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Rialto water rate hike is necessary??? Mayor thinks so.

09 Apr 2012 3 Comments

by rialto-now in AFL-CIO, American Water, Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Coffee Nutz, Currupt, davidsMarketing, Deborah Robertson, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Family, Family Sports, Flores Park, Fun, German owned company, Grace Vargas, Holidays, In & Out, Joe Baca Jr, June Hayes, Layoffs, Lazy, Lewis Properties, Mike Story, Nieghborhood Watch, Poor, Protest, Public Safety, Rancho Cucamonga, RDA, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, rialto unified school district, Ron Pharris, RUSD, Sheet Metal Workers Union, Sierra Lakes Parkway, SOSRialtoWater@gmail.com, SWAT, Target, Taxes, Terra Vista Shopping Center, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, Water, wwwstoprialtowaterratehikes.com, youth

Below is the article Mayor of Rialto Grace Vargas had published in the San Bernardino Sun Paper on Easter Sunday.

I totally disagree with everything this Mayor says here, and now that she is ending her term as mayor and not seeking re-election she seems to not care what direction our poor city is thrown in. Also he uses this forum to make lies and false statements so that no one can refute them, when the 80 people took the time to come down and tell the city government what they thought about the bad deal they were making they sat silent. They only responded to the various Labor Union reps that lived outside the city advocating for the POSSIBILITY of jobs.

So what I will do here is give the honest reasons this is happening and voice what the people really said they wanted at the last council meeting. Our responses will be in bold black hers will be in normal type and font.

Raising rates for city services is something no mayor or council member wants to do.

From the looks of it Mayor Vargas, Ed Scott, Ed Palmer, Deborah Robertson all in favor as well as new City Manager Mike Story the only one that has voted no twice was Joe Baca Jr. Thank You Mr Baca. Your votes speak volumes we no longer listen to your words.

Sometimes, though, the alternative is worse, which is where we in Rialto found ourselves as we confronted the reality of a city water and wastewater system badly in need of repair.

If this is so then its your fault for not directing the water company to slowly make these improvements, it is your lack of leadership and responsibility that has brought us here you have had the job as Mayor for the last 12 years.

Though we’ve been holding down rates for years, time had run out. Our system needs more than $40 million in upgrades – far more than we can afford with existing revenue streams.

I grew up in Rialto made the mistake of buying my first home here NEVER did I here you’re getting water at cost I hope your appreciating it. Quite the contrary we have been paying a perchlorate fee for years, 8% utility tax that was sold as a way to keep public safety at good standards now its going into the general fund to be mismanaged. Please stop saying you have kept rates low it all sounds like lies because we all pay our bills and we know what we have been paying.

In addition, the loss of redevelopment financing has left us unable to provide the kind of infrastructure improvements needed to attract businesses and retailers that create jobs, pay taxes and improve our quality of life.

Giving away free money to businesses to get them to come to Rialto is a lazy way of development. RDA made cities lazy gave away money and paid fees developers should have paid as the cost of doing business. Developers like Lewis and Pharasse are using you to force us to pay for the cost of doing business. When Lewis Properties builds out the area ear marked for Target they will throw lame lazy security guards out to help protect the property, one old man in a truck that will pester Girl Scouts selling cookies but hides behind the old circuit city and sleeps while his son walks around with what looks like his detec ( Detec is a magnet with a chip the guard touches it to a certain spot will hear a beep and the company know he did his particular rounds). Pharasse Homes wants every lawn to look like the Country Club he destroyed, he wants the city to force us to make improvements he should be making if he wants to build his monster of a housing development in the Lytle creek wash.

This past week, that forced us into a difficult, unpopular, but necessary decision to raise rates for Rialto water customers as part of a public-private partnership with American Water.

Difficult I think not you had your minds made up before you hit the door, Unpopular YES, necessary NOPE. Take the PUBLIC out of your statements regarding American Water They are Really German Water and the REAL PUBLIC wants nothing to do with them.

Much was said about this in the months, weeks and days leading up to the vote, and as someone who has lived in Rialto for 30 years and has been your mayor for the past 12, I certainly understand and appreciate the concerns that were expressed. These are difficult economic times, and to add higher water rates on top of that is a sacrifice for many.

Yes a lot was said since this issue came to be, and you ignored all of the RESIDENTS & BUSINESS owners who want nothing to do with this deal. Even Joe Baca Jr. who is normally right in line with all the unions you let in to speak on Tuesday and even responded to their comments saw that this was a bad deal for Rialto and its residents. REALLY Grace REALLY!!!!!!

But let me assure you that we’re doing this for the right reason. Those of us elected by you to make these kinds of difficult choices do so because we believe in Rialto, and we believe in you. We live here, and, like you, we want what’s best for the community.

What is your idea of the right reason? Unions Jobs? Taking advantage of a low-income community? guaranteeing German Water a 30% profit every year for 30 years? Outsourcing jobs? Paying for things that companies should be paying for THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS? Oh and don’t worry we won’t vote for any of you ever again (Joe Baca Jr excluded) so you wont be bothered with listening to what the VOTERS want rather than the various lobbyist you actually do work for.

Our responsibility to manage city government and to provide the quality of services you’ve come to expect will, from time to time, causes to do things reluctantly. Certainly this is one of those occasions. We don’t want to raise rates, but we know it’s necessary.

You know its necessary to GARUNTEE 30% profits yearly for 30 years? Also yes you do want the rates to rise because it also fills your 8% Utility Tax slush fund, as the rates rise so do the proceeds from the ADDITIONAL TAX.

Also, with the recent loss of our Redevelopment Agency, we understand how important the public-partnership can be to our present and future. As part of this agreement, $30 million in improvements can be used to attract the kind of businesses we all would like to see in our community, like Target, Super Walmart and In-N-Out Burger.

I love Target and havent been inside of a walmart in 5 years, and I would love an In & Out in Rialto. BUt I would not shop at either big box store here in Rialto and might use the drive thru at In & Out. Rialto isn’t a safe place it just isn’t. Our police work very hard but we don’t support or staff our police with the resources to handle the added theft and crime big retail brings and the In & Out will be an awesome stop and rob location get off on Riverside Rob the restaurant shoot a few people jump back on and be gone. I have been near robbed at Bakers both Carls Jrs (Foothill and North Riverside) the Post Office right next to city hall and countless times at the Homedepot shopping center and that’s just me!!!!!!!!

Let me give you 2 examples of a city similar size of Rialto and how they handle it. Redlands PD actually communicates with the Loss Prevention personnel at the big retail locations, they come out and actually arrest and protect in their city.

San Bernardino never comes out for theft even a 211S doesnt get them moving, they can have someone report a male beating on a female less that 100 feet away and they will ignore it and let the male finish her off. San Bernardino is so dangerous because the police don’t care and the city is horribly mis-managed bring in big retail with no plan to handle all the crap and get ready for a bumpy ride.

Oh and NO ONE wants a Super Wal-Mart or a Lowes, Wal-Mart Ugh and Lowes can’t carry another location in the area look at the north San Bernardino building that now sits empty.

It is, in a way, like running a business. If we’re to succeed, we need to invest.

If your running a business then why did you put up a 7 year moratorium building along the 210 freeway in Rialto? Was that a wise BUSINESS IDEA? We need to take the 30 million fix our own infrastructure, if its really that bad.

Fortunately, our “business” – our community – has always shown an amazing ability to work together, and I’m confident that this will be no exception. We may have our disagreements, but when all is said and done, we want the same thing – a vibrant, healthy Rialto.

We no longer want to work with any of you, leave by yourselves or just wait for the election but everyone’s days are numbered as leaders of Rialto.

In the coming weeks, you will get information on Proposition 218, which offers an opportunity to vote down this increase. You owe it to yourselves to study the facts – the reality we face – and make an informed decision.

The communities biggest beef with the council, mayor and city manager was the fact that they sent this deal packing and thought you were looking at other options. What do you do bring back the same bad deal and force feed us, I cant wait to cast my NO VOTE.

Once you do, I am confident you will see this the way the City Council did, and continue to work with us in turning these very difficult economic challenges into opportunities our entire community will be able to take advantage of.

Grace Vargas is mayor of Rialto.

Ok here is what I think this really is. It’s the councils answer to losing RDA funding. Their Democrat Governor gave them the shaft and took away their easy way of attracting business. So they find a way to pull 30 million to continue with the status quo and let the tax payers suffer. Most of this 30 million will be spent on the Target project with lewis homes. Ask your city government how much money we have already wasted on environmental and economic impact studies along with the massive cost of shutting down the Airport and moving two major helicopter agencies to San Bernardino Airport. The sheriffs department & Mercy Air. The Target project has seen 20 & 30 million thrown at it and was never seen again. Lewis Properties needs to stay in Rancho and other high-end cites where crime is low a thier lame security staff wont be bothered. The filth of Rialto will harm the shoppers and destroy the lame post guards.

Was West Valley Water ever considered? I actually thought I paid my bill to them when I forgot to mail my bill and went up to baseline to pay only to be told that I had to go to city hall to pay my bill? Why is the city split so awkwardly?

No when I call German Water about my bill or service I will get some guy named tom from India with such a strong accent I wont even be able to understand him. Or have an automated bill paying station in a convient place for thugs to rob me and vandals to destroy. Thus giving German Water the ability to say because the costs are so much operating in Rialto the rates will increase more than originally anticipated blah blah blah blah blah………………………….

Kiwanas East Rialto 21st Annual Golf Tournament

09 Mar 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, Cancer, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Flores Park, Fun, Holidays, Nieghborhood Watch, The Circle Vision Quest

Kiwanas East Rialto Golf Tournament is an awesome way to get out play some golf and help a local organization raise funds for the various projects they run throught the year. Here is the info:

You can contact them on the flyer or come on by Wednesday Mornings at Sal & Limons in rialto 7am for thier weekly meeting.

————————————————————————————————-This post was brought to you by:

Passport Day 2012

09 Mar 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Ca, City of Rialto, Coffee Nutz, davidsMarketing, Flores Park, Holidays, The Circle Vision Quest, youth

Stolen Money

21 Feb 2012 1 Comment

by rialto-now in American Cancer Society, ARMC, Budget, Ca, Cancer, City of Rialto, Currupt, davidsMarketing, Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Dr. Michael Neeki, Family, Family Sports, Farrell’s Honors Our Military, Farrell’s Resturant, Flores Park, Fontana PD, Fun, Holidays, In & Out, Layoffs, Lazy, Military, Nieghborhood Watch, Protest, Public Safety, Rancho Cucamonga, RDA, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Sierra Lakes Parkway, Sr., SWAT, Taxes, Terra Vista Shopping Center, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

Below is the link to the story that soured this post:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/calif-lawmakers-switch-days-to-collect-payments-1.3538968

The link above is to an associated press story about the continued waste of money that our legislators are guilty of almost daily. The go to Sacramento only to ensure that they will make their per diem, on that cost tax payers 65,000 TAX DOLLARS. That means 65,000 less to help fix the budget problems, but the have once again lined their pockets without any regard for the voters concerns.

You know the old saying how do you know when an elected official is lieing? When their lips are moving.

Seems about right, because when its election time they will tell you why they are in Sacramento the people (lie). I’m sorry to say that democrats and Republicans are both just as bad. They are not in Sacramento for your voice they are there to line their pockets and live off the government forever. How long are we going to let these people continue to take advantage of us and destroy our cites, state & country. 5th district supervisor Josie Gonzales actually told the sun in an interview in reference to pension reform and the San Bernardino County employee union putting out a petition to make San Bernardino County supervisors a part-time job, that she had financial obligations that must be met and if the board became part-time she would step down. REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So why are you there Mrs Gonzales?

Below are some other articles where CA is hurt and hemorrhaging and could use every penny we can find.

Employee losses due to loss of RDA’s and tight budgets:

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_20006550

“Rialto and Highland, for example, have found ways to keep their former Redevelopment Agency employees on the payroll, officials said.”

Mass Teacher layoffs due to 22 million dollar budget cuts:

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_20001266

“In a best-case scenario, reduced funding from the state will force the district to cut its 2012-2013 budget by roughly $22 million, which would mean roughly 162 employees, including teachers and administrators, would receive layoff notices before the annual March 15 notification deadline. ”

Redevelopment dollars gone without a solution:

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_19998785

“You hear a lot of stories about California redevelopment agencies being abused to advance the agenda of the downtown elite, but more often than not, CRAs are used for their expressed purpose, which is to address blight, serve underrepresented communities, and maybe, more importantly than anything else, provide affordable housing in regions where there isn’t enough.”

This one cracks me up, they say that their was abuse and misuse? What about what lawmakers do daily?????????

People stand up and take action before its to late. Look for lawmakers that will fight their voters convictions not their own and fight it through even if it will make relection harder.

Relay for Life Zumba Party

16 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in American Cancer Society, Budget, Ca, Cancer, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Dr. Michael Neeki, Family, Family Sports, Farrell’s Honors Our Military, Farrell’s Resturant, Flores Park, Fontana PD, Fun, Holidays, In & Out, Military, Nieghborhood Watch, Public Safety, Rancho Cucamonga, RDA, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Sierra Lakes Parkway, Sr., SWAT, Terra Vista Shopping Center, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

Relay for Life Fundraiser on February 18th.

It’s a Zumba party!

There will be lots of dancing/excercise, refreshments & FUN! The money raised goes to the Rialto Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. I know that most everyone knows someone that has fought the battle with Cancer. We are raising money to help fund research & services for those fighting Cancer so that hopefully soon no one has to hear the words ” You’ve got Cancer”.

The brochure is attached. You can get tickets @ the Rialto Racquet & Fitness Club or by contacting one of the Rialto Relay for Life committee members below.

Michelle Leonard 909 815-5418

Delynda Kobbe 909 816-3364

Rialto Branch Libary Calendar

16 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, davidsMarketing, Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Dr. Michael Neeki, Family, Family Sports, Farrell’s Resturant, Flores Park, Fun, Holidays, Nieghborhood Watch, RDA, rialto unified school district, RUSD, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

City Administrators Monthly Update Feb 2012

16 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Family, Family Sports, Flores Park, Fun, Holidays, In & Out, Layoffs, Lazy, Military, Nieghborhood Watch, Protest, Public Safety, RDA, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, rialto unified school district, RUSD, SWAT, Taxes, Terra Vista Shopping Center, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

City Clerk/Rialto Network

The State of Women

The 6^th Annual “The State of Women” event is scheduled for Saturday, March 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., located at the Rialto Senior Center, 1411 S. Riverside Avenue. Keynote Speaker is B. Darcel Lee, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network. Our local legislators will be on hand for Q&A. The event is free with vendor booths, morning refreshments, and a light lunch will be provided. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to the City Clerk’s office at (909) 820-2519 or mrodriguez@rialtoca.gov.

Passport Day in the USA

If you are planning to travel outside of the United States plan on joining the City Clerk’s office during Passport Day in the USA, Saturday, March 10. You can apply for your passport and learn more about travel requirements. And, if you process your passport that day, you’ll get a free hot dog! So, join us on March 10 to prepare for your upcoming travel. For more information contact (909) 820-2519 or visit the City website at www.rialtoca.gov/cityclerk_passports.php.

Administrative & Community Services

Finance Division

The Finance Division is working with the Redevelopment Agency to wind down the operations of the Rialto Redevelopment Agency.

Finance will also be working to complete the midyear analysis based on the activities through December 2011. The final result and budget update will be presented at the March 13, 2012 City Council meeting.

The 2010/11 Redevelopment Agency Financial Statements have been received and are available on the City’s Website at www.rialtoca.gov.

Recreation Division

The Rialto Recreation Winter/Spring 2012 Brochure is now available! You may have already received your brochure in the mail at home. Please take a look at what we have to offer and sign up for a class today! The brochure can also be viewed at our website www.RialtoRec.com.

Police Department

Department Promotions

Please join me in congratulating the Rialto Police Department’s newest command staff members and supervisors: Lieutenant’s – Dean Hardin and Andy Karol; Sergeant’s – Josh Lindsay, Paul Stella, Johnny Partida, Chris Hice and Robert Smith; and Corporal’s – Rory Scalf, James Mills, James Massey and Carl Jones.

Department Strategic Plan

With new staff in place, YOUR Police Department will begin working hard to develop an organizational strategic plan. We will be working closely with City leaders, community members, local business, and faith based organizations to help us fight crime in our community. Please join us at the Area Command Meetings to find out how you can help. For more information visit the Police Department website at www.rialtopd.com.

Rialto PD e-Desk

The e-Desk kiosk is a user friendly data terminal used to develop a more efficient method of handling citizen traffic inside police stations. The kiosk acts as an assistant to desk officers during high-traffic hours; allowing citizens with general inquiries to get the answers they need while allowing the desk officers to focus on higher priority cases. Some of the capabilities are: citizen generated non-offense reports, submitting anonymous crime tips, requesting vacation watch, leaving messages for officers/detectives, making payments for report requests and other related fees through use of a credit card/debit card, access to the Police Departments website, and other related information.

Cop-Book – Connecting police officers with each other and the communities they serve and protect.

For too long, local police departments have relied on email, outdated systems, or word of mouth to identify experts and relevant content in local and regional areas. Data is trapped across systems, people’s minds, or languishing in archives – making it almost impossible to get work done. Separated by both time and distance, limited interaction between officers on the beat slows the decision-making process between the officers in the field and headquarters.

Cop-Book is a secure collaboration environment that unshackles users from the narrow confines of email, telephone conference calls, endless meetings, and departmental bottlenecks – and puts them into an interactive online community where they can securely harness the collective intelligence and work of their peers in real time.

City-Sourced App – Coming Soon

City-Sourced is a real time mobile civic engagement platform. City-Sourced provides a simple and intuitive platform empowering residents to identify civic issues (public safety, quality of life, environmental issues, etc.) and report them to City Hall for quick resolution; an opportunity for government to use technology to save time and money plus improve accountability to those they govern, and a positive, collaborative platform for real action.

NIXLE- Community Notification and Information

The Rialto Police Department is proud to announce the incorporation of NIXLE to enhance communications within our community. NIXLE is a free service that allows community members to receive trusted, up-to-the-minute neighborhood information. You choose the information that you want to receive from urgent public safety information to less time sensitive community information. You can receive this information over your cell phone, by text message, or by email. Sign up at www.NIXLE.com.

Fire Department

Homeland Security Grant

The Rialto Fire Department has been awarded $26,627 through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. These grant funds were provided for the advancement of interoperable communication systems that are used during emergency operations. The Fire Department will use these funds to purchase communication devices that fit inside a firefighter’s Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) face piece. Because the SCBA face piece forms an airtight seal around the firefighter’s mouth and face, it is difficult to achieve clear verbal communication over a radio or face-to-face. Because these devices are located inside the masks, and because they are connected directly to the firefighter’s radio, all verbal communications are clear and audible to other rescue workers. This greatly improves efficiency and safety for our firefighters.

Recruitment and Retention of Diversity Workshop

On February 2^nd & 3^rd, the City ofRialto sent a five-member team of key stakeholders to participate in a workshop focusing on recruiting and retaining diversity in the Fire Department. The workshop was sponsored by Fire 20/20, a non-profit organization, and was be held inAnaheimCA. The two-day workshop presented an overview of strategies, tactics, and practical aids that Fire Departments can use to more effectively recruit and retain a qualified, diverse, inclusive, and safety-conscious workforce that respects and represents the communities they serve. They also developed a framework for strategies that supports retention, enrolls the community as recruitment partners, and maximizes the effectiveness of outreach campaigns.

TheRialtoteam members included CouncilwomanDeborah Robertson; George Harris, Director of Administrative and Community Services;Nash Briones, Rialto Firefighters Local 3688 President;Cindy Balderas, Human Resource Manager; and Mat Fratus, Fire Chief. They joined similar teams fromLos AngelesCity,SacramentoCity,Pasadena,Alhambra,Novato,Glendale, andOrangeCounty.

Promotions

The Fire Department is very pleased to announce the promotions of four personnel to key positions within the Fire Department. Congratulations to the following:

James Bender Fire Captain
- DeWayne Frederick Engineer
- John Heffelfinger Engineer
- Thomas Stephenson Engineer

Each of these individuals has demonstrated the highest level of commitment and competency throughout the testing and evaluation process.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

Rialto Fire Department is pleased to provide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to the residents of the City of Rialto who are sixteen years of age and older. The CERT program educates community members about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist when professional responders are not immediately available to help others in their neighborhood or workplace following a major emergency event. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

The next CERT classes will be held in March on the following dates and times:

Thursdays, March 1 and 8, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturdays, March 3 and 10, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The classes will be held at Rialto Fire Station 204 (3288 North Alder Avenue). To sign up, e-mail your name and phone number to RialtoCERT@gmail.com or call (909) 421-4964. There is no charge for the twenty-hour training. Participants will receive a CERT Participant Manual, CERT Backpack, CERT Helmet and CERT Safety-vest (provided by the Homeland Security Grant Program). For more information, contact Battalion Chief Frank Bekkerat (909) 820-2501 or on the internet at www.rialtoca.gov/cert.html.

Development Services Department

State of California Dissolves Redevelopment Agency

On February 1, 2012 the Redevelopment Agency of the City ofRialtoceased operations as a result of the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold AB1X 26, which dissolved redevelopment agencies statewide. The City ofRialtohas elected to serve as the successor agency, which will have the commission of completing contracted obligations and then liquidating all assets for disposition to various taxing jurisdictions. The Successor Agency will be governed by an independent Oversight Board, subject to further review by theCountyAuditor-Controllerand the State ofCalifornia. The housing functions of the former Redevelopment Agency were assumed by the Rialto Housing Authority on February 1, 2012.

The Redevelopment Agency of the City ofRialtowas established in 1979 to alleviate blighting conditions and facilitate economic development and housing. Since 2004, over $150 million has been invested in public infrastructure, economic development, and affordable housing projects. Key projects funded by the Redevelopment Agency included the Riverside Avenue/I-10 Interchange ($30 million); Pepper Avenue Extension ($13 million); Fergusson Park Improvement ($6.3 million); Library Expansion ($1 million); New Fire Station 202 ($5.9 million); West Jackson Neighborhood Revitalization ($8 million); and TELACU #2 and 3 Senior Housing projects ($5.9 million).

All Redevelopment Agency programs and projects, except those that are subject to binding contracts, have been terminated. The housing programs formerly funded by the Agency, including home rehabilitation programs, may resume in the future, subject to funding. The State Senate recently approved SB 654 which would allow the Rialto Housing Authority to keep all remaining affordable housing funds of the former Redevelopment Agency for use in creating or improving the housing stock. This cash infusion is a one-time event, and when the cash has been exhausted the programs will once again cease.

The Redevelopment Agency office at131 S. Riverside Avenuewill operate for a short while to help wind down the affairs of the former Agency. The former staff of the Agency will be assimilated into the Development Services Department of the City.

City Council Rescinds Purchase and Sale Agreement with Agency for Airport

On January 24, 2012 the City Council authorized the City Attorney to notify the Redevelopment Agency of the City ofRialtothat the purchase and sale agreement between the parties would be rescinded due to the Agency’s inability to perform its obligations. Under the purchase and sale agreement, the Agency was obligated to pay the City upwards of $32 million when the last parcel of land was sold pursuant to the Contract of Sale with Lewis-Hillwood Rialto LLC. Because the state has dissolved the Redevelopment Agency, the Agency will be unable to perform its obligations to the City. As a result, the City ofRialtoexpects to reclaim title of theRialtoMunicipalAirport. Effective February 1, 2012 the Airport resumed operations as a City enterprise.

Target Freezer Distribution Center Commences Grading

Construction is underway on the 450,000 square foot freezer distribution center for Target Stores at Renaissance Parkway andLaurel Avenue. Completion is scheduled for the summer of 2013. Street improvements forAlder Avenue, Renaissance Parkway andLaurel Avenueinclude curb, gutter, sidewalks, streetlights and street widening (paving). In addition, a new traffic signal will be installed at Renaissance Parkway andLaurel Avenue. Street construction will begin onAlder Avenueand Renaissance Parkway. Lane closures may occur any time during construction.Laurel Avenuewill be closed to through traffic at Renaissance Parkway for construction ofLaurel Avenue. Further information of theLaurel Avenueclosure will be provided as construction progresses. Please adhere to all construction safety notices and speed limits during construction.

County of San Bernardino Commences Street/Landscape Improvements on Alder Avenue

Construction of street and landscape improvements at the entry to theCountyLandfillis underway. The project is funded and administered by theCountyofSan Bernardinoand the City ofRialto. Street Improvements forAlder AvenueandCasmalia Avenueinclude curb, gutter, sidewalks, streetlights and street widening (paving). In addition, the Alder/Casmalia intersection will be widened on the northwest corner. Lane closures onAlder AvenueandCasmalia Avenuemay occur at any time. In addition, landscaping is being installed alongCasmalia AvenueandAlder Avenue. Please adhere to all construction safety notices and speed limits during construction.

Under Armour Occupies Warehouse in Prologis 210 Industrial Park

Under Armour announced that they secured a long term lease on a 1.2 million square foot warehouse distribution facility at the ProLogis I-210 industrial park. City staff met with representatives from Under Armour recently to discuss how to expedite permit issuance for tenant improvements. Under Armour indicated that it would begin operations this year in approximately 400,000 square feet then ultimately expand into the entire 1.2 million square foot facility over the next few years. This site will become Under Armour’s West Coast Distribution facility.

Under Armour, headquartered inBaltimore,Maryland, founded in 1996 by formerUniversityofMarylandfootball player Kevin Plank, is a multi-billion dollar company that supplies a wide range of sportswear and casual sports-oriented apparel focusing on hi-tech sportswear to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout.

Revised Lytle Creek Environmental Impact Report to be Released for Public Comment

The Planning Division is scheduled to release the revision to the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Lytle Creek Ranch Project in February 2012. The Lytle Creek Ranch community is comprised of 2,447 acres of land, divided into four distinct neighborhoods and 103 planning areas. Approximately 694 acres within the Specific Plan area are located within theRialtoCitylimits and 1,753 acres within the Specific Plan area are located within unincorporatedSan Bernardino. The neighborhoods are described as follows:

Neighborhood I includes approximately 417 acres of land. A portion of this land (“Sycamore Flats East” and “Sycamore Flats West”) is located within the boundaries of the 3,400 acre Glen Helen Specific Plan (CountyofSan Bernardino). The remaining land in Neighborhood I includes acreage located within the boundaries of the Lytle Creek North Planned Development (CountyofSan Bernardino).

Neighborhood II includes an adult golf course community on approximately 802 acres and includes the entire 221-acre El Rancho Verde Specific Plan area.

Neighborhood III is located south of the I-15 will include a mix of single-family detached and attached homes, as well as Village Center Commercial development on approximately 969 acres.

Neighborhood IV includes multi-family residential and Village Center Commercial development on approximately 259 acres located north of the I-15.

On August 26, 2010, a lawsuit (Endangered Habitats League; Save Lytle Creek Wash v. City of Rialto) was filed challenging the previously certified EIR for Lytle Creek. On September 30, 2011 Superior Court Judge Frank Gafkowski issued a Tentative Ruling which deemed certain sections of the previously certified EIR deficient. The Tentative Ruling was finalized by a Writ of Mandate and a Judgment issued by the Court on October 7, 2011. To satisfy the Court requirements, the City will prepare additional analysis for the EIR including revisions to the Green House Gas Emissions Analysis, the Traffic Impact Analysis and the project alternatives section of the Draft Environmental Impact Report.

The Developer will host a community meeting at 5:30 PM on Thursday, February 16, 2012 atHughbanksElementary School, Multi-Purpose Room,2241 North Apple Avenue,Rialto,CA92377. The community meeting will be one of several opportunities to comment on the revisions to the DEIR for the project. The meeting will feature “go-at-your-own-pace” stations staffed by the applicant’s team to answer questions about the project. City staff will also be present to receive public comments regarding the revised portion of the DEIR.

Code Enforcement Accolades for Burrtec Support
Code Enforcement Officers often come into contact with homes that have an abundance of trash and debris in and around the property. Usually, the tenants or owners who have neglected the problem can take care of it themselves. But on occasion we run into people who are overwhelmed and have little or no support including the elderly, the sick, and families under financial distress. As an alternative to citing the resident with fines they cannot afford, we offer an option that not only eliminates the nuisance but also creates stronger relationships with our citizens. The City ofRialto graciously offers a courtesy trash bin to our residents when it is deemed necessary and the violations are deemed detrimental to public health and safety. That’s where Burrtec Waste Industries have been extremely helpful.

For the last 5 years, Burrtec has helped Rialto Code Enforcement Officers whenever assistance is needed. Sometimes only a small 3 cubic yard bin eliminates the nuisance but often a 40 foot bin is needed to remove the extraordinary amount of debris. Burrtec has allowed the Code Enforcement officers to quickly assist our residents in a “time of need.” The City ofRialtoextends its gratitude to Burrtec Waste Industries who make it possible to assist disadvantaged residents while improving the quality of life for the citizens ofRialto.

Public Works Department

Facility Maintenance Division

The Facility Maintenance Division has been assisting the Police Department with the installation of surveillance cameras at all City parks in an effort to reduce issues with vandalism.

Fire Station No. 202

Fire Station No. 202 is currently under construction with an anticipated completion in late March. Delay was due to SCE transformer pad issues. The work remaining is the final painting, the concrete pavement and all finishing touches. The installation of the new traffic signal onRiverside Avenuein front of the new Fire Station 202 is scheduled to begin in February.

FY 2011/2012 Curb, Gutter & Sidewalk Program

As part of the department’s annual program, the next Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk project for FY 2011/2012 is currently in the design phase.

FY 2011/2012 Overlay Program

As part of the department’s annual program, the next Overlay project for FY 2011/2012 is currently in the design phase.

Fergusson Park Improvements Project

Construction of the Fergusson Park Improvements is scheduled to be completed by the end of February. The park improvements included two lighted football fields with bleachers, a basketball court, skate park, and a new concession building in addition to other park amenities.

Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail (Rails to Trails) Project from Maple to Cactus Avenue

The “Rails to Trails” project is in the final stage of design. Public Works staff is reviewing the final design Plans and Specifications. It’s anticipated that the project will go out to bid for construction in the coming month. The project includes construction of an eleven (11) foot concrete trail along with landscape betweenMaple AvenueandCactus Avenue.

Trickleside Alley Improvements

The Trickleside Alley Improvements at the downtown area is in the design phase. Public Works staff is reviewing the 50% Plans and Specifications. The design is schedule to be completed by the end of April 2012. The alley improvements include replacement of the water main and reconstruction of the alley pavement.

Solid Waste Management News

On January 28, 2012 Solid Waste held the free dump day for the first quarter of 2012. They also served 191 residents at the Household Hazardous Waste site. Below is a list of the stats from those events:

Free Dump Day:

572 tires were collected from residents or picked up by our crews in alleys and fields throughout the City.
9.25 tons of illegally dumped debris was cleaned up by our crews in alleys and fields.
Cal Mirco Recycling assisted 217 residents by taking 186 CRT’s (TV’s/monitors) and 5,925 pounds of other electronic items at the drop off site in the Civic Center south parking lot.

Household Hazardous Waste:

780 gallons of used motor oil
9 pallets of paint
9 drums of misc. poisons and other toxic liquids
Approx. 50 auto batteries.

In addition to the above items, residents brought a box-truck load of usable items that was collected by the Salvation Army.

Liga International – The Flying Doctors of Mercy:

The special collection for January received 4 truckloads of usable medical equipment fromRialto residents which will be used to aide residents in rural locations inMexico.

Free Dump Day Voucher

Due to the closure of the Mid Valley Landfill on the January 28^th Free Dump Day as a result of high winds, the City of Rialto will be issuing Free Dump Vouchers to Rialto residents. The voucher will be good for the disposal of one free load at the Mid Valley Landfill and will be valid through Wednesday, February 29th. Residents that are interested can come to the City Administrator’s office at City Hall,150 S. Palm Avenue, or to the Waste Management office at246 S. Willow Avenue to pick up a voucher. Proof of residency must be provided at the time of obtaining a voucher. For further information please call (909) 421-7221.

Words from WILMER AMINA CARTER

07 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in ARMC, Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Dr. Michael Neeki, Family, Family Sports, Farrell’s Honors Our Military, Farrell’s Resturant, Flores Park, Fontana PD, Fun, Holidays, In & Out, Layoffs, Military, Nieghborhood Watch, Public Safety, Rancho Cucamonga, RDA, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Sierra Lakes Parkway, Sr., SWAT, Taxes, Terra Vista Shopping Center, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

I can honestly say as a registered republican that I will truley miss this Assemblywoman she has fought hard for our city and this district. Yet I havent always agrred with her positions I have never doubted where her heart lies. She love and cares for her children and her district below is her letter in the voice of the people in the San Bernardino Sun Paper.

Brought to you by David’s Marketing Firm

As a daughter of a World War II soldier, I was privileged and personally touched to participate in a ceremony at Arrowhead Credit Union Park awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor to five Inland Tuskegee Airmen in 2007. They were Buford Johnson, Harlan Q. Leonard Jr., Laska H. Jones, Robert Boyd and Charles Ledbetter (posthumously).

These brave heroes fought prejudice and discrimination to fight the Nazis in the air. They represented the 996 airmen, crew and staff who trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama during World War II. Four hundred and fifty pilots were sent overseas and completed 1,578 successful missions. Sixty-six men made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom.

Known as the Red Tails, this squadron of black fighter pilots achieved an extraordinary feat. They not only overcame the racism, they went on to become one of the most respected and decorated regiments in history. They opened doors not just for black Americans, but for anyone who aspires to achieve their dreams in the face of enormous challenge.

Their courageous story is well-chronicled in the new George Lucas film, “Red Tail.” The film’s release is a focal point for our celebration of black achievement in American history this month. I hope many of you will join me in seeing this film to honor the Tuskegee Airmen and to share their legacy with younger generations.

Assemblywoman WILMER AMINA CARTER 62nd District

The End of Redevelopment

25 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Currupt, davidsMarketing, Family, Flores Park, Fun, Holidays, In & Out, Layoffs, Lazy, Nieghborhood Watch, Protest, Public Safety, RDA, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, rialto unified school district, RUSD, SWAT, Taxes, The Circle Vision Quest, youth

The End of Redevelopment

The Rialto Redevelopment Agency will close its doors on February 1, 2012 along with all

other redevelopment agencies in the State of California. The elimination of redevelopment

will mean the end to the City’s most powerful economic development tool, as well as the

death to several major infrastructure and affordable housing projects that would have

ultimately created thousands of new jobs for the community. The termination of the

Agency will also result in the demise of many existing loan and grant programs that helped

revitalize and improve older commercial and residential properties in the City.

When Governor Brown took office in January, 2011 he proposed to abolish redevelopment

to help resolve California’s $25 billion budget deficit. After months of legislative wrangling,

a compromise was reached with the enactment of two bills: ABX1 26 and ABX1 27. The

first bill, (ABX1 26), eliminated redevelopment agencies statewide, while the second bill

(ABX1 27) authorized reinstatement by each agency upon the agreement to make certain

“voluntary” payments for the benefit of the State. Following the passage of ABX1 26 and

ABX1 27, the California Redevelopment Association (CRA), League of California Cites

(League), and several independent cities filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of

the two laws. CRA and the League argued that the two budget bills violated Proposition

1A (2004), Proposition 22 (2010), and the California Constitution.

On December 29, 2011, the California State Supreme Court handed down its decision that

ABX1 26, which eliminated redevelopment agencies statewide, was a constitutional

exercise of the Legislature’s authority. The Court opined that if the Legislature had the

right to create redevelopment, then it also had the right to eliminate redevelopment

agencies. The Court opined that ABX1 27 – which would have allowed agencies to

reactivate if they made “voluntary” payments to the State – was unconstitutional. The

Court indicated that the payment was not voluntary and therefore violated Proposition 22.

The Court also rejected the argument that the two bills were inseparably linked.

Although many legislators have indicated support for new legislation to continue some of

the basic goals of redevelopment, such as affordable housing, infrastructure and job

creation, it is unlikely that the Legislature will approve any such legislation prior to

February 1, 2012, the date upon which the Agency will cease to exist.

In accordance with the Court’s ruling, the Rialto Redevelopment Agency will be dissolved

on February 1, 2012. A Successor Agency will be created to provide basic administrative

support in the dissolution process. A seven member Oversight Board, which will be

controlled by County of San Bernardino and various School District appointees, will

oversee the payment of all existing obligations, the liquidation of all current assets of the

Agency, and disposition of all proceeds and unencumbered funds to various state taxing

entities. For additional information on the dissolution of the Agency and the creation of the

Successor Agency, please contact John Dutrey at (909) 879-1151.

Cameras where their needed

25 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Family, Family Sports, Flores Park, Fun, Holidays, Lazy, Nieghborhood Watch, Public Safety, RDA, Rialto Police Department, rialto unified school district, RUSD, SWAT, The Circle Vision Quest, youth

There is a park in the city of Rialto where the community has made so much progress it unbelievable. Their homes were broken into almost daily, drugs ran rampant, walls and park was littered with tagging sexual predators living all over, felon group homes out of control, renters properties in total dis-repair and much more.

After some strong residents moved into the area noticed the problems and saw an easy solution force the brass at Rialto PD see what is going on and making them fix it.

With the help of Lts Crispin and Burkholder and various other Cpls and special officers graffiti is hard to find, sexual predators are all but gone, home breakings reduced by 60%, properties on the mend youth, group homes under control & drugs still a problem but getting better. Heck this area got rid of 2 felons when they were arrested by LAPD for the beating of Brian Stow at dodger stadium.

The progress has stalled because there was a communication breakdown between the community and the city/police. Mayor and council don’t care and police are in a flux over massive retirements and trying to fill empty spots.

Flores Park now has cameras that are monitored 24 hours a day. Now when you see something wrong at this park dispatchers can have a visual idea of whats going on and follow the activity and suspects and direct officers right to the problem.

Some people are calling this program big brother run amuck. But anyone who has been a victim of any crime and have the police tell you there isnt enough proof to move forward even though we know who did it will embrace this program.

The first three were Frisbee Park, Rialto Park and Jerry Eaves Park. Flores Park has them as well as Ferguson Park in Las colonias that just received a multi million dollar upgrade.

At the Area Command Meeting for area 1 in Rialto a resident expressed concerns that Birdsal park across from Carter High School was seeing a rise in criminal activity, drug use and gang activity. Former police chief Mark Kling said in an interview “Those are three of our more challenging parks because of the way the parks are laid out,” said police Chief Mark Kling. “Officers can drive down the street and not see what’s in the park.” The cameras will provide real-time images of the parks and give officers a “play-by-play” of criminal activity there, Kling said. Well apparently police can’t see into birdsal hopefully this park is next on the list for cameras.

To see the primary article written on this program click http://www.healthtechzone.com/news/2010/03/30/4701773.htm