Rialto, CA

Posted by Cindy Long, FNS Administrator in Equity Food and Nutrition Nutrition Security

May 10, 2023

One of my favorite activities is to see FNS programs in action. Therefore, as often as I can, I try to visit schools that know how to have fun while feeding kids healthy meals. Recently, I had the chance to visit Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) and learn about their success in doing just that. They just earned USDA’s 2022 Turnip the Beet Gold Award, two years in a row!

My whirlwind day started with a tour of RUSD’s Central Kitchen. I was greeted enthusiastically by nutrition staff and got to see firsthand where the magic happens. They take pride in making many of their dishes from scratch. Then, we observed school lunch and toured the gardens of Rialto Middle School and Werner Elementary School. The gardens directly support school meals with products like greens and citrus fruit. Afterwards, we were treated to a delightful farm to school activity with a local farmer, Anna Knight of the Old Grove Orange, who provided a fun and educational mini farmer’s market right in the Werner school library. Incidentally, Farmer Anna told us that she is a 5th generation Japanese-American farmer, and she credits farm to school efforts with keeping her small family farm afloat.

Following the nutrition education, we were invited to partake in “A Taste of RUSD” where we had the opportunity to sample some of the delicious school lunch items that we saw earlier being prepared or on school lunch trays, including turkey pozole, habanero chicken wings, and banana bread. The food was so impressive that we met several teachers who were hurrying to the cafeteria just to get a taste. Local dignitaries, including California Senator Ochoa Bogh’s Office, RUSD Board of Education President Stephanie E. Lewis, and RUSD Superintendent Dr. Cuauhtémoc Avila, showed their support for child nutrition programs.

After the festivities, I sat in on a roundtable discussion with students, parents, local PTA members, board of education members, and school district staff, and got a fresh perspective about how good the RUSD child nutrition programs are, and the importance of healthy food for developing children.

The RUSD community exemplifies the commitment to healthy food for kids – a priority of the USDA and the Biden-Harris Administration. What I saw when I was there was how that commitment can produce an entire school community that embraces and supports the notion of serving and teaching kids about healthy foods. Everyone was represented, and it was extraordinary. And this is what it takes to really put kids on a path towards a healthy future.

Category/Topic: Equity Food and Nutrition Nutrition Security

Tags: Food and Nutrition Service FNS Food and Nutrition Nutrition Farm to School school meals School Lunch local foods healthy kids children California equity

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Nestled in the heart of the Inland Empire, Rialto, California, is a city that many people overlook when they are searching for places to visit in Southern California. However, this city has a lot to offer, from its beautiful parks to its delicious restaurants. In this article, we will explore the benefits of living in Rialto, California, and the many reasons why you should consider visiting this vibrant city.

Parks and Recreation

Rialto is home to several beautiful parks that offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. One of the most popular parks in the city is Frisbie Park, which features a playground, basketball court, and picnic area. Another great park is Fergusson Park, which has a skate park, baseball field, and walking trails. If you're looking for a place to cool off during the summer, then you should visit Rialto Pool, which is open to the public during the summer months.

Local Businesses

Rialto has a thriving business community, and there are many local businesses that you should check out during your visit. If you're in the mood for some delicious Mexican food, then you should try out Tacos La Bufadora or Tacos El Grullense. For a sweet treat, you can visit the famous Yum Yum Donuts, which offers a wide variety of donuts, including their famous strawberry-filled donut.

Activities

If you're looking for fun things to do in Rialto, then you should check out some of the city's unique attractions. For example, you can visit the Rialto Historical Society Museum, which showcases the city's rich history. Another great activity is visiting the Rialto Theatre, which is a historic venue that shows classic films and hosts live events. If you're interested in outdoor activities, then you can visit the Rialto Municipal Golf Course, which offers a challenging course and beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Local Sites

Rialto is home to several historic sites that are worth visiting. One of the most notable sites is the Santa Fe Depot, which was built in 1887 and is now home to the Rialto Historical Society Museum. Another historic site is the John Rains House, which is a restored 19th-century home that showcases what life was like in Southern California during the late 1800s.

As you can see, Rialto, California, has a lot to offer, from its beautiful parks to its delicious restaurants. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are many reasons to explore this vibrant city. So next time you're looking for a place to visit in Southern California, consider Rialto, and you won't be disappointed.

California FPPC has ruled in favor of Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Andy Carrizales, dismissing allegations of a conflict of interest related to the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan. The decision comes after a thorough investigation prompted by accusations from Rialto Councilmember Joe Baca Sr. and an anonymous complaint.

The controversy began on April 25, 2023, when Carrizales voted on the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan. Baca Sr. subsequently alleged that Carrizales had a stake in a property located a few hundred feet from the proposed development, implying a potential conflict of interest.

On June 21, 2023, an anonymous complaint echoing Baca Sr.’s allegations was filed with the FPPC. Days later, a sworn complaint by Lupe Camacho, an employee of San Bernardino County and Special Project Manager for County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., was submitted to the FPPC, using the exact wording of the anonymous complaint.

Carrizales, however, has vehemently denied these allegations from the start. “I sought legal advice regarding the vote on the Pepper Avenue warehouse, and I have no conflict of interest voting on that project,” he said. “My mother-in-law owns the property my family and I live in. Therefore, I have no conflict of interest or financial interest.”

The FPPC, after a comprehensive review of the complaint and evidence provided, found no evidence to support these allegations. In a public letter, Christopher B. Burton, Acting Chief of the Enforcement Division, stated that Carrizales “does not have a disqualifying conflict of interest in decisions regarding the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan Amendment and Industrial Development Project.”

Burton further clarified the FPPC’s decision, explaining, “Under the Political Reform Act, a public official has a disqualifying conflict of interest in a governmental decision if it is foreseeable that the decision will have a financial impact on their finances or other financial interests. Financial interests include those of a public official’s immediate family members. The Act defines ‘immediate family member’ as the spouse and dependent children of a public official.”

“Since it does not appear that Andy Carrizales or his immediate family members have an ownership interest in the subject property, Council Member Carrizales does not have a disqualifying conflict of interest,” Burton wrote.

Carrizales expressed relief at the FPPC’s decision but also voiced disappointment at the actions of his fellow council members. “Our community and residents deserve better,” he said. “To viciously attack my family and my wife’s mother is just wrong! This was done for nothing other than political agendas.”

Carrizales also pointed out the involvement of Baca Sr.’s son, San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., in the allegations. “It’s shameful that two seasoned political figures took it upon themselves to attack me and that a San Bernardino County Supervisor would have his staff play along with this injustice,” he said.

Last month, Baca Sr. questioned Carrizales for participating in the vote, citing potential conflicts of interest due to their close residential proximity to the proposed warehouse. He also questioned the project’s economic benefit: “We don’t know how many employees, tenants, or if it will even bring jobs.”

Carrizales responded, “I believe Baca is upset because the developer didn’t give him a donation to the Joe Baca Foundation! The foundation that was paying all of his family members until they were exposed; now that’s a financial conflict of interest! I’ve told Baca if he believes that I am breaking the law or have some financial gain from this project to report me to the FPPC.”

The FPPC’s ruling has effectively cleared Carrizales of the allegations, reaffirming his position and right to vote on matters related to the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan. The decision also serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the role of regulatory bodies like the FPPC in ensuring the integrity of the public office.

*A comprehensive update with a full-scope of perspectives from this article can be found here.

The project design is 90% complete and most of the funding is secured, according to officials.

RIALTO, CA — The Inland Empire city of Rialto is planning to break ground this fall on an ambitious project that will bring 10 acres of lake, wetlands and trails to the community. This week, officials announced they are one step closer.

On Tuesday, the city reported it had received $2 million in federal funding to support its Lake Rialto habitat project, bringing total funding for the $8 million project to more than $5 million.

The project design is now 90% complete, according to Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, with Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA33) securing the latest funding.

The project includes the creation of wetlands and wildlife habitats on city-owned property adjacent to the City of Rialto Water Treatment Plant. The treatment facility will provide recycled water for the lake itself, which will then flow into the environmentally critical Rialto Channel.

The endangered Santa Ana sucker and Arroyo chub swim from the Santa Ana River up the Rialto Channel during cooler weather, but during hotter days the water can be too warm for the fish. Because of the depth of the lake, much-needed cooler water can be taken from the bottom of the lake and discharged into the Rialto Channel, providing potentially significant environmental benefits to critical species, according to officials.

"The city of Rialto has worked diligently with potential partnering agencies to explore and maximize all of the environmental benefits of this project," according to Tuesday's announcement.

The lake will also provide a habitat for seasonal wildfowl that migrate to and from Mexico on the Pacific Flyway, "providing abundant birdwatching opportunities for the community," according to the announcement.

“Rialto residents can look forward to enjoying the lake's open spaces, walking trails and environmental education programs. Special programs for children will enable them to get a taste of the great outdoors right in their own city," Robertson said. "Support for this model of an urban water stewardship project is something all of our elected policymakers should be advocating. This needs to be at the forefront of their priorities.”

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If you're looking for colleges near Rialto, California, you're in luck. There are several excellent institutions located in the area, each with its own unique qualities and history. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the best colleges near Rialto, what makes them stand out, and what you should know about their history.

Distance from Rialto: 5 miles

San Bernardino Valley College is one of the closest colleges to Rialto, located just five miles away. It is a public community college that offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificates. The college is known for its diverse student body, with students from all walks of life and backgrounds. It is also recognized for its strong athletics program, particularly its football team, which has won numerous championships over the years.

Distance from Rialto: 8 miles

California State University, San Bernardino is a public university located just eight miles from Rialto. The university offers over 70 bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as several doctoral programs. It is known for its strong business, education, and social sciences programs, as well as its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The campus is also home to the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of works from around the world.

Distance from Rialto: 14 miles

The University of Redlands is a private liberal arts university located about 14 miles from Rialto. It offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a unique Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, which allows students to design their own interdisciplinary major. The university is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and commitment to experiential learning. It also boasts a beautiful campus with historic architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Distance from Rialto: 18 miles

Loma Linda University is a private, faith-based institution located about 18 miles from Rialto. It is known for its highly ranked schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and public health, as well as its commitment to whole person care. The university is also home to a world-renowned medical center and several research institutes. Its campus features beautiful landscaping, unique architecture, and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.

In conclusion, if you're searching for colleges near Rialto, California, there are several excellent options to choose from. Each institution offers its own unique qualities and history, from San Bernardino Valley College's diverse student body to Loma Linda University's commitment to whole person care. Whether you're looking for a community college or a private university, there is something for everyone in this area.