W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 22, NO. 37
May 23, 2024
Decorated Veteran Educator, Rialto Resident, Dr. Edward D’Souza Appointed RUSD Acting Superintendent IECN Staff
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dward D’Souza, Ph.D, who has served almost four decades in the Rialto Unified School District was appointed RUSD Acting Superintendent during an RUSD Special School Board Meeting, held on May 14, at the Dr. John R. Kazalunas Education Center in Rialto. The Board of Education appointed Dr. D’Souza by a 3-0 vote, with Board President Joseph Martinez abstaining, and Board Vice President Edgar Montes, Clerk Evelyn Dominguez, and Member Nancy O’Kelley voting yes for the appointment.
Micro-Internship Program Introduces Cajon High School Students to IEHP Career Pathways Pg. 4
Board Member Dr. Stephanie Lewis was absent during the open session of the meeting, although Martinez announced that Lewis would participate during the closed session, via phone. She was out of the State during the meeting. Previously, the RUSD Board of Education took action on a 32 vote to place RUSD Superintendent Dr. Cuauhtémoc Avila on non-disciplinary paid leave effective immediately during its regular RUSD Board Meeting on May
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8, 2024. Dr. Avila began working as the superintendent in 2015. Dr. D’Souza brings an extensive background in education leadership and a proven commitment to academic excellence. Born in Myanmar (Rangoon, Burma), his family left as refugees, relocating to Calcutta, India, in the late 1960s. D’Souza is a lifelong RUSD educator, who served as the Lead Academic Agent of Math and Early College Programs in Education Services before accepting the task of the acting school chief. “Dr. Ed D’Souza knows our District and has over 40 years in public education with a demonstrated commitment to student achievement and equity. The Board is confident in Dr. Ed D’Souza’s ability to lead the District at this moment and deeply appreciates his willingness to do so," read Edgar Montes, Vice President RUSD Board of Education, on behalf of the Board of Education, during the live board meeting. RUSD, cont. on next pg.
PHOTO RUSD
Dr. Ed D’Souza, a decorated veteran educator, was appointed Rialto Unified School District’s Acting Superintendent during a Special School Board Meeting, held on May 14 at the Dr. John R. Kazalunas Education Center in Rialto.
Despite Recent Vandalism, Colton’s Aroma De Cafe Shines as an Affordable 4.8-Star Rated Sandwich and Coffee Shop
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
(Left to right) Aroma De Cafe Owner Jesus Villarruel (Chuy) and his sister Roxana Pachuca in the dining area of the shop, which is clean, bright, and features a minimalistic/modern aesthetic.
By Manny Sandoval
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roma De Cafe, a beloved sandwich and coffee shop in downtown Colton, has quickly become a cherished spot since opening in January 2024. The cafe’s unique blend of delicious food, exceptional coffee, and communityfocused atmosphere has earned it a stellar 4.8-star rating on both Google and Yelp.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A handmade turkey sandwich on wheat bread featuring pepper jack cheese, sprouts, avocado, lettuce, spinach, and onion - with light mayo, mustard, and italian dressing, it’s only $7.99.
Owner Jesus Villarruel, affectionately known as Chuy, has infused Aroma De Cafe with a sense of community and personal dedication. The idea for the shop was born during a work trip to San Jose. “I was inspecting a fight in San Jose, and my hotel was downtown. I walked out of my room, saw a small coffee shop, and thought, 'I’ve always wanted to start a business like
this,'” Villarruel recalled. Villarruel’s journey to opening Aroma De Cafe was not straightforward. As a Distribution Operator for Riverside Highland Water Company and an Athletic Inspector for the State of California’s professional combative sports, including UFC and boxing events for Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Jaime Munguia, and Aroma De Cafe, cont. on next pg.