Assemblymember Brown Honors Paul Rasso as a Man of Distinction

Assemblymember Cheryl Brown presented “Men of Distinction” awards to her chosen six candidates from various cities at her annual program on Friday, June 26 at Mimi’s Café in Fontana. The six men that were honored were Colton's Paul Rasso, Bloomington’s Larry Burgos, Fontana’s Pastor Sam Casey, San Bernardino’s Councilman Rikke Van Johnson, Rialto’s Michael Story and Grand Terrace’sJ ames McNaboe. “These men have character and character is really important. Character is something that you do when no one else is looking so I’m sincerely excited about each one of the men that we honored today because they deserved it,” Assemblymember Brown shared. Rasso has made an instrumental impact throughout various aspects within the City of Colton throughout the years. As he is the current Chair of Colton Parks and Recreation Commission, he has done a myriad of projects since his appointment in 2011. He has held concerts in the park, led a senior travel program, hosted various car show events, supported a boxing program, and more. For the past 18 years, Rasso has been employed with the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) and is currently an equipment technician. His involvement with CJUSD extends to his family, his daughter Cece is a recent graduate from Colton High School. On top of all of that, Rasso is involved with the Colton Coalition for Change, the Colton Relay for Life, California School Employees Association (CSEA), the Colton Cruise Against Cancer, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Most recently, with LULAC, Rasso coordinated a fundraiser in honor of San Bernardino police officer Gabriel Garcia in which was a huge success, raising nearly $6,000 for the Garcia family. Aside from all of that, he also serves as a legislative advocate for the CSEA and represents nearly 30,000 school employees between Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Rasso finds the time every Sunday afternoon, at 3 p.m., to host a radio talk show on KCAA to discuss local news. “This is such an honor to receive this award from Assemblymember Brown…service is a gift of giving,” he shared. “I want to thank my family because without them I couldn’t do all the things that I do; they’re always there.” Brown added, “He loves Colton and Colton loves him.” [END] Assemblymember Cheryl Brown presented “Men of Distinction” awards to her chosen 6 candidates from various cities at her annual program on Friday, June 26 at Mimi’s Café in Fontana. One of the many honorable men was San Bernardino’s own Councilman Rikke Van Johnson. Lifetime San Bernardino resident and graduate of San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), was elected to the San Bernardino City Council in 2003 and is currently serving his final term. Presently, Johnson operates Greenwood Bail Bonds in San Bernardino. He also has many other things on his plate; he currently serves as a deacon in his church Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, he is an active member of the Newman Leadership Academy (NLA), the California Bail Agents Academy (CBAA) and the Broome Family Foundation (BFF). Johnson holds many accomplishments throughout his life and career including: expanding the business climate in the 6th Ward, building affordable senior housing, creating the Hometown Heroes Military Banner program, and working with the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) to emphasize and highlight young talent and produce revenue for various art programs. He and his wife Sharon have three children and five grandchildren. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assemblymember Cheryl Brown presented “Men of Distinction” awards to her 6 chosen candidates from various cities at her annual program on Friday, June 26 at Mimi’s Café in Fontana. One of the many honorable men was Grand Terrace’s own James “Jim” McNaboe. McNaboe has accumulated several accomplishments and accolades throughout his life. Along with receiving his Computer Science Degrees from the University of California, Riverside, he served active duty in the Military for four years and then spent five years in the Reserve at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino. His dedication to his community has only grown throughout the years as he has served as Vice President of the Lions Club of Grand Terrace in which he has made an instrumental impact throughout the community. For example he is the Chair of the Grant Committee and the 5K Run/Walk planning committee. McNaboe is also a founding member of the Grand Terrace Veterans Wall of Freedom Committee of the Foundation of Grand Terrace, in which he is also a long-time member of. The Veterans Wall of Freedom project aims at honoring all U.S. military men and women for their dedication and service our country. He was also elected to the Board of Directors for the Riverside-Highland Water Company in 2007 and he currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Board. McNaboe currently works as the Director of Operations at IMedRIS Data Corporation in Redlands and is married to the honorable Darcy McNaboe, Mayor of Grand Terrace. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assemblymember Cheryl Brown presented “Men of Distinction” awards to her 6 chosen candidates from various cities at her annual program on Friday, June 26 at Mimi’s Café in Fontana. One of the many honorable men was Colton’s very own Paul Rasso. Rasso has made an instrumental impact throughout various aspects within the City of Colton. He is currently the Chair of Colton Parks and Recreation Commission Paul Rasso is the Chair of the Colton Parks and Recreation Commission. Since his appointment in 2011, he has led a senior travel program, held concerts in the parks, supported a boxing program, and hosted car show events to help fund other vital projects. As an active member of his community, Mr. Rasso is also involved with the Colton Coalition for Change, the Colton Relay for Life, the Colton Cruise Against Cancer, California School Employees Association (CSEA), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). His most recent project on behalf of LULAC was coordinating a fundraiser to honor San Bernardino police officer Gabriel Garcia, which raised nearly $6,000 for the Garcia family. Also, he serves as a legislative advocate for the CSEA and represents nearly 30,000 school employees between Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Mr. Rasso has been employed with the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) for 18 years and currently serves as an equipment technician. He is married to his wife Elizabeth and they have one daughter, Cece, a recent Colton High School graduate. Additionally, Mr. Rasso hosts a radio talk show every Sunday at 3 p.m. on KCAA to discuss community news. James McNaboe is a United States Air Force veteran. He served four years in active duty and five years reserve at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino. He earned his computer science degrees from the University of California, Riverside, and is currently employed as the Director of Operations at IMedRIS Data Corporation in Redlands. Mr. McNaboe was elected to the Board of Directors for the Riverside-Highland Water Company in 2007. He currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Board. He has also served as Vice-President of the Lions Club of Grand Terrace, which is dedicated to service in the community, where he serves as the Chair of the Grants Committee and the 5K Run/Walk planning committee. Additionally, Mr. McNaboe is a founding member of the Grand Terrace Veterans Wall of Freedom Committee of the Foundation of Grand Terrace. The Veterans Wall of Freedom project will be constructed to honor all U.S. military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifice, dedication and service to our nation. He is also a long time member of the Foundation of Grand Terrace. He is married to the Honorable Darcy McNaboe, Mayor of Grand Terrace, and they are active members of Christ Redeemer Catholic Church in their city. Paul Rasso is the Chair of the Colton Parks and Recreation Commission. Since his appointment in 2011, he has led a senior travel program, held concerts in the parks, supported a boxing program, and hosted car show events to help fund other vital projects. As an active member of his community, Mr. Rasso is also involved with the Colton Coalition for Change, the Colton Relay for Life, the Colton Cruise Against Cancer, California School Employees Association (CSEA), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). His most recent project on behalf of LULAC was coordinating a fundraiser to honor San Bernardino police officer Gabriel Garcia, which raised nearly $6,000 for the Garcia family. Also, he serves as a legislative advocate for the CSEA and represents nearly 30,000 school employees between Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Mr. Rasso has been employed with the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) for 18 years and currently serves as an equipment technician. He is married to his wife Elizabeth and they have one daughter, Cece, a recent Colton High School graduate. Additionally, Mr. Rasso hosts a radio talk show every Sunday at 3 p.m. on KCAA to discuss community news. Assemblymember Brown to Host the 2015 Men of Distinction Program WHO: Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown, 47th AD San Bernardino Councilman Rikke Van Johnson, 6th Ward** Paul Rasso, Colton Parks & Recreation Commission** Rialto City Administrator Michael Story James McNaboe, Board of Directors, Highland-Riverside Water** Larry Burgos, Knights of Columbus/Bloomington Boosters Pastor Samuel Casey, New Life Christian Church WHAT: Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) will host her annual Men of Distinction program on Friday, June 26, in Fontana. During the event, six outstanding men will be recognized for their dedication to activism and community leadership. WHERE: Mimi’s Café, 16933 Sierra Lakes Pkwy, Fontana, 92336 WHEN: Friday, June 26, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. (Note: There would be THREE different articles - one for each of the above ** men. Mostly the same content, but tailored so it's just about their background, etc.) PRESS RELEASE SENT TO US BY OFFICE OF ASM BROWN: Assemblymember Brown Announces 2015 Men of Distinction SAN BERNARDINO - Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) will host her annual Men of Distinction program on Friday, June 26, in Fontana. During the event, six outstanding men will be recognized for their dedication to activism and community leadership. The honorees have been selected based on their achievements and reputations as respected role models who contribute their time and energy to make a positive difference in the 47th Assembly District. The 2015 Men of Distinction include: San Bernardino City Councilman Rikke Van Johnson, 6th Ward; Paul Rasso, Chair of the Colton Parks and Recreation Commission; Rialto City Administrator Michael Story; James McNaboe, a community volunteer and veterans advocate; Pastor Samuel J. Casey, New Life Christian Church; and Larry Burgos, a lifetime community advocate based in Bloomington. The Men of Distinction program is held annually surrounding Father’s Day. For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238. Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, the southwest parts of San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy. Website of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown: http://www.asmdc.org/members/a47/. **** Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) will honor outstanding men from the 47th Assembly District at her annual Men of Distinction program on Friday, June 26, in Fontana. The 2015 honorees include: San Bernardino City Councilman Rikke Van Johnson, 6th Ward; Paul Rasso, Chair of the Colton Parks and Recreation Commission; Rialto City Administrator Michael Story; James McNaboe, a community volunteer and veterans advocate; Pastor Samuel J. Casey, New Life Christian Church; and Larry Burgos, a lifetime community advocate based in Bloomington. Councilman Rikke Van Johnson is a lifetime resident of San Bernardino and a graduate of San Bernardino Valley College. He was elected to the San Bernardino City Council in 2003 and is currently serving his final term. During his tenure on the San Bernardino City Council, among his greatest achievements include expanding the business climate in the 6th Ward; building affordable senior housing; creating the Hometown Heroes Military Banner program; and working with the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) to highlight young talent and generate revenue for various arts programs. Currently, Mr. Johnson operates Greenwood Bail Bonds in San Bernardino and serves as a deacon in his church, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship. He’s also an active member of the Newman Leadership Academy (NLA), the California Bail Agents Academy (CBAA) and the Broome Family Foundation (BFF). He is married to his wife Sharon and they have three children and five grandchildren. Paul Rasso is the Chair of the Colton Parks and Recreation Commission. Since his appointment in 2011, he has led a senior travel program, held concerts in the parks, supported a boxing program, and hosted car show events to help fund other vital projects. As an active member of his community, Mr. Rasso is also involved with the Colton Coalition for Change, the Colton Relay for Life, the Colton Cruise Against Cancer, California School Employees Association (CSEA), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). His most recent project on behalf of LULAC was coordinating a fundraiser to honor San Bernardino police officer Gabriel Garcia, which raised nearly $6,000 for the Garcia family. Also, he serves as a legislative advocate for the CSEA and represents nearly 30,000 school employees between Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Mr. Rasso has been employed with the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) for 18 years and currently serves as an equipment technician. He is married to his wife Elizabeth and they have one daughter, Cece, a recent Colton High School graduate. Additionally, Mr. Rasso hosts a radio talk show every Sunday at 3 p.m. on KCAA to discuss community news. Michael Story has dedicated 30 years to the city of Rialto as a planner, Development Services Director and City Administrator. As an active member of Sunrise Church, he serves as Elder Board Chairman, a teacher, and a small group leader. He teaches Bible study in his home and on the church campus. He is currently a member of the Rialto Historical Society and the Friends of the Rialto Police K-9s group. Additionally, he attends East Rialto Kiwanis, Rialto Kiwanis, Rialto Rotary Club, Rialto Lions Club, and the Rialto Chamber of Commerce meetings. He supports the city and local service clubs by serving as Master of Ceremonies at key events. Additionally, he founded the Rialto Institute of Progress, which gives Rialto residents and business owners the opportunity to learn more about their city government and the services that are provided to the community. The Rialto Institute of Progress recently received the 2015 Visionary Award by the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG). James McNaboe is a United States Air Force veteran. He served four years in active duty and five years reserve at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino. He earned his computer science degrees from the University of California, Riverside, and is currently employed as the Director of Operations at IMedRIS Data Corporation in Redlands. Mr. McNaboe was elected to the Board of Directors for the Riverside-Highland Water Company in 2007. He currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Board. He has also served as Vice-President of the Lions Club of Grand Terrace, which is dedicated to service in the community, where he serves as the Chair of the Grants Committee and the 5K Run/Walk planning committee. Additionally, Mr. McNaboe is a founding member of the Grand Terrace Veterans Wall of Freedom Committee of the Foundation of Grand Terrace. The Veterans Wall of Freedom project will be constructed to honor all U.S. military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifice, dedication and service to our nation. He is also a long time member of the Foundation of Grand Terrace. He is married to the Honorable Darcy McNaboe, Mayor of Grand Terrace, and they are active members of Christ Redeemer Catholic Church in their city. For nearly 50 years, Larry Burgos has made a significant impact upon the community of Bloomington. He raised his only daughter after the passing of his wife, shortly after childbirth. Mr. Burgos considers his life mission to serve God through his work as a Business Manager at St. Charles Borromeo in Bloomington. He also gives to his community through his hard work as a member of the Knights of Columbus in Colton and the Bloomington Boosters. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Mr. Burgos organized the group’s 60th anniversary celebration and is currently focused on chartering a club in Bloomington. Through the Bloomington Boosters, he assisted in the preparation of Bloomington’s annual Christmas parade, Memorial Day programs and the annual toy drive and giveaway. He has also held countless charity events to support the football and wrestling clubs at Bloomington High School. Prior to his retirement, he served as Director of Central Services at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Manager of Surgical Services at the Riverside Community Hospital. His expertise in the medical field led him to teach various classes throughout the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, he regularly attends the Bloomington MAC and Colton School Board meetings. He has one child and two grandchildren. Pastor Sam Casey is the founder of New Life Christian Church in Fontana. The Lord led him along with his wife Pastor Tamika Casey to launch their ministry in October 2013. Pastor Casey began his ministry 20 years ago under the leadership of Pastor E. Winford Bell at Mt. Olive 2nd Missionary Baptist Church (MBC) in Los Angeles. Pastor Casey was licensed at Mt. Olive 2nd MBC in 1994 and ordained in 2002. In addition, Pastor Casey serves as Executive Director Organizer for Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE). COPE, founded in 2000, is dedicated to building effective leadership among clergy, community members and local parents through national and regional trainings. COPE has successfully led and organized outreach campaigns in support of key legislative policies including AB 743, a student success initiative, as well as Prop 30 and Prop 47. Under Pastor Casey’s leadership, COPE founded the San Bernardino Reetry Collaborative and the Task Force for African American Student Achievement, which works very closely with the SBCUSD to increase the graduation rate among African American students. Presently, COPE is focused on creating an environment for students to be successful in the classroom by evaluating school climate and disciplinary policies. Pastor Casey has received numerous awards for his advocacy including the 2014 Black Rose Award and the 2012 NAACP Advocacy and Justice Award. Additionally, Pastor Casey was recently appointed to the Fontana Parks and Recreation Commission earlier this year. Pastor Casey and his wife Tamika have three daughters, two of which attend Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. His youngest daughter is a scholar athlete at Summit High School in Fontana. For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238. Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy. Website of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown: http://www.asmdc.org/members/a47/.