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*Rialto Record 09/19/24

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W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD

Vol 23, NO. 04

September 19, 2024

Hazardous Air Quality Due to Fires Forces Rialto USD Closure

IECN.com

Rialto Democratic Club to Host 'Who's Who' Dinner Awards Ceremony on October 17 Pg. 2

PHOTO RUSD

Lending a helping hand in the community, Rialto USD Acting Superintendent Dr. Edward D’Souza, alongside other RUSD leaders, assisted during the Grab and Go Meal service on September 12 at Rialto Middle School, demonstrating RUSD's commitment to community support amid school closures due to poor air quality from wildfires in the area.

Highland, CA, deteriorated air quality across the region.

By IECN Staff

I

n response to hazardous air quality caused by the Line Fire, the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) closed all schools and support sites from Tuesday, September 10, to Friday, September 13, 2024. According to district officials, the decision was made to protect the health and safety of students and staff as smoke from the wildfire, burning near

Poll Reveals Nearly 80% of Inland Empire Latinos Struggle to Find Affordable Housing Pg. 5

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for San Bernardino County as the Line Fire, which erupted on September 5, continued to spread. By September 10, the fire had charred over 28,000 acres, contributing to dangerously high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Rialto and surrounding communities. According to the South Coast Air

In a message to families and staff on September 17, RUSD Spokeswoman, Syeda Jafri, with support from the RUSD Board of Education, and guidance from RUSD Acting Superintendent Dr. Edward RUSD Closure, cont. on next pg.

San Bernardino to Install 580 Solar-Powered Streetlights as Fencing Comes Down at Carousel Mall By Manny Sandoval

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ast week, the San Bernardino Police Department held its monthly Small Business Watch meeting at Studio D in downtown San Bernardino, unveiling significant city initiatives to address public safety and urban revitalization. The key takeaways included the integration of solar-powered streetlights across the city and the long-anticipated acquisition of the blighted Harris Building, marking pivotal steps toward a safer, more illuminated downtown.

San Bernardino County Inland Empire Community Newspapers DA Announces Office: (909)Charges 381-9898 Multiple Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Against Line Fire Advertising: sales@iecn.com Arsonist Legals : iecnlegals@hotmail.com

Jeff Kraus, the City of San Bernardino’s Public Information Officer, emphasized the city’s plans to replace copper-wired streetlights with solar-powered alternatives, a critical upgrade in combating copper theft—a rampant issue in the region.

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HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com

Quality Management District, AQI levels reached as high as 225 in the central San Bernardino Valley, placing air quality in the "very unhealthy" range.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

The fencing surrounding the perimeter of the former Carousel Mall site being taken down at 11 AM on September 10th, 2024; with a visibly broken street light as the electrical box located at the bottom is removed.

"Three weeks ago, the City Council approved $1.5 million for the purchase of streetlights," said Kraus. "We have between 1,500 and 1,800 streetlights throughout the city, and a lot of them do not work

due to copper wire theft. It’s out of control. Our Public Works Director likes to say, 'We’re so tired of supplying copper thieves with their inventory.' But this funding will go toward replacing the streetlights with solar-powered alternatives." Kraus detailed that the cost of replacing a solar-powered streetlight head is around $3,000. The $1.5 million allocation will enable the installation of approximately 500 new lights, with an additional $250,000 Department of Energy grant adding 80 more, for a total of 580 new solarpowered streetlights. “These upgrades will not only improve visibility for drivers but will also help pedestrians feel safer while walking around," Kraus added. The monthly Small Business Watch meeting also brought updates on the city’s successful grant acquisition efforts. Kraus highlighted the impact of the city's dedicated grants team, which includes a grant adminSB News, cont. on next pg.


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*Rialto Record 09/19/24 by IECN - Issuu