T he State Department of Fi- nance Demographic Re- search Unit reported that the City of Rialto’s population sur- passed 100,000 residents for the first time ever, reaching 100,606 persons as of January 1, 2012. Only six of twenty-four cities in San Bernardino County have this distinction. Rialto’s average household size is 3.954 persons per household, which is second only to Fontana’s at 4.020. Both cities have high percentages of family households occupying traditional single family dwellings. With 2010 Census data trickling in, one disconcerting long- term trend is the growing percentage of the population lacking a high school degree. As one conse- quence, a greater percentage of Ri- alto residents work in traditional blue collar industries such as sales, distribution, and construction. Be- cause of the disproportionate im- pact of the current recession on these blue collar industries, Rialto’s unemployment rate has exceeded area averages and household in- comes have consequently dimin- ished relative to the broader region. this has significant implications for City services, generally restricting revenue growth and causing higher public service demands. A major objective for the City of Rialto and the Inland Empire is to increase the educational achievement of its res- idents, and thereby attract a fairer share of higher paying management and professional jobs. This em- ployment base diversification would moderate the impacts of eco- nomic recessions in the future. Youth, cont. from front offshoot of the Rialto Commu- nity Coalition which is sponsored by the Central Valley Prevention Coalition. The organization has brought to the city an ordinance outlawing the synthetic drug Spice and a social host ordinance. “Our mission is to rebuild our community,” said group leader Josh Ramirez. They presented a certificate to Farrar for the department’s work increasing DUI checkpoints and enforcing against businesses that sell alcohol to minors. “We applaud them for their work,” said group member Oc- tavio Franco. Farrar said that appreciated the recognition and the work that the group is doing. “They are a fine group of young men and women that are taking a stand for what they believe in,” he said. “They are great people who re- ally care about our community,” said Councilmember Joe Baca Jr. Page A2 • July 12, 2012 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Rialto Record From the Rialto Police Department Gilbert, cont. from front Chamber of Commerce, Com- pany B 1402 Engineers, the Kiwa- nis Club and the Rialto planning commission. He is also a mentor, father of six and husband of Rialto Unified School Board President Joanne Glibert. He has also been involved in pol- itics, helped find foster parents for children and owned his own con- sulting firm. However it is volun- teering that is most important to him. “I think we need more volun- teers, we need more mentors today,” said Gilbert. He says that there are many chil- dren who do not have the guidance of their parents to succeed in life, so a mentor investing in them is crucial. This is especially true of inner city children who do not know much outside of their neigh- borhoods. This is why in the past he has led efforts to do things like take children on road trips to the Grand Canyon and Washington D.C. He watched how these trips changed and widened the chil- dren’s perspective on the world. But he says that a person does not need to take children on a road trip across the county to make a difference, just give a little time in the local community on a regular basis. “It doesn’t take much to volun- teer,” said Gilbert. IECN PHOTO COURTESY CATHY RAMIREZ The Rebuilders of TDAY have been meeting with police to learn about their efforts to fight drug and alcohol abuse. Arrington, cont. from front Arrington, who belongs to Poss- Abilities speakers’ bureau, lost the use of his legs years ago after being shot in the back six times while cel- ebrating with friends after receiv- ing an invitation to try out for the Los Angeles Raiders. In the pic- ture, Negrete (center) and Arring- ton are joined by his wife, Shirley, in receiving the award. O n the above date, Officers from the Rialto Police Department’s Street Crime Attack Team (SCAT) re- sponded to 125 E. Valencia Av- enue, Rialto. Officers responded to the location based on Information received from “WeTip.” The “WeTip” reported that a per- son was illegally growing a large quantity of marijuana in their back yard. Once Officers arrived at the resi- dence they discovered a large mar- ijuana grow in the back yard. The marijuana was being concealed within a garden in between tall rows of corn. Officers seized 100 marijuana plants, weighing approximately 50 pounds with an estimated street value of $30,000. Both suspects are pending felony charges for illegally cultivating marijuana. This is a great example of how the “WeTip” system works. For more information about “WeTip” or reporting other crimes citizens are encouraged to visit the Rialto Police Department website at rial- topd.com For further information regarding this investigation please contact Corporal Robert Muir, Rialto Po- lice Department, Street Crime At- tack Team (909) 820-2594. IECN PHOTO NAIMA FORD The Rialto Fire Explorers won first place in the Muster and Fire Training Competition. IECN PHOTO COURTESY OFFICE OF SENATOR GLORIA NEGRETE MCLEOD Gilbert said his proudest accomplishments are his six children and helping foster children find homes. He is pictured here with State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod. IECN PHOTO COURTESY JOHN COLEMAN Artist Gilbert was honored as Man of the Year because of his dedication to the community. He is pic- tured here representing Knotts Family Agency with Sheila Futch, field representative for Assembly- member Wilmer Amina Carter. Rialto is home to 100,000+ Rialto police find marijuana farm through anonymous tip RR PG.2 7-12-12_Layout 2 7/11/12 10:14 AM Page 1