City Administrators Monthly Update Feb 2012

16 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

City Clerk/Rialto Network

The State of Women

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

Passport Day in the USA

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

Administrative & Community Services

Finance Division

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

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

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

Recreation Division

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

Police Department

Department Promotions

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

Department Strategic Plan

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

Rialto PD e-Desk

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

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

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

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

City-Sourced App – Coming Soon

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

NIXLE- Community Notification and Information

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

Fire Department

Homeland Security Grant

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

Recruitment and Retention of Diversity Workshop

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

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

Promotions

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

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

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

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

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

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

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

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

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

Development Services Department

State of California Dissolves Redevelopment Agency

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

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

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

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

City Council Rescinds Purchase and Sale Agreement with Agency for Airport

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

Target Freezer Distribution Center Commences Grading

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

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

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

Under Armour Occupies Warehouse in Prologis 210 Industrial Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public Works Department

Facility Maintenance Division

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

Fire Station No. 202

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

FY 2011/2012 Curb, Gutter & Sidewalk Program

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

FY 2011/2012 Overlay Program

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

Fergusson Park Improvements Project

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

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

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

Trickleside Alley Improvements

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

Solid Waste Management News

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

Free Dump Day:

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

Household Hazardous Waste:

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

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

Liga International – The Flying Doctors of Mercy:

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

Free Dump Day Voucher

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

Words from WILMER AMINA CARTER

07 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

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

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

Brought to you by David’s Marketing Firm

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

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

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

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

Assemblywoman WILMER AMINA CARTER 62nd District

Carter High School Swim Team Fundraiser

28 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Uncategorized

Carter Aquatics are doing a “Goodwill” Fundraiser. Information fliers are attached.

Attached is a flier to forward to friends, family and neighbors. Also attached is a list of acceptable items which is a good ‘tickler’ to give people ideas. If you would please send this to all your contacts, we would greatly appreciate it. All they need to do is drop their items off at Carter High School on Saturday, Feb. 4th.

ALSO

BE AWARE THE NEW ITEMS OF CHOICE FOR STEALING ARE WOOD CHIPPERS, LEAF BLOWERS AND WEED WHACKERS.

LAST NIGHT, DURING THE NIGHT, A GREEN, “WRLL” (WESTERN REGIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE) WOOD CHIPPER WAS STOLEN

FROM THE 600 BLOCK OF SOUTH CACTUS.

IF YOU SEE IT OR SOMEONE TRIES TO SELL IT TO YOU. PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY

820-2550.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING CARTER’S AQUATIC TEAM !!!!

FILL THE TRUCK AT CARTER HIGH SCHOOL ON SAT. FEB. 4^TH

^{8:00 AM TO 2:00 PM}

Carter Aquatics Booster Club is hosting a Goodwill Collection Drive. Please donate items in good condition to help raise funds to support our Swim/Polo Teams AND get your closets cleaned out at the same time.

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:

Antiques and Collectibles	Furniture (tables, chairs, dressers)
Area rugs	Frames (with/without artwork
Artwork (with/without frames)	Giftware & knick knacks
Audio & visual equipment	Glassware
Bed frames, head & footboards	Hand tools & small power tools
Bedspreads, blankets & liners	Holidaydecorations
Bicycles & wheeled toys	Jewelry
Books (novels ONLY) child & adult	Lamps (with/without shades)
CDs, DVDs, records & videos	Office furniture & supplies
Clothing, shoes, purses, belts, hats	Radios, stereos, electronics
Computers & accessories	Small appliances
Cookware, dishware & utensils	Sofa / couches / davenports
Crafts (original packaging)	Sporting goods & sleeping bags
Curtains	Televisions (except console T.V.s)
Electronic equipment (working or not)	VCRs & DVRs

For more information, please call Rebecca Morris at (909) 356-9259 or Cindy Lepore at (909) 519-4388

Is there a doctor on SWAT………..yep.

17 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in ARMC, Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Dr. Michael Neeki, Family, Flores Park, Military, Nieghborhood Watch, Public Safety, Rialto Police Department, SWAT, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

Is there a doctor on the SWAT team call? If you’re talking about Rialto police department SWAT there is NOW.

**Taken from the San Bernardino Sun**

Dr. Michael Neeki has been a Iranian Army Corporal fighting Iraqi invaders, and seen first-hand the effects of mustard gas on people. He got close enough to the action to be hit by shrapnel from a 60mm mortar.

He was beaten and tortured in several Iranian prisons, before being smuggled out of the country.

Now, Dr. Michael Neeki, an emergency room physician at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, is on the front lines again.

**Taken from the San Bernardino Sun**

Years ago a former city council wanted to outsource our Public safety to the San Bernardino County sheriffs Dept. With everything that Rialto PD has implemented I’m sure glad that threat was made but never enacted.

Prior to the SBSO outsource movement Rialto PD had some serious issues and a horrible reputation with the public. After the threat was quelled the department stepped up and hired a quality Chief (Kling) and began allowing community policing to change the face of public safety here in Rialto.

I’m glad to see Chief Farrar seems to be continuing down the same positive path of his predecessor, I see the addition of this doctor on top of the normal EMS personnel that respond in SWAT situation as a way to help our SWAT officers in the case one is injured or someone in the community allowing the SWAT officers to do their job and not worry about things that they aren’t well versed in.

I would love to welcome Dr. Michael Neeki to our city and police department.

New Chief New Vision

12 Jan 2012 1 Comment

by rialto-now in Uncategorized

New Rialto police chief stresses education, technology as key to future success

Jim Steinberg, The (San Bernardino County) Sun

Posted: 01/08/2012 06:03:55 AM PST

Tony Farrar, newly appointed police chief for the Rialto Police Department, works at his desk. (Micah Escamilla/Correspondent)

RIALTO — At 51, Rialto Police Chief William “Tony” Farrar believes he has many things to learn.A police officer for 29 years, Farrar this year replaced Rialto Police Chief Mark Kling, who left the department to become a university professor.

Farrar was previously a captain on the Rialto police department, responsible for field operations.

“I’m honored and humbled to get this opportunity to lead this department,” Farrar said in a recent interview.

Farrar is pursuing a masters degree from Cambridge University’s Institute of Criminology in England. Once that is achieved, he plans to pursue a doctorate from the same institution.

Former longtime Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann, now doing research

Tony Farrar, newly appointed police chief for the Rialto Police Department, has his portrait taken on Thursday in Rialto. (Micah Escamilla/Correspondent)

as an executive fellow at the National Institute of Justice, the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, called Farrar “one of the new breed of police chiefs, looking at research to see what is effective to control crime and disorder.”

Bueermann said the program Farrar has chosen is the world leader for taking research findings and translating that knowledge into the day-to-day policing environment.

“Increasingly, police chiefs are going to have to find more effective – and ultimately less expensive ways – to keep their communities safe. And Tony is in a position to bring that knowledge to the people of Rialto,” Bueermann said.

Bueermann said that Farrar is likely to become the first police chief from the United States to earn a master’s degree from the prestigious program.

Launching into his first year as police chief, Farrar said he plans to focus on three areas:

Technology.

Volunteerism.

Community relations.

Farrar called technology a “force multiplier” essential in this era of municipal downsizing.

Among the technological edges coming soon are the completion of a project to install cameras in all of Rialto’s city parks, which will be monitored 24 hours-a-day.

Although the project is not yet complete, it has already yielded felony arrests, he said.

Another is the implementation of the Omega Dashboard Project, which will enable officers in the field to access crime statistics and view maps showing areas where specific crimes are occurring.

“We are not sitting there waiting for technology to come to us. We are actively looking for things that could help us,” he said.

Another way to stretch the department’s resources is to build on the already enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers that help the department in areas that include record keeping, dispatch and citizens’ patrol.

The community relations thrust will build on the effective area command meetings, which brings police, city officials, and, at times officials from other agencies, to various Rialto neighborhoods.

There will also be a wave of test taking for new lieutenants, sergeants and corporals. Additionally, many officers will be receiving new assignments, he said.

Former Lt. Randy DeAnda has been promoted to Captain and will take over most of Farrar’s former duties as director of field operations, he said.

“It’s going to be an exciting time, people are going to advance and get new assignments,” he said.

Farrar is going to be pushing continuing education for everyone in his department.

And in the process, pursue “evidenced-based policing” – tactics and programs with proven effectiveness.

He praised the hard work from his 102-member department, which has shed about 15 sworn officer positions during recent difficult budget years.

In reaching his job as police chief, Farrar said he credits the mentoring he received from many law enforcement leaders, including Bueermann and Kling as well as former Fontana police chiefs Frank Scialdone and Larry Clark.

During the interview, Farrar wanted to stress his new educational pursuits, not discuss his past accomplishments, which include a bachelors degree in political science and two masters degrees, one in the administration of justice; the other an MBA.

Farrar said that the past doesn’t count and he wants his officers to push for continuing educational opportunities in the future to increase their understanding of their job and environment where they work.

Redlands Find Unexpected money

12 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, davidsMarketing, Family, Family Sports, Fun, Holidays, Layoffs, Nieghborhood Watch, Public Safety, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

City manager finds extra funds

Molly Davis, Staff Writer

Posted: 01/11/2012 03:52:31 PM PST

REDLANDS – Sometimes it pays to check under the sofa cushions for hidden change. In the case of the city of Redlands, it paid for City Manager Enrique Martinez to check city departments for excess funds, to the tune of about $1.6 million.Martinez explained Wednesday that an auditor’s report of the 2010-11 fiscal year agreed with staff’s findings of more revenues than expenditures for the year. The difference was an extra $1,650,993 for the city’s general fund.

“We want taxpayers to know we’re trying to save every nickel and dime,” Martinez said.

An overview of the report found about $100,000 in sales taxes, $90,000 in property taxes, and $200,000 in Department of Motor Vehicles taxes.

By streamlining some operations, the city was also able to save. About $55,000 was saved by making the street cleaning billing system more efficient, Martinez said.

Fee collections also accounted for savings. A waste import fee brought the city about $103,000, and fees collected from the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System were about $159,000.

Martinez also found that utility companies were not being properly charged for encroachment permits.

“We found that private companies were not getting individual permits,” every time they would need to cut streets to access services, he said. Instead, utility companies like cable, gas and electric, would get one permit a year.

By charging per permit, the city received about $164,000. The city manager is also looking at ways to go after money for permits not pulled for the past couple of years.

Transfers from different funding sources were also added to the revenues. Approximately $80,000 and $274,000 came from various enterprise funds and by “tightening our belts” in certain departments, Martinez said.

The city also received final payment from a federal grant from 1994, for about $150,000.

When it comes to using that money, Martinez will make a recommendation to the Redlands City Council in February. The council will have final approval.

When it comes to his recommendations, Martinez said he would like to see $250,000 go to pay off a loan borrowed from the city’s reserves, plus an extra $150,000 for the reserves, $200,000 to the city’s liability fund, $200,000 to the city’s groves, and $126,000 each to the open space fund and park development fund.

After that, Martinez said he’d like to see the rest used to replace 12 of the city’s SUVs for more fuel-efficient vehicles, which would save about $18,500 per vehicle over its lifespan. In addition, he’s hoping to purchase four new police cars.

Then $198,489 would be allotted for residential street improvements. The streets would be chosen through the city’s pavement management system.

Martinez noted that Measure I provides significant funding for additional street paving, and that the residential improvements would help streets that may not benefit from Measure I.

He did caution that about 70 percent of these additional funds come from one-time revenues, and could not be expected year after year.

“I want people to know that we’re looking under every rock to get the most out of public resources,” he said. “The trend is to look at everything, and question everything.”

Reach Molly via email, or call her at 909-793-3221.

RUSD Borrowing on Broken promieses

11 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Currupt, davidsMarketing, Family, Family Sports, Flores Park, Layoffs, Lazy, Nieghborhood Watch, rialto unified school district, RUSD, Sr., Taxes, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

When the housing market took a dive it effected budgets Local to Nationwide since homes were not worth what everyone thought tax amounts declined and work forces shrinked and the dominos began to fall.

Then Gov. Arnold (AKA The Govenator) came up with a creative way to show a more balanced budget than he really had. What he would do is defer payments that go to K-12 education, meaning if they thought they were going to get money in August it really ment December then the January money is pushed and so on. Why did this help the Governor? He could show more money on the books that wasnt his to use and for-go cuts that needed to be made.

So since Arnold was a Republican Governor one would assume that Democrat Gov Brown (AKA MoonBeem) would stop using these tactics, Right? Nope he is still deferring payments to our schools.

So how are School Districts dealing with the loss in funds. Layoffs, closing schools, furloughs, pay cuts & eliminating services. Oh, some even most are BORROWING money till the deferment comes. The best part is when the Governor both Arnold and Brown make cuts, those deferments aren’t what they were supposed to be leaving schools holding money notes they weren’t expecting. The current superintendent (Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Sr. Pictured Left ) has lots of experience with these types of loans. Loans like these were the same type that helped him tank the Compton Unified School District and hand it over to state control read about that story here http://articles.latimes.com/1993-07-10/news/mn-11806_1_compton-unified-school-district .

Tonight 7 pm at Dollahan elementary 1060 W Eitwanda Ave Rialto Ca the board is going to be asked to borrow more money.

Early 2011 RUSD School Board approved borrowing 30 million to get to the next deferment. Tonight they will be asked to add 10 Million to that total!!!!!! With the hopes of getting a low-interest rate of 2%. Who’s money do they think their spending anyway? This doesn’t save any teaching jobs or support staff. What this does do is cement us in a bad spot and give us the opportunity to be taken over by the state. What is Dr Cebrun thinking? I thought we got rid of Edna?

Below is the very line item from the agenda for tonight’s meeting on this very subject. The governor is going to make more cuts he has to, anyone really want to be on the hook for loans we know we can’t pay back? RUSD is banking on 53 million deferment coming in July to pay this back they have 18 months. But if they do that where is the money going to come from to pay the bills after July? More borrowing?

8. Adopt Resolution No. 11-12-38 authorizing the borrowing of an additional $10

million in funds for fiscal year 2011-2012 and the issuance and sale of one

or more series of 2011-2012 Tax Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRAN) totaling

$40 million to allow the District to meet cash flow needs.

(Ref. J 8.1-6)

RUSD is still giving raises to certain people. 200 Classified and Certified staff this summer will be given pink slips and there is no guarantee we will have the money to bring them back.

Go to the meeting tonight, call their offices, email them do what you can to send a message to remember who they work for and who’s money they are spending.

superintendents office number is:

909-820-7700 ext 2124

email at hcebrun@rialto.k12.ca.us

Rialto In & Out

07 Jan 2012 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Currupt, davidsMarketing, Family, Flores Park, Fun, In & Out, Layoffs, Lazy, Nieghborhood Watch, Protest, Public Safety, RDA, The Circle Vision Quest, Uncategorized, youth

Where of where has our In & Out gone, oh where oh where will it be.

Will we ever see this sign in Rialto??????

From the looks of things it’s not going to happen at least not in Rialto. With the end of Rialtos Redevelopment Agency as of February 1st Rialto has lost its advocate to attract new and interesting businesses. City council has the Indoor swap meet and Liquor stores firmly cemented here.

For ages our council memebers have failed to sell Rialto, and now one wants us to elect him to Amina Carters Assembly Seat. (Pictured on the Left)

Come 2-1-2012 who is going to advocate for Rialto and bring in businesses that can draw tax revenue and have us shopping HERE.

A lot of them are up for re-election this year and we need to send the message we want to see forward progress not same old same old. Mr. Story the city Administrator made a comment at the Area 1 Command meeting that he can’t do more with less just try and remain the same.

The only problem with that statement is if we don’t attract new business and try and bring in tax base support we will never see a better Rialto. In this economy with a rocky residential climate you cant and its not fair to try and do everything on the backs of residents.

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:

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.