W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 23, NO. 21
January 16, 2025
Rialto Appoints Army Veteran and Nonprofit Leader Edward Montoya Jr. to Vacant Seat
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World War II Veteran Awarded High School Diploma Pg. 5
PHOTO ANTHONY VICTORIA
Rialto leaders voted Tuesday night to appoint Edward Montoya Jr. to fill a vacant city council seat after a three-hour interview process with fifteen candidates. Montoya Jr. is a a former Army medic and nonprofit leader who supports with veterans affairs in the Inland Empire.
By Anthony Victoria, KVCR
A
fter spending three hours interviewing 15 candidates, Rialto’s city council voted Tuesday night to appoint Edward Montoya Jr., a former Army medic and nonprofit leader, to the seat left vacant by Mayor Joe Baca Sr. Baca Sr. was elected as the city’s new mayor in last November’s general election. Montoya Jr. is set to be sworn in to finish his term, which expires at the end of 2026.
While the vote was unanimous, Baca shared his desire to see future appointments follow the “highest vote-getter” approach, while residents expressed frustration over what they considered an orchestrated decision to appoint Montoya. The interviews included a two-minute opening statement by each candidate, followed by questions from council members. Each candidate then provided a closing statement.
The council eventually backed a motion by Councilwoman Karla Perez to appoint Montoya, a former Army medic and nonprofit leader, to complete Mayor Joe Baca Sr. unfinished term. Montoya highlighted infrastructure improvements and sustainable growth as his key goals and expressed gratitude for his appointment. City Council, cont. on next pg.
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PHOTO RUSD
The Rialto USD Board of Education welcomed its newest member and celebrated the reelection of two leaders during its December 2024 meeting. Pictured from left to right: Board President Dr. Stephanie E. Lewis, Board Vice President Joseph Martinez, and Board Member Dakira Williams.
By IECN Staff
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T
he Rialto Unified School District Board of Education welcomed its newest member and celebrated the reelection of two dedicated education leaders during its December 2024 meeting. The ceremony included the swearing-in of Board Members Dr. Stephanie Lewis, Joseph Martinez, and Dakira Williams followed by the reorganization of Board leadership roles.
Dr. Lewis was elected President, Martinez was elected Vice President, and Edgar Montes was elected Clerk. All five trustees participated in the reorganization. Williams joins the Board as its newly elected member. Williams defeated three candidates, Mirna Ruiz, Scott Sparks, and Incumbent Nancy G. O’Kelley, who withdrew her name from the school board race and endorsed Sparks but was still listed on the ballot due to not meeting the deadline
for withdrawing her name. Williams will now represent Area One. She is a parent advocate, a business owner, and a community leader with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Marketing from Howard University. With extensive experience in the defense and aerospace industry and specialized training in mediation, project management, RUSD Trustees cont. on next pg.