Rialto PD Community Liason Cpl. Cameron Nelson shops with kids

Rialto police Cpl. Cameron Nelson shops for Christmas presents with brothers Nicholas and Kristian Mingl for the Police Department's second annual Shop With a Cop event. Nicholas might have been disappointed that he didn't get a sleigh ride but he did get a much brighter holiday. (Melissa Pinion-Whitt Staff)

Rialto police Cpl. Cameron Nelson shops for Christmas presents with brothers Nicholas and Kristian Mingl for the Police Department’s second annual Shop With a Cop event. Nicholas might have been disappointed that he didn’t get a sleigh ride but he did get a much brighter holiday. (Melissa Pinion-Whitt Staff

RIALTO – The lights and siren on Rialto police Cpl. Cameron Nelson’s patrol car left 5-year-old Nicholas Mingl doubting it had anything to do with Christmas.

“This ain’t a Santa sleigh,” the Rialto boy said.

But thanks to Rialto police officers who took needy children on a Christmas shopping spree Wednesday, the boy’s outlook on the police and the holidays grew brighter.

Law enforcement and fire agencies around the Inland Empire have been holding gift-giveaways for disadvantaged families the last few weeks. Many police departments participated in Shop With a Cop-style events, using donations to take children to stores for presents.

“These kids would not have a Christmas if it wasn’t for this,” said Karen Huerta, Nicholas’ grandmother.

Rialto police took 14 children to Walmart in Rialto, buying each child $50 in presents and another $40 for their parents or guardians. Families filled out applications and were selected by officers based on need.

“Hopefully it gives them a better outlook on police officers – that we’re not just enforcers,” Nelson said.

The Kiwanis Club, Rialto’s Police Officer Benefit Association and other donors pitched in for the gift money.

Rialto Officer Cheri Schaffer walked the aisles with 6-year-old Julina Castro, who picked a few dolls and some clothes off the shelves. She also used some of her $50 to buy her mother a present.

“It makes you feel good to come out with the kids and see their faces light up,” Schaffer said.

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http://stevenshope.org/
Steven’s Hope for Children, Inc.
1014 W. Foothill Blvd. Suite #B, Upland, CA 91786

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San Bernardino police used a different method to select children for their Shop With a Cop event. Police detectives picked children who were victims in physical abuse cases.

Detectives, along with officers in uniform, accompanied nine children ranging from 5 to about 12-years-old, for a shopping spree. The department received $1,500 in donations from the Walmart Foundation.

“It lets them know that your case is done, but we didn’t forget you,” said police Lt. Paul Williams.

In Redlands, police took 27 children to Target, where they bought $1,800 in presents through police and community donations.

Other agencies may not call their events “Shop With a Cop,” but it’s the same concept.

Fontana police, who call their shopping spree “Heroes and Helpers” took 50 children shopping at Target on Dec. 15. They were selected by school district officials who recognized the children had a need for holiday help.

But it wasn’t just police officers who took children on shopping sprees.

Colton firefighters, along with the Colton Unified School District and Walmart donated money so 50 needy children could each receive $100 Christmas presents.

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_22222255/holidays-brighter-children-shop-cop-sprees#ixzz2FoR0QnqB

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT TUESDAY, 8/7/12.
DOWNTOWN 5 – 8:30 PM.

Yes its that time of year again, time for National Night Out. This event is an annual event created to foster community awareness. Target, Rialto PD, Cardenas Markets and many more have teamed up to bring this event to Downtown Rialto again.

There will be tons of:
Vendors
Entertainment
Food
And

Demos from our wonderful Rialto Police Department.

This is a FREE event that draws people from all over the city. Its a time to get out and be around fellow citizens and have a good time.

Click the link below and Join the event group to be kept up to date on all the developments.

http://www.facebook.com/events/430826046967978/

“SPOTLIGHT” Sabrina with DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier

Who wants some CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This “SPOTLIGHT” came from our outreach on Facebook and before being asked to do this interview I never even knew that this type of businesses existed. Sabrina Ruiz is the rep for Independent DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier located here in Rialto.
RIALTO NOW – Sabrina, tell us a little about yourself. Did you grow up in Rialto? What’s your background and education? What prodded you to become a small business owner? Why Chocolate?
SABRINA RUIZ – My name is Sabrina Ruiz. I grew up in Ontario and  recently moved to Rialto two years ago. I attended Ontario Christian High School. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.  I am currently working on my Ph.D  in Organizational Management and Leadership thru Capella University. I have always had a desire to work for myself. I was laid off from my employer of seven years in late 2010. I wanted to produce an income that allowed me to have the flexibility to have time for my family and education .I have always been a Chocolate lover and baker; so of course when I had the opportunity to get paid to share Dove Chocolate I embraced it!
I have the unique ability to earn a full time income while still controlling my own hours, and life! I love the flexibility my Dove Chocolate Discoveries®. business allows me, I am able to always be there for my family and still support a wonderful lifestyle! It’s so much fun meeting my Hostesses and helping them throw great tasting parties that their guests LOVE while earning free products! Guests will learn more about how to entertain, give gifts, and make beautiful and delicious homemade treats.
RIALTO NOW – As an avid baker I do know that dove chocolate is very delicious. What has been your experience in introducing this product to people here in Rialto?
SABRINA RUIZ – I have had a few tasting parties at my home and locally in the area. Many people have not heard of Dove Chocolate Discoveries and were happy to come and sample some premium Dove Chocolate. Our Exclusive line of Dove Chocolate products include: Fabulous drinks, instant gratification, easy to prepare desserts, and professional candy making tools. All of our products feature the premium quality of the DOVE Chocolate you know and love!
RIALTO NOW – What are some of the struggles you have experienced as a Independent DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier in the beginning?
SABRINA RUIZ – The struggles I had in the beginning were finding customers to purchase and host.
RIALTO NOW – What was your motivation on offering this product to our community? Where did you see the value in operating in and around Rialto?
SABRINA RUIZ – Small business in America has been the stabilizing force in the economy. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of creativity and production. Small business is what stimulates economic growth. I believe it is important to support your community that you live in. The City of Rialto is now my home and I want to contribute and support the community. Dove Chocolate is my vessel that I am using to bring business into the community.
RIALTO NOW – What are the struggles of owning a small business in today’s economy?
SABRINA RUIZ – Some of the struggles of owning a small business that I have come across include: marketing expenses, supplies, and building new clientele
RIALTO NOW – Run us through a Chocolate Party. How do we schedule one? What goes on? Is it similar to Tupperware parties only yummier?
SABRINA RUIZ – We do use the same party plan format similar to Tupperware. Dove chocolate parties are so much fun! We gather some friends together usually 20 or so, play a few games, sample about 5 products and enjoy each other’s company. At the end of the party guests are able to place orders and book parties. I am available to schedule parties at (909) 238-9397 or via email partywithbrini@gmail.com. You can also place orders on my website and have Dove Chocolate delivered right to your doorstep. www.mydcdsite.com/partywithbrini
RIALTO NOW – Were you at the Taste Of Rialto Event this past week?
SABRINA RUIZ – No, I was not did not hear about the event until after it took place.
RIALTO NOW – Are you going to have a booth at this years National Night Out?
SABRINA RUIZ – I am looking forward to attending the event and will be looking into having a booth.
RIALTO NOW – If you could pass one nugget of inspiration to future small business owners in Rialto what would it be?
SABRINA RUIZ – Small businesses are job creators. The best advice I would give to small business owners is don’t give up. Personally I support small business Saturday and make an effort to habitually shop at small businesses.
RIALTO NOW – Does your business support any local charities or sports groups?
SABRINA RUIZ – At this time my business does not. My business was recently involved with the making strides for breast cancer walk/run.  I would love to support any of Rialto’s local charities or sports groups thru fundraising.
RIALTO NOW – Is there anything else you would like the Rialto Readers to know?
SABRINA RUIZ – Yes, I am currently holding interviews for Dove Chocolatiers. The only requirements for the job is a functioning mode of transportation, must be 18 or older, and purchase a chocolate kit which is $115 including shipping ($200 retail value). I am the only Chocolatier in Rialto and there is plenty of room for growth within the Inland Empire.
Everyone loves our parties; after all it revolves around DOVE chocolate! I also enjoy sharing this opportunity with others. I have been fortunate to grow a very successful team of wonderful individuals. It is my pleasure to support chocolatiers in growing their own business and attaining their personal goals! Think about joining me today and create the lifestyle you have always dreamed of.
RIALTO NOW – Below is Sabrina’s contact info, if your intreased in a party or working with her please give her a call. Thank You Sabrina for your time and sitting down with us.
Sabrina Ruiz
Independent Dove Chocolatier
(909) 238-9397
partywithbrini@gmail.com
www.mydcdsite.com/partywithbrini
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 The Children’s Boutique offers exceptional values on quality new and gently used children’s clothing, toys, baby gear and more.  Friendly service and convenient locations in Upland and Rancho Cucamonga make shopping for your children a breeze. The Children’s Boutique at Steven’s Hope supports the programs at Steven’s Hope for Children, an Upland based charity that supports families of seriously ill or injured children during their recovery period at several area hospitals. For more information about Steven’s Hope for Children, please visit www.stevenshope.org or visit them on facebook.