What’s On Tap For This Weekend?

From Backpack giveaways to BBQ’s and Movie Pool Parties there is a lot to do this last weekend before school starts for the 2016-2017 school year. So lets see what this weekend has in store:

Young Visionaries is giving away school supplies and providing resources for parents and youth:

Back Pack give

BBQ Cook Off going on at Frisbee Park in Rialto:

bbq cook

Neon Pool Party and Movie Night:

neon pool

Rialto! Join us in our final #summerseries2016event!
The “Inside Out” Neon Pool Party!
Free Swimming starting at 6:00 pm and Free Movie at 8:00 PM
For more information call 909-421-4949
#insideout
#moviesinthepark #rialto #cityofrialto #rialtonetwork#RCS #Free

Fontana Arts Festival:

fontana arts header

Sunset on Sierra Street Event:

sunset on sierra

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Councilman Shawn O’Connell Funeral Set

Shawn Memorial

As many of you may know the City of Rialto lost one of the biggest advocates for the community on Sunday. Normally we would be all over stories like this but because of our relationship with Councilman O’Connell we were in mourning and took a slight step back to digest what had happened. The last time I saw Councilman O’Connell he had just left Taste of Rialto and was on his way to talk to some old friends. He told me see you Saturday but sadly that would be the last time I would see our beloved brother, friend and councilman.

Councilman O’Connell invited me and my wife to sit at his table for the Friends of the Rialto Library Dinner Mystery fundraiser One Bullet One Silver Spoon. Councilman O’Connell never made that event and those of us at his table grew concerned as the evening went on. As his friends we all made attempts to locate our friend and still we were unable to locate him it was late in the night so we decided to contact the police in the AM and continue our search. As you can see from the message from the city the next day we heard what nobody wanted to believe:

Council Member Shawn O’Connell was found deceased in his vehicle Sunday morning at 11:34 am. He was found in the parking lot of a restaurant in the City of Loma Linda. He was found by Rialto Police Officers who were on their way to Loma Linda University Hospital to check on his whereabouts. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Coroner responded to the location and are conducting a death investigation.

Shawn Speaks

John M. Blodgett with the San Bernardino Sun wrote the best article outside of the Radio Show Let’s Talk Community audio tribute to the late councilman. Mr. Blodgett said he didn’t know Councilman O’Connell but his colleagues did and would write a follow up story. Well John you did better than the follow up article and we would like to thank you.

Councilman O’Connell was a beacon of light and had the communities respect from the moment he hit the ground in Rialto. Shawn O’Connell wanted to work in Law Enforcement but had a hard time getting his foot in the door. He didn’t allow this to stop him he put himself through the Police Academy while working part-time as a Loss Prevention officer for a local National Retail chain. He used to remark on the skills he learned getting people to cough up stolen goods and admit to what they had done would prove beneficial to him as he worked as an officer for Rialto Police Department. Shawn O’Connell gave of his time, money and reputation to further many, many causes in the local region. Each time he made a donation or helped a cause he only had one stipulation that his name be left out of it, he NEVER wanted to have his name attached to his ability to help he just wanted to be able to help.

Rialto 2015

Councilman O’Connell is the only elected official to lay out a platform of what he would do as a city councilman and complete everything within his 1st term. Councilman O’Connell was comfortable walking away from the job of being an elected official after one term because he believed that the framers of this country never envisioned that elected persons should make a career out of elected service. He only recently promised that he would serve one more term to make sure that:

  1. The money that is being collected via Measure U (higher fees on South Rialto tank farms) would be spent wisely.
  2. That council kept its promise to reduce the Utility Users Tax once the money was available as promised to voters.
  3. That someone else would step up and run for his seat when his 2nd term was up in 2020.

Shawn O’Connell also looked at himself as being lucky. He felt lucky because he had a few great friends and PD brothers that helped him through his injury and change in lifestyle. He was able to do everything he did after his accident because others took the time to be there when he needed it most. So since Shawn O’Connell considered himself lucky to have such strong support from family and friends he used his experience to help other people struggling with life’s medical mishaps. What is funny is he just didn’t help the person going through the tough spot he also helped their family members. He would call family members that had a loved one going through a rough patch in life and check in on them, Shawn was always the first person to visit a friend or community member in the hospital or when they got home and he always came bearing In & Out! Yes story after story other than Shawn’s dedication to visiting and helping he also knew a good burger or shake could help take your mind off of the pain your under now.

We ran a poll to see who the people of Rialto thought was the most influential person in Rialto for 2015 Shawn came in a close 2nd to a equally great man and police chief Tony Farrar. We had almost 30 people that the community was considering as the most influential person in Rialto in 2015 and Shawn still rose to the top. Shawn was flattered but never wanted such a recognition he would have preferred to have remained behind the scenes.

We want to know your stories. How did Shawn’s life effect you? What did Shawn show you that made an impact in your life? Tell us in the comments below.

 

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Inaugural Inland Empire Family Fair Kicks Off Community Play Day

family fair Header

(Montclair, CA) The inaugural Inland Empire Family Fair, presented by First 5 San Bernardino, is set for Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the Chino Basin Water Conservation District, 4594 San Bernardino St, Montclair, CA, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This brand new event combines an informational and resource parent expo with entertainment and activities for kids 0-5 years old.

 

At the first Inland Empire Family Fair, event guests can expect keynote speakers on subjects like doulas & midwifery, and post-partum depression. There will also be demos from experts on cloth diapering, proper babywearing and an interactive take-home planting demo from Chino Basin Water Conservation District (CBWCD).

 

There will also be merchant vendors and informational local resource vendors for new families with infants and young children. Families will enjoy live entertainment, crafts, and activities for kids, like a petting zoo. This baby-friendly event will include features like a diaper changing station and breastfeeding lounge, with a lactation consultant.

 

Admission is free for adults and children. First 200 guests will receive a goodie bag with discount coupons and other goodies. Each admission receives an opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win prizes, such as an Ergobaby baby carrier and more!

 

“We are so excited to work with First 5 San Bernardino to launch the first ever Inland Empire Family Fair. We felt that with our platform and network we were in a great position to showcase local resources that can benefit families in our region. Plus, this event gives us another opportunity to donate to a local non-profit organization and help our community. We can’t wait to share this experience with the families of the Inland Empire,” said Su Pak event creator and founder of IEShineOn.com “The Inland Empire Good Time Guide.”

 

The Inland Empire Family Fair is sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino and Chino Basin Water Conservation District, and produced by IEShineOn.com, a local lifestyle website sharing events, attractions and things to do in the Inland Empire. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor booths are still available. Information at IEFamilyFair.com.

 

For more information call: Alazzia Gaoay @ (909) 285-9120 or go to IEFamilyFair.com.

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PAUL CHABOT WINS CA-31 PRIMARY – ISSUES STATEMENT

https://www.facebook.com/PaulChabotCalifornia/?fref=ts

                                     https://www.facebook.com/PaulChabotCalifornia/?fref=ts

 

CA-31 San Bernardino- June 7th – Tonight, Paul Chabot won the open primary and bested three other candidates despite being outspent by over a combined million dollars. Chabot prevailed as the Republican nominee going on to battle Rep. Pete Aguilar in November.

Incumbent Aguilar had one of the worst showings of any Democrat in California, at just 43% of the votes cast.

Chabot’s Chief Strategist John Thomas stated, “We look forward to a rematch. Aguilar’s abysmal record has done nothing to bring jobs back to our community and he is fundamentally not equipped to keep us safe from terror and crime. November will be a knockout.”
Paul Chabot said, “Our campaign has been consistent from the outset – that the number one job of government is to keep families safe. Safe from gangs. Safe from terror. Provide economic opportunities to succeed. And the voters agreed. We are pleased with the outcome of tonight’s primary and look forward to winning in November.”
Thank you to every citizen who cast a vote for us and thank you to the thousands of campaign supporters who gave of their time, resources, efforts and trust in us. I will be forever in your debt.
Thank you again. God bless San Bernardino County. God bless America.

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What’s Going on in Rialto June 4th 2016

We posted a video on our Facebook page about this weekends events. For more info and a deeper look at what is going on here is what we showed off.

It’s HOT this weekend don’t forget about the cooling centers:

rialto cooling center

Love to garden and your looking for tips, soil and summer landscape workshops go to the Rialto Community Garden:

rialto community garden

Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party is this Saturday at 10:00 am. Friends of the Rialto Library will have a face painter give us Superhero mask, sidewalk chalk and popcorn. Come and join us to sign up for a great SRP season. They want you! BRING WATER it is going to be hot!

Rialto summer reading

Latin Concert & Sounds of Rialto Featuring VILMA DIAZ y la SONORA Saturday, June 4th 4:00 – 9:00 pm Free Concert!!!! Rialto City Park
130 E. San Bernardino Ave. For more information call Rialto Community Services at 909-421-4949

sound of rialto

Friends of the Library presents: “One Sliver Spoon, One Silver Bullet” June 4, 2016 Rialto Senior Center 1411 S. Riverside Ave. Rialto, CA Doors open at 6:00 pm Tickets:$18 in Advance and $20 at the Door Tickets may be purchased at the Rialto Branch Library at 251 E. First Street, Rialto CA

one silver bullet

Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday June 7th for the best person to represent Rialto in Washington D.C. Paul Chabot

 

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Making The Best Choice For The 31st Congressional District

This election season is going to be one for the record books. Not since President Obama first ran for president have such a large number of people moved to exercise their right to get out and vote for who they think should be our next elected leader.

In this article were looking at the race for the 31st Congressional District. The person currently holding that seat is Pete Aguilar of Redlands. Pete Aguilar is finishing out his first term as a Congressman and has been labeled the as someone who will be one and done by the website 2016donkeys.com the website lists political leaders that have failed to represent the people. The list of people include “Freshmen Graham, Ashford and Californian Pete Aguilar have all been nominated for “The Brad Schneider: For most likely to be one-and-done,” a reference to the one-term Illinois Democrat defeated in 2014″.

Pete Aguilar has done very little to work for the people of the 31st District. He has worked hard to be a rubber stamp for the Democrat establishment that has sold away our safety and freedom without any concern for the consequences. Below are a list of issues voters find important and how Pete Aguilar stood on each issue.

  1. Iran Nucular Deal – Pete Aguilar stood against the will of the people and his district and voted with establishment Democrats and supported the dangerous deal with Iran. Pete Aguilar was quoted in a story in the Press Enterprise saying “There is no such thing as a perfectly negotiated agreement, and the (deal) is no different. However, it is the best diplomatic solution available to the international community and I will vote to support the agreement.”
  2. No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act – This act was penned to keep the Obama administration from allowing major internet providers to levy higher fees on people using the internet Pete Aguilar stood against providing affordable internet and with the greedy lobbyists.
  3. Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act – This bills goal was to do two things Pete Aguilar voted NO on these two things:
      1) If an abortion results in the live birth of an infant, the infant is a legal person for all purposes under the laws of the United States, and entitled to all the protections of such laws.
      2) Any infant born alive after an abortion or within a hospital, clinic, or other facility has the same claim to the protection of the law that would arise for any newborn, or for any person who comes to a hospital, clinic, or other facility for screening and treatment or otherwise becomes a patient within its care.
  4. Student Success Act – Pete Aguilar voted NO
  5. Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015 – Pete Aguilar voted NO on the following:
    • Requires the President to establish the Wildfire Suppression Operations Account in the event of a major disaster for wildfire on federal lands (Title IX, Sec. 902).
    • Authorizes the President to appropriate funds from the Wildfire Suppression Operations Account to conduct wildfire suppression operations after previous funds have been exhausted (Title IX, Sec. 902).
    • Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a “categorical exclusion” to certain forest management activities reducing the risk of wildfire, including, but not limited to, the removal of juniper trees, conifer trees, or invasive weeds (Title I, Sec. 106).
    • Defines “categorical exclusion” as an exception to certain requirements for a project or activity relating to the management of National Forest System lands, including, but not limited to, the following requirements (Sec. 2):
      • The requirement to report the project’s environmental impact;
      • The requirement to report the project’s alternatives; and
      • The requirement to report the project’s irreversible resource commitments.
    • Requires a plaintiff who challenges a forest management activity to post a bond or other security equal to the anticipated costs of the action estimated by the Secretary of Agriculture (Title III, Sec. 302).
    • Requires the court to return the bond or security to the plaintiff if the court rules in his or her favor on the action challenging the forest management activity, plus interest from the date the bond was provided (Title III, Sec. 302).
    • Prohibits a court from issuing a restraining order or preliminary injunction with respect to a decision to conduct a salvage operation or reforestation activity in response to a catastrophic event (Title II, Sec. 203).
  6. Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015 – Pete Aguilar voted NO on expanding money for Americas crumbling transportation infrastructure while representing a district that is in dire need of transportation dollars.
  7. Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act – Pete Aguilar voted NO on protecting Americans from the dangerous illegal aliens that come here not looking for a better life but to make victims out of the citizens of the USA. Sanctuary cities have shown to be a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens that look to further victimize good honest people.

Pete Aguilar has done very little to help the people of the 31st District find solution to the issues they face on a day to day basis. He is very good though at flying his family to member only parties on the white house lawn and flying home to take pictures and receive awards from the many governing boards that only operate to make the communities life harder. Below are a few videos of Pete in action here at home.

Pete Aguilar failed job fair:

Pete Aguilar out at do nothing event while a colleague assaults a person recording

Pete Aguilar talks about the importance of improving our transportation infurstructure in Colton while voting NO on the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015

Pete Aguilar represents illegals

Pete Aguilar only gives out literature in Spanish

 

 

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Team Of Strategic Partners Help Teach Local Students About Historic Local Food Production

The team from Inland Empire Youth 4 Today planned a field trip for the students from the environmental team at Dollahan Elementary. The environmental team is a club at the school that is responsible teaching students to care for the earth and keep their school clean. The leadership of the group Inland Empire Youth 4 Today told Rialto Now that they have watched opportunities for inner city youth to attend field trips and learn by more than just tests and white boards drop dramatically so they looked for another way to get the students learning from outside the classroom.

Students looking over the orchard with family owner John Adams

Students looking over the orchard with family owner John Adams

The perfect opportunity made its self available when the family of the last historic Orange Grove in the city of Rialto decided to sell off a major portion of the farm to a developer seeking to develop high end condos. “We didn’t want this grove to leave without impressing young minds with the historical importance of this Orange Orchard” said the groups PR person. John Adams the family member that owns the property now has said that his plans were to maximize space and grow an abundance of product and variety of fruit.

A new area under development for weddings and events

A new area under development for weddings and events

The students and parents were able to learn about Mulberries and taste them. They also tasted Peaches and Oranges straight off the tree. Students learned about a Banana that they grow there that tastes like Vanilla Ice Cream and a plant that grew fruit that tasted like Root-beer. The students also learned about grafting a growing technique that is used to grow new trees off of other trees.

Students learning about grafting

Students learning about grafting

Mrs. Valencia the school club adviser said that “there is no better taste than fruit right off the tree” everyone had a great time and they learned so much about Local Farming and the science that goes behind it. Inland Empire Youth 4 Today said that they have tried to get local leaders to do more for local youth but the people in power refuse to help the children of the Inland Empire unless it lines the pockets of the politicians friends pockets.

Proven Leadership & Trusted Experience Military Officer - Small Business Owner - Law Enforcement Veteran

Proven Leadership & Trusted Experience Military Officer – Small Business Owner – Law Enforcement Veteran

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Eisenhower Seniors Flex Their Big Brains As They Cross The Finish Line

Ike 3.5 club

On Wednesday Eisenhower High School Seniors were honored for finishing High School with a 3.5 GPA or higher as they close into finishing the senior year. This year 86 students in a senior class of 521 students obtained at least an overall GPA of 3.5 and 21 of these student finished with a 4.0 GPA. These numbers are on the rise as last year 83 students obtained the level of 3.5 GPA overall.

On top of these Rock Star kids there is a double Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Both pairs finished with the same exact GPA’s

  • Valedictorian – Betcy Gaspar Nicacio & Alexa Chocoza
  • Salutatorian – Cristal Martinez-Ramirez & Amber Reveles

Career Center Advisor Nancy Samir Sehsah  posted this about her rising star students:

I had such a great time holding today’s photos shoot with our 86 seniors with 3.5 and above GPAs. These kids are, truly, amazing. ‪#‎ikemob‬ ‪#‎classof2016‬‪#‎scholars‬

We believe that it is staff like these that are the reason more students are rising to the top in academic success. If we get an press invite to graduation we will be seeking out these rising stars.

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Rialto Police Issues Traffic Citations In Massive Multi Agency Traffic Assignment

Traffic Sweep Photos

On April 20, 2016, a multi-agency school traffic safety sweep was conducted.

This operation was a proactive policing effort focusing on traffic safety around local schools in the City of Rialto. It is important for students to be able to travel safely to and from school.

The goal of this operation was not only to enforce traffic laws, but to educate motorists and pedestrians around local schools.

Twenty-four police officers from the Rialto, Redlands, and Fontana Police Departments participated in this operation. Enforcement was conducted at 20 of the 29 schools within the Rialto Unified School District. 70 citations were issued for various violations and 49 warnings / educational stops were conducted with students and motorists.

Traffic Photos 2

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Two Rialto Schools Receive Top Honors In New Recognition Program

Two of Rialto Unified School Districts schools were awarded the new level of top distinction from the state of California. These two schools have been labeled Gold Ribbon Schools here in the state of California. The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created to honor schools in place of the California Distinguished Schools Program, which is on hiatus while California creates new assessment and accountability systems.

Schools applied for the award based on a model program or practice their school has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies. The award recognized middle and high schools last year.

The Gold Ribbon Awards recognize California schools that have made gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. These include the California Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, California English Language Development Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.

The two schools that were awarded in Rialto Unified School District are Helen L. Dollahan Elementary School and Myers Elementary School.

dollahan

“I am ecstatic to be a part of the Dollahan family and to achieve the recognition of a California Gold Ribbon School,” smiled Dollahan Elementary School Principal, Daniel Husbands. “It is such a huge honor for our students, staff members, parents, and community to be recognized for all of their hard work and dedication to building the next generation of leaders through The Leader in Me process.”

david emarick

Dollahan Elementary School fifth grade teacher, David Emrick, added, “As a teacher here for several years, I have seen an incredible amount of commitment to student learning and development from all areas of our community. Our secretaries, custodians, various support staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and local businesses have truly collaborated to make our school worthy of our Gold Ribbon status. We are extremely grateful to be recognized with this honor and vow to continue the effort to create a superb learning environment for all of our students.”

The “Leader In Me” program at Dollahan is one of six schools in the county and part of a collection in the state. The program was made possible by the Panda Cares Foundation that has dedicated thousands of dollars to making sure that these Rialto students have a program that will provide accountability and self worth. The program is so appealing the City of Rialto looking for something to fill the GRIP program last summer used the Leader in me program to show that they were trying to do something with the $4 million grant they received.

Myers Elementary School was equally excited about the news from the State. “This award serves as testament to the unwavering dedication exuded by our teachers for all of our students. In the midst of academic reform, our teachers took the initiative to press forward and create a sacred place for learning and discovering. Our teachers adopted the 21st Century skills of Communication and Collaboration. They have taken on the challenge to define and implement the distinct characteristics of this school-wide approach to create college and career bound students. Our accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of our parents, staff members, students, and community volunteers. It is an honor to have been bestowed this prestigious award,” stated Myers Elementary School Principal, Johanna Cuellar.

Teresa Chandler, second grade teacher, at Myers Elementary School, cheered, “It is truly an exciting event on many levels for me as an educator. It validates all the energy that we extend daily as a cohesive team of teachers, administrators, and support staff to help each of our students reaches their unique and maximum potential as individuals. As an educator, such a road taken at times may be stony and difficult, but it is without doubt a magical journey!”

“These schools shine as bright beacons for others, putting forth an exemplary effort to ensure that every student is ready for 21st Century college and careers,” stated State Superintendent of Instruction, Tom Torlakson in his CDE press release. “California teachers are developing an education model for the nation, training the students of today to be problem-solvers, inventors and pioneers of tomorrow.”

Rialto Unified School District Board of Education will formally honor Dollahan and Myers Elementary Schools on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 7:00 p.m., at the televised public school board meeting held at 182 East Walnut Avenue in Rialto.

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