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Rialto Record 07/16/26

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W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD

Vol 24, NO. 49

July 16, 2026

Joseph Williams Reappointed to California Community Colleges Board, Prioritizes Housing, AI and Affordability

IECN.com

Yuhaaviatam Celebrates 40 Years of Gaming, Sovereignty and Community Investment Pg. 4

PHOTO SBCCD Joseph R. Williams tours an SBCCD construction project as he advocates for expanded student housing and stronger pathways to economic mobility across California’s community colleges.

By Manny Sandoval

O

n a July 14th phone call with IECN, Joseph R. Williams said reducing student costs, expanding housing and preparing students to shape artificial intelligence will be central to his next term on the California Community Colleges Board of Governors following his reappointment by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

City of San Bernardino Appoints Luis Portillo as New Economic Development Director

Williams, a Rialto resident and longtime Inland Empire education and workforce leader, has served on the statewide board since 2020. His reappointment requires Senate confirmation and carries compensation of $100 per diem. Williams said his priorities are rooted in Vision 2030, the California Community Colleges system’s strategic plan. He said the work ahead must focus on affordability,

housing and ensuring students are not left behind as AI reshapes education and the workforce. At the center of his affordability agenda is what he described as “burden-free instructional materials,” including efforts to make required course materials available on the first day of class. Community College cont. on next pg.

Rialto Father Inspires Son to Build Shared Career as Riverside Transit Agency Bus Drivers

Pg. 5

Cheech Marin Marks 80th Birthday, Celebrates Riverside’s Transformation Into an Arts Destination Pg. 8

PHOTO RTA Rialto resident Steven Sparks Sr., left, and his son, Steven Sparks Jr. of San Jacinto, continue a family legacy as coach operators for the Riverside Transit Agency.

By IECN Staff Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com

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Rialto father’s decision to join the Riverside Transit Agency inspired his son to leave crosscountry trucking and begin a shared family career transporting passengers across the Inland Empire.

Steven Sparks Sr., of Rialto, and Steven Sparks Jr., of San Jacinto, are both coach operators for RTA. The father and son share the same name, job title and thousands of hours of experience behind the wheel. Sparks Sr. joined the agency in March

2019 and quickly encouraged his son to apply, believing the position would allow him to spend more time at home with his family. “When I got hired, I told my son he RTA, cont. next pg.


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