W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 23, NO. 39
May 22, 2025
Inside Stage Red: Fontana’s Bold, Reimagined 500-Seat Venue Backed by Sammy Hagar and IZ Avila
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Deputy City Manager Phillip Burum and Musician/Rialto Native IZ Avila outside of Stage Red on May 9th.
By Manny Sandoval
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former 1930s movie theater in the heart of downtown Fontana has been transformed into Stage Red, a sleek, state-of-the-art music venue led by hometown icons Sammy Hagar and IZ Avila. With a sold-out opening night on June 15, 2024, featuring Hagar himself, city officials and artists say the intimate venue marks a new chapter in live entertainment for the Inland Empire.
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“Stage Red is not just another concert
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hall. It’s a place that makes people say, ‘Wow,’ as soon as they walk in,” said David Uribe, venue manager. “Whether it’s rock, jazz, EDM, or local artists, this space is built for top-tier sound and unforgettable experiences.” The city-owned building at 8463 Sierra Ave. was originally constructed in 1937, purchased in 2003, and reconditioned in 2007. But it wasn’t until Deputy City Manager Phillip Burum and his team teamed up with Hagar’s branding agents and Avila’s creative vision that the longdormant space was reimagined into a near-
ly 500-seat venue, complete with a fanfirst layout: a general admission pit, tiered mezzanine, 50-seat balcony, and VIP meet-and-greet rooms that double as private DJ lounges for select shows. “The design is driven by the artists and fans. It’s not about maximizing ticket sales, it’s about maximizing impact,” said Burum. “This is a community amenity first—something to help rebrand how people see downtown Fontana.” Stage Red cont. on next pg.
Homelessness Falls 14% in San Bernardino County, Stabilizes in Riverside — But State Cuts Threaten Momentum By Manny Sandoval
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Sammy Hagar memorabilia encased inside one of the lounges at the venue, where intimate meet and greets are being held.
an Bernardino County recorded a 14.2% decrease in homelessness in 2025, marking the first decline in three years and highlighting the growing impact of regional data-driven strategies. According to the latest Pointin-Time Count (PITC), conducted on January 23, the number of unsheltered individuals dropped from 3,153 in 2024 to 2,718 in 2025. That decrease follows a 1% increase in 2024. “The data from this year is encouraging because it shows that our efforts are making a difference,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., who also chairs the Continuum of Care Board. “Although our work is far from over, I’m glad to see progress in reducing homelessness.” The PITC, coordinated by the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership and
Office of Homeless Services, offers a critical snapshot of homelessness that informs resource allocation and policy. “Data from this year’s PointIn-Time Count will allow us to effectively address homelessness in our communities and ensure funding is directed to where it’s needed most,” Baca Jr. said. County leaders credit the decrease to expanded outreach efforts and increased investment in housing infrastructure. “The county appreciates the funding that has been allocated to support local governments in providing support and services for people experiencing homelessness,” said Marcus Dillard, chief of homeless services. Dillard added that more than $22 million was secured last year to support permanent housing and critical services. “Through ongoing outreach events at encampment locaHomelessness cont. on next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL A 35 year-old unhoused Bloomington man speaking with Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. during the annual PITC.