City Administrator Monthly Update June 2018

Transcription

1 City Administrator Monthly Update June 2018 By Interim City Administrator Robb Steel Inside This Issue Administration Pg. 2 City Clerk/ Management Services Pg. 2 Human Resources/ Risk Management Pg. 3 Administrative Services Pg. 4 Community Services Pg. 4 Development Services Pg. 8 Police Department Pg. 14 Fire Department Pg. 15 Public Works Pg. 16 Wastewater Utilities Pg. 18

2 Administration 4 th of July Observance City offices will close on Wednesday, July 4, in observance of the 4 th of July Holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, July 5. Don t miss out on our 4 th of July Celebration: Wednesday, July 4, 5:30 9:30 p.m., at Jerry Eaves Park Live Entertainment, Carnival Games, Food Vendors, Eating Contests, Fireworks Show Spectacular, and more! For more information, call City Clerk/Management Services Rialto Network Rialto Network received nominations in 15 categories this year, taking home four 1 st Place Awards, six 2 nd Place Awards, and five 3 rd Place Awards. Winners were announced on May 24, 2018 at the 22nd SCANNATOA Annual Spring Conference. The 2018 SCAN Star Programming Awards are listed below: Category Title 1 st Place Awards Lifestyle Rialto Spotlight: Don's Bicycles News - Monthly Your Rialto #3.17 Public Safety Under $400K Rialto Police Department: Cold Case Homicide Unit Talk Show Under $400k Pulso de la Comunidad 2 nd Place Awards Every 15-Minutes Every 15 Minutes: Eisenhower High School Lifestyle Rialto Spotlight: ATR Boxing Magazine Format Your Rialto #2.17 News - Monthly Your Rialto #2.17 Public/Community Meetings RUSD Meeting of the Board of Education Talk Show Under $400k Community Pulse 3 rd Place Awards Magazine Format Your Rialto #3.17 Social Media Efforts Rialto Network Facebook Talk Show Under $400k Empire Talks Back Video Text/Bulletin Board Rialto Community Informer Economic Development Under $400k Rialto Spotlight: Don's Bicycles Rialto s Certified Farmers Market The City holds the Rialto s Certified Farmers Market every Wednesday, from 10:00 am 2:00 pm. Farmers Market is located at City Hall where vendors sell a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and more, at a reasonable cost to consumers. Come out and see what our local growers have to offer! RIALTO 2

3 Economic Heartbeat of Rialto You may view Mayor Deborah Robertson s Economic Heartbeat of Rialto on the Rialto Network, Channels 3 and 99. It is also available on live stream via the City s web site, This show provides an in-depth interview with local Rialto businesses. Human Resources & Risk Management Applicant Processing/Employee New Hires Human Resources has received and screened 99 applicants in the last 30 days. We have hired and processed three (3) employees. Employee Name Position Title Department Full Time Employees Amanda Wells Finance Manager (Promotion) Administrative Services Raul Martinez Interim Police Captain Police Part Time Employees Elizabeth Arceo Recreation Leader Community Services Current Open Recruitments Total Employees: 403 Retirements/Separations: 3/5 The City of Rialto is currently hiring for the following positions: Position Title Closing Date Position Type Business License Inspector June 12, 2018 Full-Time Director of Finance Continuous Full-Time Emergency Dispatcher II (Lateral) Continuous Full-Time Instructor June 7, 2018 Part-Time Police Captain Continuous Full-Time Police Chief Continuous Full-Time Recreation Aide (Promotional Only) June 7, 2018 Part-Time Reserve Police Officer Continuous Volunteer Prescription Drug Discount Program The City of Rialto makes the Prescription Discount Card program available to residents in collaboration with the National League of Cities (NLC). The card is FREE to all City of Rialto residents, regardless of age, income or existing health insurance. By using this card, you may save an average of 20% off the regular retail price of prescription drugs at 3

4 participating pharmacies. This program is NOT insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. Discount cards are available at: City of Rialto website: Human Resources 246 S. Willow Senior Center 1411 S. Riverside Ave Library 251 W. First Street Recreation 214 N. Palm Ave., #204 Chamber of Commerce 120 N. Riverside Ave. Administrative Services The Finance Department is currently compiling information in preparation of the fiscal year 18/19 budget. Like many municipalities, Rialto is grappling with a number of challenges in order to balance its budget while maintaining service levels. Pension costs, facilities maintenance/replacement, and offering competitive compensation to employees are some of the budgetary issues facing the City as it approaches the beginning of a new fiscal year. The City s revenues continue to grow at a healthy rate and, as budget numbers are compiled, the fiscal year 18/19 revenue numbers look strong. Rising costs, however, will consume much of this growth. The Finance Department anticipates taking a proposed budget to the City Council in July for consideration. Each year, the City is required to have a financial audit. An independent CPA firm specializing in municipal finance conducts the audit. New auditors will conduct the audit of the 2017/18 fiscal year and the Finance Department, along with the City s Budget Committee, anticipates recommending a firm for City Council approval in June. Community Services $29 Anytime Pass Are you ready to exercise but need a gym buddie? The Fitness and Aquatic Center offers a $29 Anytime Pass for members interested in-group exercise classes. The pass is not a facility membership but rather a monthly pass valid for instructor led group exercise classes. The pass expires on a monthly basis and includes access to all of the 44 group exercise classes offered on a weekly basis. Try it today to sample Aerobic Total Body Workout, Aqua Fitness, CardioFit, Indoor Cycling, Pilates, Senior Fitness, Yoga, and Zumba. It s the perfect way to get fit within the support of a team environment. For more information on the $29 Anytime Pass, please call the Fitness and Aquatic Center at (909) SilverSneakers During the month of May, we received $1, from Trinity Health. SilverSneakers members have full facility access, which includes group exercise classes, swimming pool access, cardio and weight equipment and more. For more information on the Silver Sneakers Program or to see if you qualify, please contact the Fitness and Aquatic Center at (909)

5 Facility Rentals The Fitness and Aquatic Center swimming pool and sun deck are available for rent to host your next event. If you would like more information regarding rental dates and pricing please call the Fitness & Aquatic Center at (909) Jr. Lifeguarding Program Our Junior Lifeguarding program for ages 11 to 14 teaches water safety and introduces participants to the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard. Our goal is to build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills for our students in preparation for the American Red Cross Lifeguard course. The next Swim Test is scheduled for June 25 to July 1 for the July course. Parents must call to schedule a time for pre-test. The fee is $85 per student. Lifeguarding Program Sign up now for our Lifeguard program for ages 15 and up. The Lifeguard program provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over. The Swim Test is scheduled for Saturday, September 1 at 10:00 a.m. Please contact us for details. Fee is $ per student. Lap and Recreation Swim Lap Swimming is available throughout the week for fitness center members and guests who pay the daily walk-in fee. We continue to receive interest in our recreation swim times. Summer Series Summer fast approaches and Special Events Staff has the perfect way for you to keep cool during those hot summer nights. Our Summer Series events keep children and families entertained in a safe, affordable, and productive environment during the summer months while school is out. Our annual Summer Series kicked off on Friday, June 1 with a special viewing of The Secret Life of Pets. This year, Movies will start at 8:00 p.m., and families are welcome to enjoy free kids activities before the start of the movie. We will be showing eight movies through Friday, July 27 at various parks throughout the City. All movies are free and fun for the whole family! 5

6 City Special Events The Special Events Committee met on Tuesday, May 8. The Committee reviewed the applications and provided conditions of approval for the event. The conditions enforce City, State, and County policies, procedures, law, guidelines, and recommendations. The special events committee reviewed the following special events applications: June 7 th Taste of Rialto Rialto Chamber City Hall-grass area behind library: Status: Approved by committee -- pending final signatures. July 14 th 2018 Blythe s 5 th Birthday Carnival Mercedes L. Austin Fergusson Park: Status: Committee requested applicant to complete the application and return to next meeting for further review. August 18 th K Run/Walk Sunrise Church 2759 N. Ayala Dr. Route TBD Status: Committee required further review by Rialto Police Department. August 7 th National Night Out Rialto Police Department 128 N. Willow Ave: Status: Approved by committee -- pending final signatures. 6

7 Child Development On May 16, 2018, Child Development held our Preschool and Tiny Tots graduation at the Carl Johnson Community Center gymnasium. Councilman Joe Baca joined as the master of ceremonies while the graduates performed songs for their family and friends and received their preschool diploma. After the ceremony, graduates received a goodie bag and treats to celebrate their accomplishments. Good luck in kindergarten! The Tiny Tots Community Center site is closed for the summer and will re-open on Monday, August 13. Our Tiny Tots Hughbanks Elementary School location will be open throughout the summer with the new Tiny Tots session, which began Monday, May 21. Fit4Kids The City of Rialto s Fit4Kids program has concluded enrollment for our program s June 4 to August 2, Monday through Thursday Summer Camp from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The program focuses on health and wellness, nutrition, and fitness based lesson plans and activities. The eight-week program designates each day of the program to focus on a specific fitness or nutritional theme. The program is open to all, and free to those who qualify. In order to qualify, applicants MUST be Rialto residents and qualify under low/moderate household income guidelines. Proof of address is required with a utility bill or valid Driver s license/id card. Also needed is proof of income with the three most recent pay stubs of all adults 18 years and older who reside in the household. Call (909) for more information. Fit4Kids Summer Camp will conclude on Thursday, June 28 and resume on Monday, July 9. All new and returning participants must submit a new application in order to enroll for July 9 to August 2. Registration dates will be relayed to parents. The Camp is located at 214 N. Palm Avenue in Rooms 304, 305 & 306. The Camp includes a morning snack and lunch, with a focus on fitness and nutrition education with fun physical activities as well as crafts, social skills and development! Senior Prom The Grace Vargas Senior Center proudly held its Annual Senior Prom on Thursday May 10 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The theme of the prom was Fabulous Fifties. Art Cooper & Co. provided the live music. The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Rialto Senior Center, who prepared a lovely meal for the seniors. Our SCAN Healthcare Representative provided two Costco cakes for dessert. We were extremely excited to raffle off 33 prizes thanks to donors such as: Rialto Rotary Club, Rialto Black History Committee, Inc., Women s Club of Rialto, Jar Insurance Services, Donna - Grace Vargas Senior Center Hair Salon, East Rialto Kiwanis Club, Family Services Association, Patio West, United Healthcare, ihelp IE Serving Seniors, Wayne & Mary Moore, Ramrod Senior Park, and Pichardo Benefits Services, LLC. On behalf of staff and participants, we thank all organizations and businesses that contributed to this event. 7

8 The highlight of the night was the crowning ceremony. The seniors chose Pedro and Rosa Plasencia as our 2018 Grace Vargas Senior Center Prom King and Queen. Senator Norma Torres office provided the Prom King and Queen each with a Proclamation. A photo booth offered free souvenir Prom pictures. The Prom was a huge success way to go Grace Vargas Senior Center Staff! Senior Health Health Educator Maricela Acosta from Regal Medical Group held a Healthy Cooking Demo on Monday, May 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The topic for the demonstration was Benefits of Plant Based Foods. The health educator showed participants how to prepare Greek Salad with Edamame. The highlight of the demonstration was sampling the salad. Maricela provided the recipe and a My Vegan Plate handout. This class was the second of three Healthy Nutrition Classes in the series. The next class will be held on Monday, June 11 with the topic: Healthy Eating on a Budget. Youth Basketball (Divisions 2-5) The Summer Basketball season plans to be as big as ever. We currently have eight teams in all four divisions, comprising 32 teams. Practice began Monday, May 21, with opening ceremonies held June 2. Girls Volleyball We currently have eight teams in Division 1, competitive, and four teams in Division 2, non-competitive. The season began with opening day ceremonies on June 1. Rialto Youth Sports Alliance The Rialto Youth Sports Alliance held its meeting on May 30, The Lighting Ad- Hoc committee is going well with great ideas for the pending light charges. Further reports will be submitted, as the committee nears a recommendation. Contract Classes The contract class program continues to excel. With the Recreation Commission s approval, we will be adding the Salsa class back to our Contract Class roster. The Ballet Folkloric class continues to flourish, along with the Karate class. Community Services Department continues to seek new and vibrant class offerings. Development Services Department New Employees to the Development Services Department The Development Services Department added several new employees to its roster over the last few months. Please welcome the following employees to the Rialto family! 8

9 Rindy Mendez joined the Development Services Department on April 30, 2018 as an Administrative Assistant. Rindy has over thirteen years of experience in customer service, project planning, and supervision. She previously worked for Toys-R-Us and lives in Rancho Cucamonga. Rindy primarily assists the Building and Code Enforcement Divisions, while also supporting the general demands of the Development Services Department. Adrianna Martinez joined the Development Services Department on April 30, 2018 as an Administrative Assistant. Adrianna primarily supports the Planning and Licensing Divisions, the Planning Commission and the Development Review Committee while also supporting the general demands of the Development Services Department. Adrianna earned a Bachelor s and a Master s Degree from UCLA. Pictured Right to Left: Rindy Mendez, Adrianna Martinez, Claudia Caceras, and Anthony Mattox. Claudia Caceras joined the Development Services Department on February 20, 2018 as a GIS Intern. Among her duties, Claudia updates parcel information in Trak-it, City maps, and develops ESRI WebApps for the City. Claudia earned a Bachelor s Degree from UNITEC Honduras, a Master s Degree from Saint Mary s University of Minnesota and a second Master s Degree from Claremont Graduate University. Anthony Mattox joined the Development Services Team on March 12, 2018 as the Business License Intern. Anthony supports the Business License Inspector. Anthony earned a Bachelor s and a Master s Degree from Azusa Pacific University. Renaissance Marketplace The Renaissance Marketplace progresses toward completion, with the Cinemark Theater and 24 Hour Fitness scheduled to open first in late July. Several other businesses will open in August, including Five Below, ULTA, Which Wich Sandwich, GNC, California Fish Grill, and the Habit Burger. 9

10 The Cinemark Theater building on the left and the 24 Hour Fitness building on the right. Both businesses will open July International Convention of Shopping Centers Convention (ICSC) City representatives attended the International Council of Shopping Centers RECON Convention held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May Over 37,000 participants attended this year s event. The City regularly attends this event to market the City to various retailers, property owners, developers, brokers and others involved in the commercial real estate business. Mayor Deborah Robertson and Councilmember Andy Carrizales, as well as City staff from the Development Services Department, operated the booth and walked the floors to market Rialto. Rialto s display booth, which was located in the South Hall, was adjacent to most of the retail tenants. The City s 10 x 30 booth contained a multimedia display with printed materials and literature that provided attendees with information on various retail development opportunities within the City. Among the more noteworthy discussions with retailers and developers: The City met with NewMark Merrill to discuss the proposed development of a retail center on a 15 acres site located between the old and new Wal-Mart buildings. The developer continues to market the site to movie theaters, retailers, and restaurants. NewMark provided copies of its marketing and concept site plans. The City met with the developers of the Renaissance Marketplace (Lewis Retail) to obtain updates on new tenants, restaurants, and construction status. Lewis Retail provided a list of proposed tenant openings from July to December Lewis and staff also discussed a grand opening event in conjunction with Cinemark Theater. 10

11 The City met with the developer of the Renaissance Plaza (Fernando Acosta) and a Cracker Barrel representative. Fernando Acosta commenced on-site grading and off-site improvements. Cracker Barrel intends to modify its construction start to mid-july to coincide with Southern California Edison s schedule to approve the plans and energize the building. Cracker Barrel now proposes to open in February The City met with the owner and broker for the Five Points Plaza at Riverside Avenue and Merrill/Bloomington. The owner intends to improve the site, with new parking lot paving and building façade improvements. The owner will also consider redeveloping a portion of the property with one or more new buildings for retail, medical and/or housing. The City met the owner/developer proposing a mixed-use development on a 6.76 acre site on the north side of Foothill Boulevard and west of Larch Avenue. The developer proposes a Circle K store and gas station, a Dunkin Donuts, 12,000 square feet of retail/restaurant, 27,000 square feet of office/medical, and 52 multifamily residential units. The developer intends to submit an entitlement application within two years. The City met with met with Woodspring Suites, a product of Choice Hotels. The hotel chain proposes a hotel development on the south side of Casmalia Avenue, east of Alder Avenue adjacent to the Arco station. Woodspring Suites focuses on longer-term (5 days or more) stays, such as traveling employees for local corporations. The City met with the new leasing agents for the Rancho Verde Plaza located west of Riverside Avenue and north of the 210 Freeway. The agent markets the 17,800 vacant portion of the former Ralphs building adjacent to the new Planet Fitness. The leasing agents seek a retail tenant or other user to compliment Planet Fitness and draw customers to the center. Planet Fitness opened at the end of May. Auto Zone, which will open a new 40,000 square foot store in the former Wal- Mart building. Auto Zone intends to open by December An investor interested in purchasing the Toys R Us warehouse on Merrill Avenue. WSS and Aldi to discuss the building signs at their new site at Cactus Avenue and Foothill Boulevard slated to open in summer Reliable Properties, the owner of the former Carrows building on Baseline Road and Willow Avenue. According to the owner, Billy T s Restaurant should open in June Projects in the Planning Pipeline The Planning Division served 258 patrons at the public counter during the month of May, while also reviewing the following projects: 11

12 Riverside Avenue and Santa Ana Avenue. A preliminarily review to develop a 7,250 square foot Convenience Store/Restaurant with a Gas Station and Drivethru located at the southeast corner of Riverside Avenue and Santa Ana Avenue. Tabel Investments is the applicant. Locust Avenue and Vineyard Avenue. The Development Review Committee approved development of a 120,600 square foot speculative industrial warehouse building located on the northeast corner of Locust and Vineyard Avenues. CDREP, LLC is the developer. The developer is currently in the plan check process with Engineering and Building and Safety Divisions. Renaissance Marketplace. Lewis Retail Centers proposed a revision to the Master Site Plan for the Renaissance Marketplace, which includes changes to square footages and reconfiguration of Restaurant Pads and associated parking area to accommodate two sit-down restaurant tenants. New Wireless Telecommunications Facility. On May 30, 2018, the Planning Commission approved development of an 80-foot tall multi-carrier mono-pine wireless telecommunications facility. The project site is located at the northwest corner of Slover Avenue and Riverside Avenue. New Warehouse. The City reviewed a proposed development of a 5,221 square foot warehouse to be utilize for pallet repair and to include outdoor pallet storage. The project site is located at One Industrial Drive approximately 700 feet north of Fortuna Way. Biodiesel Blending System. The City reviewed a proposal to install two biodiesel storage tanks with a gallon capacity of approximately 28,000 each, diesel filters, loading and off-loading pumps. The project site is located at 2301 S. Riverside Avenue. Solar Energy. The City reviewed a plan to install solar roof panels and solar carports on multiple buildings and sites in the City. Some of those sites include the Civic Center, Public Works Department, Human Resources Department, Police Department, Police Annex, Metrolink Station, Purchasing Fleet Services, Senior Center, Fire Stations , Community Center and Fitness Center. On June 6, 2018, the Development Review Committee will review the plan. Modifications to existing Wireless Facilities. On June 6, 2018, the Development Review Committee will review several wireless facilities for cellular service at the following locations: 1481 N. Ayala Drive within Jerry Eaves Park, 3344 N. Locust Avenue and 2611 N. Linden Avenue within Roger Birdsall Park. Thinking of Painting Your Home or Business? The City does not require a permit, but our design guidelines require that all painters use subtle building colors compatible with the neighborhood. You must coordinate exterior color and finishes and use durable materials to prevent degradation and facilitate maintenance. You must use base colors from the neutral or earth tone color palette including but not limited to: cream; off-white; light pastels; gray; brown; and taupe. You must use an accent color to define decorative elements such as upper and lower cornice, eaves, shutters, doors, decks, and columns. Colors for accent and trim may feature 12

13 brighter colors, including primary colors. Such color tones include but are not limited to blue, red, yellow, blue-green, charcoal gray, and burgundy. The City prohibits fluorescent and neon colors. Please call or visit the Planning Division for a free color assessment, or to view the color palette wheel. Business Licensing The Business License Division served 214 patrons at the public counter during the month of May. The City welcomed the following businesses to Rialto during the month of May The City sent each of these new businesses a welcome letter and a statement of appreciation for choosing Rialto as their business home. Business Name Address Goods/Service Empire Wholesale Direct 735 W. Rialto Ave., #A Manufacturers & Wholesaler Downtown Rialto Dental 350 N Riverside Ave. Professional Service Capital City Tax Service 885 E Foothill #2 Professional Service Rjace Tax Service 477 W Baseline #B Professional Service FJs Hearing Professionals/Miracle Ear 2012 N Riverside Ave #J Professional Service Chips And Salsa Mexican Grill 303 E Foothill Blvd #C-D Retail - Food Raspados Sinalocos 380 S Riverside Ave. Retail - Food H & I Dollar Deals 302 E Foothill Retail - Food Mattress Firm Inc Renaissance, #100 Retail, Non-Food Rialto Tire Center 392 E. Foothill Blvd. Retail, Non-Food W A Dollar Store 581 S Riverside Retail, Non-Food Boost Mobile 261 W. Foothill Blvd. Retail, Non-Food Empire Wholesale Direct 735 W. Rialto Ave. #A Retail, Non-Food M&J's Machine Shop 546 W First St #6 Service Aly's Hair & Beauty Salon 420 S Riverside #105 Service Ultra-Precision Pressure Washer 807 N Riverside Ave Service Shekinah Beauty & Barber Shop 576 W Foothill Service Five Star Blades Barber Shop 172 E Baseline Rd. Service Smog Lube & Tune 371 W Foothill Blvd. Service Dns Services 881 E Foothill Blvd #B Service Building Division Activity The Building Division remains very active responding to development applications: The City received 141 plans for plan check review, including proposed Fire Station #205, expansion of Wal-Mart Supercenter for online grocery pickup, B & B Plastics Industrial, Rialto Fulfillment Center industrial, Valley Boulevard industrial, and a new gas station at Renaissance Parkway and Alder Avenue. 13

14 The City issued 247 building permits with total valuation of $6.6 million with fees collected of $618,000. Tenant Improvement permits include several within Renaissance Marketplace, including GNC, Which Wich Sandwiches, YogurtLand, Super Cuts, Mattress Firm, Waba Grill, Party City and Grocery Outlet. The City returned the Cracker Barrel plans for correction. Code Enforcement Activity The Code Enforcement Division performed 610 residential and commercial inspections. The Code Enforcement Division continues to work on the homeless living in tunnels and commercial areas by providing them with resources and information. Police Department Follow Rialto PD on Social Media Social media such as Facebook and/or Instagram allows law enforcement to connect with their communities, post news and alerts, investigate and even solve crimes using information they collect through the site. It s a great way to get feedback, hear opinions, and engage in dialogue with the community you serve. Keep up with what s happening in our community by visiting us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at: RPD Virtual Neighborhood Watch Nextdoor is free for residents! Each neighborhood creates its own private Nextdoor website, accessible only to residents of that neighborhood. Rialto residents can use Nextdoor to share information about neighborhood watch issues, local events, and local activities. Nextdoor was specifically designed to make neighbors feel comfortable sharing information with one another in order to help build stronger communities. Neighborhoods establish and self-manage their own Nextdoor website. Information shared on each Nextdoor site is only visible to members who live in the neighborhood and who have verified their address. For more information, check out the Department s website, contact your Area Commander, or contact the Department s Community Liaison Officer Officer Dwuan Rice, drice@rialtopd.com NIXLE! NIXLE is a free service that allows community members to receive trusted, up-to-the-minute, neighborhood information for where you live, work, visit or for where your family and friends are located throughout the country. You choose the information you want, for the locations you want, from urgent public safety alerts to less time sensitive advisories and community information. You choose how you want to receive the 14

15 information, whether it s over your cell phone by text message, by or over the web (or all of the above). Now you can send anonymous tips via text thru NIXLE. For more information, please visit the Department website at or contact the Department s Community Liaison at drice@rialtopd.com Coffee with the Chief Coffee with the Chief" offers residents an opportunity to personally meet their Police Chief and other representatives in a casual setting. At "Coffee with the Chief", community members will learn about the police department, special projects, and other related events. Please join Chief Mark P. Kling for our next "Coffee with the Chief on June 12, 2018, Corky s Kitchen and Bakery, 2019 N. Riverside Ave. #11. For additional information, please contact Jeanette Lopez at or by jlopez@rialtopd.com. California Office of Traffic Safety The Rialto Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Driver s License checkpoint on June 2, Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public. The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to Report Drunk Driver Call Fire Department CPR & AED Awareness June On December 13, 2007, Congress unanimously passed a resolution for National CPR and AED Awareness Week to spotlight how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR and how to use an AED. Did you know every Rialto City facility has a public access AED? CPR is just two steps: 1) Recognize the emergency and call 9-1-1; 2) Push hard and fast in the middle of the person s chest. The dispatcher on the phone can give you instructions on CPR and the use of an AED. Independence Day Fireworks Independence Day is just a few weeks away, and City staff is busy putting together awesome community events. This includes a Fourth of July Celebration at Jerry Eaves Park that will conclude with a spectacular professional fireworks show. In support of our local non-profit groups, the City will continue to allow the sale of fireworks designated as Safe and Sane. Safe and Sane fireworks stands will be open throughout Rialto from June 28 through July 4. Safe and Sane fireworks are defined as those fireworks that don t fly, travel or explode. Fountains, 15

16 sparklers, snakes and smoke effects, ground spinners, snap pops and other novelty fireworks fit this description. However, firecrackers, rockets, roman candles, shells, and other aerial effects are DANGEROUS and are NOT considered safe and sane fireworks. Anyone found with these illegal fireworks will be cited and the fireworks confiscated. These citations carry a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Two years ago, the City enacted a new section to the Municipal Code that calls for the same penalty for anyone who allows the use or possession of illegal fireworks on their property. As a community member, you can help as well by doing two things. First, if you see anyone lighting what appears to be illegal fireworks, please call the Fireworks Hotline at (909) Operators there will take the information and dispatch personnel to investigate and take appropriate action. Please DO NOT call to report illegal fireworks on July 4 unless you also suspect a fire, injury, or serious crime. The next action you can take is to show your support for the City s enforcement efforts by placing one of our pre-made signs that warn against the use of illegal fireworks in front of your home or business declaring your neighborhood as an Illegal Firework-Free Zone. These signs are free and make a bold statement about the seriousness of this issue. These signs are available at Fire Department Headquarters, 131 S. Willow Avenue, Rialto, and at City Hall. Fire Training Southern California has had a record number of fires in Keeping fires small and limiting, the impact on communities like Rialto depends on relationships with other fire agencies that can provide mutual aid to each other. Your Rialto Firefighters hosted three days of multi-agency exercises simulating a large wildland fire in the City. These successful exercises culminated in participation in a live fire exercise hosted by San Bernardino County Fire. These exercises allow agencies to share training and intelligence to make a quicker and more efficient response to fires when they do occur. Your Rialto Fire Department Response Statistics For response statistics and to get live updates on emergency incidents follow us on Twitter (@RialtoFireDept). To get news, updates, and community information Like us on Facebook (@RialtoFireDepartment). To view calls on an interactive map in real-time on our website: Public Works Rialto Safe Routes to School Demonstration Events The City of Rialto explored ideas to improve the safety and comfort on streets surrounding schools. 16

17 On May 7, 2018, a Safe Routes to School demonstration event was held at the following schools: Dollahan Elementary Dunn Elementary Kolb Middle School Carter High School Bemis Elementary Treatment and activities that occurred at each location were: High-visibility school crossings Crossing Guard assistance Pedestrian-scaled signage Engineering workshops Engagement with parent and families National Public Works Week As part of the National Public Works Week Celebration the Public Works Department collaborated with the Police Department, the Fire Department and Rialto Network to hold a Safe Routes to School Video contest in which students from all Rialto Unified School District elementary schools, individually or in a group, would create a video on safe bicycling and walking to school. The winning submission came from Ms. Joni Wright s fourth Grade class at Trapp Elementary. On May 24, 2018, the City treated the prizewinners to a behind the scene tour of the Police Department, Fire Department, Rialto Network, and the Public Works Department. At the end of their tour, they gathered for a celebratory pizza lunch at the Carl Johnson Center GYM. 17

18 Park Clean Up Days As part of an effort to make the City Parks a better place to play, the Public Works Department is hosting Park Clean-Up Days on the second Saturday of every other month from January through November from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Come join in the raking, trimming, shoveling, sweeping, painting and trash clean up alongside City s Workers. The dates and locations for 2018 are as follows: July 14, Fergusson Park W. Sunrise Avenue September 8, Flores Park W. Etiwanda Avenue November 10, Andresen Park S. Lilac Avenue Water and Wastewater Utilities San Bernardino Basin Groundwater Council Agencies Inland Empire cities, water districts and departments have joined forces in San Bernardino County to establish a collaborative of agencies working together to ensure the long-term viability of underground water supplies, now at historic lows after 20 years of drought. Action taken in February of this year by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water Department and the City of Rialto pushed cooperation to the point that the San Bernardino Basin Groundwater Council can move forward in efforts to protect the region s water supply. Through the Groundwater Council, the City shares responsibility for meeting the water needs of the region with all member agencies of the Groundwater Council. Participating agencies will contribute water and/or funding to purchase imported water for replenishing and maintaining the groundwater basin at optimum levels. The primary benefits of the Groundwater Council are: It significantly improves the region s water supply It provides a greater reliability on water availability The water quality in the basin will be maintained at a high level with additional lowsalinity imported water 18

19 It represents a collaborative and equitable approach that leverages efficiencies among water agencies The City is joined on the Groundwater Council by 12 other local agencies with interests in the San Bernardino Groundwater Basin. Water Conservation Tip Keep your garden in good condition by weeding out the competition--literally! Weeds compete with your all-star plants for water and nutrients. For easier removal, try waiting until after watering or rain. #SaveWater #DefendtheDrop Go to for more water saving tips #DefendtheDrop #WatersWorthIt 19