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.”