W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 24, NO. 37
April 23, 2026
Rialto USD’s RITZ Gala Marks 20 Years of Student Talent, Arts Funding
IECN.com
ACLU Files State Complaint Over Riverside's Denial of Housing Project Pg. 3
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Performances like this one from Curtis Elementary School student Kamilah Valenzuela during last year's event exemplify the high-caliber talent featured in the annual showcase, which has raised over $600,000 for fine arts education since its inception.
By Manny Sandoval
T
he bright stars are aligning for a milestone celebration of K-12 student talent as the Rialto Unified School District prepares to host its 20th Annual RITZ Gala on Saturday, April 25. This year’s event, themed "Under the Starry Night," promises to be a dazzling
Prado Regional Park Unveils New Gatehouse, Food Court, Boat Dock and More Upgrades
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Álvaréz is pictured here with the impressive collection, which includes a television, Los Angeles Dodgers tickets, and a variety of other Dodgers items.
tribute to two decades of student creativity. Held at Wilmer Amina Carter High School Theatre Hall from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, the RITZ (short for Rialto’s Incredible Talent Zone) has grown into the largest student gala among K-12 districts in the Inland Empire since its inception in 2005. The evening is inspired by a red-carpet, Oscars-style experience, providing young
artists a platform to shine before an audience of families, RUSD staff, community members, and regional leaders. Tickets are available online now at www.rialtousd.org/ritz, but attendees are encouraged to purchase early, as this milestone anniversary is expected to be a soldout event. RITZ Gala cont. on next pg.
National Orange Show Fair Opens With Massive Crowds, New Attractions and Reimagined Layout
Pg. 4
Fontana Unified Expands CrisisAlert, Launches Derek Fisher’s Be Better Pilot Pg. 8
Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO DENISE BERVER Guests attend the National Orange Show Fair’s VIP dinner on April 17, where partners were thanked and hibachi was prepared.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL A balloon artist entertains families outside the circus on April 15 during opening day of the National Orange Show Fair.
PHOTO JOSEPH RHINE Guests view citrus-themed and contemporary works during the National Orange Show Fair’s art exhibit kickoff.
By Manny Sandoval
Running April 15-19, this year’s fair introduced a redesigned circular layout that made it easier for visitors to move through the grounds and experience everything from food vendors and carnival rides to games, exhibits and live entertainment.
National Orange Show. It’s our 109th Citrus Fair,” National Orange Show CEO Sheri Raborn said at the opening ceremony. “We have a brand-new layout this year that we feel everyone will enjoy.”
L
ong before the gates opened at 5 p.m. on April 15, about 1,000 people were already lined up outside the National Orange Show as San Bernardino’s 109th fair kicked off with free opening-day admission.
Raborn said the fair also expanded its “We’re here on the opening day of the
NOS Fair cont. next pg.