W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 23, NO. 36
May 01, 2025
Three RUSD Schools Honored as 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools
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he California Department of Education recently announced the 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) honorees, and among the 26 public schools statewide who earned this recognition, three schools in the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) earned distinction for their exemplary commitment to environmental sustainability, health, and environmental literacy.
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n a pair of contentious closed-session meetings on April 25 and 27, San Bernardino City Council moved forward with interviewing candidates for the city manager position despite the absence of Mayor Helen Tran and Councilmembers Dr. Treasure Ortiz and Mario Flores, drawing sharp criticism from constituents and some elected officials.
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reduce environmental impact while fostering healthy, engaged learning communities. In total, 11 elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools in the RUSD have earned California Green Ribbon Schools honors. The Rialto Unified School District has long prioritized teaching students to be responsible citizens of a global society and has earned a number of awards for its RUSD Green Ribbon, cont. on next pg.
San Bernardino City Council Sparks Outrage Over City Manager Hiring Process After Unusual Closed Sessions Without Full Council By Manny Sandoval
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Dr. Ernest Garcia Elementary School earned a Gold-level honor, while Charlotte N. Werner Elementary School and Helen L. Dollahan Elementary School were each recognized at the Silver level. RUSD schools have now earned an impressive 24 California Green Schools honors since 2018. Charlotte N. Werner Elementary’s elevation from Bronze in 2024 to Silver this year reflects the school’s ongoing growth in sustainability and wellness practices. This upward momentum mirrors RUSD’s broader district-wide efforts to
Both special meetings, held unusually on a Friday evening and a Sunday evening at the city building on 201 N E Street’s third floor — rather than the customary Feldheym Library — were publicly called on April 24. Many residents criticized the timing, location, and absence of the full council, calling the process rushed and lacking transparency. At the April 25 meeting, resident Stephanie Liggins urged the council to reconsider proceeding without all eight elected officials present. “It is important for all eight members of the elected body to have a say in interviewing a city manager because the city manager plays a critical role in implementing policies, managing public resources, and overseeing city operations,” Liggins said.
“This approach would promote transparency, fairness and accountability and help build consensus and trust in this process. It reduces the risk of bias, favoritism and ensures that the final decision is well informed and balanced. It is really disheartening to me that this body would go forward without the mayor and other council members present." Alan Stanly, owner of The Enterprise Building in downtown San Bernardino, echoed concerns about representation. “You all scheduled this meeting purposefully so that the mayor and Councilmembers Ortiz and Flores could not be here,” Stanly said. “We the people demand our representation. Although I am from Ward 1 and my representative is here—I still don't feel well represented. This needs to be a team effort." David Friedman, co-owner of Realicore Real Estate, warned of potential liability. “I believe you all are creating a liability for the city. The last several city managers sued the city on their way out,” Friedman said. “The lack of leadership starts with you all; this is another situation where you are not being transparent with the community.”
He continued, “The Mayor and two other councilmembers should have their opinions and voices heard—so I ask that you cancel this meeting. It is weird that you are hosting this meeting in a different location and weird that three of the other members of this council are not here.” Friedman noted the significance of the public turnout, saying, “A Friday evening normally would not get dozens of residents and constituents to come out and make public comments, but it shows that the community is engaged and outraged over this meeting being held without everyone in the community being represented.” After facing public backlash, Mayor Pro Tem Juan Figueroa read a prepared statement at the end of the April 25 closed session. “I do have a statement on the city manager selection process that was approved by the council majority; with Councilmember Flores dissenting,” Figueroa said. He added, “The City of San Bernardino has been without a permanent city manager for almost 12 months. This process has not been rushed. Every step has been deliberate, lawful, and carefully considSB City cont. on next pg.