Fergusen Park

07 Jan 2012 2 Comments

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

Fergusson Park in Rialto Gets $6 Million Upgrade

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

Rialto, CA (PRWEB) October 9, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other Rialto City Parks are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Area Command Meeting Area 1

07 Jan 2012 3 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Limbo – In & Out, Target Shopping Center.

In Question Pepper/210 freeway extension.

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

10 depts consolitated into 5 depts, Layoffs.

Reductions in street sweeping and tree trimming.

See Mike Strories Monthly Report at:

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

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

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

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

Here are the pics of the presentation:

 

2012 Area Command Meetings

04 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Family, Flores Park, Layoffs, Nieghborhood Watch, Public Safety, rialto unified school district, RUSD, The Circle Vision Quest, youth Tags: , , , , ,

Yes everyone they are back Area Command meetings. For those of you outside the Rialto area reading our blog or here unaware of the program here is its explanation straight from the Rialto PD Website:

The Area Commander Program is responsible for those areas which directly influence the quality of life for the residents and businesses in Rialto. In addition to enforcing the laws of our society, the Police Department believes it is equally important to maintain and develop positive relationships with all members of the community. The Area Commander Program is one of many innovative examples of the Rialto Police Department’s “Commitment to Community.”

For More on it go to http://www.rialtopd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=141

This program is needed and important people need to feel heard and know whats going on in their area. When the program was begun it was awesome people from different departments within the city relayed needed info to the residents and people were able to ask them questions. sometimes department sent just filler people and paid the price by sending someone who could not answer the questions asked and the next meeting the right person was there.

At the programs inception we had Area commanders Lt. Crispin, Lt. Deanda & Lt. Burkholder. The Lt’s went and go out of their way to show people in their perspective communities that they cared and wanted to find solutions to help end or elevate criminal or unpleasant activity in their neighborhood. With some mass retirement forced and of their own choice I have been under the control of Lt. Thompson a much different Lt. and we had a rocky start but found common ground to operate under I respect Lt. Thompson for her service but we find ourselves horn to horn like rival bucks during matting season.

I cannot say enough for the two Lt’s that retired Lt’s Crispin and Burkholder did so much for my family and this community we cannot thank them enough. I modeled my Neighborhood Watch meeting and structure around the way Lt’s Crispin and Burkholder ran their Area Command meeting and their section of the city in which they were responsible. I miss my Neighborhood Watch and the duties that it entailed but no Neighborhood Watch Captain will ever find marketable success when he/she doesnt have the respect or support of the local law enforcement authority.

I will try to make every Area Command Meeting to see how different each is according to the different locations in the city and the two different Area Commanders.

Also look around is anyone from city council there? Dont let them give you the excuse it against the law at least one of them can attend each. Area 1 has lots of people from city government that can attend and should.

Here are som questions we should ask and I will be asking:

*What is the REAL time frame on the completion of the cameras at the remaining parks in Rialto?

*Does Rialto PD use the community policing model? Is there an officer assigned to that detail? If not why?

*What is Rialto PD’s plan to curtail the rise in drug use here in Rialto?

*Are residents able to use the Departments Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/RialtoPD ) to ask about police activity in their area? I.E. Like Redlands PD’s Facebook page?

If you make the meeting, you will hear about:
*New policies and procedures.
*New policies galore.
*New officers hired.
*Promotions coming.
*Neighborhood Watch Command structure will be changing soon.
*Plus I’m sure the new Chief of Police will be discussed.

The Exit of one Chief Ushers the Entry of Another

15 Dec 2011 Leave a comment

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

People I give you the end of one and the beginning of another.
Police Chief Mark Kling will no longer be the chief of police in the city of Rialto.
Chief Kling was a good Chief but in Rialto it’s not hard to do when you see some of the leadership we have resided under over the last 15 years.
I at one time was the Chiefs biggest advocate, when he removed community policing and chased good people into early retirement I was left to pause is this man really who he claims to be?
Chief Kling did his best, but it wasnt enough we needed more.
Will Capitan Farrar be able to fill these shoes? Can he bring TRUE community policing back to Rialto? What are his plans for the future? Are the other 2 Lt’s spots ever going to be filled? Can we still count on Rialto PD being there when we need them?
Only Time will tell, maybe we should ask I’m running for office Baca Jr he is all over this SB Sun Article, do your job baca get out of the lime light.
SB Sun Article Below:
After 5 1/2 years, Police Chief Mark Kling is calling it quits.The veteran police official, with a doctorate in public administration, is going to teach at the undergraduate and graduate level at Riverside’s California Baptist University, retiring from police work after more than 30 years.Kling, 54, said he will be revamping the university’s criminal justice program, will teach within the program and also will teach public administration and political science.”I came here to do a job and I have done that job and it is time to move on,” said Kling, who for six months this year wore the hat of both police chief and city administrator.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That process was completed in mid-2010.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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