W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 24, NO. 28
February 19, 2026
Beyond the Bell: Rialto USD’s Expanded Learning Programs Offer Students Impactful Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
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Individuals Who Prey on Undocumented Victims Could Get Two Years More of Prison Time Under Ramos Measure Pg. 3
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Students at Samuel W. Simpson Elementary School perform choreography during an African dance program rehearsal offered through Rialto USD's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Through ELOP, students engage in creative, collaborative activities that support both personal growth and academic development.
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Kings.” The students learned the game from teacher Lazaro Serna through the ELOP (Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) after-school chess program at Dr. Ernest Garcia Elementary School. The strategy, patience, and focus required extend well beyond the board, sharpening skills that carry into the classroom.
During a recent after-school day, a quiet tension filled the room with several matches going at once. Classmates compete head-tohead in what is often called the “Game of
“I found it very interesting when Mr. Serna introduced it to us,” said Elyza, who has participated in chess for several years.
By Manny Sandoval lack-and-white chess pieces move with precision as Garcia Elementary School fifth grader Elyza Camargo studies the chessboard, already thinking two steps ahead.
Reyes Proposes Clear Protections Against Secret Recordings Using Wearable Technology
“I like that it’s a critical thinking game. You have to think about where you move next. It’s really fun, it’s really enjoyable.” The chess program is part of the Rialto Unified School District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, which provides before-school, after-school, and non-instructional day enrichment activities designed to enrich academics while giving students space to explore new interests. RUSD cont. on next pg.
From Septic Tanks to Sewers, Unincorporated Bloomington Lands $1.092 Million for Public Health and Growth
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New Cheech Exhibit Traces Chicano Photography From Civil Rights to Now; Muscoy Artist Documents Logistics Threat Pg. 8 Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, left, speaks with County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., right, beside a ceremonial $1 million federal earmark check supporting Bloomington’s septic-to-sewer conversion project.
By Manny Sandoval
across the historic community.
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The transformation is being driven by a $1.092 million federal earmark secured by Congressman Pete Aguilar and presented Jan. 17 at the Bloomington Public Library, funding critical sewer infrastructure that will allow homes to connect to centralized wastewater lines for the first time.
undreds of Bloomington residents will soon have the opportunity to move away from aging septic tanks and connect to a modern sewer system, a shift officials say will significantly improve public health, protect groundwater and enhance quality of life
For many Bloomington families, septic tanks have been a costly and burdensome necessity for decades, requiring ongoing maintenance and posing risks when systems age or fail. “You have to call, you have to get it cleaned, you have to get it changed,” Sewer, cont. next pg.