Rialto · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rialto public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed water store at 625 S. Riverside Avenue
A new water vending and refill business is proposed for a small existing lease space in a commercial zone on South Riverside Avenue. A public hearing tonight will let residents weigh in before the Commission decides whether to grant the conditional development permit.
Baseline storm drain project
The council hired CASC Engineering for three years of NPDES stormwater compliance work. Members flagged confusion about who inspects private-property storm drains and asked whether aging drains need upgrades — a storm drain master plan is budgeted for next year.
Valley Boulevard industrial rezoning
Three aging industrial-style buildings on East Valley Boulevard are stuck with a retail designation that doesn't fit, leading to vacancies. Rezoning to business park/industrial park could bring in auto services, machine shops and contractor businesses and create local jobs.
Assembly Bill 179 impact fee implications
The city attorney warned that under new state law, if Rialto applies for state affordable housing funding, it must waive development impact fees or lose dollar-for-dollar state money — effective July 2027.
Labor side letters restore 4/10 workweek
New two-year compensation deals were adopted for the Rialto City Employees' Association and Teamsters mid-management unit, along with an updated citywide pay plan.
Delinquent refuse liens
After a public hearing, the council approved filing liens against properties with unpaid trash bills from late 2025 with the county recorder.
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.
Juneteenth Jam 2026 and future city funding
Juneteenth Jam drew 10,000 people and gave out scholarships and books, but organizer Vickie Davis says the event has outgrown its resources and outgrown Ferguson Park. She and a long line of supporters asked the council to treat it as an investment in the community, not just an annual event.
Omnitrans service and future bus rapid transit corridors
Rialto logged over 470,000 transit boardings last year, and students ride free. Omnitrans is studying bus rapid transit corridors on Foothill, San Bernardino Ave, and Riverside Ave, with a report to the council expected by year's end.
Hydrofluoric acid use in automated car washes
A commissioner flagged hydrofluoric acid — a dangerous chemical once common in touchless car washes — and urged the city to consider banning it locally, noting federal agencies are working to restrict it.
QuickQuack car wash at Baseline Road and Riverside Avenue
A new automated car wash is coming to the old Bank of America site in the North Rialto shopping center. It brings jobs and a service residents use, but required a big setback exception and raises questions about traffic and water use.
Campaign Contribution Limits
Rialto adopted its own campaign finance rules, keeping the $5,900 limit but creating an annual contribution cycle. Critics said the public had no chance to weigh in before an election.
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.
Grocery and retail recruitment for northern Rialto
Commissioners discussed efforts to land a Stater Bros., Ralph's or Sam's Club for the shopping center near Terra Vista in Fontana's sphere, with Commissioner Gutierrez long advocating for a market up north.
Fairfield by Marriott hotel at Alder and Renaissance Parkway
A vacant 2.6-acre corner near the freeway will get a four-story, 95-room hotel. It should bring jobs and visitors and replace empty land with landscaped improvements.
Public Works Director Authority Ordinance
A new ordinance would give the Public Works Director the same legal authority as the City Engineer for things like project approvals and truck routes, speeding up city operations. It passed first reading and needs a second vote to take effect.
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.
Cactus Trail solar lighting
Ninety-nine solar lights will be installed along the 1.5-mile Cactus Trail between Rialto Avenue and Baseline Road, making evening walks and rides safer. The county is helping fund it, and two local residents originally pitched the idea.
New Public Works Headquarters
Nearly five years after a 2021 fire destroyed the Public Works building, staff will finally get a real office — an 8,640-square-foot modular facility costing about $2.86 million.
Solid Waste Rates for FY 2026/2027
Trash rates go up just pennies a month — and some commercial and senior rates actually drop — thanks to a renegotiated county disposal deal cutting the gate rate from 85% to 83%. Council members praised the relief for seniors on fixed incomes.
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.
McDonald's restaurant with drive-thru at Foothill and Acacia
A new 4,210-square-foot McDonald's replaces Chuck's Liquor on a currently paved commercial site, adding landscaping and about 900 net new daily vehicle trips. Commissioners debated a right-turn-only sign at the Foothill driveway but the traffic study didn't warrant it.