Rialto | rialtonow

Rialto Police Department Names Erica Duque Officer of the Year

14 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image by rialto-now

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.

Image by rialto-now

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

Image by rialto-now

Officers Fired from Rialto Police Department

19 Feb 2017 32 Comments

Thursday February 16th Rialto Police Department and Chief Deanda took actions against some of Rialto’s most dedicated and popular senior officers the department has. Multiple officers have been reported by those close to the department to have lost their job or are on the verge of losing their jobs. One of those confirmed to have lost their job is longtime K9 Officer Glenn Anderson who was fired from the Rialto Police Department late Thursday.

https://youtu.be/q1UB5gcqQT4

Officer Glenn Anderson an expert in the realm of canine policing and SWAT work has been on paid leave for almost a year pending the results of an IA investigation into claims that he misused canine resources as well as failed to obtain proper authorization when securing resources for the Rialto Police Department K-9 program.

Officer Glen with one of his former K9’s Picture taken from Rialto Police Department1684 × 1360Search by image

When you put it like that it sounds worse than it was. K9 officer Anderson worked with a local boy scout troop and the Union Pacific Railroad K9 police organization to create a yard where K9 officers could train and work with their dogs. This area also was a place where the officers K9 partners could freely stretch their legs in a nice grass area that was fully fenced off. Many times, our officer’s breaks are eating a quick bite in their unit has they go from call to call that is unhealthy for the human officer as well as their canine partner as well. Per city and Rialto Police Officials Officer Anderson failed to obtain the proper permits for fence installation and pulling power for outdoor lights to the K9 yard. Officer Anderson is also being attacked for dog food donations from a private pet store to the 501c3 nonprofit The Fiends of the Rialto K9 Association. These donations saved the city thousands every year because instead of using the food vouchers at Pet Smart K9 officers were using donated food to feed Rialto Police Dogs.

There is a mountain of lawsuits and complaints that have been filed against the Rialto Police Department over the last year-and-a-half. Dozens of officers are suing the department for racial age and disability discrimination.

For the last year, the word out is that morale at Rialto Police Department is at an all-time low. One must question the amount of money these actions will cost the city in future litigation.

None of the officers in question made themselves available for questions. Reports of these actions came from officials within the City.

Video by rialto-now

Carter High School Erupts In Fights Triggering School Lockdown

11 Feb 2017 1 Comment

by rialto-now in Ca, City of Rialto, Public Safety, Rialto, Rialto Police Department, RUSD, youth

https://youtu.be/HYWR1eI7YmQ

Written by Steven Ybarra

One day after Carter Students competed in various science competitions the school erupted in anywhere from 7 to 10 fights triggering a whole school lock down, a mosh pit, a student stole a police car, fire alarm was pulled and as you see from the video above a Security Officer was assaulted on campus.

Parents picking up kids at other schools were texting their kids telling them to stay away from the trouble and get out safely. Since Carter has opened it has been the school that seems to have a large collection of problems. Last year the former Principal Mrs Foote told us that she was having a lot of issues with fights and sexual promiscuity. Years ago these problems were laid at the feet of Eisenhower and Rialto High Schools but now it seems the problems have come to rest at Carter.

https://youtu.be/IZcz1PWYPDg

Social Media Expert and former Executive Director of Inland Valley Drug Free Coalition David Phillips says just search the hashtag Carter High School and see what the student body is being exposed to. Sexual behavior videos, marketing of drugs and fights are being pumped into the kids eyes. The old saying garbage in garbage out applies here. If we continue to dump our kids in a well of sewage should we be surprised with this outcome?

https://youtu.be/lTJCjgkWN1c

After our editor spoke to Sydea Jafri the District Communications Director we found out that most of the social media made things seem worse than they really were. A few fights between four girls was a bulk of what occurred today on Carters campus. The RUSD Security Officer in the video above was not seriously injured. Also Mrs Jafri and Rialto PD personnel confirmed that no police car was stolen by a student today. What occurred according to Mrs Jafri was a couple of cops running along a RPD unit being driven by an officer. Some were concerned with the amount of Law Enforcement on scene if nothing bigger happened, but it seems that the response was just part of an abundance of cation and officer safety.

There were no reports of injuries and no word of any arrests. As we obtain more information we will update this post. You can also follow the latest by following #rialtonowcovers

Screenshots of what Carter High Students were saying about today’s events

Poll Question on Warehouses?

08 Feb 2017 1 Comment

by rialto-now in #CA31st, Ana Gonzales, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy, Andy Carrizales, Aquenetta warren, Bad Commerce, Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Colton, Currupt, Deborah Robertson, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Inland Empire, jobs, Rialto, Rialto, San Bernardino, warehouse, youth

Rialto High Cheer Squad Hold 1st Place As State Champions Two Years In A Row

07 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

Photo provided by Rialto High ASB

Varsity cheer placed first at the CheerPros State Championships on January 29th at Citizen’s Bank Arena. Back to back titles. Their next stop will be USA Nationals on March 25th to defend their national title.

What do you get when your student is a Cheerleader from Rialto? Back to Back State Champions that’s what!!!!!!! Both Junior Varsity and Varsity cheer squads will be moving on to the National Championship.

Congratulations to both our varsity and junior varsity competition teams. They will both be heading to nationals in March!

Once again the dedicated cheer team at Rialto High School took the California State Championship and came out on top earning a 1st place finish.

Now our powerful girls head off to Nationals to defend their National Championship in March.

Image by rialto-now

Rialto Now Story Leads To Changes At City Hall & Coverage By Local Media

15 Jan 2017 Leave a comment

“Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your voice isn’t powerful” says editor David Phillips of the Internet site loosely named in the San Bernardino Sun article printed Sunday morning by Jim Stienberg. Mr Phillips and his staff worked hard over the last part of 2016 and early 2017 to highlight some major issues effecting Rialto residents, business owners and taxpayers.

First was the planned secret meeting of the first Rialto sanctuary city committee by Raza Rialto and Councilman Rafael Trujillo which thanks to Mr Phillips and his staff was stopped dead in its tracks with some unexpected help from right wing advocates for following the rule of law.

Second was the travel of two elected officials and two high ranking police officers to Washington DC at a cost of over $17 thousand dollars. This request was once again buried in the consent calander where at times over 50 items will be approved with one simple vote. Not only did our story rack up thousands of hits and readers but the mayor and council were forced to address the travel and explain themselves. On top of that a follow up story by Jim Stienberg of the San Bernardino Sun was written to further highlight to the local community what is happening with this travel.

Our questions Tuesday led to an admission by Mayor Robertson that even though she was staying in Washington for the 20th she would not be going to the inauguration. Now according to the San Bernardino Sun article she is coming home EARLY!!!!!

We started this blog five years ago as a response to the lack of reporting from the bigger media who’s job it is to report on what is going on in the Rialto region. We started our 1st year with only 1,000 views to an average of 5,000 views a month. Our articles have been used in other publications and we’re the first place many news publications go to for information. Much like Jim Stienberg’s article we are the vehicle for making sure that our leaders do not veer to far off course and keep Rialto and the surrounding region moving forward.

Image by rialto-now

Luis Nolasco Shows Racist Colors at Rialto City Council Meeting

13 Jan 2017 4 Comments

On the first city council meeting for the city of Rialto there was standing room only mainly over the issue of sanctuary cities. Councilman Rafael Trujillo and his actions on December 30th 2016 set a firestorm of media exposure on the small Inland Empire City. Both sides of the issue remained free from using racist statements. Everyone kept their arguments to the issue at hand until Luis Nolasco a young Hispanic man called out one race in particular.

Mr. Nolasco began his time calling out the people there from outside the city (that he didn’t agree with) and then began to use race biting statements that have become commonplace with young adults who have been taught that being white is a sin no matter what is in your heart. For some reason those who traveled with him to support the Sanctuary City issue (see their picture below).

Mr. Nolasco highlights growing up in Rialto and how the minority population has swung to the white community. Mr. Nolasco refers to how irrelevant the white community is and that they have 5 years left to exist in Rialto.

A veteran sitting in the audience was visibly shaken by Luis Nolasco’s statement. As the Council took a short recces after the public comment section the gentleman said “my family built this town and it was well before he was even a twinkle in his fathers eye”. Many expressed feelings of confusion to why the council would allow such words to be uttered. One lady said if it wasn’t for the white people who started this town and grew it into a city that this man now claims to love.

There was a great double standard in Louis Nolasco’s original statement that only Rialto Residents should be heard at council meetings when he brought with him people that lived outside the city at the Sanctuary City Committee meeting and to last Tuesdays council meeting. Nobody from the other side asked council not to listen to others just that they listen with a lawful ear.

Arthur Schaper with the We The People Rising held up large quilts from the Remembrance Project of those that died because others were not asked to follow the laws of the land. Councilman Ed Scott said he was not for a Sanctuary City in Rialto and his heart went out to those who lost loved ones due to others not following the law.

Video by rialto-now

Mayor Robertson not a Fan of Trump but wants Taxpayers to pay for her to watch Trump Inauguration

10 Jan 2017 4 Comments

“Request City Council to approve travel and training request for Police Chief Randy De Anda and Lieutenant Paul Stella to accompany Mayor Deborah Robertson as security detail during the United States Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, DC, January 17-19, and the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2017.”

The above image is an image pulled Tuesdays City Council Meeting Agenda Consent Calander from Mayor Deborah Robertson’s Re-election twitter account. As you can see the Mayor wasn’t a fan of President Elect Trump. As you see in the text above the Mayor is telling you that she wants a protective detail to go watch a Inauguration of a candidate she didn’t like. Looking at the Chart provided with the agenda there is no allocation for Chief Deanda or Lt Stella yet there is a base amount for the Mayor to attend the Mayors Conference by her self. We know that Councilman Ed Scott was given his ticket to the Inauguration by Congressman Pete Aguliar but who is picking up the travel and stay for Councilman Scott on this trip:

US Conference of Mayors – Winter Meeting Washington, DC January Mayor $3,200.00 estimate per person

Legislative Meetings (various) Washington, DC Per Year Mayor & 1 Council $5,000.00 estimate per person

So were paying $7,397.04 for the Chief and an Lt, plus a minimum of $3,200 for the Mayor and another $5,000 for Council Member Scott for a minimum of $15,597.04!!!!!!

Mayor Robertson used the Republican Nominee Trump as a way to hurt people running for election here locally. Here are a few of the examples:

Candidates that were republican or had a more conservative leaning Mayor Robertson used this to turn people away from them. She was heard routinely saying those trumpsters are going to take away everything.
Mayor Robertson poisoned voters minds when they were considering candidates like her opponent Ed Palmer, City Council Candidate David Phillips and Congressional Candidate Paul Chabot. It was so bad that it was routine for a public event for a Mayor Robertson supporters trying to shut down these candidates when they tried to speak.
Mayor Robertson not only hurt Republican candidates but committed democrats who failed to fall in line with her tactics or policies.
Lynn Hirtz – Democrat running for city council was tied to Donald Trump by Mayor Robertson.
Ana Gonzalez – Bernie Sanders Democrat supporting Hilary was tied to Donald Trump by Mayor Robertson.
Joe Britt – Running for City Council was tied to Donald Trump by Mayor Robertson.
Ed Killgore – Democrat running for reelection to the water board was tied to Donald Trump by Mayor Robertson.

https://youtu.be/LHY2Bry7XMM

If the Mayor is so upset over the Election of President Donald Trump why does she have to go and why are the taxpayers paying for it? Mayor Robertson even had former Assembly Member Cheryl Brown calling out people who challenged Mayor Robertson at Democrat meetings as trumpsters that needed to be stopped. What makes matters worse is Mayor Robertson is the Mayor of Rialto a struggling working class city. Our people are hard working but a majority of our families are still struggling or just getting by. Most of our ids will never stay in a $400 a night hotel room, eat lavish meals and fly all over the country. The sad reality is that less than 50% of Rialto youth will never even go on a field trip and when they do it is to s neighboring city that offers more than Rialto.

Reach out to your leaders and let them know that Rialto needs to bring travel costs under control and leave Chief Deanda and Lt Stella home so that they can do their jobs.

Mayor Deborah Robertson

Cell = 909-721-4092 909-644-8520

email = drobertson@rialtoca.gov

twitter.com/MayorDRobertson

Mayor Pro Tem Joe Baca Jr.

cell= 909-725-3838

email = jbaca@rialtoca.gov

twitter.com/JoeBacaJr

City Council Member Ed Scott

cell= 909-746-7643

email = escott@rialtoca.gov

City Council Member Rafael Trujillo