W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 24, NO. 05
September 11, 2025
Rialto Unified Surpasses 500 Volunteers as Parent Ambassador Program Transforms Family Engagement in Schools
IECN.com
Arrowhead United Way Hosts Ribbon-Cutting for First-Ever National Veterans Chamber of Commerce Pg. 4
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Joseph Williams, Rialto Unified School District Senior Director of Community Partnerships (standing right), speaks with families during a Parent Ambassador Orientation session in August. The District’s Parent Ambassador Program, coordinated by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Team provides parents and guardians with training and clearance to volunteer at schools across Rialto USD.
By Manny Sandoval
T
he Rialto Unified School District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team is reaching new heights with its new Parent Ambassador program, where more than 500 parents/guardians have already signed up to serve as volunteers for various RUSD schools.
LGBTQ+ Senator Cervantes Files Claim Against Sacramento Police Alleging False DUI Arrest
FACE, which is implementing this program for the new school year, is working in partnership with the District's Human Resources and Safety Services. The program provides parents and guardians with training and, through State and federal law, the clearance to serve as volunteers at schools across the RUSD. The response from the community has been extremely positive. FACE’s orienta-
tion sessions have attracted as many as 100 to 120 families at a time. During each session, participants learn important rules and regulations, explore opportunities to support their children’s schools, and engage in thoughtful conversations with District administrators. With momentum building, Joseph Williams, RUSD Senior Director of Community Partnerships, who oversees RUSD, cont. on next pg.
San Bernardino Unites to Plant Persimmon Tree Honoring Dr. Ernie Garcia and Launch Mercado 536 Artist Marketplace
Pg. 5
HOW TO REACH US Supreme Court Ruling Inlandon Empire Community ‘Roving’ Newspapers Immigration Arrests Office: (909) 381-9898 Sparks Condemnation Editorial: iecn1@mac.com in Inland Empire Advertising: sales@iecn.com Legals : iecnlegals@hotmail.com
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL The persimmon tree is located on the north-side of the center, within its culture garden.
HOW TO REACH US
By Manny Sandoval
local creators.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
ove, legacy, and innovation came together September 6th, at the Garcia Center for the Arts as the community honored founder Dr. Ernie Garcia with a tree planting ceremony while debuting Mercado 536, an artist co-op retail space designed to support and elevate
L
In the Culture Garden, family and community members planted a persimmon tree, sponsored by Tree People IE and chosen for its deep personal meaning to Dr. Garcia’s life and family. His son and Garcia Center Board President, Tim Garcia, recalled how the fruit symbolized his father’s South Colton roots.
Pg. 8
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL (Left to right) Garcia Center for the Arts Executive Director Michael Garcia, Dottie Garcia, Tim Garcia, and Patrick Garcia pictured moments after the persimmon tree was planted.
“One of the trees that was in the backyard of the home that my dad grew up in had a huge persimmon tree, and I just remember that tree when I was a kid,” he said. “He would always bring persimmons home for my mom to make persimmon cookies and persimmon bread. So, when we first disGarcia Center, cont. on next pg.