Inland Empire | rialtonow

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

31 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

Written by: David Phillips

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

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

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

From Councilman O’Connell:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25 Mar 2017 7 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Comic Con Comes to the Inland Empire

20 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

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

COMIC CON REVOLUTION COMES TO

THE ONTARIO CONVENTION CENTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19 Mar 2017 4 Comments

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

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BEAU YARBROUGH — SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEWS GROUP

In an article penned by Beau Yarbrough we see that Rialto is one of four cities in San Bernardino County to not respond or fufill California Public Records Act requests from San Bernardino Sun reporter. Out of 24 cities that were requested Adelanto, Fontana, Grand Terrace & Rialto never filled the request or even responded.

This should not come as a surprise to anyone that has ever requested documents from our city or its many departments. Rialto is one of the most secretive cities in the county, even our blog has been a sore spot for the city leadership as items that used to be kept quite now float to the surface on the pages of our blog. Councilman will demonize us and city leaders may curse us under their breath but the simple fact is that Rialto residents have very little idea what goes on at city hall.

To be completley honest we have never filed one of the California Public Records Act requests because we have known for a long time what Beau Yarbrough has found out they are Dead on Arrival. Here at Rialto Now we rely on honest people giving us information or using on the spot video to prove what has been said in secret. The best example of this would be newly elected Councilman Rafeal Trujillo and his secret Rialto Sanctuary City Meeting. Had we not had video proof of what was going on few would have believed what we were telling them.

Former Councilman Shawn O’Connell used to say that before he was on the council the city would ignore his advocacy groups Freedom of Information Act requests until they began to serve them in open public council meetings and still had to pressure staff to get the information requested. This election the issue of a lack of information that is readily available to city residents is severely lacking. We also found out in this election that the person who is responsible for this information seems to have little time to process requests.

It will be interesting to see how the city responds to the SB Sun article.

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

19 Mar 2017 5 Comments

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

Earlier this week our offices received a letter that is addressed to Rialto Police Chief Randy Deanda, Mike story and city of Rialto.

This letter goes into detail about the knowledge of the city of Rialto approving the work done on the K-9 obstacle course and yard. It also goes into detail about an interaction with our police chief and the president and founder of friends of the Rialto Police K-9 Association.

The letter details a complaint where Chief Randy Deanda banged on Greta Hodges door and personally delivered a letter stating that the friends of the Rialto Police canines were no longer to be involved with Rialto Police canines the letter also stated that Randy Deanda had spoken to Rialto city council members and that they all agreed with the chief on this decision the letter also goes into the fact that Chief Deanda apparently brought a witness with him Captain Wilson from the police department to verify that he delivered the letter.

The letter details that Chief Deanda opened a internal affairs investigation and officers interrogated Greta Hodges founder of The Freinds of Rialto Police K9 on the telephone and at the canine obstacle course the letter states. As of June 20th 2016 the police department no longer need the services of the friends of the Rialto Police canines a group that has funded canine operations in the city of Rialto for decades. It’s hard to Fathom with a basically cash balance budget that we would be in a position to start funding K9 purchases and operations when there’s a non-profit organization willing to do the work and provide the funding. It’s also odd that a police chief can by himself without any written Authority from city council mayor or the city administrator tear up or sever ties with an organization like this. The letter also states that Chief Deanda said that the Police Departments budget has approved and they no longer need the help of the Friends of Rialto Police K9’s. This is confusing as Rialto is looking at yet another extension of the Utility Users Tax or the creation of a Public Safety tax to provide police services.

Another point of reference that the letter spells out is the way that the Chief’s actions have hurt the Friends of Rialto Police K9 with other officers, vendors, donors and the city leadership. This action by Chief Denada has created what some say an unnecessary division among the Friends and the Police Department.
From what we can surmise is that this all began with whatever issues lye between Chief Deanda and Former K9 officer Glen Anderson who was fired last month after a lengthy IA investigation.

Another victim of this situation is former officer Glen Anderson’s K9 partner Jordy who has been stored at the Alderhorst training facility for almost a year now. It is very concerning for some in the community and The Friend’s of Rialto Police K9 that this powerful skilled dog has been allowed to be an additional victim of this sad series of actions.
We looked further into the authority of the Chief to be able to cut ties with this organization and it appears it is up to him but it is odd that this type of decision would not be made public.

Photos of Students Inside Public Classrooms Used for Political Purposes

08 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

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

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

Written by David Phillips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rialto Celebrates Dr. Seuss’s Birthday All Across the City

03 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

Ana Gonzalez – 47th Assembly District Delegate took the liberty of posting this inspirational quote on her Facebook wall today. Thanks Ana Gonzales!

Rialto Police Department were out at Myers Elementry School. Rialto Police officers participated in the National Read Across America Day by reading to the children at Myers Elementary today – Great job to Officer Nic Parcher (not pictured), Officer Steven Wright, Officer John Lopez, Law Enforcement Technician Noretta Barker, and Officer Randall Peterson.

Photos taken from Rialto PD Facebook Page

“OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO,” and OH THE PLACES WE WENT!” Rialto Unified School District has a rich tradition of celebrating National “Read Across America” day, today, which is also the late iconic children’s author, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday! Thank you to Rialto Police, Fire, City and RUSD School Board officials who took time to develop connections with our wonderfully dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff, and to read to our deserving students. Enjoy some memorable highlights!

Myers Elementary Principal, Mr. Alberto Camerena and Library Technician, Ms. Julianna Hernandez hosted the guest readers.

Myers Assistant Principal said, “Tada! Join in.”

Myers teacher, Ms. Shannon McCreight, had her hat on and her eyes on the students.

Myers Principal, Mr. Camerena, held the microphone for Rialto Mayor, Mrs. Deborah Robertson, as she read lovingly to several classroom students on a sunny and cool morning.

Kathy McCracken, from the Rialto Host Lions Club, came in to read to students.

Noretta Barker, technician from the Rialto Police Department was all smiles and ready to read.

Rialto Police Department and Target Distribution Center were impressively represented well at Myers Elementary School.

RUSD Board of Education, Member, Mr. Joseph Ayala enjoyed reading at Myers and Casey Elementary Schools.

RUSD Board Member, Nancy G. O’Kelley read to a preschool class.

While Myers teacher, Mr. Thai happily stepped back, RUSD Board Member, Mr. Joseph Ayala spoke with the excited students. “We haven’t seen a real live Board Member before,” said one student.

Picture time at Myers El with Principal, Mr. Cat in the Hat Camerena, RUSD Board Member, Mrs. Nancy O’ Kelley and Preschool teacher, Mrs. Saunders-Hester.

Casey Elementary School Strategist, Mrs. Michelle Stoker walked students in and dressed accordingly for the day!

Casey Elementary School Assistant Principal, Mrs.Terry Helstad walked happy students out on Read Across America day.

Casey Elementary Principal, Johanna Cuellar was looking pretty and festive with her students – and ready to promote Literacy on her campus.

Mrs. Ida Davilla, stands with Rialto Fire Department Firefighter, Earl Meredith, monitoring some excited students who observed the fire engine after the reading portion. Rialto Fire Captain, John Lardner gave students a view of what is stored in a fire engine. “It was just so cool,” smiled one student. “I think I’ll be a fire girl!” Casey Elementary School Strategist, Mrs. Escobar organized the students as Firefighter Dewayne Frederick showed some excited students the fire truck.

Henry Elementary School’s creative and yummy treats were displayed for Read Across America.

Kordyak Elementary School Interim Principal, Mrs. Karen Good and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Emily Dominguez rocked their look!

What’s the 21st Century without a staff selfie? Kordyak Elementary School Secratary III, Ms. Margie Taylors knows the golden rule that before you ask students to participate, you have to model the behavior. Nice shirt Ms. Taylor!

Game on….Rialto High School student-athletes entered the Kordyak Elementary School library with the mission to read to students to help promote literary. “It’s far, one of the best things these students have done, and we’re so proud of them,” said RHS Athletic Director, Mr. Kevin Gilbreth.

Trapp Elementary School got a treat when newly elected Rialto City Councilman, Mr. Rafael Trujillo, came in to read to Mrs. Valvadino’s kinder class. “I read “Owl Moon,” he smiled.

Game on….Rialto High School student-athletes read to Kordyak Elementary School students to help promote literary. “It’s far, one of the best things these students have done, and we’re so proud of them,” said RHS Athletic Director, Mr. Kevin Gilbreth.

The Cat in the Hat doesn’t stick around for many pictures but when he realized that RUSD Board Vice President, Mr. Joseph W. Martinez, aka “Mr. Stem” came onto Casey Elementary School campus to read, he had to grab a picture! After reading, pictures! RUSD Board Vice President, Mr. Joseph W. Martinez, read to students at Casey Elementary School and made some friends on campus.

Star Readers! Werner Elementary School, much like many RUSD Elementary Schools, celebrated “Literacy Night,” raising a reader and strong emphasis on science and literacy. Kneeling up front, from left to right Werner Elementary School Assistant Principal, Dr. Ayanna Balogun and Principal, Mrs. Andrea Roman show the team spirit.

Even local businesses are teaming up with local elected leaders with Coffee Nutzz in Rialto hosted a Dr Seuss party where Mayor Deborah Robertson read to the kids and every kid received a free book marker and small vamilla cone from Cones Creamery.

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Rialto Fails To Get Community Input on New Park Improvements

28 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

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

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

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

City Administrator Mike Story said this about the Park Project:

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

City Administrator Mike Story refutes the statement from Omar Menjivar:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

School of Tennis Rialto, CA

Certified USTA Tennis Instructor

schooloftennis@att.net

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World’s Longest Pizza 2017 Comes To Fontana

27 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

World’s Longest Pizza 2017-Fontana, CA

PizzaOvens.com and sponsors announce that they will be attempting to break the Longest Pizza World Record at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California on April 9 th, 2017. The event is scheduled to run from 10AM to 7PM and is free and open to the public. Records are made to be broken. For leading pizza oven and equipment company, PizzaOvens.com, breaking the World’s Longest Pizza record was too tempting to resist. Backed by a team of top names in the pizza industry including Tony Gemignani, Giulio Adriani, Tom Lehmann, John Arena, Fred Mortati, Massimo Balacchi and Jimmy DeSisto, the event is destined to be a big success.

All proceeds raised and the finished pizza will be donated to local charities and food banks. America and pizza certainly go hand in hand. The fact that the Guinness World Record for World’s Longest Pizza is being held outside of the United States is unfathomable. PizzaOvens.com has accepted the challenge, recently announcing that it (along with a few hundred friends) will be taking on the challenge to break the record on a fun and exciting day at Auto Club Speedway on April 9th 2017.

Plenty of food and entertainment will be available to keep things lively with all the proceeds and food going to local homeless shelters and food banks. Not surprisingly, excitement surrounding the event is high. “Breaking records is a big part of anyone’s spiritual journey” commented Fash Asvadi, director at PizzaOvens.com & Italforni USA Ovens. “Facing challenges and pushing the envelope makes us better beings. With all the fun involved with a project like this and the fact that in this process we are sharing something with others less fortunate, it is not a surprise that the attempt has been received with true enthusiasm at every level.”

Official sponsors of the Longest Pizza World record challenge include Pizzaovens.com, Doghouse Carts, Italforni Authentic Italian ovens, Orlando Foods distributors for the Caputo flour and Ciao brands, Scaffold Works and Capstone Scaffolding with their amazing 7000’ scaffolding, SoCal Gas, Sysco providing the Riserva Cheese by Arrezzio, TFX Non-Stick and Venice Bakery with their generous contributions of the dough handling and preparation for the event. According to the Longest Pizza team, the April 9th challenge will be an attempt to make a 7000′ [2.13Km] pizza, that’s not just long but looks and tastes great. An official from the Guinness Book of Records will be present to document the challenge and officially judge the record attempt. Auto Club Speedway of California is located 45 minutes north east of Down Town Los Angeles, making it an easy drive for anyone not wanting to miss this potentially historic and indescribably fun day in America’s pizza time line.

Find the official event on Facebook

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City Council Seeks to Further Limit Community Access to Potential Elected Officials

26 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

Rialto Family Festival 2015 || Mayor Deborah Robertson – YouTube
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Rialto Family Festival 2015 || Mayor Deborah Robertson

Written by David Phillips

As a former City Council Candidate I can attest to how difficult it is to reach a large amount of people with your message. I mean signs are an easy way to clog up street corners and blanket the many shuttered buildings but is this the way we want to learn about our elected officials? I personally enjoyed being on both sides of the booth both as the candidate and the community member seeking a face to face with the candidate.

Well we caught wind of a certain elected official who had an issue with candidates having booths at public events. Now his concern has risen to the level of now making it illegal. The issue that the new ordnance looks to address is:

the intent of the City in sponsoring public events is generally to provide a nonpolitical, family-friendly, informative and/or entertaining, and non-controversial event environment;

So given the above statement this will stop not only people running for office but it will also stop groups that are there to spread information on behalf of a political organization and will limit your access to regional leaders who come out to their booths and provide staff to answer community questions. It will officially become harder to meet your elected officials. Is that fair to you?

Also at events like Halloween Hi-Jinks where more than a third of the booths were politically based booths where are Rialto youth going to go for a safe trick or treating environment? You see our leaders forget the consequences of their actions when they are trying to damage chances of certain people ever getting elected.

Questions that need to be answered are:

Will this apply to the mayors luxury cabana that she has every year at the Family Festival?
Will this ban groups like the teachers union, Rialto Democrat Club and Rialto Woman’s Club from having booths at Rialto Events?

I have been to a lot of events and I have never seen anyone get out of hand, there is no fighting and everyone plays by the rules except those who put random signs up and leave them on city property. So we have to wonder if our new council is counting the costs of their actions?

Image by rialto-now