Rialto · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rialto public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police drone technology shared with Fire Department
Police Chief Mark Kling showed the council live drone footage with heat signatures from a recent fire, and Fire Chief Chris Jensen explained how it helps crews know what they're rolling into. Rialto is positioning itself as a regional leader in public safety tech.
Citywide Public Safety Cameras
The police department is buying 30 new body cameras and 20 car cameras for $1.25 million, expanding the program Rialto pioneered nationally.
Fireworks Enforcement Team
Police will field a dedicated sergeant and four officers against illegal fireworks from June 14 through July 5, including undercover buys against Facebook Marketplace sellers.
Public Comment Time Limit and Meeting Rules
The council nearly cut public comment from 5 minutes to 3, but restored the full 5 minutes after pushback from Scott and Carrizales. New rules also cover Zoom participation, muting disruptive remote speakers, and how items get on the agenda.
Special-needs youth in the juvenile system
A Rialto mother described her son's two months in juvenile detention and six in placement after his disability-related IEP information wasn't reviewed. She's asking for better coordination between probation and schools.
River Ranch neighborhood safety and camera technology
Mayor Baca raised theft concerns at River Ranch; the police chief confirmed license-plate cameras exist at entrances and said more real-time neighborhood cameras are coming as intersection camera systems come online.
Weed Abatement and Fire Hazard Reduction
The city inspects about 225 vacant parcels twice a year and clears weeds on non-compliant properties, recovering costs through property tax bills. It's one of the fire department's key prevention tools.
ADA service animal access
Councilmember Montoya, a disabled veteran, described being yelled at and ordered out of a Rialto store because of his service dog. He asked the city to educate businesses on ADA requirements, and the mayor suggested partnering with the Chamber of Commerce.
Terrorism Preparedness Concerns Raised by Resident
A resident asked whether the city has a plan to protect the public from a potential terrorist attack targeting the gas tank farm in south Rialto. The mayor said the fire chief and police are exploring developing a plan.
Fire Department Cardiac Care Recognition and Fire Chief Appointment
The Fire Department earned the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline Gold Award — the highest national recognition for pre-hospital cardiac care — and the city manager permanently appointed Chris Jensen as fire chief after seven months in the interim role.
Police robot dog purchase
Rialto PD is buying a $380,255 Spot robot dog — only the second in the region — for tactical situations and community events, with the public invited to name it.
Public records request delays
A resident told the council his records requests have sat unanswered for over 20 days while he pursues a complaint against a city employee, raising fairness concerns.
Pre-hospital Ultrasound Program
Rialto Fire paramedics are using handheld ultrasound in the field for trauma and cardiac arrest patients, part of a clinical study with about 90% reported accuracy — one of only four agencies in the region doing it.
134 Willow Avenue property receivership
In closed session the council voted unanimously to start a receivership action on the property at 134 Willow Avenue — a tool to fix problem properties when owners won't.
Police Misconduct Settlement
Rialto is paying out a hefty $1.5 million to settle a police misconduct case. The settlement comes after an officer was caught on video tackling a young woman, and he's now facing criminal charges. This raises questions about how this affects the city's budget and police department practices.