A Victory for Rialto: Warehouse Project Denied, Moratorium Enacted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director (909) 275-9812  ana.g@ccaej.org

Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ)

Rialto City Council Takes Bold Steps for Community Health: 45-Day Warehouse Moratorium Passed!

Rialto, CA – January 28, 2025 – The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) is thrilled to announce a significant victory for the residents of Rialto. On January 28, the Rialto City Council took two crucial actions that will protect the health, safety, and overall well-being of our community: they upheld a resolution to deny a warehouse project adjacent to homes in North Rialto and enacted a 45-day moratorium on new warehouse developments.

In a bold stand for the community, the Rialto City Council voted to uphold the appeal against the proposed warehouse project at Locust Ave and West Coast Boulevard. Despite a set-up and pressures from staff and other stakeholders to move forward with a community benefit agreement that did not prioritize community health, the council listened to the concerns of the residents and acted decisively to deny the project. This decision reflects a commitment to protecting the voices of those who have long been sidelined.

CCAEJ Executive Director Ana Gonzalez expressed her sympathy for the council's actions, stating, "The residents of Rialto can breathe a little better today! While we acknowledge that this moratorium should have been implemented a long time ago, it is vital that the council is finally prioritizing the health of our community. We are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a new era where decisions are made with the welfare of residents in mind."

The newly passed emergency 45-day warehouse moratorium will provide the city with critical time to assess the current landscape of warehouse zoning, address the impacts of truck circulation, and evaluate compliance with essential policies such as AB98 (Carrillo, Reyes). This period will allow for meaningful community engagement, ensuring that residents have a platform to voice their concerns and propose solutions.

Gonzalez emphasized the importance of community involvement during this time: "There is so much damage control and reparations that need to be done. We hope that the council genuinely listens to the community during these next 45 days. Together, we can work to develop good neighbor policies that truly reflect the needs and desires of our residents."

This victory stands as a testament to the power of community advocacy and the importance of intersectional solutions. CCAEJ is committed to working alongside residents and city officials to cultivate a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Rialto.

For more information about CCAEJ and our initiatives, please visit ccaej.org or contact us at (909)275-9812 or ana.g@ccaej.org.