Rialto High School Food Truck Festival- Saturday, 9/22/12
http://www.thingstodoinlandempire.com
Brought to you by IE Gourmet Food Trucks, a Division of Complete Food Service, I
nc.: “Bringing Gourmet Food Trucks to the IE!” Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @ie_foodtrucks and visit us at iegourmetfoodtrucks.com for more food truck event info. If you are interested in sponsorship or ex…

Our post yesterday was about the food trucks we broke down the types of trucks and what they have to offer. We will have updates on 2 more trucks in the next couple days.

So what we have today is………………………… The entertainment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Car Show — Looking for more cars (classic, racers, concept, newer muscle) Motorcycles, Public Safety Vehicles anything!!!!!!!!!!!! No cost to enter your car!!!!!!!

DJ Boogie — Rialto High School Alumni will be spinning and mixing for the crowds.

School Choir will be performing.

Belly Dancing Group.

Kids Carnival:

Face Painting — Provided by Marinello Beauty School.

Picture Booth, Ring Toss, Coin Toss, Soccer Toss and much much more…………

They are looking for more live performers so if your group is looking for exposure or just wants to help out this great cause please email us at Davidsmarketing@aol.com

Also were looking for cars and vehicles for their car show lets make this a great event.

Come back tomorrow for more info on remaining trucks and any other last minute updates.

Rialto High School Food Truck Festival- Saturday, 9/22/12

11 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Coffee Nutz, davidsMarketing, Edgar Montes, Family, IE Gourmet Food Trucks, Inland Empire, Keith Kahn, rialto unified school district, RUSD, youth

Come one come all and enjoy a small food truck experince while supporting Rialto High School music program.

Show your support for our schools by attending this fundraiser.

“SPOTLIGHT” On Bernice Reveles

03 Sep 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Family, Family Sports, Inland Empire, Uncategorized, youth

Today we have a “SPOTLIGHT” on an up and coming musician that is ready to blow up the music charts with her passion and beautiful voice.

I was so impressed by her and how this interview turned out. Atthe end you will find out how you can get a FREE download of her latest song. So check out the “SPOTLIGHT” and let us know what you think!!!!!!!

RIALTO NOW – When and why did you start playing?

BERNICE – I started playing guitar when I was 14 years old. I had been playing piano here and there, but guitar had always intrigued me. Just being able to put a couple of chords together and adding some lyrics is just amazing to me… AND it’s way more convenient than a piano!

RIALTO NOW – Is there a moment that you can remember that drove you to sing?

BERNICE – When did it click that you liked singing? – My Aunt Lorena. She use to sing around the LA area for years when she was young. I remember at one New Years Eve family party, when I was 5, she was singing with a trio that plays Spanish music and I just stood there in complete AWE. I saw how everyone was so focused on her and how confident she was. Since then, I knew I wanted to be a singer.

RIALTO NOW – Tell us a little about yourself.

BERNICE – I’m 18 years old. Recent graduate from A.B. Miller High and currently attending Mt. SAC. I’m a singer-songwriter from Fontana, CA. I’ve lived around the country…literally. I lived in Texas, South Carolina but born and raised in Southern California and I’m a complete optimist about life.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Check out her single “BABY I LIKE YOU” will be releasing on 9/4/12 as a free download at http://www.Soundcloud.com/bernicereveles

————————————————————————————————————————————————

RIALTO NOW – What role does FAMILY play in your music?

BERNICE – They play a HUGE role in my music! Without their love, support and wisdom I’d be totally lost. They’re my soul and I’m never without them.

RIALTO NOW – Which instruments do you play?

BERNICE – I play guitar and piano. My guitar is always with me on stage. I plan on learning drums next…if my brother is willing to teach me haha!

RIALTO NOW – What other producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?

BERNICE – Definitely Alanis Morissette and Taylor Swift. I just love how they don’t care what people say or think of them. They just do their thing with confidence and I idolize them for that fact.

RIALTO NOW – What was it like to be signed with Moe Tan Records?

BERNICE – It was scary, exciting and amazing all at the same time! They’re just genuinely good people. Their positive vibes and happiness just make me feel like I’m family. I’m just so excited to see what is to come for all of us in the future!

RIALTO NOW – What was your favorite performance so far? What made it so special?

BERNICE – It was the Thai Festival on Hollywood Blvd in April 2011. All my closest friends and family were there to cheer me on. They all wore my “Baby, I Like You” T-shirts and promoted me. The crowd was wild and just awesome. It was overall an amazing day, filled with amazing memories.

RIALTO NOW – If someone told you right now to pick one venue and artist to sing/play with what would that be?

BERNICE – Hands down the Sala Apolo in Barcelona, Spain with Taylor Swift!

RIALTO NOW – What is the first song ever sung? Do you have secret craving? fave food?

BERNICE – I was 3 or 4 and I sang Selena’s Bidi Bidi Bom Bom to my family. – Forever will be craving Hot Cheetohs and raspberry iced tea. – PIZZA and SUSHI!

RIALTO NOW – What is your favorite movie?

BERNICE – I have a couple. It’s too hard to choose! But top tree are; The Notebook, (500) Days Of Summer and Pretty In Pink.

RIALTO NOW – Do you have any pets? Dog person or cat?

BERNICE – I’m a dog person. My grandma has a dog, that I like to call mine as well. His name’s Yogi and he’s a North American husky.

RIALTO NOW – What was your first job?

BERNICE – Well, I’m currently experiencing my first job. I volunteer at my mom’s job that is a non-profit organization that service, support and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

RIALTO NOW – Do you have any loves, other then music?

BERNICE – I have a love for traveling and photography. One day I want to be able to travel to different parts of the world, try different things and take risks!

RIALTO NOW – What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?

BERNICE – Spending time with my family and friends, hit Huntington Beach, go to concerts/shows and just cruise and travel around Southern California.

RIALTO NOW – How do you describe your music to people?

BERNICE – To make it easier for people to understand I like to say it’s like if Taylor Swift and Katy Perry had a baby! haha! I guess it would be considered “pop” music but with my own little twist into it. I am always open for new things!

RIALTO NOW – How often and for how long do you practice?

BERNICE – I practice everyday. You’ll usually catch me playing guitar or writing a song.

RIALTO NOW – Do you have an charities or causes that are close to your heart?

BERNICE – I have two that are close to my heart. One is, To Write Love On Her Arms. They are a cause that spreads awareness for depression, self-harm and suicide. My grandpa took his life away in 2009 and we’ve been following them ever since. They’re very inspirational & have helped us to cope with his lost. The second is the Tourettes Syndrome Association. My little brother Jay was diagnosed with Tourettes 2 years ago and it’s been hard on everyone…but for him, I can only imagine. He’s such an inspiration and a strong kid. He lives everyday normally and doesn’t let it stop him. I love that kid!

You can find bernice at the following links below, plus lets all go to her Facebook and tell her what you liked most about her “SPOTLIGHT”. Plus don’t forget her single “BABY I LIKE YOU” will be releasing on 9/4/12 as a free download at www.Soundcloud.com/bernicereveles

www.BerniceReveles.com

youtube.com/berniceyy94

facebook.com/bernicerevelesmusic
follow me on twitter @itsberniceyy

Municiple Bonds Become Volitile, What Does This Mean For Rialto?

27 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in AFL-CIO, American Cancer Society, American Water, Bad Commerce, Brad Mitfelt, Budget, Ca, Cancer, City of Rialto, Currupt, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Family, Janice Rutherford, Joe Baca Jr, Josie Gonzales, June Hayes, Lazy, Lewis Properties, Mike Story, Neil Derry, Poor, Protest, RDA, Ron Pharris, Sheet Metal Workers Union, SOSRialtoWater@gmail.com, Taxes, Terra Vista Shopping Center, Water, wwwstoprialtowaterratehikes.com, youth

“A decision by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. BRKB +0.28% to end a large wager on the municipal-bond market is deepening questions from some investors about the risks of buying debt issued by cities, states and other public entities.”

“Some investors said the decision to end the bet indicates that one of the world’s savviest investors has doubts about the state of municipal finances“.

Read more of the Wall Street Journal article at the link below:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443855804577601413630604118.html

So what I find funny in a scary way about all this is Rialto/RUA is looking to take out a $177 Million loan with $27.4 Million in existing debt. I was told that the overall rate is going to be between 7.25% & 7.5%. Yet the bulk ($144 Million) we will be paying 4.33% to 4.83% so the rates average out to be so expensive once we tack on existing debt. Why is that?

First of all because California has borrowed itself into a hole. That’s why governor Brown & a ton of other people have qualified tax measures for the November ballot. They have borrowed us into a massive hole and wont stop spending to save this state.

Second cities, school districts, counties and the state have been using bonds as a dirty band aide for their budget woes. Bonds were seen as good long term investments because municipalities made sure money was there for the bond payments to keep AA & AAA bond ratings or good credit scores. Now they just don’t have the money so they are defaulting on payments or just faulting altogether with Bankruptcy.

I have said time and time again, this deal isn’t good for the RESIDENTS in RIALTO! Yes the infrastructure needs to be upgraded but Rialto and the RESIDENTS are not in the position take on such massive debt while reaching into the pockets of struggling families. Do you know how we are going to pay the interest on this debt; we are borrowing money to pay the first three years. So that means we are borrowing more money than needed to pay interest on debt we cannot afford.

I have heard that this deal is worth $1 Billion to the parties involved. We need to stop this deal in its tracks, hold on and once our economy is back on track look into moving forward. Rialto will be $5 Million in the hole this year. Meaning we are using our reserves for what we can’t get out of our unions in the way of contract negotiations.

The amount of money we are in the hole ($5 Million) is the same amount that staff said was nessicary to bring all the county areas up to city code ($5 Million) since the city and the mangers of the Lytle Creek Development were strong armed by Josie Gonzales and the rest of the Board of Supervisors on the county board. They said if we wanted to annex the county areas in the proposed Lytle Creek Development we must also annex the areas already within our city limits. So when Ed Scott tells you that the water deal isn’t part of the Lytle Creek Development what are we supposed to think with this info. Looks like $5 Million is coming from the borrowed money to fund yet another project.

Warren Buffets recent actions means he dosent trust municipalities ability to re-pay the loans!!!! Said Ric Edelman of Edelman Finacial Services (see the podcast link below, fast forward to the last 7 minutes).

http://www.ricedelman.com/cs/radio_show/past_shows?id=1837

I have been told that this deal is also nessicary for attracting new development. What I find funny is In & Out is good to go for next year and Wal-Mart has won its lawsuits and plans to move forward with plans to re-locate to the empty lot on the corner of San Bernardino and Riverside Avenues (I don’t like this store). So why do we need 30 million dollars? To pay off the back room deals that Ed Scott and Ed Palmer have made with the Lewis builders (Target Developers) and Ron Pharrise the principle owner of the Lytle Creek Development. So once they have wasted the 30 Million dollars then what? Our CURRENT city government is so horrible at attracting real development that the community actually wants.

For example I have heard numerous council members say in reference to In & Out “we need more than another fast food place” or “we have enough burger joints”. We have too many crappy stupid chain fast food burger joints that hire the worst employees, pay the lowest wages and offer horrible customer service. On top of all that they offer a un healthy over processed food option.

In & Out is the best burger option in the State. They offer fresh quality food at a reasonable price. They also are and employer that looks for the best expects the best and pays a very fair wage. They are always clean, polite and productive. The next best option is Bakers but for some reason they are always right smack in the middle of the worst part of the city.

People in Rialto do you want to see this deal drag this city into ruin? How much more money do you want to give these defunct local legislators? Stop the back room deals and call them on this failed deal, also let’s vote for major change in November.

Below is a list of people tied to or working on this Water Deal call and email them and let them know what you think of their deal even if you already called or emailed do it again they have yet to get the message:

All Council Members can be reached at 909-820-2525 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 909-820-2525 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Grace Vargas vargasg@rialtoca.gov

Joe Baca Jr

Ed Palmer

Deborah Robertson

robertsond@rialtoca.gov

Contact Anthony W. Araiza General Manager

administration@wvwd.org

Table Rock Finacial:

Megan – 415-497-2320 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 415-497-2320 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Lynn Smull – 510-326-3209 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 510-326-3209 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

855 W. Base Line Road P.O. Box 920 Rialto, CA 92377 Ph: (909) 875-1804 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (909) 875-1804 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 703 Fx: (909) 875-7284

Were not the only ones smelling coruption

22 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in AFL-CIO, American Water, Budget, Ca, Cancer, City of Rialto, Crime, Currupt, Deborah Robertson, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Family, Flores Park, Grace Vargas, In & Out, Inland Empire, Joe Baca Jr, Josie Gonzales, Layoffs, Lazy, Lewis Properties, Nieghborhood Watch, Protest, Public Safety, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, Street Crime Attack Team, SWAT, Terra Vista Shopping Center, Uncategorized, Water, youth

Let’s start with some awesome news we have the attention of more than just or city council we have senators and senators of the future, financial advisors and Dr. Imran Farooq.

Mr. Farooq is a partner at:

The Omnius Group – The Omnius Group specializes in comprehensive economic development to dynamically integrate public and private sectors. Our experience includes real estate development, commercial finance, green technologies, workforce development and extensive relationships across local, state and federal agencies. Our objective is to pursue projects that incorporate economic, social and environmental value in the local communities.

http://www.facebook.com/DrIFarooq

His preliminary advice is to look at:

Is it possible to propose exemptions to rate increases depending on household incomes? This might be a way to protect the most vulnerable in the community but still facilitate the deemed ‘necessary’ upgrades.

Now we were sent an interesting piece of news. The article below is about the failure of American Water to secure the contract with the City of Rialto. I find it interesting that in the press release they (RWS) claim they decided to sever ties with American Water, but here it looks like American Water was the one cutting the ties. Insiders have told me that the cities decision to ignore the residents desire to put the outsourcing issue to a vote in November gave American Water an uneasy feeling about moving forward. The city attorney’s bad advice to the council now looks like a failed political move.

You see they didn’t put the issue on the ballot for a ton of reasons:

They don’t want to know what you think, at least the Eds and the city attorney. Call them sometime and try asking questions they will try everything in their power to shove you off they just want to make their money.
They know it’s an election year with a presidential election which means more people at the polls.
Putting the issue on the ballot would remove their ability to say that most of the people want this deal.
The city wants to have a stock pile of money to dip into to bring us “Development”. What happens once the $30 Million is gone and spent? How then will you bring us the economic development we desire?
The city tried to hide from their bad decision by saying it was a union issue not a community issue, let alone I saw hundreds of residents getting petitions signed the union got what they wanted and left, the residents are still here and a few of us refuse to stop fighting.
Lastly, from the looks of the words of American Water’s CEO American Water walked away. So the city took what they thought would remain secret and tell us we (Council) have decided to remove American Water from the deal and not change the deal just the players right before an election. They didn’t hear us if they did they would have started from the ground up and better involve the community and find ways to protect residents that are elderly, poor and struggling.

Also if this deal is to bring Development to our city can someone explain the consequences of their miss-direction and lies as seen at the bottom of this article from the Public Works Newsletter:

The deal called for American Water to be paid $26.5 million a year to run the system and cover certain maintenance expenses – but not counting the automatic price escalator each year. Multiply that out 30 years – and that’s just for the O&M, which of course must be covered by sufficient revenues from the ratepayers, on top of covering the financing for the improvements, the $30 million “catch up lease payment” to the City, refinancing existing RUA debt (at much higher interest rates), etc.

When I asked Megan Madsen from Table Rock Financial about the built in profit guarantee that was there for American Water she said she had no idea what I was talking about. So when information I stumbled across leads one to believe there is more than they are telling us. Does anyone know that 27.4 million is going toward refinancing existing debt?

No one will tell us the rates they are financing at or why it nessicary to add such a massive amount of debt to something that’s tied to our WATER & WASTE WATER systems. On financial person told me that depending on how the loan is structured it may very well hurt more than help if the city ever found its self in the same situation as our neighbor San Bernardino. I have been told we will be in deficit spending this next fiscal year in the realm of $5 million dollars.

We need to be wiser to WHO is sitting on certain sub communities when it comes to dealings with contracting out services.

What Does Carter High School and UCLA Have In Common?

20 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Ca, City of Rialto, Edgar Montes, Family, Family Sports, Fun, rialto unified school district, RUSD, www.careervisionbyjamie.com, youth

Article from San Bernardino Sun Newspaper

RIALTO – On the surface, there seems to be little in common between the football programs at UCLA and Carter High School.

During the summer, Carter senior lineman Kenny Clark attended camps at UCLA, USC and Washington. He got offers from Washington and UCLA, and interest from USC.

But he gave a verbal commitment to go to UCLA in part because of a similarity between UCLA and Carter.

“I want to be part of building something,” Clark said. “Like we’ve done here at Carter.”

Clark was a key player on both the defensive and offensive lines for last year’s

Carter High School offensive lineman works a play during football practice in Rialto. (Gabriel Luis Acosta/Staff Photographer)

best-ever Lions squad that went 11-2 and advanced to the CIF-SS Central Division semifinals.

He wants a lot more this year.

“I want to go 14-0 and win CIF,” he said. “I don’t like losing.”

The 6-foot-2, 297-pound Clark seems to have two sides: soft-spoken and good-natured off the field, but intense on the field and in workouts.

That’s the only reason to explain Clark refusing to rest on his laurels.

“Last year, he was listed at 280 (pounds),” Carter coach Alex Pierce said. “He filled out in the weight room. He had 36 college offers and he could’ve just coasted. But he’s got a great work ethic.”

He certainly wasn’t coasting when he spent most of his days this summer working out from 5-7 a.m.

And the reason for that? Not necessarily what you’d think. He’s not focused on college or the NFL. Rather, he wants to help his Carter team win.

“Unless someone brings it up, you wouldn’t know I have a scholarship because I don’t talk about it,” Clark said. “That (UCLA) will happen next year. Right now, I’m focused on this year.”

He’s focused on this year, but he says he’s not focused on personal statistics. A year ago, he had 6 1/2 sacks, 36 tackles and two fumble recoveries. He may be bigger and stronger this year, but can expect to see a steady diet of two blockers.

As an offensive lineman, there aren’t accurate statistics to measure your worth. The only one is how the offense runs and last year area Player of the Year Gaylon Maxie rushed for 1,905 yards for Carter.

But Clark’s athletic talents aren’t limited to the football field. As a heavyweight wrestler last season, Clark advanced to the CIF State Championships.

Despite a future in football, Clark says he still plans to wrestle for his senior season this winter.

“I started wrestling my sophomore year,” Clark said. “Coach (Kevin) Hennessy got me to wrestle and I really like it. If something goes wrong, it’s on you.

“Everybody is questioning me … asking me why I want to keep wrestling. But I’m careful.”

His focus may be on his senior year at Carter, but make no mistake – he wants to play in the NFL.

“That’s what I’ve always wanted, to go to the NFL,” he said. “I never really had a college team in mind.”

He’s certainly got a college team now. But first, he has a high school team to worry about.

__________________________________________________________________________

http://www.careervisionbyjamie.com/

RIALTO: Salon to host fundraiser for the needy

07 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Ca, Cancer, City of Rialto, Family, Inland Empire, youth

Article on a fundraiser that was held here in Rialto this article was found Via Yatown Neighborhood Newsletter. Article from the Press Enterprise paper.

Genesis Beauty Studio of Rialto will host a fundraiser to support homeless women and children on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 224 S. Palm Avenue, Rialto from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Brenda Carr, owner of Genesis Hair Studio, along with her son, Henry Robinson, will be giving back-to-school haircuts for children, and regular haircuts for men, and women. Gift baskets will be sold, and silent auction items will be raffled off in support of Time for Change Foundation, a San Bernardino City nonprofit organization providing housing and leadership development to homeless women and children. All donated proceeds will go towards supporting Time for Change Foundation’s transitional living homes, “Sweet Dreams” and “Mt. View” which annually house over 70 families a year.

According to her business’s mission statement, Brenda first opened Genesis hair studio in 2001 with the goal of “using her cosmetology skills to restore purpose, vision and self-confidence back into the lives of the women that need and want to reestablish themselves in the community.”

When asked about her relationship with Genesis Beauty Studio, long-time client, Gail Randall said, “Brenda has always had a dream to help others and has fulfilled all of her goals. Not only is she remarkable as a stylist and entrepreneur, but she has a strong passion for helping the homeless.”

“Genesis Beauty Studio started as a dream for me, and then it became a goal and eventually developed into a reality. I know and understand the importance of maintaining your image when you are in the community and seeking employment,” said Carr.

Carr has worked in the past with Time for Change Foundation. In May of 2012, she provided three of the Foundation’s clients with beauty makeovers.

Genesis Beauty Studio is currently looking for volunteers who would like to assist the studio for the day of the event. Brenda Carr may be reached at at (951) 536-7309.